48^th Pre-Independence DBTI Celebration Mass / Season of Creation

By Maria Fatima Alipio

Boroko, PNG, 17 September 2023  - The Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) community celebrated the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross as an advanced liturgical rite, the early remembrance of the 48th Independence of Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Season of Creation, all of which were animated by the Fourth Year DBTI Bachelor Students. The Mass Presider was Fr. Bernard Kaiau, who was also celebrating his first Mass with the DBTI community after his ordination on August 15, 2023. Concelebrating with him were Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, PGS Provincial, Fr. Roger Miranda, DBTI Rector, and Fr. Ariel Macatangay, DBTI President. During this occasion, the congregation was called to reflect upon and appreciate the wonders of God’s Creation recognizing our roles as steward of the Earth. Through prayer, reflection and action, the community sought to deepen its understanding of the interconnectedness of living beings and the responsibility it bears in caring for our common home. There was a simple entrance of the PNG Flag carried by the students wearing their PNG shirts, followed by the entrance procession led by the East New Britain cultural group.

During his homily, after tracing the historical roots of the feast, Fr. Bernard emphasized that the cross was special for Christians because Christ transformed it from an instrument of shame, punishment and death, to the means of our salvation, glory and triumph over sin and death. Today, more than ever, non-Christians see the cross as foolishness, whereas for Christians, the Cross is the crossroads of history and the Tree of Life. Christianity without the Cross is meaningless; only by uniting ourselves to Christ's sacrifice on the Cross can we enter into eternal Life. He also added that today, here in DBTI, we celebrate in advance the 48th Independence of PNG. The young priest thanked God for allowing PNG to gain Independence without any bloodshed and for the beautiful nature and environment He has given us. As he ended his homily, Fr. Bernard showed some memorable pictures taken during his stay in Jerusalem, Israel and Jordan, showing the symbol of PNG and being proud to be a Papua New Guinean. The Simbu cultural group led the offertory procession while the Autonomous Region of Bougainville cultural group led the recessional procession. Somehow, the DBTI community welded together the relevant themes of the cross, independence and creation into a meaningful Eucharistic celebration that serves as a first Mass for Fr. Bernard and a preparation for PNG’s Independence Day celebrations.

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