By Fr. Angel Sanchez, SDB

Simbu, Papua New Guinea – 21st to 22nd of August 2015. In many parts of the Salesian world, the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s birth was celebrated on or before the 16th of August. In the Highlands Region of Papua New Guinea, particularly at the Don Bosco Simbu Technical College (DBSTC) in Kumgi, the celebrations were held on the 21st to 22nd of August.

No less than 6 bishops came to grace the occasion: Anton Bal (Bishop of Kundiawa), Henk Te Maarsen SVD (Bishop Emeritus of Kundiawa), Francesco Sarego SVD (Bishop of Goroka), Arnold Orowae (Bishop of Wabag and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG-SI), Douglas Young SVD (Archbishop of Mt. Hagen) and the Apostolic Nuncio to PNG-SI, Archbishop Michael Banach who was the main celebrant in the Holy Mass. At the start of the Eucharist, Fr. Robinson Parapilly, the Rector of DBSTC welcomed everyone and acknowledged the presence of guests and dignitaries. In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio recalled the two famous dreams of Don Bosco: the dream at nine years, and the dream of the two columns. He also challenged the youth to be steadfast in their Catholic faith, to strive to be of service to others as a way of becoming holy, and to be happy always.

Immediately after the Mass, speeches and messages were delivered. The Welcome Address was given by the Bishop of Kundiawa, Most Rev. Anton Bal. The other bishops present also addressed the assembly and spoke highly of Don Bosco and how the Salesians in this part of the world carry out his mission for the youth. The Delegate Superior of PNG-SI, Fr. Peter Baquero spoke in the name of the Salesians. Dignitaries also came to show their appreciation of and support to Don Bosco’s mission. Among them were Hon. Camillus Dagma (the Minister of Parliament for Kerowagi District), Mr. Steven Matainaho (from the Department of Higher Education Research and Technology), Hon. James Kondial (Deputy Governor of Simbu), and Mr. Nick Bange (Representative of Barawagi Community).

In the name of DBSTC Community, Fr. Robinson Parapilly gave tokens of appreciation to the benefactors and friends of the school, and to some teachers who have served the institution for more than 5 years.

The “Don Bosco Village” was also inaugurated on the 21st of August. With typical PNG songs and dances, groups of Bosconians in their traditional costumes led the guests to the site where six new duplex staff houses were built. The Apostolic Nuncio blessed the new houses. These were put up with the help and funding from the Department of Higher Education Research and Technology and from Hon. Camillus Dagma.

On the 22nd of August, the open field at DBSTC became the venue for the Cultural Show. The Bosconians, with the help of their parents, put on their colourful “bilas” (traditional costumes) and intricate headdresses. There were 14 Cultural Groups that performed, many of whom are from the Highlands Region. A large crowd came to witness the showcase of traditional songs and dances. Aside from the Rector of DBSTC, Fr. Peter Baquero, Fr. Angel Sanchez (Principal of Don Bosco Technical School in Gabutu, Port Moresby) and Mr. Paul Moiwo (TVET Regional Inspector) also addressed the Bosconians, their parents, and all who have come to celebrate with DBSTC the 200th Birthday of Don Bosco.

Don Bosco’s spirit is very alive in PNG. His name continues to resound across the mountains of the Highlands Region and beyond!