Papua New Guinea – “Let us go back to our Galilees”, conclusion of the Provincial Chapter

19 April 2022

Boroko, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – april 2022 - Fr Gregorio Bicomong, brought the proceedings of the 2nd Provincial Chapter to a close at noon on 14 April 2022. “Let us go back to our Galilees” was his invitation as we focus on what is essential in our mission. The 3-day provincial chapter commenced on 10 April, had 18 participants in a face to face encounter, with three members online.

Bp Peter Baquero sdb, Bishop of Kerema celebrated the Eucharist for the members of the Provincial Chapter on the second day, while Fr Joseph Phuoc, EAO Regional celebrated the Eucharist the following day. In his good night to the members of the chapter, Fr Charles Casper from India, related the story of Arjuna from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. He encouraged the Salesians to have a clear target in mind. Fr Dominic Kachira shared his struggle to understand the people, mentioning that it causes one to reflect deeply and search for one’s personal vocation.

Proceedings included the address of the State of the Vice-province, and the financial report followed by an Open Forum. The members had the opportunity for clarification and discussion. Then commenced discussions on the Implementation of GC28. These were done in groups and lines of action were presented for approval and voting. A few concerns were raised and discussed towards the end of the chapter.

It has been a time of listening and sharing that has opened the avenue for personal and community reflection.

“We continue to fulfill the dream! I rejoice in the growth of the commitment to you people with the involvement and formation of lay collaborators. Devotion to Don Bosco has preceded our arrival in PNG-SI. It is a joy to hear of an interest in apostolates in new presences and the use of St John Bosco’s name for schools in the different parts of PNG”, reflected Fr Angelo Fazzini, missionary for over 40 years.

“In a very diverse country that has 800+ languages, a province with 13 nationalities with cultural and age barriers, it is no easy missionary task to understand each other, grasp the situation in a couple of years and reach out to the young in Papua New Guinea. Changing patterns, quick turn over and reduced numbers of Salesians, dramatically affect decisions as we want to tick boxes and raise numbers on charts. Amidst the slow pace and laid-back attitude, there is gradual progress. We pray that the Holy Spirit will give us the courage and the patience to wait”, shared Fr Ambrose Pereira, who has been in the mission for 23 years.

“Working here for over 35 years has seen the dream evolve into a reality. It is ‘nostalgia and filled with hope’. Nostalgia for what was before and hope that something fresh will come, as a challenge, and an opportunity to be a better Salesian”, said Fr Edwin Genovia, principal of Don Bosco Simbu Technical College. “We remember with gratitude and fondness the Salesians who planted the seed amidst great hardships and difficulties. Several of them are not here to enjoy the fruits of their labour. A new breed of Salesians with zeal for dedicated hard work and love for Don Bosco is here to continue the work that was started. It is with this hope that I dream of a better future”, he continued.

In the Land of the Unexpected, Papua New Guinea and Islands lost in time, Solomon Islands progress is slow. In His time will all things happen. The chapter has concluded, with the Salesians opening their eyes, ears, and above all their hearts to the struggles present. They are ready to face the oncoming difficulties and challenges together seeking support from each other and inching forward for the good of all the young of these two simple, violent, and very challenging Melanesian countries.

Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb

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