5562(III)_A Model to Imitate

5562(III)_A Model to Imitate

February 01, 2021

By Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB


Boroko, PNG 01 February 2021 -- The Solemnity of the Feast of St John Bosco was celebrated on 30 January in the chapel of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko. Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, Emeritus Archbishop of Rabaul presided at the Eucharistic celebration.


Present for the Eucharist celebration were Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, CARITAS sisters, friends and benefactors.


In his homily the Archbishop reminded the faithful to imitate Don Bosco. “The Church in presenting the saints as models of life, wants that, not only we admire, appreciate, and venerate them, but much more that we IMITATE them”, he said as he dwelt on the words of St Paul stressing action rather than mere learning and listening.


While emphasising that our focus for the young is to make them honest citizens and good Christians, he said, “Like Jesus, Don Bosco does not love the young because they are good; he loves them so that they will become good.”


He encouraged his conferees to have the heart of the Good Shepherd, be ready for sacrifice, available to reach out to the victims of evil and injustice and offer young people a clear goal to enable them find true and lasting happiness.


A fraternal meal was held on 31 January.