By Enoch Jabeth and Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

       Gabutu (Port Moresby) PNG, 12 June 2023 -- The long-awaited Intramural Opening Day, Launching of the Salesian Mission Project, the Community Day, and the Birthday celebration of the Rector of DBTS and the Don Bosco in our midst Fr Pedro Sachitula SDB, was celebrated on 9 June 2023. The theme was “Being the Yeast”, stressing that we must have an impact on our family and the community in which we live. The event was held at the Moresby South Stadium. Salesians, Fr. Pedro Sachitula, Rector of DBTS, Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB spiritual Moderator of DBTS, and Br. Philip Hwang SDB community economer were present at the stadium, while Fr Angelo Fazzini SDB, joined in the celebrations from the DBTS campus.

       The stadium with all the equipment was set up in the early hours of the morning by the Savio Friends and the music club. At 7:40 a.m, the students entered the stadium dressed in their colorful and well-designed shirts. The students sang the national anthem with pride and honor, said the sportsmanship pledge, and chose an outstanding student to represent them to be the torch bearer at the lighting of the torch. Following the opening prayer by Fidel Nanao a member of the Savio Friends Club, the school principal, Mr. Martin Dai, delivered his opening remarks. He shared his insights that set the stage for an engaging and productive event.

       Fr Pedro was given the honour of addressing the students. In his speech, he said, “Always think of everyone around us. We must be the Bosconians who foster peace in our life.” He also reminded us that every problem in our life is an opportunity to foster good relationships with our creator and our family and friends. We need to give up on our self-interest and put others before us because that is what being a Bosconian is all about. Quoting Mother Teresa, he said, “Peace begins with a smile”. He also encouraged the Salesian educators to care for the most difficult students in class, help guide them and build a foundation for them to live a good life in the future. “There is always a chance to change a person facing difficulty in life”, he said. He concluded by thanking all his Salesian collaborators for being with the students and helping carry out the mission of Don Bosco.

       Ms Rica, the Mission Group Animator invited every class to be creative with their ‘Solidary Share’. “Each class is to collect a total amount of at least two hundred Kina to help fund the ‘Care of Creation: our mission!’, the 2023 mission project in India. Being from the Province of Mumbai, Fr Ambrose explained more on the project. He spoke of Br Alex Gonsalves SDB, who has commenced watershed projects in the drought-prone areas of Aurangabad of central Maharashtra with the help of the people for over 30 years. “The project is in solidarity with the people, and it aims to revitalize 200 hectares of their land, through the building of check dams that will increase the water table. It will be helping with agriculture and tree planting. In a few years, together with the plants, birds, insects, and animals will make their appearance”, he said. He also invited all to plant a tree and care for the environment in their homes and communities.

       Fr Pedro then officially declared the Intramurals and community day open. The Torch Relay led by Paul Kila, the sports prefect, is a symbol of unity, inspiration, the pursuit of excellence, an embodiment of our collective spirit, and the beginning of a remarkable journey together then set ablaze the spirit of this event. There were a series of fun games hosted by the Savio Friends Youth Club that included a 100m sprint, 50m baseball spin sprint and a Sack race.

       Every year level presented choreographic movements to showcase their skills and talents. Together with the judges Ms. Ages Mpeho, Mr. George Isoiamo, and Br. Phillip Hwang SDB, all the year levels captivated the hearts and the minds of everyone. The team that drew the loudest applause was the staff of DBTS. It was also a heartfelt moment as each year level presented a birthday gift as a show of love and appreciation towards Fr. Pedro before taking to the field for their demonstrations.

       “As a Bosconian, I speak for nearly all Bosconians and I say that this was one of the highlights of the year. It will be a fond memory for both staff and students that will last a lifetime”, said Rhysurn Baim, grade 9 Besucco.

       Lunch with ice cream was served and enjoyed by all the staff and students. Mr. Martin, the Principal of DBTS in his final remarks congratulated the students and encouraged them to share this joy and happiness with their families and friends. Mr. Peter gave a few reminders to the student and dismissed the students.

       Despite the blazing sun, this will be one of the most memorable days of the year, as everyone had a chance to do something and participate in activities and thus they will remember it for the rest of their lives.

       Our deepest word of thanks to the Salesians for giving us the privilege to enjoy this celebration and to learn some life values during those celebrations. Gratitude to the MCs Mr. Eusebius Pasbon, and Miss Marylin Petra Fangu’u who animated the students right through the program. Thanks to Ms. Adi Lydia Tenakanai and the Savio club animators and members for the detailed programming of the day and the games to follow in the weeks ahead.

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