5794(III)_“What kind of Salesians for the youth of today?”

2nd Provincial Chapter of the vice province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

By Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, PGS
Social Communications secretary

       Port Moresby, PNG, 11-04-22 -- The 2nd Provincial Chapter for the Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS) commenced on 10 April at the Provincial House, Boroko. The Chapter has as its theme: “What kind of Salesians for the youth of today?”

       In his opening address following the Lectio Divina, Fr Gregorio Bicomong, Provincial, welcomed Fr. Joseph Phuoc, EAO Regional, who has concluded the Extraordinary Visitation and is present for the Provincial Chapter. In keeping with and continuing the journey of GC28, the Chapter strives to look at ways to implement GC28 and provide a continuity to our work of reflection. It will dwell on the eight policy guidelines and take up corresponding lines of action. It will dwell on evangelization of our young people, a preferential option for the poor and a formation of our Laity.

       Dwelling on the reflections of Fr Paschal Chavez, he reminded the members to reaffirm the Centrality of the mission, keep in mind that the mission is lived in community and that it is carried out in collaboration with the laity and our lay mission partners. He also cautioned the members of the following risks: Elitism – superior to others, Intellectualism - far removed from the reality of the world around us and Complacency – we have always done it this way.

       Present for the Chapter were 16 confreres in Port Moresby, while 2 joined on ZOOM from the Solomon Islands and 1 from India. The Provincial Chapter will conclude on 13 April 2022.

       After vespers and adoration in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesians, Salesian sisters and Caritas sisters of Jesus, volunteers, aspirants and a few mission partners joined in a delicious meal and an evening of song and enjoyment. It was also an occasion to wish Fr Srimal on his birthday and thank Fr Joseph Phuoc as he concludes his Extraordinary Visitation.

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