First historical issue of PGS Salesian Bulletin

By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Port Moresby, PNG, 18 February 2018 -- ‘Let us cultivate the art of Listening’ is the theme of the first issue of the Salesian Bulletin of the vice-province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

The encouragement of Fr Alfred Maravilla sdb, Provincial has stimulated the interest that the young PGS vice province needs to publish its own Salesian Bulletin. He constantly reminded us that the Salesian Bulletin is a means of contact between the members of the Salesian family, through which the Salesian charism is known and loved by its members as well as others. The PGS vice-province has thus committed resources for the Salesian Bulletin.

Over the past year 2017, several meetings have been held with the Social Communications commission, Rectors, Assembly of confreres and the Editorial team. Finally, at the last Provincial Council meeting, it was decided to have three issues in 2018 to reach the members of the Salesian Family. The different institutions have requested for copies and the printing of 7000 copies is now underway.

This first issue highlights ‘Listening’ across a spectrum of people. The cover has a photograph of Don Bosco looking lovingly as Salesian and boys engage in an interactive encounter under his watchful gaze. The photograph was shot by Fr. Joseph Tinh sdb, at the welcoming statue of Don Bosco as one enters the Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko campus. Also situated on the campus is the impressive Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Emmaus Conference Centre and the Provincial House.

A message from Fr. Klement Vaclav sdb, Regional, comments on this instrument of communion and communication to the Salesian Family. He reminds us that the Salesian Bulletin was born from the apostolic heart of Don Bosco, who sent out missionaries and founded different congregations to reach the young. “Now after 140 years we can read this magazine in more than 60 different language editions within 134 countries, where the Salesian Family of Don Bosco is witnessing the love of Jesus for the young and the poor”, writes Fr. Klement.

Fr. Srimal Priyanga, Sr. Cristina Villasanta, FMA, Sheryll Extra-Isoaimo have shared their experience on listening. Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb highlights the first part of the Strenna. Fr. Gilbert Pano sdb, shares his vocation story and invites the young to follow the Lord. Pricilla Allan, a grateful past pupil who looks back on her years at Kumgi. Melissa Ferreira shares her experience of volunteering as a means to give and receive. The article on ‘Let’s humanize not demonise’ by Rebecca Lim gives us an understanding of the plight of the refugees on Manus island, as we strive to listen across difference. The inauguration of the shrine of Don Bosco reminds us of the commitment of this great saint of the young, Don Bosco. The back cover has the poster of the Strenna 2018 that can be used to explain the strenna in greater detail.

“Thanks to all the contributors of this first issue, who have been ready to correct and edit their articles and send along photographs, despite the constraints of holidays, limited time and personnel and low connectivity. I do hope the Salesian Bulletin will be inspiring for everyone who receives a copy and reads through its pages”, said Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, editor. Critical comments and contributions to improve its articles, layout and photographs are welcome.

Our second issue will dwell on how the different groups of the Salesian Family journey with and accompany our young people. “We need to raise our voices in a prophetic way with Pope Francis and with the Rector Major so that we can offer good news, the type that builds bridges facilitating a culture of encounter rather than creating walls of separation, hatred and fear. Through the Salesian Bulletin, we wish to spread the message of the Gospel and of the Church in favour of the poor and the migrants, in favour of the unity of peoples and of human dignity,” writes Fr. Filiberto González Plasencia sdb, Councillor for Social Communications.

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