Arrival in PNG
“I saw a group of so many islands whose inhabitants were of different characteristics and features. A multitude of boys who dwelt there tried to come toward us but were stopped by the distance of the water that separated the islands.
They stretched their hands towards me and called the Salesians crying: "Come to help! Why do you not complete the work which your forefathers have begun?"
Many stopped, others had to battle against ferocious animals to reach me and the Salesians (whom I did not know), and they started singing majestically: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Not very far, innumerable islands could be seen, but I could not really understand. I could only conclude that Divine Providence was giving a portion to be evangelized by the Salesians, but only in the future. Their efforts will yield fruits because the hand of the Lord will always be with them if they will not forget his favors".
The ARRIVAL: The DREAM became a REALITY
The history of the Salesian Congregation in Papua New Guinea began in 1979 when the Salesians were invited by the late Archbishop Virgil Copas MSC, bishop of Kerema, through Cardinal Cordero di Montezemolo who was the Apostolic Nuntio to PNG, to establish a technical school in Araimiri, a mission left vacant by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.
The Salesian Superiors accepted the request and entrusted the PNG Missions to the Philippine Province.
Fr. Jose Carbonell, Philippine Provincial at that time, sent Fr. Valeriano Barbero, head of the group, Fr. Rolando Fernandez, and Bro. Joseph Kramar to start the Salesian work in PNG. This first group of pioneers arrived on the 14th of June 1980.
Dates to Remember
1980 |
Arrival of the first Salesians to the PNG Shores ( 14th of June ) |
1994 |
Establishment of the PNG Delegation |
2005 |
* Solomon Islands joins the PNG Delegation |