Kokopo, East New Britain, PNG, 2 December 2021 -- Students, staff and the Salesian Congregation of Don Bosco Technical Secondary School Kokopo, came together from 30 November-1 December 2021, to farewell two members of their community and to conclude the academic year respectively. Both occasions were held on school campus.
The farewell was celebrated on 30 November and was organized for Br. Pio Ehava sdb and lay missionary from the United States, Mr. Christopher Lee. They leave the institute at the end of the year. It was in an atmosphere of brotherhood and friendship during which the students also got to thank the two for their time and journey with them.
Mr. Lee, in his farewell note expressed his gratitude towards the teachers, the pupils and towards the Salesian community. He said he was very happy to have spent this time of joy discovering other people, particularly the different cultures of the people of Papua New Guinea. “I am touched by the simplicity, welcome, joy and closeness of the people and I will return to my country with beautiful memories”, he said.
The same feelings were also manifested on the part of Br. Pio. He gave thanks to God for his Salesian mission in Rapolo. It was an experience which enabled him to grow in his vocation to follow Christ as a Salesian of Don Bosco at the service of young people.
He promised to continue praying for the evolution of the Salesian mission in Rapolo and asked for prayers as he continued his vocation journey.
Concluding the farewells of the year was the school Recognition Day on December 1 that saw the participation of over 150 students. Prizes were awarded to the ones who scored top marks.
Spiritual Moderator of DBTSS, Fr. Juna, the main celebrant at the Eucharist, invited the students to thank the Lord for keeping them alive and well throughout the academic year.
“As we conclude the year, we continue to demonstrate diligence, motivation and determination and look forward to the year ahead. As Bosconians, we should always remember to study hard and dedicate ourselves to making next year even better”, he challenged the boys.
“We thank each and every one for all the warmth, the memories and the learning that we have shared and have grown together this school year. We thank the Lord even for the unpleasant moments and failures which have shaped our character, fortified our resolve and made us more mature. We celebrate our thanksgiving with the Eucharist, and pray for each one of us that we may share God’s countless blessings now and always", he added.
We wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2022!
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