By Aydan Parascos, MHC-Gabutu Parishioner

DBTI, East Boroko, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 20 April 2024 -- The Don Bosco Technical School Gabutu Knights of the Altar youths, alongside DBTI and other MHC parish youths in Port Moresby and Don Bosco Araimiri with MHC Herehere Parish, Gulf Province, had a: Knights and Lilies of the Altar formation. This formation dwelt on assisting the clergy during religious ceremonies, such as Mass or other liturgical events. All youths were actively engaged and participated in the formation, which was led by Fr. Albert Lenon, SDB, In Charge of Mary Help of Christians Shrine, East Boroko, and Sisters Joy and Joachinah of the Missionary Charity Sisters.

The formation was well-organized by Fr. Moisé, SDB, and Fr. Pedro Sachitula, SDB. Great assistance and coordination were provided by the Youth Ministry Coordinator, Ms. Adi Tenakanai, with the help of youth group animators, parish priests, and spiritual moderators from different Don Bosco Parishes and Schools. More than 100 youth participants from parishes, including Sabama, Gabutu, Serekone, and MHC Shrine, while schools and institutes included Don Bosco Araimiri, Gabutu, and DBTI. Ms. Adi welcomed all participants and led icebreakers to kickstart the day with energy and cheerfulness. She further challenged the participants to remember at least ten new names of different youths before the day ended.

The first session commenced promptly at the MHC Hall. Fr. Albert Lenon focused his session on:

1. The Meaning of Liturgy

2. Things Every Knight/Lily Should Know:

• The Sanctuary
• Altar Vessels
• The Vestments
• Other Articles Used at Mass

3. The Liturgical Year: Church Seasons and Colors

4. Differences Between Lectionary, Sacramentary, and Missal

5. Other Aspects: Liturgical Cycle, Calendar, Solemnity, Feast, Memorial, Optional Memorial, and Ferial Days The youth received instruction on the importance of liturgy and guidance on things every altar server should know. The atmosphere was calm and conducive to learning.

The second session was conducted by the Charity Sisters, Sr. Joy from Africa and Sr. Joachinah from Australia, both Missionary Sisters of Charity, Tokarara. The participants then had hands-on experience as the sisters invited the youths to the altar to handle the articles of the Mass while explaining their names and uses. A good number of youths participated actively, with some even going up more than once to handle the sacred vessels and call out their names.

The second session continued with a project to be completed at the MHC Hall. All youths were asked to regroup in the hall to work on their project, which aimed to portray what they had learned during the two sessions.

"Based on my personal experience, the formation proved highly interactive, allowing us to delve deeply into the significance of the liturgy and the Holy Mass," described Ryan Miwasa, a parishioner of MHC Gabutu.

As the afternoon ended, Ms. Adi gave reminders, followed by an animated dance from the Charity Sisters. The day ended with a final moment of prayer, summarizing the formation on a high note and leaving the participants with an insightful learning experience. Blessings and final remarks were given by Fr. Pedro Sachitula, followed by a group photo of all those who were present.

The participants were each given medals of Mary Immaculate, courtesy of Mr. James, an animator from DBTI, as they collected their lunch before heading home.

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