3226 In praise of the Help of Christians
austraLasia #3226

 

In praise of the Help of Christians

HENDERSON (SI): 29 May 2013 --  Christians have experienced the protection of the Virgin Mary in the most difficult moments of the Church, personal life and of the whole human family.

Pope Pius VII was driven out by violence from the See of Rome.  He implored Mary's help and was freed and returned to his See on 24th May 1814.  Devotion to Mary Help of Christians has spread far and wide through the work of St. John Bosco, and continues to be propogated in the world by the Salesian Family, which invokes Mary Help of Christians as its principal patroness.

In the Solomon Islands, 24th May 2000 stands out as a day to remember.  At the height of the ethnic tension, the paperwork for the plots of land at Henderson were signed with Mr. John Lee.  A signboard boldly stated, ‘On this site will soon arise an Institute to cater for the youth of Solomon Islands’.

Today, this institute stands proudly with its threefold thrust: -
1.    Long Courses - 18 to 24 years - in Automotive Technology, Electrical Technology, Carpentry Technology and Life Skills.
2.    Short Courses - 20 to 45 years - in Welding, Computers and Media Education.
3.    Reach out programmes – for an open category – Computers for the students of San Isidro Care Centre, Oratory for the youngsters around Henderson, Carpentry for the Juveniles and other Reach Out programmes are planned, organized and conducted.

The 24th May 2013 was an occasion to celebrate.  The Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop John Doaninoel sm, Auxiliary Bishop of Honiara.  He encouraged the congregation to honour and praise Mary for her presence, guidance and protection.

Later in the morning the students gathered to praise and honour Mary in creative song and artistic expressions.  The items from each class included, skits, choirs, a rap number and even a marching band composed by the students.   An artistic competition displayed the artistic skills of the students.

The Senior Automotive class with their Marching Band item was delighted to receive the 1st Prize, while the Senior Carpentry and Junior Life Skills won the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively.

The entire school was treated to cold drinks and biscuits, while the staff enjoyed a barbecue lunch.  In the evening the Salesian community had a Family meal.