‘Death for the Salesian is made bright by the hope of entering into
the joy of his Lord’ Salesian Constitutions 54

By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Port Moresby, PNG, 14 March 2024 -- “As we gather to celebrate the life of our dear priest, father, and friend, Fr. Edwin Genovia SDB, let us remember the laughter, love, and joy he brought into our lives. May his memory continue to inspire and uplift us as we navigate this world without him. Together, we can honor his legacy and cherish the moments we shared with him”, said Fr Clifford Morais SDB, Fr Edwin Genovia SDB's Rector, at the Eulogy.

The vice-province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands celebrated the life of Fr. Edwin Genovia SDB on 9 March with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at 3pm at the shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. He was then laid to rest at the Salesian Memorial, at the rear end of the Emmaus Conference Centre.

Fr Edwin Genovia SDB was born in Manapla, Negros Occidental, Philippines on 3 November 1963. He made his first profession on 1 April 1984 and his perpetual profession on 24 March 1992. He was ordained priest on 8 December 1993 at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Parañaque City. He returned to his maker and Lord on the 5 March 2024.

‘When it happens that a Salesian dies working for souls, the Congregation has won a great triumph’ Salesian Constitutions 54. “Like Don Bosco, Fr. Edwin gave himself to his last breath for the salvation of young people,” said Fr. Provincial as he spoke at the eulogy. “Dear Fr. Edwin, I would like to thank you, on behalf of the PGS Vice-Province, for your true missionary example of dedication, simplicity, self-sacrifice, optimism, and generosity in offering your life for the mission. We say not a goodbye, but, hopefully, ‘Till we meet again’ in the Salesian garden with all the Salesian saints in heaven,” said Fr Gregorio.

The body of Fr Edwin arrived on 8 March from Don Bosco Simbu Technical College, Kumgi. It was welcomed by the students of Kumgi and laid in the shrine of Mary Help of Christians. A steady stream of staff and students prayed, paid their last respects, and filed past. The atmosphere was quiet and reflective, as several shed tears and recalled memorable encounters from the life of Fr Edwin.

The farewell Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by Bp. Peter Baquero SDB, Bishop of Kerema. Bp Justin Ain, Auxiliary Bishop of Wabag, Fr Gregorio Bicomong SDB, Provincial, Mr Jose Noli Genovia, brother of Fr Edwin Genovia SDB, represented the family, Salesians of the vice-province, members of the Salesian family, priests, brothers, religious, students, family, and friends were present for the celebration. The choir was formed of De Sales residents, Mary Help of Christians residents and DBTI staff. All who were present had ties of friendship with Fr Edwin. Over the years he was assigned to the different institutions in Papua New Guinea, Araimiri, Vunabosco, Vanimo, Gabutu and Kumgi. To his students he was their teacher, friend, inspiration, comfort, and joy.

At the homily, Bp Peter spoke of how Fr Edwin lived his life of love in a simple, concrete, tangible and unique way. “He called himself Fr Edge, a combination of the first two letters of his name and surname. Even his Facebook account is: edge.png@yahoo.com. As a principal, he was strict and demanded a standard. He was available and generous and lived his life expressing love in small things that made people happy”, said the bishop. He thanked him for his love and pastoral care for people, as he celebrated masses, and baptisms. He then invited us to reflect on how we live our lives of love.

Fr Edwin has laid a solid foundation for Simbu. “Edwin was an avid gardener, a builder, a musician, and a good father to the young. His hard work is a testament to his belief in growth, change, and the idea that beauty can bloom even from the darkest corner. The seeds of love planted in the garden will continue to grow and bloom, bearing flowers and fruit in the hearts of the students. The DHERST Audit to qualify Don Bosco Simbu Tech speaks volumes of his commitment and his focus. It will be received on the 21st March 2024. The community continues to appreciate this”, said Fr Clifford.

“He was a friend who was always there, in good times and in bad. In the community, he was our rock when we were adrift; our compass when we lost our way. His friendship was a gift, one that unwrapped every day, one that brought us immense joy and comfort, love, and confidence”, said an emotional Fr Clifford.

Speaking about his last day, Fr Clifford said, “On Tuesday, 5 March, though he was recovering, yet he was anxious to go to class and took three classes at a stretch, periods 3, 4, and 5. At period 6 he went to the convent and asked the housemaid to prepare the list of food so that he could inform Fr Clifford to purchase the same as he returned to the community. He then returned to the sofa and gave up his breath. ‘It is finished.’”

A farewell Eucharistic celebration was held on the 7 March at Kumgi. Bp Paul Sundu, Bishop of Kundjawa together with priests of the diocese, staff, students, and friends, bid farewell to Fr. Edwin. Bp Paul highlighted his dedication and commitment to the education of the young men and women of Papua New Guinea.

He was fondly remembered at celebrations held in Araimiri, Vunabosco and other institutions. At Sivarai Namona, he was remembered by the LKK leaders of the parish of Mary Help of Christians, Sabama, who were at their recollection.

“Fr. Edwin, you were a blessing in our lives, a friend who left footprints of love and kindness in our hearts. As we say goodbye, know that your spirit will continue to live on in the garden of our memories, in the bloom of every flower, in the rustle of every leaf, in the beauty of Kumgi. Rest in peace, dear Fr. Edwin. You will be missed, but your spirit, our love, and our light will forever shine in our hearts. We will surely miss you”, concluded Fr. Clifford.

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