Bernadette Ove, afsc: Mother, Teacher, Role Model, Inspirational Leader.

With heavy hearts, we recently said goodbye to a truly inspirational and beloved person – Mrs Bernadette Ove.  A mother figure to so many in the Lasallian Family of Papua New Guinea, her commitment unwavering, her zeal continual, and her enthusiasm all-pervasive.  Her passing leaves many sad, but also inspired by a life of generous giving and dedication.

In 2000, Br Denis Loft, who had been tasked with the establishment of Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, approached Bernadette with a proposal to become its initial Principal.  At the time she was in the final stages of implementing Years 11 and 12 at Goroka Secondary School, at that time one of the largest schools in PNG.  She completed her task at Goroka, then came to the fledgling School at Hohola.  Under her guidance, the school established an immediate reputation for quality education, sound social justice programmes, and student-centred initiatives.  Jubilee quickly became a beacon for Catholic education in PNG and a vibrant hub of Lasallian Spirituality. As Principal, Bernadette was hands-on, and demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to “her” students, their families, and “her” staff.

Retiring after 20 years as Principal of Jubilee, and having devoted 42 years to educating boys and girls in many areas of Papua New Guinea, she continued her involvement in an organisation designed to help women educators all over the country, the Lasallian Women of Hope.

Her work in helping prevent violence against women and the wider community, chiefly with the National Churches Strategic Plan of 2018 to address Sorcery Accused Related Violence (or SARV), was vital. She remarked that “stamping out issues to do with violence and SARV” was imperative, particular with younger children. Bernadette’s commitment to this cause, particularly through education will have immeasurable benefits for generations to come.

When we talk about the Lasallian ethos and the embodiment of the teachings of St John Baptist de La Salle, it’s hard to think of a more appropriate example and advocate than Bernadette. She gave so much to all those she encountered in her passion for education.

She was proudly an Affiliated Member of the Institute of the De La Salle Brothers (Papua New Guinea) and was revered for her ability to drive an agenda of collaboration between the various other Lasallian Institutions, both in Port Moresby, and throughout Papua New Guinea. By consistently encouraging and supporting school-based programs for students with a Lasallian dimension, Bernadette kept the Lasallian Spirit alive in the hearts and minds of young people she interacted with, represented, or supported. She was never too busy for her students, her staff, or their families.

Becoming an Affiliated Member of the Institute of the De La Salle Brothers (Papua New Guinea) is a rare honour accorded to those people who support the vision and mission of the Institute to an extraordinary degree,  and live their lives according to that Lasallian spirituality.  The Brother Superior and General Council consider the recommendation of a District Council, and the conferring of affiliate status is a formal recognition of this commitment through the testimony of witnesses and supporting documentation  It is the highest honour the Brothers can confer on those they regard as truly living the teachings of John Baptist de La Salle.

It is a title not easily attained, and there have been few more deserving of it than Bernadette.

She will be greatly missed by the whole Lasallian family, but her impact on education and the community of Papua New Guinea will be felt for many generations to come.

May she rest in peace.