"You did not choose Me, but I chose you." (Jn. 15:16)

Article: Arlene Abital and Lucy Napitalai
Photographs: Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Port Moresby, August 15, 2023 – “You did not choose Me, but I chose You” (Jn. 15:16) was the theme of the joyous celebration for the ordination of the two (2) Papua New Guinean Salesian Deacons namely Rev. Bernard Kaiau, SDB and Rev. Sylvester Kuli, SDB on the 15th of August, 2023, during the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) campus, Port Moresby.

Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, Archbishop Emeritus of Rabaul, presided at the solemn ordination together with Bishop Peter Baquero, Bishop of Kerema and thirty-four (34) concelebrating priests from various congregations in Papua New Guinea and overseas. The two candidates were joined by their parents and presented to the Lord for Ordination.

The blissful occasion was attended and witnessed by hundreds of people at the Shrine comprising the religious brothers and sisters, members of the Salesian family, students and relatives and friends of the two deacons.

The DBTI students, assisted by staff from Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, animated the liturgical music. Cultural dances during the Mass were by the students and the past pupils of Vunabosco. The aspirants of Savio Haus Bomana served at the altar.

In his homily, the Archbishop invited the ones to be ordained, Dn Bernard and Dn Sylvester to imitate Our Lady by responding to their God-given vocation without reservation. The Archbishop thanked the families of the two for giving them as gifts to the Universal Church and to the Salesian Congregation, quoting Don Bosco’s words he said that, “the greatest gift God can give to a family is a son priest.”

He Highlighted the pastoral care of the people and said that it is the primary responsibility and duty of the priest. To achieve this, they are to have a close bond and intimacy with God through prayer and reflection before the Lord in the Tabernacle.

Quoting St. John Paul II, the prelate challenged the two “to start afresh from Christ” by bringing the gift of their priesthood to young people as they strive to be fishers of men, men of prayer and men who are holy. He encouraged them to start from Christ and be poor, chaste, and obedient. They need to grow in faith and face temptations through prayer, fasting and sacrifice. “Jesus calls you to be a humble servant”, he emphasized.

Towards the end of the Holy Mass, Fr. Bernard and Fr. Sylvester expressed their heartfelt gratitude to their families, relatives, benefactors and to the Salesian congregation. The relatives also made symbolic offerings to the Salesians of Don Bosco. Their gifts were received by Fr. Gregorio Bicomong SDB, Provincial Superior of the PGS Vice-province.

After photographs were taken, the faithful lined up to kiss the newly ordained priests’ hands and asked for blessings. Guests then proceeded to the Emmaus Conference Center for a hearty meal.

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