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.
