Port Moresby, PNG, 16 August 2018 -- The 203rd birth anniversary of Don Bosco and the 33rd Foundation Day of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu was celebrated on the 16th August, 2018. The highlight of the day was a delightful and inspiring musical entitled: ‘Blood on the River Bank’.

The chief guest for the occasion was Fr Alfred Maravilla sdb, Provincial for the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands vice-province. Fr. Roger Miranda,sdb, Fr Dominic Kachira sdb, aspirants, religious, staff and students were spectators at the event.

“The soul of a person emerges through theatre”, said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb as he welcomed the audience at the commencement of the production. He invited the audience to prayerfully reflect on what was being staged. “Through the songs, dances and testimonies, pick out the message and make it your own”, he said.

‘Blood on the River Bank’ dwells on Faith in God and commitment to pastoral work for the people. It tells the story of St. Alloysius Versiglia and St. Callistus Carvario’s call to mission and martyrdom. High points in the life of the two missionaries were enacted, above all it depicted their call to be a Salesian and missionary. It climaxed in their final journey and their sacrifice of martyrdom.

The musical consisted of three parts: 1. Bishop Alloysius Versiglia (1873-1930); 2. Fr. Callistus Caravario (1903-1930) and 3. The Last Journey. The audience were led into the plot by the powerful voices of the narrators. This was interwoven with a variety of dances, projected images, mime and stage craft. Lights, sound, costumes and make up were done well.

The cast of over 200 persons worked hard under the direction of Ms. Rica Lavilla, to put the musical together. While all the dances were appreciated, the one that stood out were the Mission impossible routine by 11 Sandor, the Dragon Dance and Drum performance by 10 Kowalski and the Hand Mime by 10 Calasanz. The Chinese Fan Dance by the female staff drew the greatest applause.

“This is an invitation for you to join the Salesians and become missionaries”, said Fr Alfred as he spoke to the audience.

At the end of the performance, Mr Martin Dai, Principal congratulated Ms Rica and the cast for a wonderful rendering of ‘Blood on the River Bank’. He thanked the staff and students for the wonderful week and the many programs. “This is indeed a fitting gift to Don Bosco on his birthday”, he said as he reminded all to live their lives as good and faithful Bostonians.

Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB