By Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Port Moresby, PNG - 25 April 2016 - Extraordinary visitor, representative of the Rector Major, Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga sdb, Regional Councillor to South Asia is on an official visit to the soon to be created PGS Vice-province. He has recently completed his visit to the two Salesian communities of the Solomon Islands and has now commenced a three-day visit to Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, Papua New Guinea.

After being garlanded he was welcomed by Fr. Roger Miranda sdb, Rector of the school. He was then led in procession by the Manus dancers to the PCTA park where the student body were assembled. Dressed in their traditional costumes of shells and weapons they led the visitor to the wind-house dais amidst loud cheers from the students.

Fr. Maria Arokiam appreciated the patience of the students as they braved the blazing heat awaiting his arrival. In his address he encouraged them to live good lives. “Bosconians are considered good students”, he said.

Fr. Maria Arokiam hails from Varadarajanpet, Trichi, India, was born in 1956 and was ordained in Rome in 1986. He is passionate about inter-religious dialogue and believes that all can work in unity, mutual understanding and live in harmony. He completed his Doctorate in Philosophy from the Salesian Pontifical University, Rome over 25 years ago. His book ‘Man without Frontiers’ a critical appreciation of Swami Vivekananda, aims at fostering Hindu-Christian friendship and dialogue. He is passionate that the similarities of religion can stop the violence amongst different religious groups of people.

We welcome his presence in our midst and look forward to his inspiration and direction in the days ahead.

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Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga addressing the studetns at DBTS, Gabutu, PNG

Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga welcomed at DBTS, Gabutu, PNG

Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga welcomed at DBTS, Gabutu, PNG

Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga welcomed on his arrival at DBTS, Gabutu, PNG

Fr. Ambrose Pereira recalling past memories of Fr. Maria Arokiam at the Retreat, Yercaud in 1980-81 as he addressed the Bosconians at DBTS, Gabutu, PNG