OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA - For 25 years on mission in the South Pacific: Salesians’ contribution to the evangelisation and education of the people of Papua

Friday, 7 May 2004

Port Moresby (Fides Service) - Thousands of young people instructed in scholastic and professional knowledge; native tribes and villages in the heart of the forest have heard and welcomed the Gospel of Jesus; great support for the local Church in all its pastoral activities of catechesis and formation: this is the precious contribution offered by Salesians who have worked in Papua New Guinea. for 25 years
The first Salesian, ANS bulletin reports, arrived in the country in June 1980 and in July 1994 the Rector Major and his Council approved the constitution of the Delegation of Papua New Guinea. This is why there are fervid preparations in all the dioceses of Papua for celebrations which in July to celebrate the official opening of the Salesian mission.
In the country 35 Salesians and 10 scholastics run seven large institutes of education all over the territory: Vanino, Rabaul and Port Moresby. Presently under construction a technical school, farming school, a primary school, several parishes and a centre for Salesian formation.
Last year about 800 students at the Don Bosco Technical Institute, in the province of Simbu, completed the course increasing considerably their professional opportunities and also becoming honest citizens and good Christians.
In rural areas opportunities for work are scarce and consequently people continue to migrate; half the population, usually young people, move away, usually to the cities to find a better life.
The Salesians area also called to serve the local Church, fulfilling also diocesan duties: in 2002 the Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea appointed Salesian Father Alfred Maravilla director of the Liturgical-Catechetical Institute and secretary of the Bishops’ Commission for Liturgy and Catechesis. Earlier another Salesian, Father Vester Casaclang was appointed national Youth Pastoral co-ordinator Papua New Guinea. Another Salesian Father Francesco Panfilo was appointed Bishop of the diocese of Alotau-Sideia.
In Papua New Guinea the people are 66% Christian and of these 22% Catholic. Some 815 native languages are spoken and the most used is Tok Pisin. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 7/5/2004 lines 35 words 370)


Share: