Sharing Salesian Charism in the Pacific

By Our Own Correspondent

Port Moresby, PNG, 12 August 2017 -- It' only one year ago when the new Vice-province of Blessed Philip Rinaldi of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands was born. 37 years after our arrival to PNG and 22 years after arrival to Solomon Islands the Salesian Charism is still not very visible in the local Church and society. The number of consecrated members of Salesian Family is still very small - 40+ SDB Brothers and Priests, 10+ FMA Sisters, 7 Caritas Sisters and 7 Michalites (CSMA) Priests and Brothers.

During the animation visit of the EAO Regional Councilor the focus was also on the establishment and growth of the Lay groups of the Salesian Family - Salesian Cooperators, Don Bosco Past Pupils and ADMA.

The Salesian Cooperators and their Aspirants gathered in different venuews: 9 Aspirants in Honiara (Solomon Islands), 10 ASC members and 3 Aspirants in Vunabosco - Rabaul (PNG), 6 Aspirants in Gabutu - Port Moresby (PNG) and 8 in Provincial House - Port Moresby (PNG). During vibrant interaction emerged main needs - to form first of all well the SDB (FMA) Delegates, to print out all the main materials in English and continue with patience and enthusiasm the formation of present Aspirants. Most of them are our Past Pupils, teachers, supporters or collaborators.

In both countries of the PGS Vice-province we count about 10.000 men and women who received Don Bosco education in our boarding schools, training centers or Colleges. However the animation, local unit life and activities are still at the beginning. Probably the best model experience is happening in Don Bosco Technical School in Gabutu - Port Moresby.

Last Saturday the Past Pupils of Gabutu organized after 3 years an annual gathering, participated by more than 100 former students. Main organizers include also Mr. Ronnie John, Mr. Martin Dai (Principal of the DBTS Gabutu) and Mr. George Isoaimo. From the morning Eucharist celebrated in the school chapel at 9:15, through the Formation and Sharing in the IT section conference room and lunch, the number of participants was growing every 15 minutes! EAO regional councilor presented two video clips - one presenting the 31 groups of the Salesian Family and other with the quarterly video message of the Rector Major Fr. Angel F. Artime.

During the afternoon meeting attended also by the Provincial Delegate for the Don Bosco Alumni Fr. Angel Sanchez were pinpointed some concrete line of action for the animation, communication and simple activity of Don Bosco Past Pupils. Indeed for many of our Bosconians Don Bosco changed completely their life, offered them new chance in their life. Now in turn some of them try to contribute to the Salesian mission according their possibilities.

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