PGS Province, 11 November 2023 -- ‘Hearts on fire, feet on the move’ is Pope Francis’ theme for the 2023 World Mission Sunday. The Holy Father highlights worship and the need for each of us to go out and announce that message. He reminds us to pray for the ongoing situation in the world and especially for peace in the Holy Land and in Ukraine and that it is not just material peace that we long for, but each of us longs for spiritual peace. We seek to respond to the cry of the gospel, to be good shepherds, fulfilling what the Holy Father highlights: ‘The smell of the sheep, the smell of the shepherd and the smell of the Gospel.’
This issue of our Salesian Bulletin thanks the Lord for the spread of the Gospel and the growth of the Salesian charism. We congratulate Fr Angel Fernandez SDB, Rector Major on being created Cardinal, a truly unique gift for the Congregation and the Church. It then acknowledges the blessings that our vice-province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have received through the missionaries who have come to our exotic land.
Our greatest gift to Papua New Guinea has been our Visionary and Pioneer Missionary, Fr Valeriano Barbero SDB, who labored for 40 years in Papua New Guinea with one goal in mind, “Dio solo.”14th June 1980, the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is when our pioneers set foot on Araimiri. The Salesian charism has taken root and spread throughout the country. Bosconians are spread throughout Papua New Guinea and have planted the Salesian charism. I recall with gratitude the many occasions I interacted with Fr Val on my visits from Solomon Islands. Fr Val would share his dreams as he worked tirelessly constructing the large Emmaus Conference Centre and the beautiful Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. These encounters were filled with happiness, novel ideas and creative plans. Medals, images and other gifts were a sign of his love and generosity. Sadly, on 14th April 2023, we bade farewell to Fr Val. His memory will ever be etched in our minds and in our hearts. Fr. Val. He gave himself to transform the lives of the poor and vulnerable. We are grateful.
Members of the Salesian Family have also shared their reflections. They help us understand how the Salesian charism has permeated the life and mission of Papua New Guinea. Our young people are networking and sharing their joy with their peers, both within and outside the country. Gratitude to Fr Dominic Kachira SDB, who spent seventeen years in the Vice-Province holding important posts as Vice-Provincial, Rector in several communities in our two countries. Blessings on Cl Joshua Tarere SDB, who has opted for the missions and is now in South Sudan. Appreciation to several others who have shared in the Salesian Mission.
This issue has been reflective for us, and we are glad to share it with you!
With gratitude.
File PDF: Low resolution of the Salesian Bulletin
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