By Fr. Angel Savio Sanchez, SDB

Kumgi, Papua New Guinea, 22 July 2020 -- The students of Don Bosco Simbu Technical College opened the Second Semester with a Recollection facilitated by the Rector who is also the Spiritual Moderator of the School, Fr. Angel Sanchez. On Monday (20 July), it was the turn of the First Year Students. There were more than 200 of them. On Tuesday (21 July), it was the Second Year students who also numbered more than 200. On Wednesday (22) the last group was the Third Year Students who were about 70. The students gathered at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco. The music video entitled “Jesus, be the Centre” was the opening song that invited the Bosconians to put God first. The first part of the Recollection was a Talk delivered by Fr Angel. Certain biblical passages were chosen as materials for reflection. The second part of the Recollection was Adoration and Confession. While the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration and personal prayer, the students also had the opportunity to make their Confession. The Recollection concluded with a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. While majority of the students are not Catholics but from other Christian denominations, spiritual activities such as recollections as well the Sacraments especially the Eucharist and Confession are always made available at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco.

Here is some feedback and reflections from the students:

“The Recollection opened my mind and helped me to discover myself, look at my relationships, and see how deal with my life situation. It taught me how to be more spiritual. The story of St Augustine and his mother St Monica touched me and encouraged me not give up despite the many difficulties and problems in life.” [Geraldine Wagamo, 3rd year National Diploma in Machine Fitting and Machining]

“I was touched by the bible passage from Jeremiah 29:11-14. I was moved by what this passage says. It helped me realise that no matter what I am going through, God has a plan for me. And through His grace, I will be able to overcome the challenges and difficulties of life.”[Steven Max, 3rd year National Diploma in Automotive]

“I felt that God was telling me that I am unique and that He created me in His own image. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in me, helping me to recall what I have done in my past life, and moving me to be reconciled with God. It was for this reason that I made my Confession.” [John Madi, 2nd year National Diploma in Electrotechnology]

“I belong to another Christian denomination, the Covenant Ministry International. My mama is a pastor and my father is a primary school teacher. I felt blessed and was touched by the passage from Jeremiah 29. I realised that I have a purpose in life and that whatever I do should be according to God’s plan. I also realised that everyday of my life, whether in school and at home, I experience God’s miracles. The more I am open to receive God’s message, the more I will succeed. I am not a Catholic, so I did not go to Confession. But I tried to reconcile with God in my own way. It brought me good feeling which I carried with me and shared with my family at home. I felt so blessed. [Ovin Toho, 2nd year Diploma in Business Management]

“In my previous school, when we go for recollection, we were usually asked just to recall our past experiences and see our mistakes and how we can improve. This is my first year in this school. This time, the topic for the Recollection is interesting and it helped me to know myself and even how my body functions. I learned something new and interesting about myself.” [Kenneth Kawei, 1st year National Diploma in Machine Fitting and Machining]

---

---