NEWSLINK-Issue-22


NEWSLINK-Issue-22

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Year 6 | Issue No. 22 Mar - Apr - May 2012
Don Bosco with us
Salesian Co-operators
The Roman Missal
Can young people be holy?

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In this Issue:
Editorial
3
Knowing Don Bosco - Pascual Chavez RM
4
Church today: Young People
6
Words of the Provincial
7
Don Bosco in Africa
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Salesian World | Local News
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Can young people be holy?
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Thinking point: Don Bosco with us?
11
Salesian Cooperators
12
Christ’s Obituary
13
Christ’s Lives | Easter Camp
14
Heaven or Hell? | Youth Seminar
15
The Roman Missal | Part II
16
The Red Brick Province
19
Testimonies
20
Letter to the editor
21
Salesian World | International News
22
Ours is God’s work
23
ZMB Photo
24
Director & Editor:
Redaction Board:
Graphic Design:
Photos:
E-mail:
Website:
Contribution from:
Printed:
Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Fr. Dennis Higgins, Walter Thyrniang
Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Br. Walter Thyrniang, Sylvester Makumba,
Fr. Javier Barrientos, John Musonda,
Alexio Mesi, Fr Ignatius Musenge.
zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
www.salesianszmb.org
Fr. George Chalissery, Fr. Andrew Reut,
Walter Thyrniang, Clement Mutamba SDB,
David Njolo SDB, Christopher Mukuka
SDB, John Musonda SDB.
Printing Press - ZMB Provincial House
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ZMB Salesian Newslink
Salesian Newslink
ZMB Quarterly publication
Year 6/Nº22 Mar - Apr - May 2012

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Need for Dialogue
against a HUMAN tendency
that aims at dominating
EDITORIAL
By Fr Javier A. Barrientos SDB
It is quite interesting to read most comments on social
networks, and discover that a good number of adolescents,
young people and adults long to communicate. I believe we all
have something to say to the world. Once upon a time,
communication was the privilege of a few; access to internet
and other means of mass communication were not even
accessible to the majority; but today a good number of people
do have access to all of these. Yet, the advantage of the social
networks over the e-mail providers and news agencies is the
capacity to establish some level of dialogue. A person who
expresses his/her opinion on any topic is subject to support,
criticism, challenge of the way a thought is expressed, etc.
Dialogue is such a powerful means of development that helps
people move forward. Contradicting points of view come to a
decent level of tolerance and acceptance that helps people
make progress in different fields. However, basic and direct
dialogue is losing its ground at the most basic levels of social
interaction.
I would suggest that among people known to me, the ordinary
way of establishing any dialogue is somewhat lost. In family
settings people spend less and less time in dialogue. Parents
need to spend more time outside the home in order to provide
for the needs of the family. Children spend good deal of time in
front of the TV set, chatting over the internet, etc. Even religious
communities are losing this fundamental means of social
interaction; members give priority to phone calls to the people
they sit around with for a meal, just to give one example.
‘By means of words’ (dialogue) ancient civilisations sought
progress to better ways of living, to end conflicts and to
establish peace. Unlike some of the ancient civilisations, today’s
News agencies, state-owned TV stations and
radio, -just to mention a few- provide a
common ‘one-way’ communication, the
public ought to believe and accept what is
being offered. In the current scenario, truth is
what powerful news agencies present. There
are a few public arenas where the public can
give their opinion and thus together find the
truth. It is definitely impossible to get
everyone involved in this process;
nevertheless the channels should be left
open. In the political field, there are still
many countries where the only means of
public mass communication is the state-
owned TV and Radio stations, for fear that
people are exposed to a second opinion.
Here in Africa, we are still somewhat
privileged, to have a mild attitude from the
Media towards the Church. The Catholic
Church in Africa with its lights and shadows
is not always the focus of news agencies; at
least not yet. Unlike Europe and the
Western World, where Catholics are
normally under the spotlight (especially
when things go wrong), here in Africa,
today’s headlines on church issues will be a
forgotten part history already the following
day. Yet, dialogue is non-existent. There will
be a full page to denounce some wrongdoing,
(even if not proven and true) and only a small
paragraph to retract or apologise for
misleading or giving wrong information.
To become a good communicator, everyone
needs to be a person who knows what
dialogue is all about and who is ready to be
challenged in his/her own opinion. Dialogue
is such a basic activity of human beings who
live with other human beings, yet it is at the
same time, one of the most challenging tasks
to accomplish should we like to live in
harmony. Intolerance has become the ‘order
of the day’, where personal views and ideas
ought to prevail despite reality.
Alongside criticising governments, news
agencies and other public mass
communicators, it would be good to see deep
inside each of us, how open are we to be
challenged by our own confreres, sisters,
children, pupils, employees, -anyone- who
disagrees with us.
Only when we are able to accept others the
way they present themselves to us, that day
we can say we have begun to make of
dialogue the condition of our interaction in
the human society.
ZMB Salesian Newslink
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KNOWING DON BOSCO
THE COLUMN
Devotion to
Mary Help of Christians
and her sanctuary
at the heart of Salesian work
cool evening in May 1862, with
his usual skill as a story-teller
Don Bosco said: «Try to picture
yourselves with me on the
seashore, or better still, on an outlying cliff
with no other land in sight. The vast expanse
of water is covered with a formidable array
of ships I battle formation, prows fitted with
sharp spear-like beaks capable of breaking
through any defence. All are heavily armed
with cannons, incendiary bombs, and
firearms of all sorts – even books and are
heading toward one stately ship, mightier
than them all. As they close in, they try to
ram it, set it afire, and cripple it as much as
possible.
This stately vessel is shielded by a flotilla
escort. Winds and waves are with the
enemy.
In the midst of this endless sea, two solid
columns, a short distance apart, soar high in
the sky; one is surmounted by a statue of the
Immaculate Virgin at whose feet a large
inscription reads: “Auxilium
Christianorum”; the other far loftier and
sturdier, supports a Host of proportionate
size and bears beneath it the inscription:
“Salus Credentium”.
The flagship commander – the Roman
Pontiff – breaking through all resistance
steers his ship safely between the two
columns from whose summits hang many
anchors and strong hooks linked to chains,
and moors it to the two columns first to the
one surmounted by the Host, and then to the
other, topped by the statue of the Virgin. At
this point something unexpected happens.
The enemy ships panic and disperse,
colliding with and scuttling each other.»
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ZMB Salesian Newslink
Fr Pascual Chavez SDB
RECTOR MAJOR

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RECTOR MAJOR
sadly need her help to preserve and safeguard our faith.»
(MB 7, 197).
In the first months of 1863 he set to work obtaining the
necessary permissions; in 1865 the foundation stone was
laid, and in 1868 the work was finished.
“I am the woman
whom your mother
has taught you to greet
three times a day”
A name new and old
Don Albera tells us that one evening in
December that year, after hearing confessions
until about 11.00 p.m., Don Bosco went for his
supper. He looked very pensive. He suddenly
remarked: “There were a lot of confessions
tonight but truthfully I hardly know what I said
or did, because all the time I had something on
my mind. I kept thinking: Our church is too
small; we have to pack in our boys like sardines.
We must build a larger, more imposing one under
the title of Mary Help of Christians. I don’t have
a penny, nor do I know where to find the money,
but that’s not important. If God so wills, it will be
done » (BM 7, 196). He also confided his plan to
Don Cagliero: «Up to now we have celebrated
the feast of the Immaculate Conception with
pomp and solemnity […]. But the Madonna
wishes us to honour her under the title of Mary,
Help of Christians. The times are so bad that we
The icon that speaks
Don Bosco was moved not only by practical
considerations (to have a larger church) or political and
religious ones (the wave of fierce anticlericalism that
was threatening the Church).
The picture of Mary in the painting by Lorenzone above
the high altar expresses very well Don Bosco’s
innermost thoughts. His understanding of the history of
salvation led him to place the Church at the heart of the
world, and at the heart of the Church he saw Mary Help
of Christians, the all-powerful Mother, who conquers
evil.
The Madonna was always present in Don Bosco’s life. In
the dream at nine years of age, Jesus introduces himself
in this way: «I am the son of the woman whom your
mother has taught you to greet three times a day.»
But the focus for his devotion to her has a specific
location: the church in Valdocco. «And this,” Fr Viganò
writes, “will remain the definitive Marian icon: the point
of reference for an unceasing increase in vocations and
the centre of the expansion of his charism as founder. In
Mary Help of Christians Don Bosco finally recognises
the features of the Lady who was at the origin of his own
vocation and who was and would always remain his
Inspiration and Teacher.»
Mary has built herself a house
The Valdocco sanctuary becomes the tangible and the
real sign of the presence of Mary in the life of Don Bosco
and of the Congregation. This is the “mother church” of
the Salesian Family.
Popular opinion immediately discovers the marvellous
understanding between Mary Help of Christians and
Don Bosco: Mary Help of Christians now will always be
«Don Bosco’s Madonna.» And Don Bosco is «the saint
of the Help of Christians.» Very rarely has it happened
that a title of Mary, almost unknown, has spread so
quickly throughout the world.
Humbly Don Bosco said: «I am not the one responsible
for the great things you see; it is the Lord, it is Mary Most
Holy who deigns to make use of a poor priest. I have put
up nothing of my own: Aedificavit sibi domum Maria
(Mary has built herself a house). Every stone, every
decoration represents a grace.»
The Valdocco sanctuary is the church which Salesians
all round the world see more with their hearts than with
their eyes. And it is here that everyone feels “at home.”
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AFRICAE MUNUS
Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation
Young People
Youth is a time when genuine and irrepressible questions arise
about the meaning of life
Young people make up the
majority of Africa’s
population. This
youthfulness is a gift and a treasure
from God for which the whole
Church is grateful to the Lord of life.
Young people should be loved,
esteemed and respected. “Whatever
their possible ambiguities, [they]
have a profound longing for those
genuine values which find their
fullness in Christ. Is not Christ the
secret of true freedom and profound
joy of heart? Is not Christ the
supreme friend and the teacher of all
genuine friendship? If Christ is
presented to young people as he
really is, they experience him as an
answer that is convincing and they
can accept his message, even when it
is demanding and bears the mark of
the Cross.”
As I said on the subject of young
people in the Post-Synodal
Apostolic Exhortation Verbum
Domini: “Youth is a time when
genuine and irrepressible questions
arise about the meaning of life and
the direction our own lives should
take. Only God can give the true
answer to these questions. Concern
for young people calls for courage
and clarity in the message we
proclaim; we need to help young
people to gain confidence and
familiarity with sacred Scripture so
it can become a compass pointing
out the path to follow. Young people
need witnesses and teachers who can
walk with them, teaching them to
love the Gospel and to share it,
especially with their peers, and thus
to become authentic and credible
messengers.”
In his Rule, Saint Benedict asks the
abbot of the monastery to listen to
the youngest monks. As he says: “It
is often to a younger brother that the
Lord reveals the best course”] So we
should make every effort to involve
young people directly in the life of
society and of the Church, so that
they do not fall prey to feelings of
frustration and rejection in the face
of their inability to shape their own
future, especially in those situations
where young people are vulnerable
due to lack of education,
unemployment, political
exploitation and various kinds of
addiction.
Dear young people, enticements of
all kinds may tempt you: ideologies,
sects, money, drugs, casual sex,
violence... Be vigilant: those who
propose these things to you want to
destroy your future! In spite of
difficulties, do not be discouraged
and do not give up your ideals, your
hard work and your commitment to
Pope BENEDICT XVI
your human, intellectual and
spiritual formation! In order to grow
in discernment, along with the
strength and the freedom needed to
resist these pressures, I encourage
you to place Jesus Christ at the
centre of your lives through prayer,
but also through the study of sacred
Scripture, frequent recourse to the
sacraments, formation in the
Church’s social teaching, and your
active and enthusiastic participation
in ecclesial groups and movements.
Cultivate a yearning for fraternity,
justice and peace. The future is in the
hands of those who find powerful
reasons to live and to hope. If you
want it, the future is in your hands,
because the gifts that the Lord has
bestowed upon each one of you,
strengthened by your encounter with
Christ, can bring genuine hope to the
world!
When it comes to making life
choices, when you find yourselves
considering the question of a total
consecration to Christ – in the
ministerial priesthood or the
consecrated life – turn to him, take
him as your model, and listen to his
word by meditating regularly.
During the homily of the inaugural
Mass of my pontificate, I spoke
words to you that I want to repeat
now, for they remain timely: “If we
let Christ into our lives, we lose
nothing, nothing, absolutely nothing
of what makes life free, beautiful
and great. No! Only in this
friendship are the doors of life
opened wide. Only in this friendship
is the great potential of human
existence truly revealed ... Dear
young people: Do not be afraid of
Christ! He takes nothing away, and
he gives you everything. When we
give ourselves to him, we receive a
hundredfold in return. Yes, open,
open wide the doors to Christ – and
you will find true life.”
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LETTER FROM THE PROVINCIAL
Mary
Help of Christians
Dear Friends,
We are in this month of May which is
dedicated to Our Lady. For us in a
special way the month reminds us
of Mary Help of Christians - the Madonna of
Don Bosco. She was the constant guide and
support in his life. She was the Teacher whom
Jesus promised he would give to little Johnny
Bosco to help him to be gentle, strong and
steadfast and thus win over his friends with
kindness and not with blows.
The teaching began immediately and Mary
showed him the work he was to accomplish
among these youngsters.
In the Italy of his day, it was a common custom
to dedicate the newly born child to Mary to
watch over it and to protect this new life. Infant
mortality was alarmingly high. It is certain that
Mamma Margaret too presented little John
Bosco to Our Lady soon after his birth. She
inculcated progressively into her youngest son,
a great love for Mary. He soon learnt the
common Marian prayers – the Hail Mary, the
'Angelus' and the Rosary. In his dream at the
age of 9, when he asked the mysterious
personage who he was, he was told: “I am the
son of her, whom your mother taught you to
greet three times a day”. At the Moglia farm,
during the work, when the Angelus bell would
ring forth from the Parish Church, John Bosco,
would kneel down and recite the Angelus to
honour Our Lady. Before performing his magic
tricks for his companions, first he would often make
them recite the rosary together in the field. Somehow,
John Bosco inherited from his mother, Mamma
Margaret, the great love and devotion he had for Our
Heavenly Mother, Mary. On the eve of his departure to
the Seminary, 29 October 1835, as he was packing his
little bag, Mamma Margaret approached him and said:
“John, when you were born, I consecrated you to the
Madonna, when you began your studies, I asked you to
have devotion to this Mother of ours. Now I ask you to be
totally hers”. Deeply moved, John Bosco replied:
“Mother I thank you for all you have done for me. Of these
your words, I will treasure them to the end of my life!”
And treasure them, he did. He was totally devoted to her.
He taught the youngsters to love Mary, to be devoted to
her and to place themselves under her maternal
protection. He built the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians
as a monument of his love for her. Mary worked closely
with Don Bosco obtaining for him heavenly favours of one
sort or another thus giving him the conviction that what
he was doing was the Will of God. She was often his guide
during the dreams or 'visions' he had.
When he founded the Society of the Salesian Sisters to
do for the girls, what he was doing for the boys, he called
this Society, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians,
as a sign of his permanent gratitude to Mary for all the
graces he had received through her intercession. Finally
towards the end of his life, he could say: “I have not taken
a single step without the express wish of Our Lady”. Here
was a truly devoted son of Mary. He would tell us “Have
devotion to Mary Help of Christians and you will see
what miracles are!”
Today, my dear friends, Don Bosco is inviting us to place all
our confidence and trust in this Heavenly Mother who
took him under her protection and guided him all through
difficulties and problems and helped him to become a
saint. I am sure if we too will accept her as our Heavenly
Mother, she would do the same for us.
I wish you all a Very Happy Feast of Mary Help of
Christians.
Fr George Chalissery SDB
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From the chronicles of Don Carlo Biglietti SDB
Don Bosco in
AFRICA
by Cl Alexio Mesi SDB
Don Bosco & first Missionaries
or the past four or five days (6 December
1887) Don Bosco isn’t feeling well, last
evening he had a severe fever and headache
and for this reason, under medical prescription he needs to
be in bed from 6pm. This morning he woke up around 8am
and did not take part in mass, just as from Monday,
receiving communion.
This evening although exhausted he wanted to go to
church to participate in the farewell mass for
missionaries. He entered the presbytery helped by me and
Festa while Fr Bonetti was delivering his sermon. But I
must say that the best and most efficacious preaching is
done by Don Bosco, showing up in such pain to see his
children off. Immediately everyone stands up to see him.
Mons. Letto after the blessing with the Blessed Sacrament
addressed the missionaries and gave them his blessing. It
was a very touching moment, in church –that was packed-
there was none who was not in tears. After the blessing,
each of the missionaries came in front of Don Bosco to
greet him and kiss his hand… they cried, and Don Bosco
cried as well; everyone in church cried… missionaries
embraced confreres from the house for the last time, as
well as the General Superiors… then they walked through
the church… people knelt at their passing, filled with tears
and kissing their hands and cassocks – and then they all
returned to the presbytery and surrounded Don Bosco…
then I heard abundant words of compassion towards the
poor and old Don Bosco… how many I saw crying!!! I
heard many bless that man of God, to the point of calling
him a saint!!! After the service, Don Bosco as the passed
through the courtyard was acclaimed by the youngsters
and tired as he was; he went to his room.”
A century later, Don Bosco is once again moving among
his dear children, not only those of Turin (Italy) but his
children all over the world. Don Bosco’s relics are visiting
all provinces in Africa and this unique opportunity is for
each Salesian, FMA, Salesian Co-operator, youngster and
friend of Don Bosco an important event. The feelings,
emotions and momentum that Valdocco felt upon seeing
Don Bosco in his time can only be compared to the
emotion people feel after seeing Don Bosco’s relics
visiting them.
Missionaries departing to South America knew they
would not see Don Bosco again in their lives; their hearts
were so moved that they could not hide their tears and
emotions. While they would venture to new lands and
peoples, their father would remain behind, blessing them
and giving them energy. Today Don Bosco comes to visit
his children and tears fill his children’s eyes because this is
most likely to be the once-in-life-time encounter
between the Saint and them.
In the places where Don Bosco’s relics have visited,
people have done as much as those who saw Don Bosco
for the last time in their lives did: they knelt in front of
him, kissed his hand and received his blessing. The initial
scepticism towards the pilgrimage of Don Bosco’s around
the world, is slowly yielding to the feeling of gratitude and
appreciation for the efforts in having Don Bosco visiting
those places he did not visit in his lifetime.
The Salesian Family in ZMB Vice-Province awaits the
arrival of Don Bosco. Preparations are on their way to
make of Don Bosco’s visit a memorable event, but most of
all a spiritual renewal for us all.
Don Bosco’s relics in Nairobi, Kenya (FMA Mutuini)
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W SSalesian World
Provincial Visitation -
Hwange (Zimbabwe) 09/05/12
(Cl John Musonda SDB)
After about five days of
community visitation thus from
the 4th to the 7th of May, Fr.
George Chalissery returns to
Lusaka with a call to twin
passionate for God and
humanity; thus reechoing the
words of the superior generals of
the religious congregations.
Indeed it's arguably sound to say
that any sort of engagement with
humanity is always with and
never without that of God. If
anything the premise for this
engagement comes from God.
Among other engagements,
Provincial celebrated the
Eucharist on Saturday and
Sunday in our two sister parishes
of Holy Family and St Teresa
respectively. We wish him God's
blessings and good health a she
goes back to Lusaka (Zambia).
Missionary Childhood
Congress:
Hwange (Zimbabwe) 28/04/12
(Cl John Musonda SDB)
Our two sister parishes St Teresa
and Holy Family took part in the
bi-annual diocesan congress of
the Missionary Childhood (MC).
The congress which attracted
over 500 children from around
the diocese of Hwange was held
in Binga district situated on the
shores of the Zambezi River of
about 240 km from Hwange
town.
The MCs congress which was
graced by his grace Albert
Serrano bishop of the diocese of
Hwange was held under the
diocesan synod theme – 'in the
light of the risen Lord together we
walk'. The congress run from the
19th to the 22nd of April, 2012.
First Communions at
St. Mary's Parish
Kabwe (Zambia) 8/04/2012
(Fr Andrew Reut SDB)
A wonderful celebration of
Easter with about 47 children
receiving their Holy Communion
for the first time. The children
were prepared by catechists Mr
Peter Chulu and Mr Eric Ngosa.
The Eucharistic celebration was
presided over by Fr Andrew Reut,
parish priest of St Mary’s in
Kabwe.
R.I.P Mr Abraham Tembo
Lusaka (Zambia) 08/03/2012
(Fr George Chalissery)
Early in the morning of Thursday
8 March, after a long illness, Mr
Abraham Tembo, the father of Fr
Vincent Tembo has passed away.
The funeral mass was celebrated
on 10/03/2012 and it was well
attended by family members,
members of the Salesian Family
and Bishop Clement Mulenga
SDB who came all the way from
Kabwe.
R.I.P Mr Antoni Czerwinski
Warsaw (Poland) 18/02/2012
(Fr Joseph Czerwinski SDB)
After a routine operation, the
father of former Provincial of
ZMB, Fr Joseph Czerwinski, Mr
Antoni Czerwinski peacefully
assed away in Warsaw on 18
February 2012; he was
surrounded by family members
and two his sons who are priests.
His funeral was a beautiful send
off and expression of faith and
solidarity from Salesian Family
and diocesan priests. The Bishop
and many priests concelebrated
the funeral Mass. It was very,
very cold, but the spirit was
warm.
Leadership Seminar
Chingola (Zambia) 10-12/02/12
(David Njolo SDB)
The month of February at Don
Bosco Youth Centre was marked
by two great leadership
seminars, which were conducted
in the oratory and school
respectively. The seminar, which
was conducted in the oratory
focused on strengthening of the
already existing oratory
leadership while that of the
school aimed at educating all the
students in good selections of
class leaders and the two hot
seats of the College's
Presidency. Fr Slawek and Br
David were given by the
community the mandate to
facilitate both seminars by giving
talks. The leading thought of the
presentations was geared at
highlighting the qualities of the
Christian leaderships with its role
of service and quality thought
and reflection before any
undertaken action as its base.
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Can
young people
be holy?
By Alphoncious Hamweete SDB
oung people are full of
life and energy. We see a
lot of creativity among
young people. Exploration is a
daily adventure. There is also a
rebellious attitude towards the
authority of parents or teachers.
They see elders as obstacles to
their freedom to lead their own
lives, although at the back of their
mind they know that they need
elders’ support and coaching in
life. But how to balance this is a
problem. We hear of early
pregnancies, early marriages in
villages, hanging around in night
clubs and girl-boy sexual
relationships as a normal life-
style among the youth. On the
other hand young people depict
themselves as people who know
what justice is. Thus we hear of
protests against this or that,
either in churches, schools or
society at large. In this web of
confusion the question is: is it
possible for young people to be
holy?
Most young people want to do
something which feels good and
which is accepted by their
peers. They like easy lives
and any activity which is
lifeless does not attract
them. They like places
where they can enjoy
themselves. They do not like
formal structures because
they are full of ideas and visions of
how things should be done.
Some of the young people have
shunned going to church because
they feel alien to the church. The
church environment is not youth
friendly. In the church they find
elders giving orders to youths
what to do and what not to do.
They are not viewed as gifts to the
church but trouble makers who
need to be ruled by an iron fist.
On the other hand, the notion of
holiness to the youth is
misunderstood that it cannot fit
into their culture and realm of
life. Thus anyone who
participates actively in the
liturgy, seems to be up to date
with the teaching of the church,
has a deep attitude toward prayer,
honesty with God and sincere
with oneself is a laughing stock
among friends or perhaps is
called a ‘nun’ or ‘priest’ and is
tipped to be missing something
in life.
However, in this article, I would
like to reflect on some elements
of youth spirituality. Holiness is
not attained by having long
prayers and running away from
the reality of life. But Celebrating
life in happiness is a way to
holiness. Being holy is not
necessarily being declared a saint
by the church, but it is a journey
of becoming perfect just as our
Father in heaven is perfect (cf
Matt 4:48). Young people are
called to be holy as young people,
while enjoying their youth: the
enjoyment, which is not temporal
but accompanied by a heart full of
calm, peace and joy because of
the inner freedom which comes
along with it, like having a lot of
friends, being cheerful,
charming, and affectionate
toward all. Above all, having a
spiritual mentor with whom one
surrenders oneself to be directed
toward a journey to living a happy
life is a way to holiness. Saint
Dominic Savio is a good model as
he at an early age took his life so
serious that saintly life is acquired
only in being prayerful and
restricting oneself from pleasure.
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He would immerse himself in God
through solitude. He withdrew into
isolation and began to pursue his
ideal. Seeing himself trying to
practice the means he had
envisioned, he instinctively began to
measure his own capacities against
those required to realize his ideal.
He began to feel fearful and
somewhat discouraged. Like all
adolescents, he inclined to resolve
his problems on his own. He did not
yet feel himself an adult, but he
wanted his autonomy. But through
the inspiration of Saint John Bosco’s
sermon and kind advice moved him
to say “I never knew I could sanctify
myself so easily, but now that I know
I can be happy and holy too, I most
willingly want it! However, Don
Bosco advised him to do his duties
well and suggested to him to recreate
with his friends if he wants to be
holy.
In conclusion, to be holy means to
live to one‘s full potentiality. Living
to one’s fullness is realizing the
vision of Jesus Christ who said, “I
have come that you may have life in
full”. Fullness of life encompasses
integrating all the aspects of life as
centered on Christ. Young people
need to realize that in seeking cheap
popularity, easy money and illicit
sex they lose their lives and also
playing loud music, dancing,
speeding cars, living loose lives
without having time in silence to
listen to oneself and reflect on the
word of God is a life of restlessness
and empty. Saint Augustine in his
youth tried all sorts of pleasures of
life but did not find satisfaction and
confessed that he only found true
fulfillment in God. For the young
people it is possible to live holy lives
if they follow good role models in
life, stand on true convictions and
follow the advice of saint Paul who
said “free the desires of youth, and
pursue righteousness (2 Tim 2:22)
and should believe that the power in
them is greater than the power
which is outside them.
THINKING POINT
DON BOSCO
with us
Br. Walter Thyrniang
Hello thinking people!
People flock to church in a certain Salesian Parish when a
particular priest is presiding over the Eucharist celebration, because the
priest is a very good preacher. But there was some scepticism among those
who know him well, ‘he does not practice what he preaches’ they said.
Hearing this, the priest said during his homily; ‘I know some of you are not
happy because I do not practice what I preach; but you will be more
scandalised if I preach what I practice.’
The first retreat in 2011 was preached by Fr. Filice. Clearly he
spoke from his love for Don Bosco and the Congregation and reflected on
the reality of his experience. With his permission I noted the following:
Salesians’ Mortal Sins:
Ÿ A Salesian Priest saying Mass alone on Sunday, while many people
long for mass.
Ÿ A Salesian watching Television, while the oratory is going on and
young people are paying in the playground.
Ÿ A Salesian School or Community that depends on fees paid by
poor people.
Ÿ A Salesian coming for an annual retreat without a book or reading
material on Don Bosco.
Ÿ A Salesian that says ‘it is not my responsibility’ for things or
activities in the community.
Occasionally, Father would get so emotional almost to the point of
shedding tears. He did apologise saying because of ‘a weak heart’ that he
has. I thought the above seemed ordinary – could it be that I have no or
have lost my Salesian heart?
We will have the relic of Don Bosco among us this year, an opportunity to
renew our love for our founder and the charism he left as a legacy. Some of
us are sceptical about the whole exercise; maybe we are right. But to
refuse the relic in the community is an extreme denial. The argument that
body parts are not to be taken around is not convincing. Remains of
politicians are taken to the whole country for people to pay their respect.
But it is just a relic; what about Rectors and communities who refuse
confreres? If we welcome Don Bosco and reject fellow salesians or have no
young people in our presences then what is the point?
Think!!
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Salesian
Co-operators
DON BOSCO
wanted us
like this!
An autonomous group or part of the Salesian Society?
Don Bosco’s idea for this group of helpers was to make of
them ‘full-time members of his Society’. They were to live
outside the religious community, but still be part of his
Society; practicing poverty and obedience although not
taking up the vows, doing at home and in society, what Don
Bosco did in the Oratory.
It was in 1864 when in the second article of his rule he wrote:
‘he does not make a vow, but tries to put into practice that
part of the rule which is compatible with his age, state and
condition, which would mean that they would teach or
promote catechism for the benefit of poor children,
promote the distribution of good books; see that they
have novenas, retreats, or other works of charity which
are directed in particular way to the spiritual welfare of
the young and the common people.” (Lappin, P.- ‘Give me
Souls’, P. 269).
For Don Bosco, anyone who came along to help with his work
on behalf of youth had almost instantly obtained membership
to the Society. However, through years of discernment, the
Church helped Don Bosco to have rather a different
understanding of it altogether. The Association of the Salesian
Co-operators, thus, was born; this group was born to be an
independent association, though linked to the Salesian
Society, in the same way the Third Order of the Franciscans is
linked to the Franciscan Order.
Men only?
Don Bosco intended to have the Association of the Salesian
Co-operators divided into two branches: male and female,
where the male branch will help Salesians directly; while the
female would be working with the Salesian Sisters. In
response to this idea, Pope Pius IX said to Don Bosco, “No,
The Original Idea
no!” interrupted the Holy Father, “don’t make any exceptions.
Don Bosco’s work on behalf of poor and abandoned Take them also into your association. Women have always
boys grew rapidly, as far as the numbers of played the most important part in the conversion of people.
beneficiaries is concerned, but slowly and More than men! Exclude them and you will deprive yourself of
progressively insofar as his helpers did. From the your greatest help.” (P. 269) Thus, the Association is made up
outset of his work, Don Bosco found himself in need of both men and women; which in our days is mainly made up
of helpers to continue the kind of works he had of women -if statistics are to be taken into consideration. Don
started. Some of the first helpers who came along Bosco thought of men only because his mission was
were priests; they dedicated their time to the addressed to the education and evangelisation of poor and
religious instruction of the boys of the oratory, abandoned boys, not girls. Therefore, he saw it more
animated the games and preached recollections convenient for men to come along in his works in order to
and heard
safeguard the morality of his
confessions. The the Association is made up of both men and women;
most renowned of
these priests were
which in our days is mainly made up of women
perhaps Fr Cafasso and Fr -if statistics are to be taken into consideration!
institutions.
Young Co-operators?
Neither in Don Bosco’s mind
Borel. Nevertheless, there
nor in the history of the
were many other people (not necessarily priests) Association is there any mention of ‘young co-operators’. The
who also gave to Don Bosco’s mission their time, nature of the Association is to gather all men and women who
talents and resources. One of the first two who ever desire a life of Christian perfection and apostolic commitment
helped Don Bosco were Mr. Joseph Galiardi, who into one single group. Thus, the age situation of any of its
owned a little store in Turin, and Count Cays from members is never the basis for any special sub-group inside
the Turin aristocracy.
the Association.
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Nature of their Apostolate
The Salesian Co-operator develops
his/her life of commitment in three
areas: personal witness to the Gospel,
Christian animation of society and
collaboration in the pastoral activities
of the church imbued with the
Salesian spirit.
Don Bosco saw the Salesian Co-
operators different from the Third
Orders, which normally aimed at
Christian perfection by the practice of
pious devotions. His co-operators
were to engage in the transformation
of civil society. They had all the means,
time and opportunity to intervene in
the public sphere, unlike his religious
(priests and brothers) who because of
their vows and religious status could
not even think of it. But the Co-
operators have all the possibilities to
intervene in politics, culture, social
work, communication, etc animated
by Christian values and the Salesian
approach. Thus, the work of the
Salesian Co-operators is not confined
to the Salesian community.
Communication
In order to animate and keep co-
operators in constant communication
Don Bosco founded the Salesian
Bulletin to spread good news but also
to let people know of the
achievements made in the work on
behalf of youth.
Let’s keep up with the good work
begun by Don Bosco!
CHRIST’S
By Nhlanhlas M
Obituary
Jesus Christ, 33, of
Nazareth died
Friday on Mount
Calvary, also known as
Golgotha, the place of the
skull; betrayed by Judas the
apostle; crucified by the
Romans by order of the
Ruler, Pontius Pilate. The
causes of death were
crucifixion, extreme
exhaustion, severe torture
and loss of blood.
Jesus Christ,
descendant of Abraham,
was a member of the house
of David. He was the son of
the late Joseph the
carpenter of Nazareth and
Mary his devoted mother. Jesus was born in a stable in the city of
Bethlehem, Judea. He is survived by his mother, his faithful apostles,
numerous disciples and many other followers.
Jesus was self educated and spent most of his adult life
working as a Teacher. Jesus also occasionally worked as a medical
doctor and it is reported that he healed many patients. Up to the time
of his death he was teaching, sharing the Good News, healing the sick,
touching the lonely, feeding the hungry and helping the poor.
Jesus was most noted for telling parables about his Father’s
Kingdom and performing miracles such as feeding over 5,000 people
with only five loaves of bread and two fish; and healing a man who was
born blind. On the day before his death, he held a Last Supper
celebrating the Passover Feast at which he foretold of his death.
The body was quickly buried in a stone grave which was donated by
Joseph of Arimathea a loyal friend of the family. By order of Pontius
Pilate, a boulder was rolled in front of the tomb with Roman soldiers
put on guard.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that everyone try to
live as Jesus did. Donations may be sent to anyone in need…
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ZMB Easter Camp
CHRIST LIVES
Fr. Javier A. Barrientos SDB
Celebrating the Easter Triduum in a youthful environment
A milestone
in the faith journey
of young people...
Youngsters camping
at Makeni novitiate in Lusaka
Christ Lives | Easter Camp:
Lusaka (Zambia) 05-08-2012.-
105 people have gathered at
the formation house of Makeni
to celebrate the Easter
Triduum. The youngsters who
took part in the event came
from the communities of
Mansa (FMA), Hwange (SDB),
Chingola (SDB), Chawama
(SDB), Bauleni (SDB), Makeni
(Fidei Donum), Kasama (FMA)
and Kabwe (SDB). Some of the
delegations arrived on
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Wednesday evening and
slowly prepared to begin the
programme on the following
day.
The Easter Camp (Christ Lives)
began on Thursday at 3pm with
the welcoming of the last
delegations and the
introduction to the
programme. All delegations
arrived in time and were ready
to commit themselves to
participate in the programme.
The first session dealt with the
need to commit oneself to
service, especially to those
around us who are most in
need, after the example of
Jesus who washed the
disciples' feet.
In the evening the Eucharistic
celebration included the
colourful ceremony of the
washing of the feet, where 12
young people (boys and girls)
were chosen to represent the
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HEAVEN OR HELL?
Youth Seminar
were particularly happy to have been
chosen for this ceremony because it is
quite unusual to have a woman among
the disciples. Fr George Chalissery,
provincial, was the main celebrant.
On Friday, the programme had the first
reflection on the mystery and reality of
death. It was given by Bro Walter
Thyrniang SDB. After the conference,
young people had time for sharing and
preparation for the Way of the Cross
and the Service of Good Friday.
On Saturday the programme had some
short sessions and the preparation for
the Easter Vigil done in groups. The
evening mass was prepared through
the Lectio Divina.
On Sunday the group had its final
session on 'commitment' as a response
to the baptismal vocation and as a
witness to the resurrection of Christ.
The main topic was on voluntary
service. The last session was followed
by group work and it concluded with
the Eucharistic celebration that was
presided by Fr. Christopher Rychcik SDB,
rector of Makeni community.
After mass the group had the final
comments and conclusion of the
programme. After lunch some of the
delegations departed with joy in their
hearts after having celebrated the
resurrection of the Lord.
Kabwe (Zambia) 05/05/-2012.- The Oratory director of
Kabwe Youth Centre, Fr Mariusz Skowron, has organised a
youth leadership seminar with the title: “Heaven or Hell?” to
help young people from the parish and oratory to reflect on
the daily life choices and its consequences in their lives and
those of their families.
Two of the main issues the seminar aimed at dealing with are
addiction to alcohol and drugs. Unfortunately, more and
more young people in Kabwe are prey to these addictive
substances due to lack of opportunities in life.
Unemployment is one of the main factors of young people's
initial frustrations in life and thus alcohol becomes a problem
in their lives; not to mention the social pressure from friends
and family environment.
Fr Mariusz, after hearing the wish of the young people from
Kabwe, decided to invite some experts in the field of drug and
alcohol abuse to talk to the young people and explain to them
the consequences of such 'choices'. Fr Mariusz also invited Fr
Antonio (youth delegate) to explain the Salesian approach to
the youth situation and the possibilities of recovery when a
person is found prey to these situations.
The response of the youngsters has been quite
overwhelming. Although the title of the seminar sounds a bit
'old fashion'; it nevertheless helped young people to become
aware of the choices that make of their lives, places of joy and
happiness (places like heaven) or sadness, frustration and
pain (as it would be the situation of hell).
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The NEW ROMAN MISSAL
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF HOLY MASS
IN ENGLISH.
(Part II)
My first reflection on the New English Missal dealt
largely with the part played by the Assembly during the
celebration of the Eucharist.
This reflection (Part II) will touch on a few general
points concerning the role of the presiding priest.
However, it needs to be emphasised that these rules and
guidelines (Rubrics and the General Instruction of the
Roman Missal) are not ‘for the English Mass’ only.
These rules and guidelines are universal. They are to be
found in every Roman Missal regardless of language.
The Church has simply used the occasion of the
publication of the new English translation to draw
attention to and correct some elements that she considers
to have been ignored or abused over the years.
We are reminded, furthermore, that the Eucharist which
we celebrate belongs to the Church and not to individual
priests or bishops to be changed and adapted at will.
WHAT IS DONE BY THE PRIEST AND
WHERE?
Introductory Rites:
“When he has arrived at the altar, after making a
profound bow with the ministers, the Priest
venerates the altar with a kiss and if appropriate,
incenses the cross and the altar. Then, with the
ministers, he goes to the chair.” (Roman Missal.
Pg. 491. See also GIRM 124)
The missal here makes it quite clear that the introductory
rites (from the sign of the cross to the end of the opening
prayer) are led from the chair and not from the altar.
This is important, since the presider’s chair is one of the
three focal points during the Eucharist. (The other two
being the lectern and the altar)
The presider’s chair is not just a seat for him to take the
weight off his feet!
“The chair of the Priest Celebrant must signify
his function of presiding over the gathering and
of directing the prayer.” (GIRM No 310)
To lead the introductory rites from the chair is not as easy
as it used to be, given the size and weight of the new
English Missal. It will require the assistance of a strong
altar server or the use of an extra lectern (which should
NOT be similar to the lectern/ambo from which God’s
Word is proclaimed.)
Perhaps the easiest solution would be to use the smaller
‘Sunday Missal’ which is now available from the
Catholic Bookshop.
An extra microphone at the chair may also be needed
for this part of the Mass.
“The Priest or a Deacon, or another minister,
may very briefly introduce the faithful to the
Mass of the day.” (RM. Pg 492)
The key words here are ‘may’, indicating that an
introduction to the Mass is optional; and ‘very briefly’.
Any lengthy reference to the readings (which in any case
have not yet been proclaimed!) is best left to the homily.
“After this, the Priest calls upon the whole
community to take part in the Penitential Act,
which, after a brief pause for silence, it does by
means of a formula of general confession. The rite
concludes with the Priest’s absolution, which
however lacks the efficacy of the Sacrament of
Penance.” (GIRM 51)
The various formulae for the penitential rite have been
greatly reduced in the new English Missal. However, it is
important to note that there is no Sign of the Cross at the
end of the rite either by the priest or by the people. In fact,
any attempt to make the penitential rite look like a
Sacramental General Absolution should be
strenuously avoided!
In Appendix II at the back of the Missal is the optional
rite for the blessing and sprinkling of Holy Water which
replaces the usual penitential rite.
The Instruction tells us:
“On Sundays, especially in Easter Time, the
blessing and sprinkling of water as a memorial of
Baptism may take place from time to time.....
Ÿ If this rite is celebrated during Mass, it takes
the place of the usual Penitential Act at the
beginning of Mass.” (RM. Page 1217
The collect or opening prayer concludes the
Introductory Rites and the focus now shifts from the
chair to the ambo/lectern.
The Liturgy of the Word:
As you would expect, God’s Word is proclaimed from
the ambo (what we generally refer to as the ‘lectern’).
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM
309) states:
“The dignity of the Word of God requires that in the
church there be a suitable place from which it may
be proclaimed and towards which the attention of
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the faithful naturally turns during the Liturgy of the
Word.
It is appropriate that generally this place be a
stationary ambo and not simply a moveable
lectern.”
Our communities that do not have a lectern/ambo of
any kind in their chapels should take note!!!
“From the ambo only the readings, the
Responsorial Psalm, and the Easter Proclamation
(Exultet) are to be proclaimed; likewise it may be
used for giving the Homily and for announcing the
intentions of the Universal Prayer” (General
Intercessions). (GIRM 309)
It follows, therefore, that the announcements, the giving
of directions, speeches at the end of the celebration and
other such things should be done from some other place –
and not from the ambo/lectern. This may require the
provision of yet another microphone!
It sometimes happens, on special occasions, that one or
more of the readings are not to be found in the lectionary
and are therefore photocopied onto sheets of paper.
Someone once said that reading the Word of God from a
sheet of paper during the Eucharistic
celebration is like pouring the Precious
Blood into a paper cup. We should be
equally shocked by both!If it is absolutely
necessary to photocopy a reading, the
paper could at least be placed in the
lectionary and read from there.
“The Priest, standing at the chair or at
the ambo itself or, if appropriate, in
another worthy place, gives the
Homily.” (GIRM 136)
So, the preacher has a choice: he can speak
from the presider’s chair (because giving the
homily is part of the office of presiding), or
from the ambo (from which the Word of God
has been proclaimed) or from ‘another
worthy place’: But, is preaching the homily
from half way down the aisle or while
wandering around the church a ‘worthy
place’?
In pre-Vatican II days, it was customary to
begin and end the homily with the sign of
the cross.
However, in the early 1970’s, the
Congregation for Divine Worship was asked
whether such a practice was still appropriate. The answer
given was:
“.... It is inadvisable to continue such a custom
because it has its origin in preaching outside Mass.
The homily is part of the liturgy: the people have
already blessed themselves ....... at the beginning of
Mass. It is better then, not to have a repetition before
or after the homily.” (Notitiae v9 1973)
The Universal Prayer of the Church (General
Intercessions) follows the Creed.
Appendix II at the back of the Roman Missal (page 1225
and following) gives examples of the formulae to be used
for these intercessions.
Three things to note from these examples:
The priest’s introduction and the intentions
themselves are addressed to the People and not
to God.
The Intentions are just that – invitations to pray for
particular needs. They are not prayers of
thanksgiving or praise to God.
The priest concludes the General Intercessions with
a prayer addressed to the Father through Jesus
Christ.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist:
From the preparation of the gifts until the distribution of
Holy Communion to the people, the focal point shifts
from the ambo to the altar. The altar is the place of
sacrifice and the table from which we are fed.
“It is also the centre of the thanksgiving that is
accomplished through the Eucharist.” (GIRM 296)
The altar should remain uncluttered throughout the
celebration.
“Only what is required for the celebration of the
Mass may be placed on the altar table: namely, from
the beginning of the celebration until the
proclamation of the Gospel, the ‘Book of the
Gospels’; then from the Presentation of
the Gifts until the purification of the
vessels, the chalice with the paten, a
ciborium if necessary, and, finally, the
corporal, the purifcator, the pall and
the Missal.
In addition, arranged discreetly, there
should be whatever may be needed to
amplify the Priest’s voice.” (GIRM
306)
“The candle sticks ..... should be
appropriately placed either on the
altar or around it ...... so that the
faithful may not be impeded from a
clear view of what takes place at the
altar or what is placed upon it.”
(GIRM 307)
In other words, only what is needed for the
celebration should be place on the altar. It is
not the place for the celebrant’s hymn book
breviary, spectacle case, or even the cruets.
Furthermore, if a crucifix is placed on the
altar, it should face the people and not the
priest. (See GIRM 308)
Three times, during this part of the Mass, the
priest ‘raises’ the paten and chalice: at the preparation of
the gifts, during and after the words of consecration and
during the doxology at the end of the Eucharistic Prayer.
The Missal subtly suggests how this ‘raising’ should take
place.
At the preparation of the gifts, the Missal instructs the
Priest to raise first the paten and then the chalice ‘slightly
above the altar’.
At the consecration, the Missal instructs him to take the
paten and chalice in turn, holding them again ‘slightly
above the altar’. After the words of consecration he
‘shows’ first the consecrated host and then the chalice to
the people.
During the doxology, ‘he takes the chalice and the paten
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with the host and raising both, he says: Through
him......’
So, we have ‘raising slightly above the altar’,
‘showing to the people’, and ‘raising’.
Many liturgists have interpreted these actions in three
ways:
Preparation of the gifts: The bread and wine are
raised just a few inches above the altar because they are
not being offered at this point. The priest is simply
receiving the gifts, giving thanks for them and placing
them on the altar.
At the
consecration:
slightly above
the altar while
saying the words
and then at about
eye level to
show the
consecrated host
and the chalice
to the people.
Again, the Priest
is showing – not
offering – anything at this point.
During the doxology: Raised to the highest point.
This is the high point of the Eucharistic Prayer. This is
the point for the offering Christ to the Father, the time for
the great gesture of lifting high the gift of Christ’s Body
and Blood towards heaven for all to see.
“The priest may give the Sign of peace to the
ministers but always remains within the sanctuary, so
that the celebration is not disrupted. He may do the same
if for a reasonable cause he wishes to offer the sign of
peace to a small number of the faithful.” (GIRM 154)
This suggests that occasionally the priest may wish to
leave the sanctuary briefly and offer a sign of peace to a
small number of people; for example, to the grieving
family during a funeral Mass or to the Bride and Groom
during a wedding Mass. It certainly does not envisage the
priest wandering around the church greeting his
parishioners!
Two final notes on the Liturgy of the Eucharist:
Firstly, the rubrics of the Roman Missal make it quite
clear that the bread is broken during the ‘Lamb of God’
and NEVER during the consecration.
The priest is not miming what happened at the Last
Supper. He is proclaiming the reason why we gather to
give thanks: ‘For on the night he was betrayed he himself
took bread....’
If the priest were simply miming what happened at the
Last Supper, then the people would also ‘take and eat’ at
the consecration.
Further, after breaking the bread during the ‘Lamb of
God’, it does not make sense to put Jesus back together
again for ‘Behold the Lamb of God’. At this point the
people are invited to behold the Body of Christ which has
been broken for us.
The Concluding Rites:
“..... Standing at the chair or at the altar and facing
the people ....... the priest recites the Prayer after
Communion.” (GIRM 165)
Unlike the Introductory Rites, the priest has a choice of
where to stand for the final prayer, blessing and dismissal
– at the altar or at the chair.
However, since the chair is one of the three major focal
points of the Eucharistic celebration and from which the
priest leads the Introductory Rites, it would seem to be the
more appropriate place for the conclusion of the
celebration.
This would seem to a good point to conclude this
commentary on the role of the presiding priest.
Next time (Part III) I would like to reflect on the various
prayers of the Mass: those recited by the priest alone, by
the people alone and by the priest and people together.
UNITED NATIONS & AFRICA
When Help has a hidden agenda
Lusaka (Zambia) 03/12/2012.- The General
Secretary of the UN Mr. Ban Ki-moon has recently
visited Zambia and his visit has cause lots of ill feelings
and discontent among the Zambian people. The
Secretary of the United Nations having spent a few
days in Zambia left only one message: unless gay rights
are not upheld and promoted, there will be no help for
development in Zambia; this message came some time
back from the U.K Government and the reply of the
Zambian Government and people was just the same:
There are other priorities at the moment; things more
important that the gay rights. The whole issue here is
not so much in whether the gay rights are not upheld
and respected in Zambia, but the intention of the UN
to restrict any help to the actual fact of complying with
the UN agenda on gay rights.It seems that the whole
world is going gay and in addition to that, for most
industralised nations to be gay is the normal thing,
namely not to be gay is almost considered an offence.
The attitude of some governments in Africa and
recently in Zambia is praiseworthy because they prefer
their sovereignty and independence in upholding their
cultural values over the pressure (even financial) that
comes from developed nations.
Although people with the gay tendency ought to be
respected and treated with compassion, it is wrong for
world institutions to condition help to developing
nations based on issues such as these.
It is praiseworthy the attitude of Governments in some
countries in Africa that have no fear of challenging
UN and some of the first world countries that want to
condition their help to developing countries in the
name of ‘human rights’ not of the majority but of
some sort of privileged minority.
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The Red-brick
PROVINCE
THINKING POINT
By Fr Javier A. Barrientos SDB
It happened a few weeks ago during a conversation with a priest that this
thought came to me: what’s the reason why one place in the province seems
to be just like anywhere else? It had received some comments a few years ago
regarding the buildings we have in the province. After a visit to some
communities in the north, a visitor commented, “this is the only place I’ve seen
Salesians keeping a uniform way of building”. It never came to my mind that this
comment contained a
simple important truth:
most buildings in ZMB
are made of red bricks.
It is not to pass
judgement on the
reasons why it is so, but
looking around the
province, from
Lilongwe to all three
communities in
Lusaka, Kabwe,
Chingola and Mansa,
not forgetting Hwange
in Zimbabwe, these
communities have one
important thing in
common: they are built
with red bricks. Should
you take a photo of
yourself leaning on a
wall in any of these communities, there is no way someone will ever tell in which
community you were. In fact, someone once saw a picture of Mansa and he
thought it was Makeni.
There is a Roman axiom that reads, ‘see the interior through the external signs’. I
wonder what is the interior of ZMB Province when it comes to reading the
building style we have adopted. Perhaps none ever gave a thought but it is quite
noticeable to any visitor that certain uniformity in our buildings tries to convey a
message; but what is the message?
I have tried some possible explanations to this mystery. I’ll share two possible
theories. The first one: ‘most communities in ZMB are built with red-bricks to
help confreres feel always at home’; so that whenever they are on transfer they
will not miss the community the leave behind; since the next one will be exactly
the same inside and outside. The second one: ‘most communities in ZMB are built
with red-bricks to let generations-to-come that this was in our time, the most
affordable building material’; just like Greeks and Romans used marble, so in
ZMB we use red-bricks. Why not? Generations that will come after us will
understand that once red-bricks were fabricated in such quantities that they were
the most affordable building material (its overproduction lowered its price),
although the same generations will ask again, but if red-bricks were so affordable,
why is it that none of the
surrounding buildings (of
people outside the
Salesian communities)
ever used the red-bricks?
But the latter question will
leave the mystery
unsolved!
Therefore, dear reader,
what do you make of it?
Why would a province
adopt the red-brick style
for all buildings?
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Testimonies
The Aspirantate Experience in ZMB
By Paul Nkandwe
I I came to join the Salesian Community in Kabwe as an aspirant in
June 12th March, Youth day. I did not know what to expect though;
those who had experienced it shared their experience with me
and that’s all I knew.
When I came here at Don Bosco Youth Centre, my main objectives were;
to live in a Community of Salesian Spirit and be able to see if it is really my
call to serve God as a Salesian; to live in a community surrounded by
spiritual leaders (Priests); to be in an environment guided by a
programme according to the demand of time; to fully experience the life
of being with young people and to learn more about the Salesian life
(Charism, Spirituality, etc).
retreat from 27th – 29th. It was very
Challenging and meaningful.
What I have learnt and experienced in this short period of
staying in this Community is more than I expected. Almost all my
objectives have been achieved in just a short time. In the first days of
being here (Kabwe), it was not easy for me to stay alone as an aspirant
and as a young person in a community of three Priests of different
nationality. However, I got used to the situation and am staying freely.
In my condition as aspirant I have been blessed with receiving
the blessed sacrament of Holy Eucharist; and also the sacrament of
Penance whenever I am in need of it. I am able to meditate, reflect and
pray at my own time without any disturbances. I really feel moving from
On May 5th I helped Fr Andrew
Zdzieborski to organize the Altar
Boys’ day for the feast of ST Dominic
Savio. On this feast day, 189 Altar Boys
participated. It was a busy and
interesting day for Fr Andrew and me
together with the Altar boys. At
08:30hrs we had registration,
10:00hrs Mass and after mass there
one point of Spirituality to another.
Life just continued from one stage to another, from one
environment to another, from the community of ordinary men
and women, boys and girls to a community of priests. At first I
Every vocation
is a proof that God loves
was thinking that the Christian duties I was doing at parish and
centre level would end immediately I entered the community.
our Congregation
But everything just continued like before though different in
some ways. My work of coordinating the Altar Boys Club, meeting the was some social time involving
catechumens even though I don’t teach them here I have chance to meet dances, comedy and sketches. After
and talk to them.
Lunch at 14:00hrs different games
The greatest joy in my experience as aspirant is the affection started. It was one of the best
and the conduct among the youths, the altar boys, young boys and girls moments I have never had before
and myself. From the youths I have developed interest in some games with the Altar boys.
like basketball and pool, also wishing to learn more from them and the
Although it is so challenging
Community, so that all this can help others.
to leave one’s family and friends; so
In the Oratory and the youth centre I meet people of different far I am happy and enjoying my stay
character, talents, interest, Church, etc.. It is really a wonderful here! I get my strength from the Body
experience for me, giving me hope and courage to move on in of Christ and daily prayer, for Christ is
discovering my vocation. Even though I am an aspirant, the community the source of every happiness.
treats me with great respect. In April I was included in the Invitation to I hope to grow more in faith and the
have lunch with the Bishop of Kabwe, other Priests, religious Brothers Salesian Charism and Spirit in the way
and Sisters. It was an honour for me since it was my first time to attend that Don Bosco, our founder, was in
such an important venue. In the same month of April we had a YES holiness all his life.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Jerusalem, 01/05/2012
Fr Joseph Czerwinski SDB together
with George Phiri SDB
in front of the wailing wall in Jerusalem
Fr Joseph and George Phiri
measuring the dome of the Jerusalem
Mosque
T ime passes very quickly and there is nothing that we can do…
(in order to slow it down – I mean here the quick flow of time,
we would have to breach the speed of light which is not
possible at the moment…J) This week we will end the course
(lectures and group work) and on Saturday, 5th May, 2012, we
will commence the 30 days Ignatian retreat. I must say that the course
was well prepared. We have had the inputs on H. Scripture, History of
the Church (Jerusalem and Holy Land) Judaism and Moslem religions
as well as on a personal, spiritual discernment and growth in our
Christian vocation. So far the course went rather smoothly. There were
some minor incidents with the Palestinian and Jewish hostilities but
we, and I in particular, did not experience major problems. The
weather was OK, accommodation and food even better. I think that
these two months that have already passed helped me to understand
better the situation here in the Holy Land as well as my Salesian,
priestly vocation and my spiritual growth. (I hope anyway…)
Now the time is slowly coming for the retreat. As I have never done this
kind of retreat before, I am a bit afraid, if I will manage to persevere the
30 days. The basic requirements are simple: silence and total dedication
to prayer and meditation. (Phones and other communication media are
rather discouraged and should not be used during this time).
After the retreat we should be stronger in our vocation and hopefully
much more dedicated to our respective missions…
This week, starting on Tuesday, 1st of May, we will have special inputs on
the Ignatian spirituality, personal prayer and meditation. This should
help us to enter the time of silence and discernment.
I have also managed (in spite of the rather tight program!!!) to meet with
Br George sdb, who is doing his first year of theological studies in the
Salesian Major Seminary in Jerusalem (Ratisbone). So far he is doing
well and is quite happy to be and to study here in the Holy Land. In two
weeks time he will have his first exams and I am sure he will do well.
I assure YOU ALL that I remember You in my prayers, here in Holy
Land. I will continue praying for the Confreres and ZMB intentions, in
a special way during the retreat. At the same time please remember us:
Br George and me in your prayers.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Joseph Czerwinski SDB
PS. Some sayings of St. Jerome who lived in a cave near the nativity
grotto in Bethlehem:
Be at peace with your own soul, then heaven and earth will be at
peace with you.
What good is speed if the brain has oozed out on the way.
A friend is long sought, hardly found and with difficulty kept.
Haste is of the Devil.
Why do you not practice what you preach?
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W SSalesian World
9/5/2012 - Spain - Over 500
children at the Friends of
Dominic Savio Camps
(ANS – El Campello) – From
April 27 – 29 at El Campello ed
Elche, The Friends of Dominic
Savio Camps (ADS) were held,
involving over 500 children from
Salesian associations and
Centres, from Valencia,
Saragozza, Albacete and Murcia.
The aim of the initiatives is to
bring children to know the young
Saints of the Salesian family.
The ADS-Camp is one of the
meetings proposed by the
Salesian formative curriculum; its
main aim is to introduce the
participants to the Salesian style
and to those young Salesian
Saints of the Salesian family who
can be models of life and joy for
them. All this in the course on one
weekend, in which every child
gets to know many other boys
and girls from Salesian centres.
7/5/2012 - Poland - XXII
International Salesian Youth
Games
(ANS – Krakow) – Football,
basketball, volleyball and table
tennis: the ball in four of its
dimensions dominated the city of
Krakow from 28th April to 3rd May
2012. About 1500 young people
from 11 European countries
competed in the XXII
International Salesian Youth
Games, under the patronage of
the President of the Polish
Republic, Bronisław
Komorowski. The games were
organised by the Salesian Sports
Organisation (SALOS) of the
Republic of Poland which
promotes passion for sport,
honest competition and the
principles of fair play among
children and young people.
They were aimed at offering
Salesian youth an opportunity for
healthy sporting competition,
building a new world through
sport based on Christian
humanism and developing
character and respect for values.
There was also a significant
cultural element in the initiative:
the young athletes were able to
go on various guided tours,
visiting the city of Krakow and its
surrounding area – the
Monastery of Tyniec (sailing
there and back by boat), the
Museum of Auschwitz-Birkenau
and the salt mine at Wieliczka.
7/5/2012 - RMG - Facebook:
almost a nation
(ANS – Rome) – If it were an
independent nation, Facebook
would be in third place after China
and India in terms of population. It
would be a superpower at world
level which could aspire to a
permanent seat on UN Security
Council. The Wall Street Journal
has published some data on the
population of the social network
founded by Mark Zuckerberg.
On 31st March this year,
Facebook had 901 million users
active during the month, 33%
higher than the 680 million on
31st March 2011. Facebook has
a population three times greater
than that of the United States.
Compared with the two
superpowers on the planet in a
demographic, but also an
economic sense, Facebook has
300 millions citizens less than
India and about 400 million less
than China. These figures, from
just one social network,
demonstrate how the 'digital
continent', without geographical
borders, has a real existence.
2/5/2012 - Brazil - Salesians
and Daughters of Mary Help
of Christians on the way to
WYD
(ANS – San Paolo) – The
Salesians and Daughters of
Mary Help of Christians in the
Provinces of “Mary Help of
Christians” and “Saint Catherine
of Siena” met on 19 April in the
Provincial house in San Paolo to
begin the preparation process of
the Salesian communities for the
World Youth Day in 2013. The
meeting was chaired by Fr
Antonio Ramos Prado SDB,
Member of the Episcopal
Commission for Pastoral work of
the National Bishops' Conference
of Brazil (CNBB).
Among the 35 people present
were the Provincial of San Paolo,
Fr Edson Donizetti Castilho, the
Provincial Delegate for Youth
Ministry Fr Alexandre Luis de
Oliveira, and the Provincial
Delegate Sr Teresa Cristina
Pisani Domiciano. The Provincial
opening the meeting observed:
“As Don Bosco used to say, the
young are our main concern. It is
they who determine the decisions
we make and we cannot desert or
betray Don Bosco”.
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DON BOSCO AND
NATEC WORKING HAND IN HAND
FOR THE YOUTH
Ours is God’s Work
Don Bosco’s apostolic zeal and care for the
salvation of souls opened him to the missionary
spirit and made the Salesian presences spread
into other countries and continents. Don Bosco
responded to the needs of the Church (and the
Italian emigrants) and sent the first missionaries
to South America in 1875, just one year after the
final approval of the Constitutions (on 3rd April
1874).
We, as Salesians, look on our Constitutions as
the living presence of Don Bosco’s spirit among
us; therefore, we need to remind ourselves that
missionary work is ‘an essential feature of our
Congregation.’ Not all Salesians receive this gift
of God to be a missionary, but those who receive
it need to remember that ‘the Salesian
missionary makes his own the values of those
people (to whom he is sent) and shares their
hopes and anxieties’ (C. 30). I believe that the
efforts, the witness to Gospel values and the
Salesian spirit of the first missionaries on
Zambian soil have been blessed by God with a
good number of our local vocations and
especially with the episcopate of the first
Zambian Salesian priest, Fr Clement
MULENGA, for the new diocese of Kabwe.
I am sure that the Salesian missionary work will
still continue to support the local Church and our
communities in strengthening the Christian and
Salesian style of life, and to beseech the Lord for
His further blessing of us all on this soil.
By Fr Christopher RYCHCIK
(missionary in Zambia since 1986)
By Leonard Rutagarama
RUNDU DECEMBER 2012: Friday 12 is not like any
ordinary day in Rundu. A group of young people is scurrying
around and about at Don Bosco Youth Center. They are
preparing the NATEC (Namibian Teens Encounter Christ)
Weekend by which they intend to bring the right message
home. They are busy calling, SMSes and receiving new
candidates.
The weekend is a three-day spiritual journey to help fellow
youth rediscover their call and lead a Christian life amid the
challenges of today’s society through shared-life
experiences. There were 45 young men and women in
attendance.
Fr. Bosco Mulenga SDB, the local priest in charge of the
youth has put the centre at our disposal and has even offered
accommodation and food for the event to meet half way the
NATEC team that travelled all the way from Windhoek,
about 700km away. There are no words to thank him for this
invaluable contribution.
Besides giving mass and listening to confessions, this is also
the second time Fr Mulenga is part of NATEC Weekend (the
last was on 17-19 December 2010). Despite his work load at
this time of the year, and still recovering from malaria, he
did not call off or postpone the meeting. All converged
–thanks be to God- to make it happen as scheduled, from 11
to 13 December.
The initiative stemmed from an outcry for help that was
made in 2010 by some university students originating from
the Kavango and members of NATEC outreach team. It has
been widely reported in local media that the Kavango youth
are at the crossroads. Teenage pregnancy with its
subsequent school dropouts has reached alarming
proportions while many youth indulge in alcohol and drug
abuse, thus exposing themselves to HIV/AIDS infection
risks. The moral values in the society and in particular
among the youth are on a slippery slide and action is needed
now to rescue the youth…
It is in these circumstances that NATEC team approached Fr
Mulenga in order to join hands in helping the youth in and
around Rundu… and God heard their cry through Fr
Mulenga. Drawing from the Salesian legacy and youth
experience, he is helping setting up a local NATEC team and
has tendered to be their spiritual director, while a couple
offered to be behind the youth team. After all the Body of
Christ is one and we are all its members. We work hand in
hand for the spiritual well-being of the youth, bearing in
mind Christ’s own message: “I came so that they may have
life and have it to the fullest.”
Despite challenges ahead, Don Bosco and NATEC,
responding to their call, jointly bring hopes to the youth in
the Kavango via peer initiative. May God continue the work
He has started in them through the Don Bosco spirituality.
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zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
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ZMB PHOTO - Issue No 22
1. Nairobi (Kenya): Team Visit 2012, presided
over by Fr Pascual Chavez.
2. Chawama: Rectors’ First Annual meeting.
3. Bauleni: Youth Day 2012. Fr Chisanga shows Fr
Musenge the various activities of the youth
day.
4. Kyindu-Bauleni: Cl Clement Mutamba
addresses the young of young people gathered
for the annual youth retreat in preparation for
Easter.
5. Makeni: Saleian novices preparing banners,
paintings and other decorations for the youth
camp ‘Christ Lives’.
6. Bauleni-State Lodge: Boys and girls from City
of Hope during a day of recollection
organised by the Salesian Sisters.
7. Kabwe: Fr Andrew Reut showing Fr Leszek the
roof of the catechetical centre in Makululu
that collapsed due to the heavy rains.
8. Chawama: Fr Dennis Higgins celebrating his 65
birthday, surrounded by the provincial
community and Salesians from Lusaka.
9. Bauleni: Palm Sunday at St Matthias Mulumba
parish.
10. India: Fr Oswald Mulenga during the
leadership course for rectors and superiors of
religious communities.
11. Chawama: Practical trainees after their first
annual meeting.
12. Chwama: The provincial community
distributing snacks to the youngsters that
participated in the Easter Camp.
13. Bauleni: Young people during the stations of
the cross.