Papua New Guinea – Joint Formation for Lay Missionary Educators
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – January 2024 – The Don Bosco Education System (DBES) institutions in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands have proposed to introduce a common Salesian formation for lay missionary educators in the Port Moresby area, before the start of the 2024 academic year. This proposal was made by Sister Mazzarello Choi, Caritas Sisters of Jesus (SCG), during the recent DBES meeting held at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Simbu at the end of last year. In response to this appeal, the first "Common Salesian Formation" was organised on 24 and 25 January, made possible thanks to the commitment of Fr Ariel Macatangay, SDB, who led the event. Almost 120 people took part, coming from different Salesian schools. The topics presented revolved around the fundamental principles of the Don Bosco Preventive System. Among the many contributions, worthy of mention is the one by Fr Gregorio Bicomong, Superior of the Salesian vice-Province of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (PGS), who explored the context of the Preventive System and its relationship with Don Bosco's vocational dreams.