Port Moresby, PNG, 24 May 2017 -- The parish of Mary Help of Christians, Sabama had a nice celebration on 21st May, 2017. It was held in the community playing field of Pari, a mass centre of the parish. Nearly 700 parishioners from Sero, Gabutu, Sabama and Pari gathered for the celebrations. Fr Alfred Maravilla SDB, Provincial of the PGS vice-provincial was the celebrant at the Eucharist that commenced at 9am. He was joined by Fr. Sonny Fajardo SDB, parish priest and Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, CBC Secretary for Communications and Youth.
In his homily, Fr Alfred encouraged the congregation to turn to Mary, the Help of Christians and imitate her as she reached out to help others. “Avoid only receiving, but be the one to reach out and give willingly”, he told the congregation.
Preparations for the celebration began several weeks ago, which bore fruit in this poor suburb of Port Moresby. The day began at 6.30am with rosary and Our Blessed Mother being carried in procession from the main road. The Mothers Group, dressed in Roro traditional attire led the entrance procession. It culminated in the crowning of Our Blessed Mother, by youth leader Grita Sariman. Thankfully, the sky was overcast right through the celebration.
A highlight was when the 32 candidates were sealed with the Holy Spirit as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Among them were 3 adults, proud to be confirmed as Catholics.
St Anthony’s choir together with the Sero choir sang beautifully at the liturgy. Anna Dobini coordinated the Gabutu Youth in a creative enacted ‘Prayer of the Faithful’. The offertory procession was represented by mothers from the different areas of the parish. The Sabama Goilala members danced at the end of the Eucharist.
The food was well coordinated with a variety of dishes for lunch. Several song and dance items entertained the audience during the lunch hour.
Present in the congregation was Elizabeth Paru, Chairlady of the Catholic Women’s Association. Several religious sisters and guests were also present for the celebration. Radio Maria, recorded the celebration which was broadcast the same in the evening.
The organizers: Roger Token, chairman of Pari; Louisa Wambon, Maggie Mahuru, John Haromari and Martin Beni, coordinated by Fr. Sonny Fajardo SDB parish priest and assisted by their different groups joined prepared for the celebrations. Many Christian friends, in this strongly United Church dominated area, assisted in different ways to prepare for and the celebration.
The parish of Mary Help of Christians, Sabama looks forward to its Silver Jubilee in 2019, with its theme: Shine Silver Sabama.
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