First Wantok Bosco launched in Solomon Islands
Honiara, Solomon Islands, 31 August 2018 -- The Don Bosco Technical Institute in Central Guadalcanal (Solomon Islands) was packed with nearly four hundred youth from the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Salesian Sisters (FMA) schools and mission places. The nearby Catholic Parishes were invited such as Holy Family-Kukum, Good Shepherd and St. Martins RTC. The official opening and the main talk was delivered by Fr. Alfred sdb, Superior of the PGS Viceprovince.
The theme was focused on “The Almighty has done great things for me.” Lk 1: 26. A song of gratitude also known as the MAGNIFICAT of Mother Mary when she was chosen to be the mother of our Savior Jesus Christ. The weekend was divided into four parts, the Spiritual encounter with Jesus in the Adoration on Friday night. On Saturday morning the youth participated in three workshops of seven. These workshops focused on Skills and Quality by Fr. Moise sdb, Evangelizing the Cyber world by Sr. Sesilia Sala FMA, Motivating the Igeneration by Fr. Albert Lenon sdb, Self-respect by Sr. Bernadette Wauki FMA, Salesian Spirituality by Sr. Claudia Aragon FMA, Creation expresses God by Ms. Miriam and Salesian Family by Fr. Angelo sdb. The theme song was performed by the DBTI students under the direction of Ms. Miriam, Caritas volunteer from New Zealand.
In the afternoon the Youth Forum was held in the gym and five special guests were invited to deliver their topics in relation to the reality of our youth in the country. Fr. Nicholas Tanau OP talked about Vocation, Mr. Bernard Baanisia on Service, Ms. Camari Baenivalu on Life, Mr. John Foteliwale on Society and Fr. Srimal sdb on Youth at Risk. The presenters delivered their topics with style to stimulate the youth to raise questions concerning their role in society.
The catering was done by the Mary Mazzarello Development Centre (MMDC) run the Salesian Sisters in Henderson. “It is a challenge to feed the big number of youth, they are big eaters and we try to feed all of them.” MMDC representative.
The finale of the gathering was the Closing Mass celebrated by the Bishop Elect of Auki Diocese, Fr. Peter Houhou. During the celebration, one student after preparation for sometimes received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation to the Catholic Faith, Betty Pauromae, the Head Girl of DBTI. She was very much supported by her family and Sr. Bernadette Wauki as her Godmother. The gym was filled with the youth’s applause as they welcome Betty to the Catholic Faith.
Before the official closing the youth were challenged to be good Christians and honest citizens of their beloved country Solomon Islands. “Be agents of evangelization in the cyber world, life giver and utilize your giftedness for the common good of all especially the other youth in our country. Be good stewards of our mother earth. “The Almighty has done great things for me.”
