KOKOPO-PNG: 16 March 2010 -- The school year opened with the
rhythmic pounding of bamboo poles and the vigorous dancing of students
from Pomio. The welcome ceremony last 01 February 2010 served not only
to usher in the academic year but also to drive out the malevolent
spirits of the past. After the opening cultural dance, new students and
staff members were made to pass through rows of last year’s students
for a hearty “sekan” and warm welcome. Last year's students bestowed colorful
bilas and fresh leis on the newcomers.
This short gym welcome ceremony set the tone towards the building up of
the EPC’s family spirit. A week later, on 8 February, Fr Timothy Choi
presided over the school year opening mass.
Fr Clifford Morais, Vunabosco’s new spiritual
moderator, celebrated his 43rd birthday on 16 February. He was feted in
an evening celebration hosted by the boarders who now number over 190.
The feast and night of songs and fun became the boarding house carnevale
and ushered in the fasting of the Lenten season.
The Ash Wednesday Eucharistic service saw Fr John
Cabrido, the new Rector, presiding. A processing of class resolutions
for Lent preceded the mass. As in previous years, a school-wide, class
level “tarangu collection” marked the Lenten season---now with a twist.
Half was to go to the Haiti relief fund which was strongly supported by
Mr Bobby Delfin, the principal. As part of the Lenten “cleansing”, Fr
Timothy provided the school with over 15 heavy duty trash bins. This
will go a long way in the school’s “clean and green campaign”.
The past three weeks have been for us a true season
of grace. Our teaching staff had its annual retreat on 25-27 February
at the MSC run Chevalier Centre. The retreat guide was Fr John who led
the teachers to a reflection of Mark 8-10-- “On the Way of
Discipleship”. A highlight of the spiritual exercise was the service of
the “washing of the hands” which helped to bring about healing and
fostered the spirit of encouragement. As an expression of renewed
discipleship, the staff resolved to join the boarders for Tuesday
evening rosary and to be early at morning assembly. These changes did
not go unnoticed by the students. Then from 01-11 March, Fr Clifford
accompanied the five classes of graduating students (Trainee 2 and
Grade 12) for their overnight retreat. The retreat module “Journeying
with Christ” gave ample time for reflection and was punctuated with
lively songs which the young men resolved to sing during their
graduation later this year. Bro. Otto Kaulan and Bro. Stephen Musya,
who alternately assisted the batches, were struck by the deep and
honest sharing of the students. This spiritual renewal of a third of
our EPC is wonderful preparation for our coming community day on 19
March, during which the new Rector will be installed by Fr Rafael
Galve, the Delegation superior.
On 14-15 March, Fr John accompanied the eight newly
elected Students’ Representative Council (SRC) members for a two-day
planning session. Earlier during the week, these student leaders had
met with their class-level counterparts and had gathered the feedback
from their school mates. It is hoped that this leadership seminar will
push forward the school’s 2010 Thrust: “to attain academic and
technical improvement”.
Finally, Fr Clifford is energetically guiding the
boarding house and school leaders in organizing a follow-up to 2009’s Youth
On Fire. However, instead of a youth rally, this year Vunabosco
will sponsor a four-day youth leadership camp tentatively scheduled
19-22 April. It targets youth leaders from high schools, secondary
schools, parishes and faith communities and is the Vunabosco EPC’s
commitment “to bring the Gospel to the young.” _________________ AustraLasia is an
email
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Rome.
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