“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but what we give.”

By Remegio Harold A. Argante, ASC Kokopo Chapter

       Kokopo, East New Britain, PNG, 18 April 2023 -- A gift-giving to the sick people at St. Mary’s Vunapope Hospital in East New Britain Province was conducted by the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) in Kokopo during the commemoration of the Easter Monday on 10 April 2023.

       Parcels of goods were distributed to all the patients as well as to the nurses and staff of the said hospital. What we got in return were bundles of joy from the smiling faces of the children and the adult patients alike. To ease their sufferings with our little presents meant so much to them, but what we felt that day was, it was not really the gifts we shared with them that truly mattered but the appreciation of our presence as the wards lit up with their happy faces as we turned up and greeted them with a “Happy Easter!”

       We were also blessed that day as one of the patients we visited was no other than the Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Rabaul, Bishop Karl Hesse, MSC. Fortunately too, for the first time, since we started this outreach, we were accompanied by Fr. Moise Paluku, SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Technical Secondary School and Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians. A brief but meaningful encounter occurred between Bishop Karl and Fr. Moise. It was indeed a sight to behold as this corporal work of mercy unfolded right before our eyes!

       Our outreach program has been a tradition that ASC members have been dutifully looking forward to doing whenever Easter comes since our first operation in 2010 initiated by our president, Ms. Bellie Gutierrez, with the rest of the existing members and with the support of the friends of Don Bosco.

       This activity calls for a will that can go to all lengths, asking no questions, and making no conditions, when the quest to purposely share the fruits of Easter with our least fortunate brethren demands it. Indeed, we are Easter people when we truly know the joy that Easter brings to our innermost beings. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

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