Port Moresby, PNG, 15 February 2017 -- Don Bosco Technological Institute community welcomed the arrival of Fr. Guillermo Basañes, SDB, Councilor for the Mission during the lunch hour on February 13, 2017. The New Ireland and Manus cultural groups animated the traditional welcome by presenting him a headdress, garlands made of flowers and shells and traditional bilas. On behalf of student body, Adi Lydia Tenakanai, 4th yr. BED-MFM/Math, expressed her gratitude for the visit to DBTI, Papua New Guinea. She said “three years ago, less than 500 students were studying at DBTI, but this year nearly a thousand students have been privileged to study, make a difference in the society and contribute for nation-building, a big thanks to the Salesian Mission in PNG.”
On 15th February, Fr. Guillermo presided the 6:30 am daily Eucharistic celebrations at the chapel of Mary Help of Christians’ Shrine, DBTI compound. In his homily, he stressed to the churchgoers the fidelity of God for continuously loving and looking after mankind. He made reference to the deluge during Noah’s time. He said” God is always with us until the end of time.” Also during the Mass, the head of the institution, Fr. Louie Castañeda, SDB was officially installed as Rector of DBTI.
During the morning assembly, he had the opportunity to address the whole DBTI community. He thanked DBTI for the warm welcome. He was fascinated to see the traditional decorations and big tarpaulins of outstanding athletes in the world beautifying the gymnasium of the institute. He mentioned that Lionel Messi, Argentine professional footballer, his countryman, shows professional attitude in playing. He said “let professionalism guide you in your undertakings as you live up to the institute’s motto of ‘Competence and Character’. Finally, he said Don Bosco’s dream is to hone young people to be at their best and ready to serve others who are most in need.”
DBTS, Gabutu receives a Special Visit from the Councillor of the Missions
Port Moresby, PNG, 17 February 2017 -- It’s not every day that Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, has a special visitor who has journeyed thousands of kilometers to visit the school. It was the 14th of February 2017, Valentine’s Day and wishes of love and commitment filled the air. On this special day DBTS, Gabutu, was gifted with a visit by Fr. Guillermo Basañes, SDB, Councillor for the Missions. Astonishingly, this visit was a wrapper around the gift, which caught many students and staff by surprise. It also marked a very special occasion to formally install Fr. Angel Sanchez as the new Rector of DBTS, Gabutu.
As early as 7:00 am, the stage of the Kurongu hall was well prepared. The statues of Don Bosco and St. Dominic Savio were decorated with palms and flowers. Students from the Manus Province Cultural group were given the privilege to prepare their famous Manus dance to the beat of the ‘garamut’, to welcome Fr. Guillermo Basanes into the hall. The senior Grade 12 students lined the road leading to the entrance of the hall. Meanwhile, the student body, that numbered 1,100+ were in their line formation in the gymnasium. After a welcome by Fr. Angel Sanchez sdb, Rector and Gilbert Oii, School Captain, Fr. Guillermo spoke to the students urging them to build up a sense of togetherness and unity and be prepared to share with others what they have learnt at Don Bosco. “It is wonderful that you have a principal who has graduated in 1988, the first batch of students of this school”, said Fr. Basanes. Then followed the installation of Fr. Angel Sanchez sdb as Rector. “He will be the father of the entire community for the next three years”, he said.
Fr. Angel Sanchez sdb humbly knelt in front of the statues of Saint John Bosco and Saint Dominic Savio and recited the Profession of Faith. The official documents were then signed. The installation ended with a round of applause and a sea of smiling faces and joyous laughter as the new Rector, Fr. Angel Sanchez and special visitor Don Gullermo left the hall. The celebration was short, well executed and inspiring.
During the day, Fr. Guillermo visited the campus, chatted and greeted with the young men and the staff. A feeling of gratitude, love, commitment and thanksgiving overwhelmed the whole Educative Pastoral Community as students and staff took time during the day to congratulate and wish Fr. Angel a successful journey in his new mission.
Savio Haus welcome Fr. Basanes
Fr. Guillermo Basanes visited the Savio Haus community at a time when the aspirantate has just transferred from its former location inside the Don Bosco Technological Institute compound at East Boroko to its present site among different diocesan and religious colleges around the Catholic Theological Institute at Bomana.
The formation community, consisting of 3 Salesians, 3 prenovices and 16 aspirants welcomed the Councilor for the Missions at 3:00 in the afternoon at what was formerly the formation house of the Marists. After greeting the members of the community, Fr. Basanes toured around the formation house as well as around the various Catholic institutions at Bomana.
In his short visit to Savio Haus, Fr. Basanes had an informal encounter with the Salesians and prenovices, gave a conference to the aspirants and enjoyed a family dinner marked by songs, dances, exchanges of small gifts and the usual good night talk. In his sharing, Fr. Basanes encouraged the newly transferred community not to be afraid of new beginnings but, with the spirit of Don Bosco, to carry on with joy, enthusiasm and an enterprising spirit.
