By Fr. Savio Angelo Sanchez, SDB

Kumgi, Papua New Guinea, May 2020 -- From a group of about 20 devotees of Mary Mary, the ADMA (Association Devoted to Mary Help of Christians) in Kumgi is now slowly taking shape. Sr Alice George, SCSA acts as the spiritual adviser of the group with the guidance of the Salesians. The month of May was an opportune time for the members of the association to grow in their love and devotion to Mama Mary. Various activities were organised either in their homes or at Don Bosco Simbu Technical College.

From the 1st of May, there has been the family rosary in the homes. The statue of Mama Mary was also brought from one home to another. Sr Alice animated the bible sharing in the families.

From the 28th to the 30th, a retreat was organised and it was held in the evening at Don Bosco Simbu Technical College. On the 28th, Fr Edwin Genovia, the Principal of DBSTC, facilitated a session on Responsible Parenthood. There were more than 40 who participated including youth and small children. On the 29th, the ADMA joined the student-residents of DBSTC in adoration and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco. Meanwhile, they also had the chance to avail of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Sr Alice George conducted a session on the Importance of Family Prayer, Mother’s Responsibilities, and Training of Children. On the 30th, there was “bung kaikai” or shared dinner among the families. Fr Angel Sanchez, the Rector of DBSTC, gave a talk on the History, Identity and Objectives of the ADMA. He emphasised the Eucharistic and Marian spirituality of the association and encouraged them to help further the Salesian mission. He concluded the session with a reflection on the gospel reading from John Chapter 2—the First Miracle of Jesus in the Wedding at Cana—which is the actually the gospel for the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. At the end of the session, Fr Angel distributed stampitas (prayer cards) of Mary Help of Christians as well as rosaries.

Many of the adult members (parents and grandparents) of the association do not know English. Hence, those who facilitated the sessions tried their best to communicate using Tok Pisin. Every Saturday, ADMA members come in the morning to help in the cleaning at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco to prepare it for the Sunday Mass. While the ADMA in Kumgi is awaiting its official recognition from the ADMA Primaria in Turin, it is hoped that many more from the Highlands of PNG will be attracted to join this association.

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