The Ash Wednesday Para Liturgy for Ash Wednesday

By Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb and Jubbillian Ilai

DBTS Salesian Educator

Kean Zuasula, Salesian Educator

       Gabutu, Port Moresby, PNG, 6 March 2022 -- The three elements: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving for the Season of Lent were clearly displayed on a beautiful background together with a well illuminated cross. Hymns set the tone for a prayerful para-liturgical celebration. Ash Wednesday was a rainy day with freezing temperatures and gusty winds. But that did not stop the 1025 students of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu (DBTS) who braved the inclement weather to come to school.

       Ashes mark the beginning of the Season of Lent. The students, educators and staff filled the Korunku Hall. ‘Ashes’ by Tom Conry rent the air. The DBTS community had songs and hymns played as part of the short para liturgy with silence for personal reflection turned the wet weather into a spiritual atmosphere inside the Kurongku hall. All reflected on this special moment of silence and penance.

       Fr Ambrose Pereira, Spiritual Moderator and Fr Pedro Sachitula, the Rector, led the celebration. In his reflection, Fr Ambrose focused on these three points: 1) The Cross is the symbol of God's endless love 2) Christ is inviting each one to change and 3) Conversion is an inside job. He concluded leaving the student with the question: What is your response to the call of Christ?

       After the homily, all were invited to receive the ashes. It is a reminder to each one of the call to repentance, conversion and an invitation to believe in the Gospel. Prayers were also said for healing and health from COVID-19 and peace between Russia and Ukraine in our war torn world.

       Gratitude to the Pastoral team for the planning of a very meaningful liturgy and a wonderful start to the Season of Lent.

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