Auxilium Sodality Organizes 18th Interschool Marian Rally
By Jyle Sulit

POSTED OCTOBER 13, 2008


It was an eventful Friday last October 3, 2008 as representatives of 27 different public and private schools across Metro Manila gathered at Don Bosco Technical Institute - Makati City’s Joy Center to join in the 18th Interschool Marian Rally, dubbed as: “Mary, Star of Evangelization.” The said activity aims to lead the youth to propagate a genuine Marian devotion, imitate Mary’s example of commitment and service, and take an active role in their missionary work of serving their fellow youth.



            This year marks the most number of participating schools and the biggest number of participants (586 excluding the organizers) that any Marian Rally has ever gathered. The schools who participated are Angelicum College, Ateneo de Manila University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Concordia College, De La Salle Santiago Zobel School, Don Bosco Technical Institute– Makati City (High School) Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati City Manpower Skills Training Center, Fort Bonifacio High School,Gen. Pio Del Pilar  National High School,  Guadalupe Catholic School, Lourdes School of Quezon City, Marymount School, Pasig Catholic College,Saint Rita College – Manila, Saint Rita College – Paranaque, San Isidro Catholic School, San Sebastian College – Recoletos, St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Mary’s Academy – Pasay, St. Mary’s Academy – Sta. Ana, St. Mary’s College – Quezon City, St. Paul College of Makati, St. Scholastica’s Academy – Marikina, St. Scholastica’s College – Manila, Stella Maris College, University of Santo Tomas – Education High School, University of Santo Tomas – High School

The program started at around 8:00am with an animation song from St. Mary’s Academy-Pasay. It was then followed by the Philippine National Anthem led by the Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati City’s Boschorale, and the Opening Prayer by Master Jose Reuben Pecson, the President of the Knights of the Altar Sodality. The Rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute – Makati City, Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, SDB, then gave his Welcoming Address to all the participants in the Joy Center. It was followed by a short break, and another animation song, this time led by the participants of Stella Maris College.

            By 9:00am, things got a little more serious as Auxilium Sodality President Master Carlo Magsino gave an orientation on the theme: Mary, Star of Evangelization. Then, Auxilium Sodality Chief Animator, Mrs. Alda Sumbingco introduced the speaker for the Marian Talk, Fr. Paolo O. Pirlo, SHMI, Rector of the Sons of Holy Mary Immaculate Seminary in Multinational, Parañaque.

            In addition to his many funny jokes, quips and mannerisms, Fr. Paolo Pirlo,SHMI, also included in his talk the role of Confession in Mary’s mission, and the importance of the protoevangelium (the first Bible verse, in which Mary appeared in the Sacred Scriptures) in the history of salvation.

            After the talk, the crowd broke down into smaller groups consisting of students from different schools. Group games soon followed as half of the groups went down to the Savio Dome to participate in the Meenie-Miinnie-Moe game facilitated by Mr. Bien Mendoza.  The rest remained inside the Joy Center with Ms. Alda Sumbingco who handled the Human Sudoku game. These 2 games gave insights to the participants on decision-making, teamwork and cooperation.

            On their part, the teacher-chaperones of the guest schools were invited inside the Bosco Hall for some snacks and a special film viewing of the movie, “Children of Men,” as they waited for their students to finish.

            As soon as the games were successfully completed, the groups proceeded to their sharing followed by the partaking of snacks. Soon after, the lunch break was declared.

            The Living Rosary transpired after lunch. The participants meditated on  the mysteries of the Rosary motivated by the  theatrical presentations by the Teatro Busko, and video presentations or song numbers by the Music Ministry. Before the end of the Marian gathering, a celebration of the Holy Mass with Don Bosco -  Makati City Administrator, Fr. Junji Zarate, SDB, as main celebrant and  the Assistant Principal for Pastoral Affairs, Fr. Eduardo Hila, SDB, as co –celebrant was held.  After the Mass, the awarding of participating schools was done.

            Indeed, the Auxilium Sodality did a successful job in organizing the 18th Interschool Marian Rally: “Mary, Star of Evangelization”. See you in the 19th  Interschool Marian Rally!

            And to all those who have made this event possible and very successful - our heartfelt gratitude to all of you! Surely, the Blessed Mother was very happy as 27 schools rallied in Her honor.