Mailnews_old

PGS
2018.03.21 17:39

2902_Guess who's coming to dinner!

Views 666 Votes 0 Comment 0
?

Shortcut

PrevPrev Article

NextNext Article

Larger Font Smaller Font Up Down Go comment Print
?

Shortcut

PrevPrev Article

NextNext Article

Larger Font Smaller Font Up Down Go comment Print
austraLasia

 12 August 2011                                                                                         


Guess who's coming to dinner!

png

PORT MORESBY: 12 August 2011 -- Newly elected PNG Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill graciously accepted the invitation of Fr Valeriano Barbero and dined with the Salesians of the Delegation House Community last night (11 August 2011).  Fr Val, who is soon to begin his new ministry as administrator of the Archdiocese of Rabaul, had met the prime minister earlier in the week at a farewell party hosted by a mutual friend, Mr Theo George Constantinou of the Hebou Group of Companies. 
     Mr Constantinou, together with Mr Mitch Lutchini (Hebou Construction Ltd) and his wife, Imana, joined the Salesian community celebration which was also participated in by Fr Eduardo Revilla and Fr Dominic Kachira, rectors of the Savio Haus and Don Bosco Gabutu, respectively. It was a homely affair where everyone pitched in and the atmosphere was relaxed and easy. Bro. Jess Garcia, the economer, served the appetizers which included Cacciatori salami and imported Italian Gnocchi. The prime minister was entertained by the stories of Fr Eduardo Revilla, who regaled him with anecdotes from his early days as a missionary in the Philippines (almost 50 years ago!) to his idyllic years in Vunabosco in the ‘90s prior to the volcanic eruption up to the present. 
     Fr Val oversaw the cooking of the main course—pizza, with the help of M. Constantinou who sweated it out over the firewood fueled oven. The guests thanked the prime minister for his initial actions of his administration and assured him that the people were filled with new hope. The meal was delicious and spiced up with much hearty laughter among friends. Twice Fr Val counseled the prime minister: “those who help Don Bosco always become successful!” to which his good friend Mr Constantinou teased “in that case, I guess I will become a billionaire!” The prime minister was amused that the desert wine was a bottle of Marsala, a fine Sicilian altar wine. After some souvenir photo shots, the Mr O’Neill assured the Salesians of his full support.
Fr John Cabrido, the community rector, then requested the prime minister if he could spare some minutes to greet DBTI’s 130 male and 50 female boarders to which he unhesitatingly agreed.
 He was greeted by the young people as they would a rock-star. They jostled for front places to listen to his brief, fatherly “good night talk” as he outlined his vision for the country and encouraged them in their responsibility of studies. The Salesians, FMA Sisters and students saw him off with three thunderous “Yes claps”, cheers and promises of prayers.
     The evening brought to mind Don Bosco’s example of reaching out to government leaders and prominent benefactors in order to benefit the young. Mr. Constantinou expressed the sentiments of all to “do this more often” — a simple, hearty dinner among friends.



  1. 3498_Re-echoing the 27th General Chapter: A way to start the FIN Bicentenary Celebration

    CategoryFIN Views682
    Read More
  2. 3510_EAO First Professions in Fatumaca and Genzano

    CategoryITM Views680
    Read More
  3. 3400_The pyjama game! Just enjoy!

    CategoryRMG Views674
    Read More
  4. 0824_China Province Salesian publishes study of Mateo Ricci's Chinese Catechesis

    CategoryCIN Views674
    Read More
  5. 3415_Don Bosco welcomes disaster victims

    CategoryAUL Views673
    Read More
  6. 3395_The Trend and the Translation

    CategoryRMG Views672
    Read More
  7. 3450_"From 'Do-it-yourself' to Responsibility" Dr (Fr) Barnaba An Phong Le sdb

    CategoryWorld Views671
    Read More
  8. 2935_Maliana, Timor Leste: “Finally, we have Salesians in our midst!”

    CategoryITM Views671
    Read More
  9. 3506_Bishop Cantillas meets the Rector Major

    CategoryWorld Views669
    Read More
  10. 3258_A Deacon in Argentina and Two Priests of East Timor

    CategoryITM Views667
    Read More
  11. 0020_CAT-ASTROPHE

    CategoryWorld Views667
    Read More
  12. 2902_Guess who's coming to dinner!

    CategoryPGS Views666
    Read More
  13. 0469_POPE'S LETTER TO PRIESTS FOR HOLY THURSDAY

    CategoryWorld Views662
    Read More
  14. 3475_In Finnegan's wake

    CategoryWorld Views661
    Read More
  15. 3439_A Letter from the Rector Major

    CategoryRMG Views661
    Read More
  16. 0685_THE 'HAPPY ISLES': SHED A TEAR, ANYONE?

    CategoryPGS Views660
    Read More
  17. 3496_Vietnam Ordinations during the Bicentenary

    CategoryVIE Views659
    Read More
  18. 3401_D-Day

    CategoryRMG Views659
    Read More
  19. 2703_Long and rewarding journey of God's love: Fr Martin Tanti

    CategoryAUL Views659
    Read More
  20. 1903_Digital Virtues now available - free

    CategoryWorld Views659
    Read More
Board Pagination Prev 1 ... 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ... 177 Next
/ 177