27 July InTouch. indd 2


27 July InTouch. indd 2

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San Francisco Province Newsletter
Building Bridges between Communities
July 27, 2009
July 26, 2009
Dear Salesians of the West:
How to summarize
all our summer min-
istries in one page!
That’s a challenge.
And I did not even
get to see the summer
program in Laredo.
Camp St. Francis, Aptos
The only sleepover camp left in Salesian
USA and Canada! This is an ideal pro-
gram for living and learning the preven-
tive system. The first week there were
56 campers and around 20 counselors
under the leadership of Br. Al Vu and Fr.
Carmine Vairo. Most of our candidates
and young brothers in initial formation
are also there. The programming is kid
friendly, deeply Salesian, and a literally
round the clock oratory experience of
home, school, parish, and playground.
Camp Maria Auxiliadora, Watson-
ville
Sr. Silvia, FMA, hosts 250 day campers
using the premises of St. Francis Cen-
tral Coast Catholic High School. I vis-
ited for around 3 hours, half of that time
hearing confessions!
San Francisco Salesian Boys &
Girls Club
Here there is a dual program: day camp
for younger kids (8 weeks!), animated
by our FMA Sisters from the parish
school as well as some SYLC grads, and
normal programming for Club members
animated by the Club staff.
Contra Costa Salesian Boys
& Girls Club
Close to 200 innercity Richmond
kids enjoy a safe and Salesian en-
vironment animated by the Club
staff and helped this summer by
Brs. Chuyen Nguyen and Ricky
Ramos.
East LA Salesian Boys &
Girls Club
Working at the two Club sites
morning, afternoon and evening,
Fr. Jose Lucero and Br. Gustavo
Ramirez are introducing typical
day camp scheduling, moments
for prayer and orientation, and
good Salesian accompaniment to
the dedicated staff there.
Camp Savio, Bellflower
Here we have 95 counselors and
around 150 day campers. That’s
a great ratio! Parish CYM Juan
Carlos Montenegro provides ex-
cellent formation and accompani-
ment to the young counselors, all
teenagers, all volunteers. He is
assisted by a senior staff of young
adults. In some ways these teens
and young adults are the main fo-
cus of the camp program. As they
provide all kinds of fun for the
little ones, they are being formed
into Salesians themselves. The
campers are having a great time,
and you can feel the Salesian spirit
everywhere.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Timothy Ploch, SDB
Provincial
Plenary Indulgence
(ANS - Vatican City) – At the request of the
Rector Major, Fr. Pascual Chávez Villan-
ueva, the Apostolic Penitentiary has granted
a Plenary Indulgence to the Salesians who on
December 18 will be renewing their Profes-
sion.
The 150th anniversary of the founding
of the Congregation will reach its climax on
December 18, 2009, the day on which occurs
the commemoration of the establishment of
the Pious Salesian Society as affirmed by the
minutes drawn up by Fr. Alasonatti and coun-
ter-signed by Don Bosco.
The Rector Major, in his letter announcing
the anniversary, dated June 24, 2008, invited
the Salesians throughout the world on that day
to renew their Consecration. This act bringing
to its conclusion the “year of grace,” as Fr.
Chávez describes it, will crown the spiritual
journey undertaken this year in which Sale-
sians have been re-examining their Constitu-
tions.
In his request addressed to the Apostolic
Penitentiary the IX successor of Don Bosco
explained the motive for the request: “so that
the confreres of the Salesian Society may
be even more open to the Divine generosity
and therefore draw more abundant spiritual
fruits.”
“Hence the Apostolic Penitentiary, on the
authority of the Supreme Pontiff, willingly
grants the Plenary Indulgence, which may
be gained by the confreres of the Society of
Saint Francis de Sales who, truly repentant,
having fulfilled the usual conditions (sacra-
mental Confession, Eucharistic Communion
and prayer for the intentions of the Supreme
Pontiff), on December 18, 2009 renew the
promise to faithfully fulfill the commitments
of their vocation, solemnly, or even privately
for the members legitimately prevented.”
The Decree issued on June 22 is signed
by Cardinal James Francis Stafford, Major
Penitentiary, and Mons. Gianfranco Girotti,
O.F.M. Conv., titular bishop Meta, Regent.
Some Provinces, involving the various groups
of the Salesian Family are organising solemn
celebrations for the renewal of their Conse-
cration by the Salesians on December 18.

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Vol. 3, No. 22- page 2 of 6
Chronology of a Century
Fr. Mario Mich
1963
March 3: Fr. Bernard Tohill, New
Provincial is Welcomed. The Seminar-
ians in Watsonville welcomed the new
Provincial, Fr. Bernard Tohill at the
closing of their annual retreat preached
by Frs. Frank Rihotta and Roger
Luna. Father expressed at the end of a
festive dinner his joy in seeing such a
good number of aspirants.
March 7th: Death of Fr. Anthony
Ragogna at the age of 87. He passed
away after a brave brief battle in the
Santa Cruz Catholic Hospital. His last
two years were a continual up and down
of failings and momentary recupera-
tions. This worthy salesian, veteran mis-
sionary in Mato Grosso, Brazil, before
World War I from the town of Aviano,
Friuli (Italy), had come to California
to care for the spiritual needs of Portu-
guese people in Oakland and surround-
ing areas. After about 40 years of this
work and occasional missions preached
all over California, he had retired to
the house of Richmond at the age of
80. Here he continued to be active as
confessor of the aspirants and supply-
ing services in the nearby parishes. He
was buried in the Salesian Cemetery in
Richmond.
March 13: The new Salesian Provin-
cial, Fr. Bernard Tohill, visited the
Salesian School of SS. Peter & Paul.
He was introduced to the Salesian Sis-
ters and the pupils, by the outgoing Pro-
vincial, Fr. Alfred Cogliandro. A short
Salesian Retreat
August 2-7, 2009
St. Francis Retreat Center
San Juan Bautista
Intouch
program of welcome had been pre-
pared. He was greeted by the students
in Italian, Chinese and English and
presented a spiritual bouquet from the
children. He responded to the assem-
bled students in all three languages.
The school and the parish has now in
the last decade or so become heavily
Chinese.
May 16-17: Visitation of the St. John
Bosco High School by the accrediting
Commission of the Western Associa-
tion of Schools and College. Room
and board was provided to them by
the school. The visitors were satisfied
with the school and recommended ac-
creditation.
May 24: St. Mark’s Parish Teen-
Club Varsity Basketball Team. With
a hundred and seven wins and four
loss record, the St. Mark’s Teen-Club
varsity had one of the fastest team
in the Oakland-Alameda Teen Club
1962-63 Basketball league; it won the
Holy Name Championship without a
loss and tied for second in the Oakland
Diocese League.Team was steered by
Captain Richard Rincon and co-cap-
tain Dave Melgoza and coached by
Bob Garcia.
May 26: During the month of May,
especially the 24th, Feast of Mary
Help of Christians, special devotions
in honor of Mary are held in the Sale-
sian Schools and Parishes. On this
day at St. John Bosco High School
was held a Mary’s Hour at 8:00 pm
for students, parents and friends. It
turned out a very successful event.
There was a procession with recita-
tion of the Rosary, a talk on Mary by a
student, polyphonic hymns and a short
talk by Fr. Austin Conterno, director.
There followed the symbolic burning
of the letters which students wrote to
Our Lady before a prepared shrine in
July 27, 2009
What’s Happening
Fr. Tim’s Calendar
July 2009
26 Masses at St. Bridget’s,
Los Angeles
27 Travel Day
28-8/1 Office Days
August 2009
2 San Francisco Boys & Girls Club
Mass
2-7 Confreres’ Retreat, San Juan Bau-
tista
7 Fr. Adriano Bregolin, Vicar of the
Rector Major, Arrives in the Province
8 Travel Day
9 FMA Jubilee Mass, San Antonio, TX
Prayer Corner for Vocations
Let us pray for the following
recently admitted to the
Pre-novitiate Program
Jared Anderson
Duoc Le
Patrick Pavelski
Coming Birthdays
August 1 - John Lam
August 3 - Ernie Martnez
August 5 - Paul Tran
August 6 - Joseph Paradayil
Intouch
Published weekly by
The Salesians of St. John Bosco
1100 Franklin Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
E-mail: RMurphy224@aol.com
(415) 441-7144 x 12
Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow
August 2-7 - Salesian Retreat -
San Juan Bautista
August 12-13 - Provincial Council Mtg.
St. John Bosco, Bellflower
August 13 - Vocation Prayer Vigil 7 pm
August 14 - Religious Professions
August 15 - Feast of the Assumption
August 25 - First Day of Class
SHS Richmond

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Vol. 3, No. 22 - page 3 of 6
Intouch
July 27, 2009
Reflections on Vietnamese Youth Convention III
(Known as VYC III that took place at the Pyramid at Cal State Long Beach during the
Fourth of July weekend)
Fr. Chinh Nguyen, SDB
VYC III ws attended by 2000 +/- young
people along with the chaperones, like that
of any other youth convention. It was a
weekend of coming together to listen, to
teach and to encourage young people to
name, claim and proclaim their faith. I
hope that that weekend has encouraged
everyone especially our young Catholic
Vietnamese to live a vibrant faith. Many
of these youth are American born Vietnam-
ese. As Frs. John Lam and Andrew Ng
have noted for the Chinese youth; they are
known as ABC: American Born Chinese.
These young people are no different to all
young people in the world and, in particular, USA. They do need trusted adult models to encourage them to par-
ticipate and to share their dreams as believers in Jesus Christ because Jesus is life giving.
I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate Eucharist
together on those days @ VYC III. I had many opportunities to hear
confessions of so many young people. This is a sure sign of a successful
youth convention, in my experience. I reconnected with some familiar
faces, mainly college students. These faces will, potentially, be prospects
for the priesthood and religious life—Salesian Life. Just like the theme
song for VYC III noted: “Be not afraid. Proclaim your faith.” The young
people are strengthened and encouraged to proclaim their faith coura-
geously in the world especially where they are living. I am so thankful
for the opportunity, given by the province, to be a part of this journey
with our young people.
Young people are marvelous! This
is true before, now and in the fu-
ture. However, it is a challenge for
each one of us, as adults—models
of Salesian holiness. We are chal-
lenged to be aware to create a safe
place for youth people to be them-
selves. I was reminded of this truth
at the retreat at The Three Rivers by
our preacher, Fr. Sweeney and the
experience at VYC III. Encourage-
ment is our charism; it is given by
the Holy Spirit to Salesians for the world especially for our young people. Therefore, I am encouraged to learn and
give encouragement. That is the message I would like to propose for all of us to reflect.
May we be sincere and proud to proclaim to young people about Don Bosco in the name of Christ and assist
them to do likewise. Have a fantastic summer to all,

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Vol. 3, No. 22 page 4 of 6
Intouch
Thanks, Fr. Bill
July 27, 2009
95 Salesian young people are
role models to the children of
Bellflower.
No one would ever consider having 95
counselors in a camp of 142 campers.
In fact, many thought that we are insane
for having it realized. For one reason,
the ratio between counselor and camper
is 1 to 1.4. Take also into account that
these counselors are mostly high school
age teenagers. However, our Salesian
charism moves us not only to work with
the elementary age children, who are our
campers, but we also to serve the teen
counselors as well. They are not just
doing a service to our youth ministry.
We, Salesians, accompany these teens
as they help in building God’s Kingdom
on earth to be good Christians and good
citizens.
At Camp Savio, out of 142 campers,
15 are at full scholarship and 32 require
financial aid. Without this assistance,
these children would not be able to be at
camp and end up doing other things.
Camp Savio is a Salesian Day Camp at
St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower.
Our mission is to make a difference in
the lives of the children in this com-
munity and its neighboring towns. We
provide children, teenagers and young
adults a place where they learn together,
pray together, play together and espe-
cially be loved as Don Bosco did.
Juan Carlos Montenegro
CYM of St. Dominic Savio
www.saintdominicsavio.org/youth
On Saturday, July 18, St. Jo-
seph’s Salesian Youth Renewal
Center hosted a special Farewell
Dinner Party for Fr. Bill Bolton
in appreciation for his 12 years
of pastoral care and leadership
in our community. The evening
gathered people from all avenues of
his ministry: weekend and day retreat
clients, Sunday mass participants,
SEARCH community and Salesian
family - all whose lives he touched in
significant ways, as well as Fr. Bill’s
parents and members of his imme-
diate family. The evening included
a happy hour hosted by St. Joseph’s
Cooperators and a catered Mexican
dinner followed by a program of grat-
itude for Fr. Bill’s ministry.
Reflect-
ing the
varied
ways Fr.
Bill ac-
compa-
nied us,
many
people
shared
what
they had
learned
from
Fr. Bill
and how
much they will miss him. Speakers
included Gordon Geeter from the
Lutheran Cursillo Movement who
expressed gratitude for all the ways
Fr. Bill had been present to their com-
munity - often late in the night or in
the early hours of the morning, shar-
ing faith or fixing a facility problem.
Members of the SEARCH communi-
ty gave Fr. Bill a dedication plaque
to mark the newly renovated Don
Bosco Hall, a special gift in honor
of Fr. Bill’s pastoral care and lead-
ership among them. On behalf of
the province Br. Al Vu reflected
on the many ways Fr. Bill lived
his Salesian vocation in his minis-
try here. He also presented a new
picture of Don Bosco surrounded
by youth, which has been installed
in Don Bosco Hall as appreciation
for Fr. Bill’s varied contributions
to the work of the Center.
Fr. Bill took a few moments
to address his community, friends
and family, imparting both his ap-
preciation for their goodness in
his life, as well as offering impor-
tant reminders of what it means
to continue the good work, which
they did together. In conclusion
the community prayed together a
blessing for Fr. Bill [photo above]
to continue in faith, hope and love
as a sign and bearer of God’s love
for youth and all those in need.
by Judy Wilber Alvarez

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Vol. 3, No. 22 - page 5 of 6
Intouch
Summer in East Los Angeles
East Los Angeles
July 27, 2009
CHUY OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR
1st Reading from Exodus
Summer is well underway at the
Salesian Family Youth Center in
East Los Angeles. The 8 week sum-
mer program is right smack in the
middle and what a wonderful way to
celebrate mid season...
- Holy Eucharist with the children-
Today’s Mass was offered for fam-
ily and friends of club members. We
have over 120 children and over 25
staff along with a seminarian join-
ing us from the Los Angeles diocese,
Responsorial Psalm
Randy Salinas, Br. Gustavo and
myself. Br. Gustavo made his novi-
tiate 2007-08 in Port Chester New
York. Gustavo loves music and is a
great singer. He will be renewing his
vows on August 14th at St. Dominic
Savio at 7pm. It is always a joy work-
ing with these children. They display
such gratitude and are such fun to be
Fr. Jose with campers.
around. I hope your summer is going
well. Blessings from the SFYC.
Yours in Christ and Don Bosco,
P. Jose Lucero, SDB
Note from Fr. Jose Lucero:
As you may or may not know, Br. Gustavo and I have been here
assisting at the family youth center.
Br. Gus is a funny and great guy. It is great working with him again.
Please encourage many of those in your communities to come to his
renewal of vows on Friday August 14th at 7pm St. Dominic Savio Parish.
Br. Gustavo, Randy and Michael
(dbti Alum) lead singing.
Holy Communion
Araceli - Program Director

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Vol. 3, No. 22 - page 6 of 6
Intouch
July 27, 2009
Letter from Jeshua White, Salesian Volunteer in TJ
When I was little I always used to
say everything happened for a reason.
But I was young and did not fully un-
derstand the full extent to which that
statement could reach. I feel I am in
this place for a reason that God has
provided. He has blessed me with
life, love, family, friends, everything.
Every breath I take is a blessing from
Him. I believe He has guided my life
in this direction by the choices, people,
thoughts, and ideas I have been given
to ultimately lead me to decide to be-
come a missionary.
My life has changed so much in
so little time, and I believe that God
has set a chain of events in my life to
accomplish this. In short, this was not
an accident. Looking back I feel like I
am able to pick parts of my life where
God stepped into my life and made an
impact.
It is not ironic what I am about to
write. I was talking on the porch with a
friend named April into the early hours
of the morning about God and our per-
sonal connection with Him. I loved
our talk, and it made me reflect on ev-
erything from life to where I stood in
life. I realized God’s true greatness by
my reflection of my life. I prayed and
thanked Him for everything. I told
Him I was ready to surrender my life,
everything, over to him that morning.
It brought me to tears because the
happiness that filled me and His pres-
ence in my life was never so powerful
then it was that morning. I had always
been a Christian, but I had never fully
dedicated my life to God and His will,
to use my hands as His own. Now I
am here.
Shortly after this, Talia invited me
to go to Tijuana. Everything worked
out for me being able to go and I was
eager to leave. I loved every second I
was there; I loved the people, the other
volunteers, the children, and what we
did in the short time we were there.
I was fi-
nally able
to do what
I had been
talking
about for
so long
and I be-
lieve God
provided
me with
the oppor-
tunity by letting me see Him in Tijua-
na. He was there with the people and
He was there watching over us. If he
can provide me with that, then I am
eager to give back.
I have prayed for His will to be in
my life because I do not think my life
is my own. I share it and I owe ev-
erything to Him. When I surrendered
my life to God, I was given the op-
portunity to become a missionary. My
dad challenged that and he said I was
busting down doors to go have fun in
a dangerous place while I should be
working and doing nothing. I have
prayed for God to soften his heart and
now he is excited and happy that I am
going. God is truly amazing, and I
believe this has come in my life to
only make my connection with my
parents that much stronger.
My life course before this was to
provide myself with a means to sup-
port myself, and I hated that path. I
believed there was so much more to
life than serving one’s self and God
has provided me with a window out
through the smallest and biggest
blessings. I want to help whoever I
can, however I can, and do whatev-
er is asked of me while I am here so
I can simply be accepted and loved
just as I hope to accept and love
them. With that connection, comes
the ability to see others for who
they truly are and talk to them about
whatever,
including
God. I be-
lieve God
will pro-
vide the
opportu-
nity, rather
forcing it.
Even if I
only reach
out to one
person, that is still one person, and
it is because God has provided me
with that opportunity. I want to
share the love I have been given
from him.
We are here for a reason; God has
placed things in our lives to achieve
where He wants us to be. I will pray
he continues His will in our lives
and He keeps us safe as we live our
lives in His name.
We Remember the Dead
Robert Rossi Wall, M.D.
April 22, 1932 - July 18, 2009
Devoted Doctor and Friend
of Many Salesians.