By Fr. Rogelio Miranda, SDB

DBTI, Boroko (Port Moresby), PNG, 20 September 2024 -- On 14 September 2024, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, a historic event took place at DBTI Boroko. On this day, six new members of the Association of the Salesian Cooperators (ASC) made their promise in the presence of Fr. Gregorio Bicomong Jr., SDB, the superior of the PGS Vice-Province. These six individuals form the first batch of the ASC – Boroko Unit.

During his Canonical Visit in April 2023, Fr. Provincial recommended that the DBTI Community establish a unit of Salesian Cooperators. In response, Fr. Roger Miranda, the Rector, began inviting potential candidates and even advertised the opportunity among the staff of DBTI. A few candidates expressed interest, including one non-teaching staff member and a resident of De Sales Residence (the boarding house). Miriam Steven, the non-teaching staff member, and Bosco Weplu, a resident of De Sales Residence, were among the first to respond. Additionally, four other individuals, regular attendees of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, also joined: Geraldine Eka, Mechtilde Tili Palawo, Paul Malingi, and Ricardo Jr. Rimpola. Since then, Fr. Miranda has provided them with regular formation sessions every Sunday.

The Salesian Cooperators' history in the region began in Vunabosco Kokopo between 2011 and 2013 when the first group of Salesian Cooperators was formed. New members were encouraged to recruit others, and their formation commenced. However, the formator was transferred to Don Bosco Gabutu before the formation of the second group was completed. Between 2014 and 2016, the first group of Cooperators at DBTI Gabutu was established. Both groups in Kokopo and Gabutu eventually completed their formation under the guidance of other Salesians and made their promises. The establishment of the Boroko unit was finally realized through the encouragement of the current Provincial, Fr. Greg Bicomong.

The Salesian Family, particularly the Salesian Cooperators, plays a vital role in supporting the mission with young people, alongside ADMA and the Past Pupils. With the establishment of the ASC-Boroko Unit, another dream has been fulfilled, thanks to the generosity of these six new members. Fr. Greg joyfully accepted them into the Salesian Cooperators during the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, and Fr. Roger Miranda, Delegate of the Salesian Family and Rector of DBTI, endorsed their acceptance. In the presence of members of the Salesian Family, including the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, other religious sisters, resident boarders, and the faithful, the new members made their promise generously.

We pray for their perseverance in remaining faithful to their commitment. Through the intercession of Bl. Alexandrina da Costa, we hope that more individuals will choose to embrace lay collaboration in the Salesian mission. To God be the glory!

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