East New Britain, PNG -- The month of December was celebrated by the Salesian Cooperators, Kokopo, as an opportunity to commemorate the birth of our Saviour through various activities that reflected joy and love for Christ and the Eucharist.
The nine (9)-day dawn masses leading up to Christmas Day were officiated by the parish priest of Mary Help of Christians, Fr. Joseph Thanh, and the Rector of Don Bosco Rapolo Technical Secondary School, Fr. Moise Paluku. These masses were actively animated by the members of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, other laypeople, and the remaining boarders at the school.
On the Sundays of Advent, the Salesian Cooperators conducted a series of Outreach Programs in villages belonging to the MHC Parish, such as Tobera, Malex, and Ramale. The outreach also extended to the Parish of Rakunai on Christmas Day.
The highlight of the Christmas observance was the gift-giving to the 180 families belonging to MHC Parish held at Don Bosco-Rapolo on Boxing Day. The event began with a holy mass followed by a program held in the gym, featuring parlour games, songs, and dances. This annual event is a collaborative effort with members of the Salesian family and friends of Don Bosco.
Truly, the saying, "It is better to give than to receive," indicates God's selfless love for humanity as His people. The song "Give Love on Christmas Day" emphasizes not only sharing on Christmas but also letting others know that every day is Christmas if Jesus lives in us.
