From 1997 to 2022 – A zealous celebration

In 1994, after reading about Lasallian families in other countries, Br Ignatius Kennedy "Br Iggy" decided to form a Lasallian family in Papua New Guinea to respond to the needs of the marginalised, neglected and poor students in town and remote areas of PNG. Br Iggy invited the graduating students of 1996 from Holy Trinity Teachers College to join - this was the beginning of the Lasallian family and the ideals of Lasallian Teaching Ministry.

The Lasallian Family in Papua New Guinea celebrated its 25th Anniversary in late December 2022 with 200 adults, 65 Young Lasallians and 40 children in attendance. The theme of the occasion was 'Forging New Horizons with Zeal". The zealous celebration occurred at Holy Trinity Teachers' College, Mt Hagen – the Lasallian family's birthplace.

The celebration started with an Opening Mass by Archbishop Douglas Young, SVD and finished with a Closing Mass by Fr. Michael Akel, the Chaplain of the Mt Hagen Teachers College. Presenters included the pioneers and Lasallian Leaders like Brothers Patrick Lynch, Thomas Yapo, Rick Gaffney and Rory Higgins. Br Francis Toliman, Sr Lorraine and Br Paul, Religious clergy from other Congregations, were also in attendance, indicating a zealous spirituality.

The 305 participants expressed gratitude to Brothers Ignatius Kennedy, Leo Scollen and Ambrose Payne, the Pioneers Maureen Waeda, Terence Subam, Joan Eoe and Desma Kombe and many other zealous hearts like Grace Wrakia who have helped the PNG Lasallian family thrive. These people worked together and by association, laid the foundation for the family, and kept on sharing spirituality with zeal.

Br Timothy Peter, Br Visitor, provided an inspirational video message which was shown to all in attendance:

"Today, the Lasallian Family continues to expand with 500 members and many Papua New Guineas indicating their interest in joining. Without you and your commitment, St John Baptist de La Salle's Mission and Br Iggy's vision would not be alive in Papua New Guinea today.

Thank you for your commitment to the Mission of "together and by association". Thank you for responding to the needs of the marginalised, neglected and poor.

The development of the Lasallian family has been a journey – an ongoing pilgrimage, continually growing, developing, and consistently promoting "together and by association".

The important thing Iggy states is that it's not about looks and labels but about people always going beyond the comfortable and the known and responding to a variety of needs.

Iggy was humble; he was impressed by the Brothers as teachers and saw it as God's life for him. Br Iggy was firm, caring, inspiring, dedicated, generous, diligent, encouraging, and a man of prayer. He compared the Lasallian Family to bamboo; it has taken years to spread its roots and now it continues to grow as a strong, resourceful plant.

To end, I quote Br Iggy, "So, my dear friends, stand firm and keep steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless.

Congratulations on your silver Jubilee – 25 great years."