Retreat for the final year students

By Evelyn Tekepa

Port Moresby, PNG, 6 October 2018 -- The final year students of Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko were given the opportunity to spend time in silence, prayer and reflection. Being in the last year, they were given the unique opportunity of a 2-day retreat at Emmaus Conference Centre, Boroko on 5th and 6th October. 84 students including 24 ladies were participants in the retreat, which had as its theme: Called to the fullness of Life and Love.

Discussions, sharing and testimonies were part of the program. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharistic celebration were high points in the program.

The retreat was coordinated by Fr Joseph Dai sdb, Spiritual Moderator together with Mr. Jojo Siriban, Mr. Terence and Mr. Brendon Kaita, members of the Pastoral Team and Miss Erlene Lorenzo, Mr. Simon Wapiu and Mrs Evelyn Tekepa, the Class patrons. Fr Clifford Morias sdb encouraged the participants to spend this time positively as for most it would be the last spiritual occasion in their lives. Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, preacher for the retreat animated the different sessions leading the participants to dream and ensure that their dreams become reality. Following in the footsteps of Don Bosco, who dreamt, placed his trust in Our Lady and worked to make his dreams become a reality, he invited the participants to do the same. A pledge by the participants to live responsible and pure lives was a moment of deep introspection and reflection.

Here are a few reflections by the participants:

“The retreat, has cleared my perception on dreams and plans. My dreams have been suppressed, but now I am motivated to dream and plan again. I will do my best to make these dreams realistic. I also realize that my dreams and plans should not only be for my own joy but also for others. I will make my dreams and plans become reality by being committed, responsible and most of all to be self-disciplined.” – Lucy Napitalai

“This retreat calls us to assess our conscience and actions. The retreat has given me a personal boundary to stop and observe my actions. It has helped me make amends in my life and has given me guidelines to follow and avoid problems from occurring again.” - Lindley Moses

“I enjoyed the talks of Fr. Ambrose. It was inspiring and I learnt more about the value of my life and the life of the persons around me. I was struck by the film clip ‘Joy’. I realize that every celebration has to bring joy not only to myself, but to all those around me. I am challenged to go beyond my boundaries and help others achieve greater things.”- Germaine Taviri

“I was struck by the domination and the violence against women. It made me realize that a small percentage of women are educated while the majority out there are suffering from all forms of violence. I am privileged to be at DBTI and to be educated to what is happening in our community. After actively listening to all the reflective sessions, I challenge myself to make my country a better place to live in.” - Helen Dapue

The students are now preparing for their final exams and look forward to their graduation.

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