By Patrina Kaboanga

Boroko, Port Moresby, PNG 1 February 2024 -- Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI), Boroko, joined fifty-two (52) other Catholic agency schools belonging to the Archdiocese of Port Moresby at St Joseph Parish church, Boroko, for the Teacher’s Commissioning Mass on Friday, 26 January 2024.

“The powerful word of God created the world and all sources of life” was the theme of the Commissioning Mass. The program began with welcome remarks by the Catholic Education Secretary, Mrs. Paula Bomai, followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The staff of St Joseph’s International Catholic College led the beautiful liturgy and the procession, joined by Jubilee Catholic Secondary School.

During his homily, the main celebrant, the Archbishop of Port Moresby, His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, while referring to the recent events that occurred on 10 January, encouraged everyone that challenges are given to make them grow. It is their job to help and remind students of who they are so that they can be better citizens. As teachers, it is our responsibility to ensure that we not only teach but also practice what we teach as we pass on habits and characters to our students. The Archbishop ended his sermon with a kind reminder, “As we step into the challenges of the academic year, let us collectively donate to the noble cause of education.”

It was also a wonderful opportunity for DBTI staff to meet many DBTI graduates who are now serving as teachers in Catholic secondary schools in Port Moresby. The program ended with a photo session with the Archbishop involving all the schools present.

---

---