A Marian Camp at East New Britain
Rabaul, PGS, 3 June 2018 -- 167 Catholic students from seven different schools in East New Britain province gathered together on 1-3 June to attend the first ever Marian Camp 2018 spearheaded by Fr. Casper Charles, SDB, Rector and Principal of Vunabosco Technical Secondary School. St. Mary’s School of Nursing; OLSH Secondary School, Vunapope; Kokopo Secondary School, Malabunga Secondary School; Malaguna Technical Secondary School and Kerevat National High School participated in this momentous event.
With the theme, “To Jesus through Mary,” the different speakers aimed to emphasize the important role of the Blessed Virgin Mother in the faith of the Christian believers, especially the Catholic students of this province.
On the evening of Friday, Fr. Casper Charles, opened the camp with the topic, ‘Who is Mary?’. It was well-received by the participants as their knowledge about Mary was so basic that needs deepening. An item presented by each school visualized the significance of Mary on values of the basic unit of society - the family.
The Eucharist on the following day was celebrated by Fr. Pankaj Xalxo, SDB. Fr. Valeriano Barbero, SDB, then spoke on the topic ‘ Who is Jesus?’ He introduced his talk with the story of a little boy who accidentally bumped him, and instead of saying sorry, asked Fr Val the question, “Are you Jesus?” The talk affirmed that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life.
The topic ‘Ways to Jesus’ was given by a Christian brother, Br. Alfred. He highlighted the leadership style of Jesus and showed how Jesus was able to deal with his disciples.
A Marian Quiz was held in the afternoon. It was prepared by Mr. Noli Genovia, staff of Vunabosco. The Orange House and Purple House emerged as winners. Later, Sr. Carmencita Rodrigues, FMA, enlightened the participants on: ‘Mary, our helper in our journey. It was a very reflective session.
The Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was held on Saturday night, during which the Salesian Priests were present for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Kokopo Rosary Group and the Association of the Salesian Cooperators led by its president Ms. Bellie Gutierrez animated the holy rosary.
The night was even made more exciting as all the ten (10) House Colors showed their singing, dancing and acting prowess through the item presentations that focused on the Discipleship of Mary. The Dark Green House was adjudged as the winner of this competition.
The event concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist an occasion to thank the Lord for the event. Each participant then took on personal resolutions, basing themselves on the qualities of Mary.
This event was hosted by Mr. Harold Argante, member of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, with the able help of Mr. Noli Genovia.
