By Fr Savio Angelo Sanchez SDB

Kumgi, Chimbu Province, Papua New Guinea, 21 February 2020 -- On 21 February 2020, more than 500 students and staff of Don Bosco Simbu Technical College (DBSTC) gathered at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco for the Mass of the Holy Spirit and the official opening of the School Year 2020. A group of students from the New Guinea Islands Region led the processional dance. The presider and homilist was the new rector of DBSTC, Fr Angel S. Sanchez SDB. In his homily, he dwelt on the Scripture readings of the day. He pointed out how Saint James’ teaching on “faith and good deeds” can be concretely expressed by becoming “good Christians and honest citizens,” the oft-repeated Salesian slogan (also the Strenna 2020!) which is actually more of a “program of life” handed down by Saint John Bosco himself. “It is the gospel message put into practice. It is a concrete way of being disciples of Jesus today,” he told the gathered community. He briefly reminded everybody that 2020 is the Silver Jubilee of DBSTC. He therefore exhorted each member of DBSTC community to respond anew to the call of Jesus to become His disciples. He capped off his reflection saying: “It is the Holy Spirit who will give us the strength to say ‘Yes’ to the invitation of Jesus to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and to follow Him.”

Immediately after the Holy Mass, the Principal of DBSTC, Fr. Edwin Genovia SDB formally introduced the Salesian Educators to the students. After a brief break, everyone proceeded to the Hall for the Welcome Program for the new Rector and for the new-comers. Some individuals delivered their speeches. The students took turns in performing dance numbers. The Hall was filled with joy, laughter and good cheer. To conclude, Fr. Angel was asked to address the students. The new Rector reiterated what he said previously in a Good Morning Talk. “It is my hope that you will experience true joy in DBSTC,” he said. And borrowing the words of Don Bosco, he added: “Let this joy come from a heart that is at peace with God.”

Everybody looks forward to a Spirit-filled Silver Jubilee of Don Bosco Kumgi. At present there are 3 Salesians. A practical trainee is expected to come in the middle of the year. There are 4 Sisters of Charity of Saint Anne who help in the school. These Sisters also run the Ladies’ Residence. On it’s 25th year, DBSTC is “school, home, parish, and playground” to more than 500 Bosconians. Of these, about 200 are looked after by the Salesians at the Men’s Residence. Fr Clifford Morais SDB, the Deputy for Administration is also in charge of the Men’s Residence. Fr David Buenaventura SDB (who was also a missionary in Japan) and the late Br. Ramon Dela Cruz SDB were the pioneers of Don Bosco Kumgi.

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