By Mr. Leo Paraha
Photographs: Kean Zusula, Jethro, Randell and Br Peter Khai

       Gabutu, Port Moresby, PNG, 9 May 2022 -- "Giant of Sanctity" was the inspirational message highlighted during the celebration of the Feast of St. Dominic Savio held at Don Bosco Technical School, (DBTS) Gabutu on Friday 6 May 2022.

       Don Bosco Technical School staff and students came together to celebrate the Feast of the youngest Salesian saint, St. Dominic Savio who was just fourteen when canonized saint. The decorations and the atmosphere set the mood as students sang at the top of their voices to honor and celebrate the life of the young Bosconian role model.

       The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB, Spiritual Moderator of DBTS and the Secretary of Social Communications for the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNGSI. Br. Thomas, SDB and Br. Raphael Gobin of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby joined the congregation for the Eucharistic Celebration. During the Eucharistic celebration Fr. Eduardo, SDB and Fr. Angelo, SDB heard confessions as students lined up to make their peace with God.

       The homilist emphasized the life of the young saint. He dwelt on the Gospel of John 6:52-59 and congratulated the school body for their gift of Heart and Mind. He then directed a few questions directed to students on the origin of St. Dominic Savio and his parents. He highlighted that Savio was loyal to Don Bosco, doing ordinary duties extraordinarily well. He then dwelt on the cross and the duel. He related this to the recent upheaval due to the school fight that involved DBTS and other schools. He added that Savio’s resolutions were frequent confession and communion, Sunday obligation, Jesus and Mary will be my friends, and Death rather than Sin.

       The feast of St. Dominic Savio also served as an occasion for the thirteen (13) religious and interest youth groups of DBTS to make their pledge of commitment. They were led by their respective animators. The groups are the Readers Group, Marian Group, Knights of the Altar, Savio Club, Friends of Zatti, Mission Group, Music Club, Laudato Si (Environment Group), Juventus, Dance Club, Drama Club, Science, and the Writers Club.

       The Writer’s Club was revived on this feast of St. Dominic Savio with the encouragement of Fr. Ambrose. Miss Rica the animator of the Mission Group and the Head of the English Department offered her help to organize the group. Some Grade 12 students and others gifted in writing joined their animator and made the pledge of commitment.

       Over 200 strong youth group members committed themselves to the guidance of their group’s patron saints and promised to use their talents to reach out and serve others. “No matter how small or big the club or the group may be, you develop your gifts when you invite others to join you in your reach out activities in school and in the community”. He ended the celebration by challenging the school to be messengers of Peace and thanked them for preparing a beautiful celebration.

       Mr. Peter N’Drasal Deputy for student’s affair acknowledged the individuals and groups who prepared for the celebrations and thanked the ITC1 teachers and students in a special way for the beautiful setup. Mr. Martin the Principal of Don Bosco encouraged the boys to read more about St. Dominic Savio, know his life and become a true Role Model Bosconian. He acknowledged Br. Raphael’s presence who was a former student of DBTS and is now undergoing his formation to become a diocesan priest for the Archdiocese of Port Moresby. In his message, Br. Raphael Gobin emphasized what St. Dominic Savio would always do, “do your duties extra ordinarily well and do the right thing even if no one sees you”.

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