A Thurles born Patrician Brother recently published a book on his experiences working as a principal in a foreign land.
Brother Charles Barry, who spent twenty-six years working as a school
principal in Papua New Guinea, has presented his experiences in a new
book entitled Brother Charles Barry's Papua New Guinean Reminiscences and Recollections 1968-1994.
Brother Charles’ book reflects on his experiences on the island in
the southwestern Pacific Ocean, providing insights into a country that
is relatively unknown to westerners.
Taking vows as a Patrician Brother in 1955, Brother Charles spent the
early part of his life as a secondary school principal in Fairfield in
Australia before moving to Papua New Guinea in 1968.
His book describes
the culture and way of life for the seven million inhabitants of Papua
New Guinea.
He says that the beliefs, taboos and spirituality of Papua New
Guinean culture are quite different to those of the Irish people.
He
also says that the ghosts of World War II lingered in the country during
his time as a principal, as often, the skeletons of Japanese soldiers
could be found on the island during outings with students.
He describes on one particular occasion discovering a 7kg bomb in the soccer field of Aitape Government High School.
Brother Barry left Papua New Guinea in 1994 and is now ministering at Delany College, Granville in Australia.