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ALA_5446

Rapolo, Kokopo, New Britain, Papua New Guinea, 17 August 2020 -- The young parish of Mary Help of Christians Rapolo in PGS celebrates its first anniversary today on this occasion of the birth of our Father and Founder. A special day in its kind to our flock in which the following communities forming the parish community gathered: Don Bosco School, Palnakaur, Ramale, Tobera, Malagunan, Nordup, Bitagalip Livuan and Assing. Not only did we celebrate the first anniversary of the Parish after it was instituted last year by Archbishop Panfilo, we:

Celebrated the 205th birthday of Don Bosco. Though the parishioners are still new to the spirit of Don Bosco, yet the celebration was vibrant like if St. John Bosco was alive in the hearts of people.
Gratefully celebrated our Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB, who is retiring from the diocese of Rabaul. People expressed their thanks through simple token of appreciation and openness of heart.
Celebrated the sacraments of Confirmation of 121 young boys and girls, 6 adult Baptism and 11 first Holy Communion.
Celebrated our Salesian Cooperators who renewed their promises and one today made her first promise.

The day had three parts: the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, a moment of fellowship with kaikai and entertainment. In his homily during the celebration of the holy Eucharist, Archbishop Panfilo reminded the community of the great gifts we receive every day and yet we are not aware of them; such as life, the sacraments, friendship, and faith. In highlighting the life of St John Bosco, he reminded the Christians that as this saint struggled during his life yet he never gave up to any challenges, so should we everyday looking at God and ask him what he want from us. Archbishop Panfilo mentioned to the parishioners that he is celebrating his 56 anniversary of Salesian life. He challenged the young people present in the Mass to always ask the Lord “what do you want from me?” as they journey in their life. Additionally, in his last speech he brought forward his heartfelt attachment to the people of Rabaul, as he was the one 30 years ago who brought the Salesians to East New Britain.

The parish priest and rector, Fr Moise Paluku, SDB, thanked the Archbishop for his availability to the people in the diocese, especially for the gift of the Parish Mary Help of Christians he has offered to the people of the Kokopo district. He also thanked the FMA sisters who are very supportive in the common mission to the young, the Salesian Cooperators, the former parish Priest Fr Paul Kote and the formators in Rapolo Seminary helping with Sunday Masses, the Parish Pastoral Council and catechist for making the miracle happen in the life of the people. There were two other speeches of gratitude to Archishop Panfilo, from Mr Michael Ilam of Palnakaur and Mrs Julian from Bitagalip on behalf of the women.

With a spirit of gratitude and joy, the people gathered in their communities for lunch while the young who received the sacraments and the invited guests shared a sumptuous meal in the school covered-court. All the parishioners went home after a very long and spontaneous entertainment in the school multipurpose hall.