By Cl. Bernard Kaiau SDB

       Jerusalem, Israel, 7 June 2021 -- Before making my perpetual profession last May 23, mixed feelings were popping up in my mind and heart. Feelings such as, “Am I worthy to make this perpetual promise?” “Will I be faithful to it until the end?” As I was pronouncing the vows to live forever the way of life of the Gospel traced out by St. John Bosco, my mind, heart and whole being was totally fixed on Jesus as the centre and example to imitate. To be a full pledged member of the Society of St. Francis de Sales is not something for me to boast but a reason to humble myself before God. This promise is a covenant that is made between God and me for eternity. It is not just an occasion to celebrate and forget about. Instead, it is a commitment to live and uphold, with God’s grace, until death. And I firmly believe that consistent prayer will be the inner force that will strengthen my fidelity and perseverance. This is reinforced by the help of my brother Salesians, my family and friends.

       Only by being truly Salesian and truly Papua New Guinean can I contribute to making the face of Don Bosco emerge more clearly in Melanesia. To me this simply means being faithful to that ‘yes’ made during perpetual profession to be a Salesian forever as a Papua New Guinean. We have received so much from Salesian missionaries who made the sacrifice to leave their countries and come to Melanesia to help us. We must also give ourselves so that Don Bosco’s mission of education and evangelisation may reach the poor and marginalised youth in the still vast areas of Melanesia. Only by being faithful to and joyful in living our charism in the Church as Salesians can we attract young Melanesians to the Salesian life.

       I had the joy and privilege of making my perpetual profession in Jerusalem, the cradle of our faith. But I was also away from young Melanesians who could have witnessed it. Had there been young Melanesians present, I would have shared with them my own Salesian vocation journey as a typical Melanesian. I would have told them that being a religious is taking an option against a common Melanesian mentality to become famous or be materially successful (‘kisim namba’). Yet, becoming famous will not last long. Instead, deciding to become a Salesian implies making personal sacrifices and commitment to follow the one who will give us joy that will last forever: Jesus himself.

       CCC 2559 says “Man is a beggar before God,” Therefore, I will continue to beg God through prayer to grant me the grace to be a Salesian forever. In being deeply Salesian and authentically Papua New Guinean may I contribute to bringing out the Melanesian face of Don Bosco. I beg you too, dear reader, to pray for me and all Melanesian Salesians!

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