By Cl. Pio Ehava and Cl. Conrad Vamilat

       Kokopo, East New Britain, PNG 5 October 2021 -- A two-day seminar for the practical trainees of the Salesians of Don Bosco in the PGS vice-province was held on 26-27 September, 2021 at the Don Bosco Technical Secondary School in Kokopo, East New Britain Province.

       Facilitating the seminar was Fr. Mathew Shoji SDB. In attendance as participants were the three trainees; Cl. Conrad Vamilat, Cl. Joel Attiso and Cl. Pio Ehava. Unfortunately due to technical difficulties Cl. Anthony Wale could not join the sessions online.

       The first day saw Fr Shoji begin with the analogy of consecrated life at the level of a practical trainee’s life with the “River Story” – it told of the origin of the river itself, the processes that affect the river in a good or bad way, and how the river still had to reach its destination. Fr. Shoji shared that similarly, consecrated life can be compared to that of a river. “Along the journey, life can be filled with desolations or consolations. But what is important is to reach the final destination, to reach big ocean or to meet the Creator”, he said.

       The day ended with personal reflection and sharing of the experiences of each practical trainee in their own settings.

       The second day of the formation meeting was enriching. Fr. Shoji reminded the Brothers of their primary obligation as Salesians to accompany young people and gave credit to those who are closely following young boys in their settings.

       There was also a time of sharing where the Brothers gave their experiences of what it was like in their journey with the young in their own places. The day concluded with words of encouragement and guidance from Fr. Shoji where he told the participants that before they could accompany the young, they too should first be accompanied through Rendicoto by their Rectors and Spiritual guides.

       The seminar ended with a hike to the famous Mt. Tavurvur and a picnic at the submarine base in Rabual.

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