(ANS – Port Moresby) – Newly elected PNG Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill, graciously accepted the invitation of Fr. Valeriano Barbero, dined with the Salesians of the Delegation House Community and met salesian students of Don Bosco Technical Institute, last night, 11 August 2011.

Fr. Barbero, who is soon to begin his new ministry as administrator of the Archdiocese of Rabaul, had met the prime minister earlier in the week at a farewell party hosted by a mutual friend, Mr. Theo George Constantinou of the Hebou Group of Companies. Mr. Constantinou, together with Mr. Mitch Lutchini (Hebou Construction Ltd) and his wife, Imana, joined the Salesian community celebration which was also participated in by Fr. Eduardo Revilla and Fr. Dominic Kachira, rectors of the Savio Haus and Don Bosco Gabutu, respectively.

It was a homely affair where everyone pitched in and the atmosphere was relaxed and easy. The prime minister was entertained by the stories of Fr. Eduardo Revilla, who regaled him with anecdotes from his early days as a missionary in the Philippines –almost 50 years ago – to his idyllic years in Vunabosco in the ‘90s prior to the volcanic eruption up to the present.

The guests thanked the Prime Minister for his initial actions of his administration and assured him that the people were filled with new hope. After some souvenir photo shots, the Mr. O’Neill assured the Salesians of his full support.

Fr. John Cabrido, the community rector, then requested the prime minister if he could spare some minutes to greet DBTI’s 130 male and 50 female boarders to which he unhesitatingly agreed. He was greeted by the young people as they would a rock-star. They jostled for front places to listen to his brief, fatherly “good night talk” as he outlined his vision for the country and encouraged them in their responsibility of studies. The Salesians, FMA Sisters and students saw him off with three “Yes claps”, cheers and promises of prayers.

Published 12/8/2001