Grace Wrakia Concludes Remarkable Tenure as National Coordinator of the PNG Lasallian Family

After serving with distinction as the Papua New Guinea Lasallian Family Coordinator since 2018, Grace Wrakia is set to conclude her transformative tenure at the end of this year. As the first layperson to hold this pivotal role, Grace's leadership has left an indelible mark on the Lasallian community in Papua New Guinea, the District and beyond.

Throughout her service, Grace demonstrated exceptional vision and dedication in strengthening the Lasallian mission. Appointed in 2018, she broke new ground by skilfully balancing tradition with innovation, bringing fresh perspectives to the role while maintaining deep respect for Lasallian values. Grace's leadership was ingrained in her long experience as a Lasallian leader in Simbu and later in Eastern Highlands, as well as 16 years as a Lasallian teacher.

Throughout her term, Grace played a pivotal role in overseeing several significant gatherings that shaped the Lasallian mission in PNG. In 2019, she contributed to the 300th Anniversary (Tercentenary) Celebration of the founding of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers). In 2021, she helped coordinate the 75th Anniversary of the De La Salle Brothers in PNG, along with the inaugural PNG Women’s Symposium, which empowered women within the Lasallian community. 2022 marked the 25th Anniversary of the PNG Lasallian Family, a milestone that highlighted the growth of the Lasallian community in the country. Grace's leadership further extended to the 6th National Lasallian Youth Congress in Madang in 2023, which brought together young Lasallians for formation and fellowship, and the First Lasallian Education Symposium in PNG earlier this year, which gathered educators to discuss the future of Lasallian education. These events reflect Grace’s deep commitment to fostering unity, formation, and growth within the Lasallian family in PNG.

In 2023, Grace’s leadership was further recognised when she was appointed Chair of the PNG Sector Mission Council (SMC). The mandate of the SMC is to develop and implement a Sector Plan that aligns with the District Plan and guides the Lasallian mission in the region. Under Grace's leadership, the Council has taken on a critical role in providing direction for the Lasallian mission, including developing action plans, promoting Lasallian formation programmes, and strengthening youth ministry initiatives.

Grace's appointment to this important role added another layer to her already extensive contributions to the Lasallian mission in Papua New Guinea. In addition to overseeing the strategic direction of the Lasallian Family, she continues to liaise with international Lasallian groups and strengthen networks across the District, Region, and Institute. Her leadership in the SMC, like her tenure as PNG Lasallian Family Coordinator, underscores her vision and dedication to fostering a vibrant and sustainable Lasallian community in Papua New Guinea.

“Grace’s contribution to building a culture of Association, which focused on the human and Christian education of young people, is a testimony to Grace’s commitment to community, identity, formation and spirituality.  Grace’s strong faith and trust in God enabled Grace to be steadfast in her quest for justice and peace in her role as National Coordinator, Lasallian Family, PNG” (Julie Alibrandi, Director of Operations, Lasallian Mission Services).

Under her stewardship, the PNG Lasallian Family experienced remarkable growth and development. Among her most significant accomplishments was the creation of a comprehensive Formation Plan for educators, which has become a cornerstone for professional development within the Lasallian community. This innovative programme has supported both existing educators and those considering joining the Lasallian family, offering vital Christian professional development opportunities.

One of her most notable achievements was the development of the Guiding Policy Handbook, created through a collaborative, member-driven process. This crucial document has provided clear structure and direction for the organisation, detailing its mission, vision, membership requirements, and operational procedures.

Her work took her far beyond administrative tasks. From navigating the rugged Highlands Highway to journeying by outrigger canoe along the Sepik River, Grace ensured that the remote Lasallian communities throughout Papua New Guinea were never overlooked. Her commitment to teacher formation also led to the creation of essential resources such as the Facilitator’s Handbook, Lasallian Marian Devotion materials, and Cultural Heritage Integration programmes—all tools aimed at enriching the Lasallian educational experience.

Perhaps one of Grace’s most lasting contributions was her work in establishing sustainable systems for the organisation’s future. She developed a robust database of 497 members, implemented transparent financial reporting systems, and renewed critical Memoranda of   Understanding with key educational institutions.

Her vision extended beyond immediate needs with the creation of the PNG Lasallian Women of Hope initiative. This programme addressed the practical needs of female students while empowering women within the Lasallian community, exemplifying her ability to combine direct support with strategic development.

In reflecting on Grace's leadership in establishing the Lasallian Women of Hope (LWH) chapter in PNG, Maryann Donohue-Lynch, Co-Founder of LWH, shared: "When the mission of Lasallian Women of Hope was presented at the Lasallian Women's Symposium, held in New Zealand in 2017, it was received with great enthusiasm by the PNG delegation in attendance. After the Symposium, in large measure, due to Grace's leadership, a chapter of Lasallian Women of Hope was established in PNG. Over the years, Grace successfully applied to LWH for grants to fund numerous projects aimed at enhancing the education of girls by addressing obstacles that might impede full access to their Lasallian education. By establishing LWH in PNG, Grace and the women of LWH-PNG gave us a vision that the mission of LWH could be a global mission for the Lasallian family and go beyond the borders of Nakuru, Kenya where it had been founded.

Lasallian Women of Hope will forever be grateful for the vision and dedicated support that Grace provided in expanding our mission, which has now operated in 10 countries and was recently chosen to be a part of the 1 La Salle Campaign. With heartfelt gratitude for your service to the Lasallian Family, we promise to hold you in prayer as you follow God's call to your next mission in His vineyard. Finally, in the words of the late Brother Charles Kitson, FSC, 'You are forever Lasallian.'"

In her resignation letter, Grace expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Lasallian community, reflecting on the deep personal and professional growth she experienced: "It has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life to serve in this position over the past 7 years. I have learnt so much from the De La Salle Brothers and partners in PNG, in the District, and the Institute. I hope my contribution to this great Mission has encouraged vitality rather than caused regression. I remain in debt and grateful, and will support the De La Salle Brothers in whatever ways I can. Thank you for the guidance, support, trust, and partnership."

Grace's excellence in leadership was recognised internationally when Pope Francis selected her as one of just ten people worldwide to participate in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This prestigious appointment underscored her personal achievements and the growing influence of PNG's Lasallian community on the global stage.

As Grace Wrakia prepares to conclude her tenure, she leaves behind a stronger, more organised, and more inclusive Lasallian Family in Papua New Guinea. Her leadership has embodied the Lasallian principles of faith, service, and community while establishing sustainable systems that will benefit future generations.

As De La Salle Brother Antony Pancras (Swamy) appropriately put it, “True leadership is not measured by titles or years but by the unwavering commitment and hard work that inspires a community. As we bid farewell to our dedicated Lasallian Family Coordinator, we celebrate the years of service and the legacy of passion and perseverance you have instilled in us all. Thank you for being the guiding light in our journey together.”

Her legacy will endure through the structures she has built, the leaders she has mentored, and the countless lives she has touched through her devoted service. As she often remarked, "Great things are possible!" — a motto she has undoubtedly brought to life throughout her remarkable tenure as PNG Lasallian Family Coordinator.

The Lasallian community extends its deepest gratitude to Grace for her outstanding service and wishes her continued success in her future endeavours.

Source: Kate Mason, District Communications Manager