By Fr. Savio Angel Sanchez, SDB
Simbu, Kumgi, Papua new Guinea, 31 October 2020 -- During the month of the Holy Rosary, though the majority of the students of Don Bosco Simbu Technical College are not Catholics, during lunch break 2 or 3 classes took turns in praying the rosary in the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco. After the rosary, Fr Angel Sanchez gave a short talk on Mama Mary.
On 30 October, the DBSTC Community capped off the Rosary Month with a Rosary Rally, School Mass and the celebration of the birthday of the Principal, Fr Edwin Genovia.
For the Rosary Rally, 5 stations in the campus were put up and nicely decorated by the students. The image of Mary Help of Christians was carried from one station to the next. On each station, a mystery of the rosary was prayed, and in between, Marian Hymns were sung. Some of these hymns were taught to the students by Fr Clifford Morais. The first station was at the Grotto in front of the Salesian Residence. The Business Studies students decorated the place and portrayed the Annunciation Scene. The second station was in front of the Carpentry workshop. The Carpentry and Welding students portrayed the Nativity Scene. The third station was put up inside Don Bosco village, the residential area for the teachers. The Electrical students prepared the place and portrayed the First Miracle of Jesus in the Wedding at Cana. The fourth station was at the lawn in front of the convent of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Anne. The Machine Fitting students portrayed the Crucifixion of Jesus. The last station was in front of the gym where the Automech students portrayed the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
At the end of the Rosary everyone proceeded to the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco for the Holy Mass. Fr Edwin Genovia presided over the Eucharist in honour of the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Rosary. His homily was a catechetical presentation of the Rosary, emphasising its history, relevance, efficacy and importance in our Christian life as a prayer that is drawn chiefly from the Gospel. He also shared how the rosary has always helped him in his life as a missionary, citing some incidents that prove the power of this prayer and Mama Mary’s intercession. At the end of the Mass, the Blessing of Mary Help of Christians was imparted to the gathered community.
At noon, everyone gathered in the gym for the Birthday Program for Fr Edwin whose actual birthday will still be on the 3rd of November. Because it falls on a Tuesday, for convenience, it was decided to have it in advance on the 30th of October. The DBSTC Rector, Fr Angel, led the Opening Prayer inviting the community to pray in a special way for the birthday celebrator. Dance numbers were presented by various groups of students. A special birthday board was prepared by Br Pio Ehava with the help of some students and beautifully placed it on the stage. After the cutting of the birthday cake, Fr Edwin briefly expressed his gratitude and joy for the gift of life. To conclude the 3 in 1 celebration, the students and staff were treated with cream buns and soft drinks.
