Memories of a Great Lasallian –
Br Ignatius Kennedy fsc By Kevin Buckley, PNG Colleague, Teacher, Volunteer I first met Br Ignatius some 30 years ago when he was Principal at De La Salle High School in Bomana. My first impression was of a reserved, yet welcoming person. It was well known around the school that he toiled long hours in the Principal’s office, so much so that the story spread among the students that he worked all night, without sleep. A few years later, I had the good fortune to be appointed to a school in the Highlands. Being a newcomer to the country, it was an exciting time for me, as I discovered the fascinating and rich culture of the people and the spectacular scenery of the ‘Land of the Unexpected’. Meanwhile, Br Ignatius completed his service at De La Salle Bomana and, when he was already in his 60’s, accepted to continue his ministry of education at Holy Trinity Teachers’ College (HTTC) in Mt Hagen. In addition, he oversaw the formation of the young Brothers. Little would he have known that Hagen was to be his home for the next 20 years. From time-to-time supplies were needed in the high school where I was teaching, so trips to Hagen in the school truck gave us a chance to see more of the beautiful Highlands’ towering mountains and lush valleys.
These excursions included a visit to the HTTC Brothers community where Ignatius was a welcoming host. Many happy years followed before I was asked to join the staff at the Teachers’ College. (I was also privileged to be part of the Brothers’ community). It was here that I really came to know Ignatius. I suspect that these years of ministry in Hagen were the happiest of his life. There is much I could share about ‘Br Iggy’ as he came to be known, but I will just make mention of a few events in which his total commitment and dedication to be Lasallian shone through. After busy days of teaching, and supervising students in the nearby primary schools for practice teaching, as well as boarding duties, most of us College lecturers took time after dinner for some rest, and time preparing for the following day. Br Iggy, however, based himself in the Religious Education office for several hours to be available for student interviews and counselling. This assisted the new First Years in their transition to tertiary studies, and helped Ignatius to know his students well. Such was his kindness, generosity and wisdom, that many students who had graduated and were out teaching in the field kept in regular contact with him. Living in the same house as Ignatius I can recall many a night when I was awoken by the phone. MAMBU MAGAZINE
ISSUE 1 2021
10
