Acknowledgement of Founding Brothers in PNG

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FOUNDING BROTHERS IN PNG

This acknowledgment was addressed, discussed, edited and approved by the Papua New Guinea Lasallian Family Area Co-ordinators.

At the start of every meeting, gathering or retreat, Lasallians in PNG are requested to recite this acknowledgment:

Founding Brothers (Br. Peter Keaga, the first National Brother, Br. Ignatius Kennedy, Founded the Lasallian Family, Br. John Clearly, Lasallian Formation of teachers, Br. Leo Scollen, Br. Robert McLaughlin, Br. Peter Gilfeder, Br. Ambrose Quin).

who have worked and journey with the lay partners in Papua New Guinea in embracing the Lasallian Charism and the mission of giving a Human and Christian Education to the Young People, especially the poor. Their legacy has remained on and their footsteps maintain the spiritual connection.

We thank them for sharing their spirituality in faith and zeal, and ways of living the charism in our beautiful country.

We pay respect to the De La Salle Brothers past, present and emerging.

Submit your stories, articles, reflections or reports for edition # 2 Due date: 2nd November

National Lasallian Family Office

LaSalle Technical College, Hohola P.O Box 1911 BOROKO NCD Tel/txt: +675 70304079/ 3401812 Email: lasallianfamily.png@gmail.com

STORIES FROM AROUND PNG MOMASE REGION

LASALLIANS IN MADANG

By Schola Horio

This year 2020 is a really tough year for all us especially when Covid19 found its way into our lives. Initially it held us to ransom. We have all paid the price of being in lockdown.

However, prior to that, we were able to start off the year with a commissioning Mass for teachers at the Parish level in the Madang Holy Spirit Cathedral in which Brother Thomas Yapo’s presence was a surprise and a blessing . The commissioning Mass was the first of its kind with the theme” Be Like A Good Shepherd - A Call To Holiness.”

We were also privileged to have our 1st reflection with Brother Thomas but this time as the main presenter on the 14th of March at Alexishafen. As a result new people from five (5) different primary schools and from Tusbab Secondary School attended, with unexpected majority. It was a timely gathering right before the lockdown.

May 15th was the next celebration at the Parish level. It was again a first of its kind. We only had

teachers from within our School (elementary prep up to grade 8) as part of the celebration. Bigger and wider celebrations in the near future are promised.

Our First Lasallian Leaders’ meeting after the lockdown was held on the 6th of June. The meeting enabled us to discuss and draw a program for 2020 Area Gatherings. Our first Area Gathering will be on the 27th of July at Holy Spirit Primary School.

Covid-19 as the biggest challenge ever for the Education System so far this century. When the State of Emergency (SOE) rules were imposed on us, we had no choice but comply . We had to bring back education into the classrooms. At the time I recalled De LaSalle’s time in the 17th Century in France. How did he respond to the educational needs of the poor boys ? I felt his spirit in me. I was surprised to find myself full of life and enthusiasm to do more. Inevitably, English, Maths and Science were priorities. However, teaching of Religion was no exception.

As the maxim goes, “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and everything will fall in line”. Religion in our school is now regarded as the breath of life. The maxim finally found its comfortable place in the heart of most students as a new normal. Thus, Covid-19, changed the hearts and minds of those who are considerate.

And finally, in a special way, we would like to remember and pay a final tribute to one of our member, late Elisabeth (Ellie) Wambare (Mrs) who experienced her rebirth into new life on the 17th of May 2020. Her last participation with us was the Tercentenary Celebrations in 2019. May her soul rest in peace.

Live Jesus in our hearts...Forever!

Schola Hori - Area Co-ordinator,Madang.

STORIES FROM AROUND PNG MOMASE REGION

ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LASALLE FEAST DAY AND THE UNIVERSAL CATHOLIC TEACHERS DAY

By Nelson Moskir

About half of the St. Anna Primary School Teachers are the members of the Lasallian Family. The State of Emergency’s strict rules of Social Gathering and Distancing couldn’t ever break the bond of the Lasallian family union we have. We broke all SOE rules just to make May 15 feast day wonderful and meaningful for us all.

Invitations were given to special people who shared with us much inspired experiences of being a real catholic teacher. The Aitape Catholic Education Secretary – Mr. H. Kairo, the School Inspector – Mr. J. Wulwarau and the Education Manager – Mr. Job Tomur. These people knew exactly the trend of teachers these days and clearly pointed out to us two types of teachers; -“fortnight and classroom teachers”. Our three most senior staff of the school gave the highlights of the day. They shared with us, heartfelt moments and experiences of being teachers during the first years after the country’s independence.

We had a para-liturgy , followed by speeches, and teachers shared their career’s experiences. The program ended with a meal. It was great.

Eucharistic celebrations on May 15th in Madang

Lasallian at St. Anna Primary School, Aitape