Letter of Br. Thomas Yapo PNG Sector Coordinator De La Salle Brothers Dear Lasallians, Welcome to this edition of our Lasallian Mambu Magazine. This year is very special for us in PNG in our Lasallian story. I do hope that you enjoy and be inspired with the stories and experiences shared in these pages. The iconic world leader Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. The Lasallian Mission is about changing people, so that they can make a positive impact in their lives, in their communities and in the world. The Lasallian mission in has contributed greatly to the change and progress of Papua New Guinea. This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the first arrival of the De La Salle Brothers from Australia in PNG. When we include our earlier connection with the German Brothers from 1914, this year would mark over a century - 107 years. That’s how long the Lasallian Spirituality has been present in PNG. Brothers Patrick Howard (Director), Anthony Broderick, Lucian Thorpe and Celsus Maguire arrived at Bomana at the request of Bishop de Boismenu through Br Benignus who was the Visitor at the time. These four courageous, generous and adventurous men were the first missionaries of the then Australian District.
The four pioneer Brothers arrived with the seed of hope which they planted and has grown with firm roots in this beautiful “Land of the Unexpected” over 75 years. The seed of Lasallian Christian education is still growing, alive and vibrant, because there are manyvisionary people like those first four Brothers who willingly continue to nurture it. Lasallian and Christian education has contributed widely to the development of this country. Since its embryonic stages in 1946 until today, the Lasallian Mission continues to grow far and wide. Thousands have graduated from our Lasallian schools and colleges, and are contributing profitably to the growth of this country. Lasallian teachers will stand proud and continue to produce some of the finest, who will take this country into the future, making it a better place for all. As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Lasallian Mission in PNG, I sincerely thank many Brothers who, since the beginning, have come to serve in PNG selflessly. Many of them are gone before us while others are still around, who continue to share their transformative stories. Your individual and collective contributions have touched many hearts, transformed countless number of lives, and brought a spark of hope for the future in PNG. You made a difference in the development and growth of PNG, and those who were entrusted to your care will remember you for eternity. On your shoulders, and from those firm foundations, the Lasallian Mission in PNG will continue to grow. I thank the staff and students of our schools in Australia, New Zealand and other schools and institutions around the Institute for contributing significantly towards projects in PNG, previously through the Mission Fund and later through the Lasallian Foundation. PNG continues to benefit significantly from the initiatives through the Lasallian Foundation.
MAMBU MAGAZINE
ISSUE 1 2021
4
