Feast Day Celebrations at Sabama

By Nancy Mallol and Fr Ambrose Pereira SDB

       Sabama, Port Moresby, PNG, 3 June 2023 -- The Feast of Mary Help of Christians was celebrated on 21 May at the Mary Help of Christians parish, Sabama. It was also Ascension Sunday, the 57th World Communications Day and the start of the week for Christian Unity.

       The parish of Mary Help of Christians wore a festive look as it was decorated with fresh flowers and leaves. The parishioners were attired in their different saint colours as per their Lik Lik Kristen Komunities (LKK). The solemn Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, parish priest while the choir was led by the young people. The mass commenced with an entrance procession led by Sabama 1 LKK which ended in the crowning of our Blessed Mother by the Legion of Mary Ministry Group together with the Sunday School and Knights of the Altar. The offetory procession was by young professionals and old youths, while the recessional procession was led by the St Francis of Assisi LKK, DAL Barracks.

       In his homily, Fr Ambrose highlighted the need for every baptized Catholic to bear witness to the presence of Christ in their lives in word and deed. He encouraged the faithful to fulfil the Lord command, ‘Go out and baptize’ and stressed the the need to imitate Mary and live by her virtues of fidelity, commitment, sacrifice and respect.

       After the celebration of mass, the parishioners gathered in their assigned little shelters at the rear of the church. The program had representatives entertaining the crowd with songs and dances. A Marian Singing contest had the following as judges: Mrs Theresa Wambon, Mr Peter Warikani and Mr Christopher Abau. The 1st place winners were: Andrew, Elisabeth and Susan Gobi; 2nd place: Mama Lucy and Joseph Jauai, and 3rd place: Ambrose Jauai, Andrew Manai, Philip Touva, Ashley Warikani and Theresa Manu. They were delighted to receive CPL gift vouchers of K150.00, K100.00 and K50.00.

       One member from each LKK then answered quiz questions based on the history of the parish, Mary Help of Chriatians, Sabama. Pamela Wambon representing DAL Barracks won the 1st place, a 16 litres Ice creampcak. The second place was won by Barbra Miviri representing, Sabama 2 LKK a cartoon of Cookies and Philip Touva representing Sabama 1 LKK was the winner of a Twisties cartoon. Consolation prizes were given to the other participants.

       Celebrations were also held at the mass centres of Gabutu and Serokone. All enjoyed the epic celebrations - a welcome change from previous years. Gratitude and thanks to the executives and all who contributed to plan, prepare, and execute the event. May Mary Help of Christians protect, guide and direct the lives of our parishioners.

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