The Associazione di Devoti a Maria Ausiliatrice Congress & Marian Youth Camp: A Fitting Finale To The Month Of Mary

Port Moresby, May 31, 2026 – by Sr. Alice S. Fulgencio, FMA

The participants of the National ADMA Congress in Papua New Guinea

The Shrine of Mary Help of Christians was lively with activity as thirty-five Associazione di Devoti a Maria Ausiliatrice (ADMA) mothers and young people participated in the 1st National ADMA Congress in Papua New Guinea on May 28-29 with the theme: Wokabaut wantaim Mama Maria (Journeying with Mama Mary): Do whatever He tells you.

It was an appropriate manner to commemorate the Silver Anniversary establishment of the Association that was initiated in Gabutu, PNG, by Fr. Alfred Maravilla, SDB, with four mothers and two young Don Bosco Gabutu students as pioneer members. Two of the original members remain active members of ADMA.

The inaugural ADMA National Congress was organized by the Officers to celebrate the Association's 25th year anniversary and as remote preparation to the 10th International ADMA Congress scheduled in the Philippines in 2028.

On the first day, Fr. Shoji Mathew, SDB, Rector of Savio House-Bomana, was the initial speaker who presented the Charter of the Charismatic Identity of Don Bosco's Salesian Family. He clarified in straightforward terms how the various groups within the Salesian Family are invited to embody their collective spiritual legacy, their mutual identity, and mission to assist the youth and working-class. He reminded everyone that ADMA is viewed as the powerhouse that intercedes for all other groups, aligning with their mission to promote devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist and to Mary Help of Christians.

Sr. Alice S. Fulgencio, FMA, ADMA Spiritual Animator for PGS, focused on the distinct role of ADMA and its relationship with ADMA Primaria in Turin. She also emphasized the importance of encouraging other family members to participate and not just the mothers.

The group is filled with immense joy and pride to host Miss Maria Junifer Maliglig, President of ADMA Philippines, who came all the way from Manila to be part of this significant event. She recounted her personal journey as an ADMA youth, expressing how she has consistently sensed Mary’s presence in her life and family, and how her spirituality has deepened through her involvement in ADMA for over half of her life.

The next day, Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, SDB, Provincial of PGS Vice-Province, officiated the Eucharist and subsequently delivered his talk on the Strenna 2026: “Do whatever He tells you” Believers, free to serve. He effortlessly linked belief to action and service, illustrating how Mary exemplifies fulfilling God’s will. Finally, Fr. Victor, SDB, ignited the mothers’ and youths’ motivation and eagerness to participate in the International Congress with his action plan guidelines that outline critical aspects for preparing for the congress – covering both spiritual and practical preparations.

Filled with joy and appreciation, several participants expressed their thoughts on the two-day experience that is genuinely a milestone for the Association of Mary Help of Christians in PNG. This will be recorded in the ADMA History of PGS Province, and the outcomes of this Congress will hopefully be visibly reflected in the everyday experiences of those fortunate enough to participate.

In the afternoon, the youth moved from the Congress to the DBTI gym to join other young individuals from schools and parishes in and around Port Moresby and beyond for the annual ADMA 300 Youth for Mary Camp.

This year, a historic total of 290 joined the camp, comprising animators and volunteers. This number includes a big delegation of around fifty coming from Gabone, a village in Hula, Central Province. Under the theme “To Jesus Through Mary”, the youth accompanied Mary during significant moments of her life: the Annunciation, the Visit to Elizabeth, the Birth of Jesus, the Wedding at Cana, and at the Cross on Calvary. The groups were named based on the locations of the events: Nazareth, Ain Karem, Bethlehem, Cana, Jerusalem.

The main input was provided by Fr. Greg Bicomong, SDB, Provincial of the PGS Vice-Province. The youth gained valuable insights from his enlightening discussion, not only regarding the virtues that Mary demonstrated in various situations but also on how they, as young individuals, are encouraged to emulate her virtues while confronting challenges and resisting negative influences. During the interactive group encounter, participants were able to travel alongside Mary as they progressed through various stations, following her route from Nazareth to Jerusalem.

Youthful energy and teamwork were prominently showcased during the 90-minute sports break following lunch. Athletes in basketball, volleyball, and "futsal" (mini soccer) put in their best effort while the rest of the group encouraged and cheered them on.

The unforgettable spiritual moments consist of the adoration and benediction with confession on the initial evening and the rosary procession toward the Salesian Memorial the next day. It was a joy to hear the joyful singing of Marian hymns that alternate with the praying of the rosary. The evening presentation highlighted the abilities of the youth while also conveying the richness of their experiences, as each group creatively expressed it in a talk show format.

On the last day, the faithful who were present were moved to witness over two hundred youths animating the Eucharistic celebration at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. What a lovely and fitting day to conclude the Marian Camp on the feast of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, which coincided this year with the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity. She, the daughter of the Father, Mother of the Son, and Spouse of the Holy Spirit, draws each person nearer to Jesus and shows the path to her Son.

Some take-aways:

“I learned the virtues of Mary and I will try to live them in my daily life.”

“Faith in action is love and love in action is service.”

“Faith without works is dead.”

“Mary is the fastest and surest way to Jesus.”

“Worship the Lord, honor Mary and follow her virtues.”