By Lucy Napitalai

DBTI East Boroko, Port Moresby, PNG, 27 August 2020 -- On Thursday, 27 August, the staff and students of Don Bosco Technological Institute celebrated the 205th Birthday of St John Bosco amidst the pandemic. The festivity is often celebrated during the Foundation week. However, this was cancelled due to the current restrictions of the pandemic. The day began with two Masses held simultaneously in an effort to maintain social distancing.

Fr Alexander Garces, SDB and Fr Ariel Macatangay, SDB celebrated Mass in the gymnasium and at the Mary Help of Christians’ Shrine respectively. At the homilies, both the staff and students were reminded of who Don Bosco was, his mission of forming good Christians and upright citizens and his Preventive system of reason, rapport and religion that is taught and practiced in the Salesian Family around the world. “Don Bosco is a great gift from God to us all and as his sons and daughters, we should practice and share with others his values.” said Fr Ariel. Concluding his sermon on honouring Don Bosco for his congregation, Fr Alex invited the students to respond to the invitation of Don Bosco to follow the Lord’s call. “I would like to invite you on this feast of St. John Bosco, to open your hearts to God’s call. And if you hear it, pray to St John Bosco that you may respond to it with generosity and be part of the team working for young people to become good Christians and upright citizens,” said Fr Alex.

The fun and games that followed after the Mass included a quiz challenge, an a capella performance and a dance challenge that had marked spots for the dancers to maintain social distancing. This was followed by a hearty lunch for all.

Finally, the President and Rector of DBTI, Fr. Alex launched the Bosco Tech Greywolves, the official team name of the institute, with new uniform t-shirts for each technology. The Greywolves refers to Grigio, the dog which protected Don Bosco in his perilous times. Fr Alex emphasized, “As Bosco Tech GreyWolves, we seek to be defenders and committed followers of Don Bosco, our father, and Don Bosco our institute and family.” He concluded in his closing remarks that Bosco Tech Greywolves should show in their behaviour the Bosconian ideals and core values.

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