The 2021 Pastoral Year for the Mary Help of Christians Parish, Rapolo, Port Moresby, was officially launched on Saturday 6 February with a day of formation and prayer. The meeting was opened by Fr Möise who introduced the Rector Major's 2021 Strenna to the participants. He later explained the Salesian Culture to the participants since many of them were new to the Salesian environment and reminded the participants that they are valuable to Don Bosco and are members of the Don Bosco Educative-Pastoral Community. The participants were also urged by Fr Möise, that moved by hope in Christ they are to commit themselves this year by extending their hands to their fellow brothers and sisters in their respective parishes and sub-parishes. The participants ended the formation with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and professed their faith as a sign of commitment to God in their ministries.

“Don Bosco Technical School”, located in Gabutu, Port Moresby, celebrated Ash Wednesday with a Eucharistic celebration that also opened the academic year. Held on Wednesday, 17th February, the theme of the celebration was “Give and it shall be given back to you” (Luke 6:38). Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB, was the main celebrant accompanied by the School Rector, Fr Pedro Sachitula, SDB.

In his homily, Archbishop Panfilo reminded the school of the meaning of Lent as a journey towards the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. His message to the school community was an invitation to pray more and better during this time of Lent; to get closer to our Lord Jesus; to fast from things we do not really need and to share what we save from our fasting to the needy.

After the Mass there followed a program to mark the formal opening of the academic year 2021 with the presentation of awards of continuing students from 2020.

Finally, the “Don Bosco Rural Training Centre”, sited in Honiara, Henderson, Solomon Islands, came alive on 19 February to inaugurate the new scholastic year invoking the Holy Spirit. The Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rector Fr Robinson Parappilly, and concelebrated by Fr Bai Albesa, the Principal of the school, and Fr Dai. The young people of the RTC very well prepared the liturgy with solemn dancing processions and singing using the special musical instruments of Solomon Islands. 

During the Holy Eucharist, Fr Robinson inspired the students and teachers to have dreams quoting Holy Father Pope Francis's Encyclical Fratelli Tutti. He also told them the stories of Joseph the dreamer, St. Joseph the dreamer, and Don Bosco the great dreamer. Their dreams had a vision and the mission followed. “We are here to fulfill our own cherished dreams and fulfill them following the vision mission of our RTC,” said Fr Robinson. 

This was followed by the official inauguration ceremony. Fr Bai in his welcome address emphasised the Strenna of the Rector Major to Hope for the better. Then, he explained to the students the role and functions of various youth groups, sodalities and clubs and urged them to develop leadership qualities. In his speech, Fr Parappilly acknowledged the contributions made by previous missionaries and Salesians and said the school will develop nationally and internationally accepted curriculum and will implement in the following years: “We will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of education, agriculture, and like-minded NGOs and Universities to empower the staff and students.”

The ceremony concluded with the singing of the alma mater song by the Bosconian.

• Rapolo Rapolo
• Rapolo Rapolo
• Rapolo Rapolo
• Gabutu Gabutu
• Gabutu Gabutu
• Honiara Honiara
• Honiara Honiara
• Honiara Honiara
•  

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