Celebrating the Feast of Mary Help of Christians at DBTS, Gabutu

By Mr. Enoch Jebeth and Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB

        Gabutu, Port Moresby, PNG, 28 May 2023 -- On 26 May 2023, Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu (DBTS) celebrated the Feast of Mary Help of Christians with the theme Mary Our Mother: Small Acts, Big Impact. The theme emphasized the idea that yeast, a small ingredient, has a big impact on bread. So too, small acts of love, kindness and service can make a big difference in the world.

       The main celebrant at the Solemn Eucharist was Fr Gregorio Bicomong, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. Alongside him was the Rector of DBTS, Fr. Pedro Sachitula, SDB and the spiritual moderator Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB. All the Salesians, Salesian Educators, support staff, and the students were present in the Kurongku hall and participated in the celebrations with love and devotion to honour Our Blessed Mother Mary. Fr Angelo Fazzini SDB celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation, thus preparing the students for the Eucharist.

       The celebration began with the entrance procession led by the Grade 11 students. Dressed in traditional Manus attire they danced to the rhythmic beat of the Garamut and led the celebrants to the altar. The songs sung during the mass were led by the music club under the direction of Mr Vincent Numbos. The student body sang in harmony and created a wonderful atmosphere of reflection and meditation on Our Blessed Mother Mary. The beautiful decoration and colorful lighting put a smile on the faces of all who were present.

       In his homily, Fr, Greg reminded the congregation about the importance of devotion and of creating a close relationship with Mary. He gave examples of the early Christians who witnessed miracles when they prayed and asked Mother Mary to help and protect them. He concluded his very animated and lively sermon reminding all of Don Bosco’s dream of the two columns that highlighted devotion to Mary and the Eucharist.

       “As a Bosconian family, we were encouraged to be devoted to the Blessed mother despite our different denominations. Fr Greg challenged us to see the importance of a mother in the family. Every child is born of a woman, so with Mary the mother Jesus and Our mother, and we come close to Jesus”, said Justin G. Mautu, DBTI Trainee Teacher as he recalled the homily.

       At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Fr Pedro announced that it was the birthday of Br. Philip Hwang SDB, and the entire school sang, with much energy, and wished Br. Philip, a happy birthday.

       The second part of the program was a short, but beautiful entertainment program. The five items from the different year levels were creative dances and songs. All the items were enjoyable and inspiring. The well-choreographed Salve Regina drew the loudest applause.

       Hot dogs with flavoured assorted drinks were served to the students. Party games animated by Mr George and Ms Adi kept the school in splits of fun and laughter. The day concluded with a delicious cone of ice-cream.

       The staff then gathered around Br Philip to celebrate his birthday, with pizza and cake. It was a beautiful day with lots of laughter and celebration but most importantly all were reminded about the role Mother Mary played in the life of Don Bosco. ‘If you want to see good things happening in your life, have devotion to Mary’ was the take home message.

       All are encouraged to follow the example of Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco, by performing small acts of love and service in their daily lives. This will have a ripple effect in the families, communities and in the world”, said Fr Pedro.

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