By Ms. Arlene Abital
Photographs by Arlene Abital and Karl David Valmonte

Port Moresby, PNG, 8 August 2017 -- The Educative Pastoral Community of Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko headed by Fr. Louie Castañeda, SDB, Rector warmly welcomed Fr. Vaclav Klement, SDB, East Asia Oceania (EAO) Regional Superior on August 8, 2017 for his biennial visit to the PGS Vice-Province. During the special assembly of DBTI, selected band members led Fr. Klement to the institute’s gymnasium. The vibrant beat of the garamut from Manus cultural group and the whipping of the traditional bamboo from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville entertained the visitor together with the male boarding students’ item led by Mr. Brendan Kaita.

SRC President, Felix Taunega, 4th year MFM/ENG major student said that “Fr. Klement’s visit was a very memorable one.”

Addressing the students, Fr. Klement asked them, “What makes you really joyful in life?” Responses from selected students and staff centered around rendering service to others, with dedication, commitment and love.

Fr. Louie, SDB on behalf of DBTI thanked Fr. Klement for his presence. He said, “Fr. Klement has been serving as EAO Regional Superior for several years, with simplicity and evangelical poverty.”

Fr. Klement then responded to the invitation of the student body and posed with them for group photographs. He then met the staff of the institution. He said that there are 11,000 Salesian Priests in the world and 2,000 Salesian Brothers. He challenged the institute ‘to form an active volunteer and Past Pupils Association’ as mission partners for the betterment of the young.

At the ‘Goodnight talk’ after the evening Rosary of the male boarders, Attorney Douglas Tennent who returned to PNG spoke of some of the basic constitutional rights and the PNG National goals.

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