Subject: 'austraLasia' #391

PNG: SALESIANS HELP ORGANISE JUBILEE FOR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Alfred Maravilla

PORT MORESBY July 29 - Yesterday morning 10,000 students of the 17 Catholic educational institutions (from primary school, vocational and secondary schools until teachers' college) in the Archdiocese of Port Moresby gathered at Sir John Guise Stadium, the city's main sports stadium to celebrate the Jubilee of Catholic Schools.

During the Archdiocesan Jubilee celebrations last Trinity Sunday Archbishop Brian Barnes, OFM handed the Youth Jubilee Cross to student representatives. This cross (made at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School - Gabutu) had been previously painted with traditional designs by student leaders during a paraliturgy at St. Mary's Cathedral. In traditional Melanesian society the tatoo often signified one's belonging to a particular clan or tribe. The traditional designs on the cross signified that now the Christ has become truly Papua New Guinean and the Cross has finally taken root in Melanesia. This Youth Jubilee Cross was then carried from school to school. Students welcomed and bid good bye as the cross visited their school with a para-liturgy. During its visit many schools had also organised reconcilliation services.

Before the begining of the concluding eucharist the Youth Jubilee Cross was triumphantly carried into the stadium by the students themselves in the midst of jubilant students waving colourful flags as a gestire of welcome. "This celebration reminds us of life, God's gift of life...and Jesus our life... The Cross itself reminds us of life that comes from Jesus himself" stressed the Archbishop as he spoke on the stage constructed for the occasion by the students of Don Bosco Technical Teachers' College at Boroko East.

During the Prayers of the Faithful students carried symbolic offerings representing themselves, their teachers as well as parents. As the intentions were read these symbols were then laid on the altar aptly prepared and decorated by the girls of Caritas Techncial Secondary School at Boroko East.

The Salesians had been actively involved in the archdiocesan planning and organisation not only of the Jubilee for Catholic Schools but also of the first ever Archdiocesan Eucharistc Congress as well as the Archdiocesan Jubilee Celebrations last Trinity Sunday.