167 Catholic students from seven different schools in East New Britain province gathered together on 1-3 June to attend the first ever Marian Camp 2018 spearheaded by Vunabosco Technical Secondary School under the helm of its rector and principal, Fr. Casper Charles, SDB. Aside from the host school, Vunabosco, other institutions such as St. Mary’s School of Nursing, OLSH Secondary School-Vunapope, Kokopo Secondary School, Malabunga Secondary School, Malaguna Technical Secondary School and Kerevat National High School were willing respondents that heeded the call to witness this momentous event.
With the theme, “To Jesus through Mary,” all the topics given by the different speakers all aimed to emphasize the important role of the Blessed Virgin Mother in the faith of the Christian believers especially the Catholic students of this province.
On the evening of Friday, Fr. Casper Charles, opened the camp with the topic, ‘Who is Mary?’. It was well-received by the participants as their knowledge about Mary was so basic that needs deepening. A presentation from each school through a ‘mother inspired item’ gave visualization on the significance of Mary on values and transformation of the basic unit of society, which is the family.
On the following day, a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Pankaj, SDB opened the day that made the event more meaningful. After which, Fr. Valeriano Barbero, SDB, credibly gave the topic ‘ Who is Jesus?’ as he sincerely started his talk with a story of a little boy who accidentally bumped him but instead of saying sorry blurted out this raw question, “Are you Jesus?” It was a topic that affirmed that Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life.
The topic ‘Ways to Jesus’ was given by a Christian brother, Bro. Alfred that strengthened the kind of leadership Jesus showed while on earth and how it had affected his disciples’ convictions. Most of the students were inquisitive and Bro. Alfred was quick to creatively enlightened them on Jesus’ style of leadership.
The afternoon of Saturday was made challenging and competitive by the Marian Quiz prepared by Mr. Noli Genovia, staff of Vunabosco. All the students from different house colours were given the chance to answer the multiple choice questions, and the Orange House and Purple House emerged as the winners. Meanwhile, Sis. Carmencita, FMA, gave her talk ‘Mary, our helper in our journey.” It was so touching and reflective to the students on how Mary has become their guide on their way to holiness.
The night of Saturday was well-attended by all the Salesian priests as they initiated the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and at the same time gave the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Kokopo Rosary Group and the Association of the Salesian Cooperators led by its president Ms. Bellie Gutierrez were there in full force since Day 1 of the event via leading the campers in the recitation of the holy rosary.
The night was even made more exciting as all the ten ( 10 ) House Colours showed their singing, dancing and acting prowess through the item presentations that focused on the Discipleship of Mary. The Dark Green House was adjudged as the winner of this competition.
The event concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist officiated by Fr. Val. An influx of students who received Holy Communion was seen as perhaps the results of the Confession made the night before. Resolution-making closed the event wherein participants were given the time to think on what qualities of Mary they would like to emulate when they get back home, they were also made aware of the issues that affect the family, the province and the country as a whole.
This event ended with the fellowship dance popularly called as the ‘Chicken Dance.” This event was hosted by Mr. Harold Argante, member of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, with the able help of Mr. Noli Genovia.
Remegio Harold A. Argante