By Mr Narol Sapak and Fr. Angel Sanchez, SDB

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea -- On the 24th of May 2017, the Educative Pastoral Community of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu, gathered to celebrate the Feast of Mary Help of Christians at her Shrine in East Boroko. It was the culmination of a series of activities launched to bring to everyone’s awareness the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Christian family. Hence, the theme for the Novena and for the celebration of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians: "We are a family. Mary is the Mother and Protectress of our family." Prior to the feast, various contests were organized. There was the Bulletin Board Contest, and the Poster Making Contest.

The Eucharist was presided by Bishop Dariusz Kaluza, MSF, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Goroka in the Highlands. He also administered the Sacraments of Initiation. He baptized 13, confirmed 40, and gave First Holy Communion to 28. Among those who received the Sacraments, 2 are staff members, one is a Salesian aspirant, and the rest are students. 20 teachers stood as godparents. The Rector of DBTS, Fr. Angel Sanchez SDB was the one who prepared and gave formation to the candidates. He organized the liturgy to ensure that the celebration is solemn and prayerful. Fr. Dominic Kachira SDB, the Vice Provincial of PGS and Vice Rector of Savio Haus, Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, and Fr. Paul Kote, Director of Radio Maria PNG also concelebrated. As always, Fr. Angel composed several hymns to make the liturgy youthful, heartfelt and meaningful.

Bishop Dariusz remarked that he had a great time seeing so many young people singing and praying together. He thanked DBTS for giving him that opportunity. Commenting on the gospel passage about the First Miracle of Jesus in the Wedding at Cana, the Polish Bishop who comes from the Missionaries of the Holy Family, preached in Pidgin and helped the assembly to reflect on the motherly role of Mary.

Karl Samuel, a grade 12 student and one of those who received the Sacraments of Initiation said: "A big thank you to the school for giving us the chance to receive the Sacraments." When asked what made him decide to become a Catholic, he replied: "It was my mom who always told us to go for the Sunday Service. One day, I went home and I called her by phone, she was in another Province, and I told her that I wanted to receive the sacraments and she encouraged me." On his baptismal day, Karl was also given the name "Aloysius." He was also very grateful for have been given that name and promised to continue to pray to Saint Aloysius for guidance.

The Liturgical Celebration was followed by a Marian Singing Contest in the gym of Don Bosco Technological Institute. In his Opening Remarks, Mr. Martin Dai, the School Principal reminded the assembly of Don Bosco’s dream at 9 and Mary’s role in the realization of that dream. Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB, the Provincial Superior of PGS addressed briefly the assembly and underlined joy as an important element of the Salesian Youth Spirituality.

There were 13 classes and 6 soloists who showcased their talents in singing and creatively expressed their love for the Blessed Mother. Each class presented two songs: the common contest piece composed by Fr. Angel entitled "Ave Maris Stella" and another Marian song of their choice. In the Solo Category, the finalists interpreted the song "We Fly to Your Patronage," also composed by Fr. Angel. The judges were Mr. Jubilee Kaian and Mr. Robert Aribi (both Past Pupils) and Ms. Kirie Kombeng.

The staff also rendered a Marian Song in Pidgin. Ms. Rica Lavilla and 3 other boys sang a hymn in Latin entitled "Ave Maria." The Salesian Community (Fr. Angel, Fr. Ambrose and Fr. Sonny) serenaded the Blessed Mother with the hymn entitled "Mary is Our Queen."

The winners for the various contests were all awarded at the end of the Marian Singing Contest. For the Poster Making Contest: 1st place - Klause Orea (Grade 10 Saiz); 2nd place - Roland Wrakia (ITC 2 Electrical B); 3rd place - David Bernard (10 Calasanz). For the Bulletin Board Contest: 1st place - ITC 1 MVM B; 2nd place- Grade 12 Rua; 3rd place - Grade 12 Albera. For the Marian Singing Contest Solo Category, there was a tie for the 1st place between Patrick Aero (Grade 11 Zatti) and Emmanuel Bosing (ITC 1 Electrical A). Simplicio Quiochio (Grade 9 Comollo) came third. For the group singing, the 1st place was a tie between ITC 1 Motor Vehicle Mechanic B and Grade 12 Rinaldi. Grade 10 Saiz came third.

Fr. Angel concluded the program by asking the DBTS community to keep in mind two points. First, that Mary is our Mother. As such, no one should feel abandoned, forgotten, or orphaned. Second, that Mary is our Protectress. We are safe under her protection.

Then the DBTS family—Salesians, staff, and students, had lunch together in an atmosphere of typical Salesian joy. Everybody was truly happy.

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