24 participants, members of the Salesian Family gathered for their Spiritual Retreat from 22nd to the 28th June 2025 at the Emmaus Conference Centre, Boroko. They included Salesians (16), Salesian Sisters (6) and Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (2). ‘Missio Dei’, was the theme of the retreat, aptly chosen as we celebrate 150 years of missionary life at the level of the congregation, our Jubilee year of Hope, 45 years of our presence in Araimiri and 40 years at Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu. The retreat was preached by Fr Mathew Job SDB, a missionary in Africa.
Fr Mathew, who travelled over 1000 kilometres from Kenya, Africa, guided the participants through these sacred days, infusing in each one a spirit of prayer, reflection and renewal. “It is God’s work”, emphasised the preacher as culled from Old Testament figures of Abraham, Moses, David and New Testament persons of Christ, John the Baptist, Peter, etc.
“We were reminded that the mission begins not with action, but with encounter. It is God who seeks us first. As he asked the disciples on the road to Emmaus, I felt the Lord asking me personally, “Do you recognize me when I walk beside you?” and “What is it that you seek?” These questions pierced my heart” said Br Krešo.
“Gleaning from a variety of spiritual writers, mystics, scriptural scholars, writings of the church fathers, films, down to earth community experiences the preacher challenged us to listen to ground realities and be “re-educated” and “re-evangelized. He highlighted the need for personal and community renewal,” said Sr. Alice S. Fulgencio, FMA.
“Sometimes, as a missionary, we are tempted to think that we are the centre of the mission. We are coworkers of God. God is the centre of the mission, the church and the person are instruments” said Br. Mino Nomenjanahary Francois.
“I treasure my community life. Before I can help others to change, I must change myself first. I cannot expect the people in the mission to be united and in harmony if the members of my community are still divided. To have unity in the community and fruitfulness in the mission, each member in the community must turn over the ME into the WE”, reflected Fr Joseph Thanh SDB.
“We need to stop, clarify, renew and FLOW again with Him, through Him and in Him as witnesses and signs of His compassion, mercy and love”, said Fr Sonny Fajardo SDB.
When I communicate with my biological family, they often ask, "Are you okay?" Some confreres inquire about my situation here. They have mentioned challenges at our school, Vunabosco, and suggested that if conditions aren’t favourable, I should return to Timor Leste. However, I respond that my commitment remains here in Papua New Guinea. I will continue to be steadfast and move forward. All these situations serve as a bridge, guiding me closer to God”, reflected Br Armando da Cruz, SDB.
The last session concluded with a reflection on Mary summarized beautifully in the words of Sr Carmina Rhea Pajarillo, FMA –
May Mary, my mother, be a constant guide and companion
Imitating her Yes in treading the path of salvation
Leading me in the mission to reach into fruition
Looking forward to heaven as my final destination.
Gratitude to all who have made this retreat possible. We assure each other of a prayerful rememberance.
