By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB

Gabutu,Papua New Guinea, 24 May 2016 -- 32 students of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu received the Sacraments of Initiation on the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, 24th May, 2016. The celebration, held at the beautiful Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko, Papua New Guinea and was attended by 1,100+ students, staff, parents and friends. 15 candidates were welcomed into the Catholic Church with the Sacrament of Baptism while the others received the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Bishop Rochus Joseph Tatamai msc, Bishop of Berina, the main celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration, was joined by Fr. Sonny Fagardo sdb, Fr. Angel Sanchez sdb and Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb. Several hymns, composed by Fr. Angel Sanchez for the occasion were sung powerfully by the youthful congregation. They were led by the music group under the direction of Rica Lavilla. The vibrant liturgy animated by the Pastoral Team had the ITC2 students perform Tolai dances and a dance from Milan Bay.

“Mary stands out as the answer for us today”, said Bishop Rochus as he spoke to the congregation in the packed Shrine. He highlighted Mary’s ability to crush the serpent and defeat evil and encouraged the students to avoid evil and follow the Lord as Mary did. He reminded them to make their intentions known to Mary and bring to her especially their loved ones and families, despite some of them having dysfunctional families.

The second part was held in the DBTI Gymnasium. Class presentations included ‘A Hymn to our Lady’ composed by Fr. Angel and a hymn of their choice. The program coordinated by the Marian Group led by Dylan Kossin was interspersed with questions on Mary and parlour games. The winners of the Singing competition were 12 Rua, 10 Carvario and 10 Calasanz. The poster competition was won by 11 Zatti and 12 Rua, while Ezra Towali won the digital competition. The judges for the occasion were Fr. Clifford Morias sdb, Sr. Carmencita A. Rodriguez fma and Mr Francis Banania. A delicious lunch brought the program to a close. All returned home thanking God for a Mother that cares for us, her children.

At 5.30pm, Bishop John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby celebrated a thanksgiving mass in the Shrine. The evening concluded with a family meal for the entire Salesian Family.

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