By Fr. Savio Angel Sanchez, SDB

Kumgi, Papua New Guinea, 17 August 2020 -- In anticipation of the 205th birth anniversary of Saint John Bosco, the Salesian Educative Pastoral Community of Don Bosco Simbu Technical College had Novena which was prayed on weekdays beginning on the 3rd and concluding on the 13th. Each day, a particular intention asking the intercession of the Father and Teacher of Youth was announced in the assembly. After the Morning Prayer, a particular Salesian Saint was presented. A copy was then distributed to each class to be put on the Bulletin Board. The following holy men and women in the Salesian Family were highlighted during the Novena days: Saint Francis de Sales (whom the Rector, Fr Angel Sanchez, candidly presented as the “bubu” or grandfather of the Bosconians), Saint Joseph Cafasso (whom the Rector introduced as our “uncle”), Saints Aloysius Versiglia and Callistus Caravario, Saint Dominic Savio, Blessed Zephyrinus Namuncura, Blessed Francis Kesy and companions, Blessed Michael Rua, Blessed Philip Rinaldi, and Venerable Mama Margaret.

Throughout the Novena days, a basket was put in front of the statue of Don Bosco where the students and staff could put in their prayer intentions. The same basket was offered in the Mass held at the Diocesan Shrine of Saint John Bosco on the 14th. At the end of the Mass, the Rector held the reliquary containing the bone relic of Saint John Bosco and the Salesians, Bosconians and staff lined up to venerate it.

On the 3rd of August, the Classroom Decoration and Bulletin Board Contest was also launched to encourage the Bosconians to beautify their classrooms, put them in order, and ready them for the celebration of the 205th birth anniversary of Don Bosco.

After the School Mass on the 14th, everyone gathered at the School Gym for the official opening of the Rector’s Cup. The different teams were formed according to the technical trades: Machine Fitting, Electrotechnology, Automotive, Carpentry and Welding, and Business Studies. Each team prepared its own banner, mascot, and war cry. At the Opening Ceremony, Don Bosco’s famous saying was emphasised: “Run, jump, make noise, but do not sin.”

For Don Bosco Kumgi, the year-long Silver Jubilee celebration has just started. Indeed, despite the pandemic, it is a year of favour because until now God has spared Don Bosco Simbu Technical College from the deadly coronavirus. The students are still able to come to class the “normal” way. Next month is Don Bosco Kumgi’s Thanksgiving Celebration. Among other things, a musicale play on the life of Don Bosco is being organised under the direction of Fr Clifford Morais. Preparations are also gearing up for the most awaited Cultural Show. Viva Don Bosco!

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