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AFWnewsletter_feb-mar_2011

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AFWnewsletter_feb-mar_2011

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My dear Confreres,

This year is a year of special blessings for me for as you know

I have just celebrated by God’s grace my 50th Birthday, and

it is 25 years since I made this my final profession and total

commitment to the Lord.

I have been touched by all the best wishes that I have received

from confreres, family and friends. I use this opportunity to

thank each and every one of you for your affection and prayers,

for your love and support. Thanks for all the messages, mails

and phone calls. Your encouraging words fill me with joy and

hope.

The celebrations started at Sunyani with the Novices

and the Don Bosco Community and reached their climax in

Provincial House on the day of my birthday where we had a

very nice celebration in the evening with the two communities

and the Salesian Sisters, with a good representation of Co-

operators Past-pupils and friends.

The most beautiful discovery was that at the centre

of the celebration was not the Provincial but the Provincial

Community and the Salesian Family: Co-operators and Past

Pupils were there. Three new branches of the Salesian Family

also said “present”: the Salesian Sisters who had started as

a small community in August have now become one large

community having been joined by the Novices and Sisters

from Ivory Coast. The Volontari Con Don Bosco (CDB)

(with one member in Onitsha and a new candidate who has

started in Ghana); and the CMB (“Communita della Missione

di Don Bosco”= Community of Don Bosco’s Mission), a lay

association of faithful who live out Don Bosco’s Missionary

spirituality and who are itplanning to open soon a presence in

Ghana

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This leads me to a point that I have very

much at heart; the importance of strengthening of

the Salesian Family in our Province. It is good to

remember that we as Salesians have been entrusted to

be the custodians of Don Bosco’s Spirit and Charism

but we do not have a monopoly over it. The presence

of the Salesian Sisters adds that feminine dimension

and a more effective outreach to girls and young

women.

The Salesian Co-operators had for Don Bosco

a very important role in his mission of evangelization

and out-reach into all spheres of society. They need

to be continually supported and promoted in our

works and communities. In my last circular letter I

underlined the need to consolidate the Salesian Family

and this will require a journey in each community and

country.

The programme which the Rector Major has

set out for us in preparation for the Bi-centenary is

good outline of how we should progress and my desire

is that for the actual celebrations we would be able to

hold a Provincial Congress of the Salesian Family at

country level. In the meantime each community and

AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

country has to seek ways of reinforcing their presence

and number. One sure way of achieving this is by

taking a personal interest in them whenever they have

meetings or activities.

Once again I would like to thank each and

every one of you for your kind wishes and prayers. I

keep you in my heart and place you in our Mother’s

arms!

George

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

SIERRA

LEONE

A Place To Make Friends

Fr Klement, General Councillor for the Missions spent some days in our Vice-Province from the

14th to the 20th of February. He had expressed his desire to come to the Province and visit

the places for future expansion of our presence as well as our formation houses. In an incredible

marathon he visited 3 countries and 6 houses in just 5 days: Ghana, Sierra Leone and Nigeria

(our communities in Ashaiman, Lungi, Freetown, Ibadan, Akure and Ondo). Here he shares his

reflections of his visit to Sierra Leone.

Fr V. Klement

Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries in the

world. A small country with many young people, with

very friendly and open population, majority of them

Muslim faith. Don Bosco present already 25 years. The

celebration of Salesian Silver Jubilee is going on.

Three days of very intense human, Christian and

Salesian experience.

Eight SDB with many committed Salesian Cooperators,

social workers, teachers, past pupils are witnessing the

growth of Salesian Charism in the country.

Probably few countries in the world did suffer so much

during the war, that finished just 10 years ago. In spite

of that, we have already 10+ young Salesians, every

year some novice and good number of candidate. Two

communities of Freetown (capital) looking for a parish,

street children work – Don Bosco Fambul (family) and

Lungi (on the side of the international airport) looking

for some 8 schools, parish with many chapels and

Aspirantate are very colorful, composed of Salesians

coming from four continents. This witness is strong

indeed!

One day with the street children of Fambul. First in

the streets around the mobile station – bus Don Bosco.

Then moving to the DB center, walking in the streets

one kilometer with our noisy brass band, welcome in

the yard finished with the missionary crucifix liturgy,

sending some 22 Salesian parishioners who will serve

during the Holy Week in the city of Bo (our next

presence in Sierra Leone) around the village home

missions! Two Sierra Leone communities coming

together for a dinner with a long storytelling.

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Second day morning still in Freetown, Fambul

continuing with the Eucharist in the playground of the

street children. After breakfast a courtesy visit to the

archbishop of Freetown Mons. Joseph Henry Ganda

(running up in his house the stairs!) and the Bishop

elect of Bo, Mons. Charles.. After a very cordial meeting

a long trip to the second largest city of Sierra Leone,

where we have already 20 hectars of land for the future

work. Not only visiting the place and the local Church,

but also an improvised meeting with five families of our

Salesian confreres, all of them from Bo (second largest

city). A colorful African shirt received from one “Mama

Margaret’ will remember for a long time this encounter.

And it took another half a day to return to the Valdocco

of Sierra Leone, Lungi community for the night.

AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

are mixed. It was very moving to listen to the Koran

recitation of one Christian boy and the future dreams

of one Muslim student who want to become a Catholic

priest! Also visit in some local mosque, public and home

based, talks in the family of our Muslim friends was a

good eye opener.

Third day in Lungi. Wonderful experience of friendly

co-existence of Muslims and Christians, a good example

for the rest of Africa. Although the Muslims are about

80% of the population, and every village there is a small

mosque, our students are praying very well Hail Mary,

our Church is dedicated to Mary, Our Help and in

the catechumen class there are some 80% of the boys

coming from Muslim families. Even the marriages

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

Fr. Klement In Afw Photo Journal

FSrisKteler,mwehnotnwaotivtpihtrietahsteeenNitnoaGvreihcceaosnnoatf.inthueinSgatlehseiiarn

FwrhKolaemreewnot reknicnoguirnagthinegAMudicihoaVeildaenodSAtucdhiioa.a

was

oKnlembmriesesinfitohnwoamitrhye

FvorifstGihteeforAorgmFeWtahnPedrSoFuvrdinCacnyer,.itlh, ewfhirost

HAFonr utKhsloeenmayseEpnakt erwzt iioetfhwhthihsoepsPrpereopnvetrinaactfiiooarnltChbnoefuiognhrcetiloaartdnPidrnoaDvtieinoanccio.anl

FthraKt lFeamthenert

warirthivBedr

tions in

Tsahfoemlyaast

Nigeria.

whihsodeenstsiunrae-d

Fr Klement wBoitshcoMArsBhraoimwna,nv, iGcehpanrian.cipal of Don

FNroKvliecmeseannHtdwoauitsshpeicironamnOtmns duinon.iFtoyramnadtiPorne-

aFnrdKalellmthenetSwaliethsiaFnr MCoicmhmaeulnthiteyRinecOtonrdo.

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

Bravo! Our team of

communication

Fr Chuks is about to finish his studies at the Ups in Rome. Being far away from the prov-

ince is not always easy; here he shares with us his spontaneous reactions on receiving

the Salesian Bulettin of the Province, an important means of animation for the Salesian

family.

At the refectory today arrived a parcel

from AFW and it was containing

the three magi (Salesian bulletin,

message of the Rector Major to

the SYM and Youth.com) bringing

me the good news, thoughts and

reflections of my confreres and the

young people of AFW vice province.

It was a good “pausa” for me as I

started with the Salesian bulletin. I

read with joy, looking at the faces

of the youths and confreres working

very hard to radiate the face of Don

Bosco that makes present the love of

Christ to all and sundry.

Reading the write ups, hundreds of

flashbacks and thoughts filled my

mind. Like a the young law student

Mawuli Bakhita on the page 31 of

Youth.Com I appreciate so much the

effort made by the editorial personnel

in getting these news across. Like

good ingredients in their rich variety

and appealing, one foresee already

the contents of the write ups are

moving towards the formation that is

healthy and integral.

Reading the Rector Major’s short

reflection on “life as vocation and

the vocation of life” on page 14-15

of the Salesian Bulletin…. I began to

think and appreciate the initiatives of

many confreres in our vice province

in creating the atmosphere and

spiritual accompaniment for many

young people as this is typical of Don

Bosco’s pedagogy for caring and

giving chance to all and in particular,

those who perceive their lives as

gifts and call. Vocation nurtured

vocation abundant. Experience

shows that many of our youths have

similar vocation story of the Biblical

young Samuel than that of Isaiah’s

“Here I am, send me”. By creating

the atmosphere and accompaniment

of the youths we become real co-

workers with the gift and the grace

of God to nurture vocation in its

abundance.

The reflection of the Holy Father

on education inserted on page 20 of

the Salesian Bulletin in incredibly

fascinating as he summarised the

goal of education as friendship with

God that brings positive changes and

the happiness everyone is looking for.

Education is more than growing in

proficiency in science or in technical

subjects. It is the process of bringing

out the goodness that is in us, the

same goodness that is confirmed in

the book of Genesis (1:31). I love it.

Isn’t this so beautiful and worthy

of a mantra for meditation “once

you enter into friendship with God

everything in your life begins to

change?” This is still on the same

theme by the Holy Father on the

essence of education on page 21.

Every single word of this line is a

food for thought. There are other

areas like the voluntary service in the

Salesian mission, youth campaigns

and rallies creating awareness on

Drugs, HIV etc.. on page 18-23 of

Youth.com, interestingly good. E

viva AFW !!!

With this, I am sincerely grateful to

all those that sustain this means of

evangelization and animation in our

province. I am just proud of you.

Chuks

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

Don Bosco Feast

As Salesians Don Bosco holds a very special place in our hearts, and his feast is al-

ways celebrated in a special way in our houses. While the Rector Major is urging us

to prepare well for his bi-centenary in 2015, in the following pages we share with you

some of the celbrations that were held in our houses.

Bicentenary

On the 31st January, the Rector Major,

Don Chavez announced the preparations

for the Bicentenary of the birth of Don

Bosco which will be celebrated on

16 August 2015.

Don Chaves proposes three stages of preparation:

1st year:16 August 2011 to 15 August 2012

Knowledge of Don Bosco’s

history.

2nd year: 16 August 2012 to 15 August 2013

Don Boscoís Pedagogy.

3rd year: 16 August 2013 to 15 August 2014

Don Bosco’s Spirituality.

Year of celebration:

16 August 2014 to 16 August 2015

Don Bosco’s Mission with the young

and for the young.

The celebration of the Bicentenary of the birth

of DonBosco will take place after the XXVII

General Chapter.This event requires an

intense and profound process of preparation,

so that it may prove fruitful for all of us, forthe

Church, for the young and for society.

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

FEAST OF

DON BOSCO

Sunyani.

Don Bosco was celebrated in a great way as always

in Sunyani. This year, it was a four day celebration of

our Father and Founder. The celebrations kicked off in

the school (Don Bosco Technical Institute) on Friday

January 28, 2011 with a solemn mass by the Rector of

the community Fr Piotr Wojnarowski SDB. In his homily,

he apologized on behalf of the Salesians and Staff to the

students for the times they were not treated as they should

and also in occasions when they were negated. Following

the homily, was a symbolic gesture by the Salesians and

Staff taking a heart shaped paper with the inscription on it

“We Love You” and distributing among the students as a

sign of their love and commitment to work for their growth

and betterment. Still at the mass, the letter of the Rector

Major to young people was also given out to all the students

and staff of the Institute in a significant way. The feast was

also an occasion in which the new hall building and the

multi-purpose court was blessed and inaugurated. After the

mass, the celebration continued with various activities like

Don Bosco quiz, two well acted skit by the students and

Novices on the Salesian system of education (the right man

for the job), games and lot more.

The celebration train moved from the school to Don

Bosco boys home who celebrated theirs that evening. The

community joined the boys in the home to celebrated Don

Bosco. The high point of the evening was the goodnight of

the Rector to the boys were he asked them to be grateful

to God for the gift of Don Bosco and then a beautiful story

of a young girl who was despised and rejected by friends

but loved by only one boy just because she was blind. The

girl he said, longed to see and told this boy loved her that

she would marry him if she could see. The story went on

to say that one day the boy came up to her and told her that

a donor has accepted to give his eye to her so that she may

see again. The operation was done and she could see. She

asked to see her friend whom she saw but to her greatest

surprise, he was blind. He asked her “Now that you can

see would you marry me?” And her response was “I am

sorry but no I cannot marry you. I thought that you could

see that was why I said I would marry you when I begin to

see but you are blind and I cannot marry you I am sorry.”

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that was why I said I would marry

you when I begin to see but you

are blind and I cannot marry you I

am sorry.” Accepting this fact, the

boy went home and after some day,

wrote to her saying: “Those eyes,

before they became yours were

mine and I gave them to you so as

to see you smile again…..” the girl

confused and sorry, wept. He drew

saying that the girl even though

she could see was blind to see how

much the boys loved her and this

also is applicable to us in the sense

that even though we can see, we are

still blind to the love of God towards

us.

The next day Saturday January 29,

2011 was the turn of Mary Help of

Christians Parish to celebrate Don

Bosco. Young people from Holy

Spirit Catholic Church Sunyani,

Don Bosco Technical Institute, Don

Bosco Boys Home, Adentia, Quateri

Oratory and the Novices together

with their master, came in their

numbers to celebrate with the young

people of Mary Help of Christians

Parish Odumase. The celebration

began with a well performed dance

drama by the Novices followed

by an input by the rector Fr Piotr

Wojnarowski SDB on Don Bosco

and centered on vocation. According

to the rector “Life is a vocation

which young people today have to

realize.” He went ahead, inviting

them to think about the Salesian

consecrated life. After the input,

he also distributed the letter of the

Rector Major to young people to all

the young people present. After the

input were games and some other

side attractions made possible by Fr

Silvio and the Novices.

religious congregations and the

Bishop of Sunyani Diocese Most

Rev. Dr Matthew Kwesi Gyamfi.

It was a moment of family sharing.

In his speech, the bishop stressed

the need to working together and

this the Salesian had shown in the

diocese these past years. The day

ended with the benediction by the

bishop.

Monday January 31, 2011 Feast

of Don Bosco and Patron of the

community. The celebration began

with a solemn morning prayer in

honor of Don Bosco and mass with

the students presided over by the

rector. In place of the homily, the

rector asked that Confrere should

say one or two things that made

them say “YES” to Don Bosco. This

was really a deep sharing which I

know would linger on not just in the

heart of the Confrere but also in the

hearts of the young people present

at the mass. Don Bosco Oratory

Odumase, also had their turn in the

celebration with hundreds of young

stars came together in Obolo hall to

celebrate Don Bosco. The evening

was a nice get family together of the

community which was also used to

celebrate the birthday of Fr Peter

Savio.

What else to I have to say but “I am

proud to be part of this family of

vast movement of people….” Bravo

Bosco!!!!!!!!!!

EKUGBAH CHIKEZIE SDB

Sanit John Bosco Community

Sunyani.

AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

Sunday January 30, 2011 was the

thanksgiving mass at Mary Help of

Christians Parish Odumase with Fr

Silvio Roggia presiding over the

mass. In the evening of that day,

was the turn of the Salesian Family

which also had in attendance other

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

FORMATION HOUSE - ONDO .

CELEBRATING TOGETHER DON BOSCO FEAST

Every year Catholics all over the world commemorate

the memory of St John Bosco but for the Salesians it is a

solemnity. Prior to the feast day, that is the 31st of Janu-

ary, the Salesians in Ondo together with pre-novices, as

a sign of honour to their founder and father they prayed

the nine days novena to St John Bosco with joy, enthusi-

asm and hope that our founder will surely rejuvenate us.

It was in view of this that on the eve of this Solemnity of

St John Bosco that the Pre-novices together with their

assistants Joseph SDB and Maxi-

mums SDB organized a quiz com-

petition in honour and to celebrate

the feast of Don Bosco.The Sale-

sians community Ondo expressed

their profound gratitude to the

Pre-novices and to the assistants

for being creative enough to or-

ganize such an activity. Gifts were

presented by the vice rector Rev Fr

Chris SDB to the participants from

the various groups,that is Cimetti,

Zatti,Mary at Cana,and Francis de

Sales groups respectively.

Also, on the feast day, the

Salesians together with the Forma-

tion House gathered in the chapel

as a community and as followers of

Don Bosco to pray the psalms with

faith, hope and charity. Later in the evening the Sale-

sians and Formation House with their director Rev Fr

Oche SDB and his assistants Joseph SDB and Maximums

SDB invited the whole Priests, Religious and Salesians

Co-operators in Ondo town to celebrate the feast of our

founder and father. It started at about 6.30pm with even-

ing prayer animated by Joseph SDB after which Rev Fr

Chris SDB welcomed everybody present and presented

to them the strenna of the year as compiled by the Rec-

tor Major Rev Fr Paschal Chavez SDB titled ìCOME

AND SEEî. They all watched the documentary, after

which we went into the house for a get-together. Many

Religious communities were present at the celebration

and some diocesan priests. The Pre-novices as is cus-

tomary and traditional, entertained everybody present

with their melodious and sweet voices. The Pre-novices

also showed to everybody present that they can not only

sing but also dance. As such they presented traditional

dance and choreography, together with their Guardian

Angels Joseph SDB and Maximums SDB.

The Religious, Priest and Salesians Co-operators were

all happy and in return expressed their gratitude to the

community by clapping. The cutting of the cake was led

by the eldest Salesian in the community Br John Patruc-

co SDB who also expressed his appreciation to all.

The celebration ended with the vice rector Fr Chris SDB

giving the valedictory speech to all, saying Don Bosco

shared his life with the young people as such we should

also share our lives with others.

Finally, Fr Chris led all the the Salesians, Pre-novices,

Salesian Co-operators, Religious and Priest present in

prayer as we recited three Hail Mary just like Don Bosco

used to do to close the day; he then gave the final bless-

ing.

From entertainment committee of the Formation

House Ondo

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

DON BOSCO FEAST

-31st January 2011

We have just ended the celebrations for the feast of St.

John Bosco!

The event has been prepared with three days characterized

by the presentation of Don Bosco Vocation accompanied

by Mamma Margaret, Fr Calosso, his first spiritual guide,

Luis Comollo, his friend during the Adolescent time, and

Fr Joseph Cafasso, his confessor and inspiration during

the priestly life.

Friday 28th we organized the Penitential Rite for all the

students, Saturday morning we participate to the Maraton

– race “Run for Don Bosco” and Sunday 30th has been

dedicated to the Parents of the salesians living nearby

Onitsha. Sunday afternoon has been spent together with

the 700 boys and girls of the Oratory.

Monday 31st January, with the Students of the Technical

School and of the Secondary School we celebrated the

Eucharist , followed by sport and cultural activities.

In the evening the Salesian Community shared with some

of our friend priests the prayer of the Vespers and the

supper.

More and more, Don Bosco’s Love spreads and with it

also his charisma, his style of holiness and his educative

system founded on the fundamental pillars: reason,

religion and loving kindness.

ONITSHA

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OUR PARISH

BELONGS TO

YOU BOSCO

The Parish community of St John Bosco in Ondo

celebrated the feast and solemnity of their Patron St.

John Bosco.

The parishioners prepared themselves for the feast with a nine

days novena in honor of their patron saint John Bosco. The

novena, which was animated by Chiemeka SDB and the two

practical trainees Joseph SDB and Maximums SDB, came to

an end with a solemn Mass on Sunday 30th January, 2011, the

Sunday nearest to the main feast day. The mass started at about

9am in the morning with Fr Micheal Oguniyi SDB , the parish

priest as the chief celebrant and the co-celebrants the vice rector

Fr Chris SDB and Fr Oche SDB while practical trainees Joseph

and Maximums served as assistants on the altar. It was really a

day of joy for the entire parishioners of St. John Bosco catholic

Parish Ondo town.

During the mass the vice rector Rev.Fr Chris (SDB) encouraged

the congregation to follow the footprint of their patron saint,

and in this way they would be able to see Jesus and to know

where He lives. The parishioners as a sign of honor together

with the salesians of Ondo community danced and gave thanks

to God for giving them St John Bosco.îA man of wisdom and

understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart as the

sand that is on the sea shoreî.

There was a reception after the Eucharistic celebration in honor

of this great Man. The parishioners sang praises to God and also

had a get-together meal in honor of their patron saint. Also the

Pre-novices with their brother assistant Joseph SDB joined the

lay faithful to celebrate by presenting some wonderful songs.

The parishioners showed their mark of appreciation by thank-

ing God not only for St John Bosco but also by giving them the

future “John Boscoís”.

The celebration came to an end with the parish priest entrusting

all the parishioners into the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary,

Mary Help of Christian with three Hail Maryís, after which he

gave the final blessing and all returned home in peace.

From the press group of Don Bosco Youth Center Ondo

AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

DON BOSCO

FRIEND OF THE YOUTH

Lungi

Many people wanted to witness don Bosco

celebration at the youth centre St. Augustine

Junior Secondary School and St. Augustine Senior

Secondary School though it was a challenge since

their programs were going on concurrently.

In the youth centre the following programs were

organized for the following activities: Marathon

Race , 300 Meters for Girls, Volleyball and

Basketball.

Each winner was awarded a prize which included that

for young choir and for drama, as well as some mini

games played by children aged 7 years to 15 years.

The vigilant animators were really in action and a

series of competitions were guided by them. The

junior secondary school activities reached their

climax on don Bosco feast day on the 31st January

with a March Past and an award ceremony. Later

there was the formal opening of a well furbished

library, canteen, toilet, chapel and the Principal’s

office. A drama and refreshment ended the program in

the J.S.S

The football gala which had been going on for about

a month amongst the classes in the Senior Secondary

school pupils was won by Form three commercial

one (3Com1) in the 31st January, after hard struggle.

Other activities went on simultaneously which were

all finally concluded with refreshments.

Don Bosco loved to pray and play. To mark his feast

day, a solemn mass was celebrated on the 30th of

January with all Salesians priests in Lungi present. A

visiting priest Fr. Richard was the main celebrant. In

his homily, he reiterated that we are grateful to God

as we celebrate 25 years presence of Salesians in

Sierra Leone, and secondly for the 50th anniversary

of Sierra Leone independence. Before the reading

of the Gospel, the youths presented a little drama

in which they brought salt, water, fire, showing

and explaining the word of God to congregation,

Fr. Richard said we need to form good and honest

citizens. He further stated that youths need guidance

and our support.

Finally at the end of the celebration Fr. Richard

blessed the Youth Executive that comprises of the

Chairman, Thomas V.M. Sengeh and Chairlady

Elizabeth K. Kargbo, the Secretary Domains K

Kargbo, the Public Relation Officer Zachariah

I. Bendu, Whip Maurice Saffa and the Financial

Secretary Lawrence Gray.

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

THE MONTH OF LOVE

St Valentine’s Day is a popular day not only with the young but with people in general; it is an

opportunity for many to express their sentiments to their true loved ones. For the Salesian community

in Sunyani however it was an opportunity not to be missed to pass on to the young true Christian val-

ues in a truly Salesian Spirit on what true love is.

The Month of February or as some would call the

“Month of Love” (owing to the fact that Valentines Day

falls on this month) was filled with so many activities for

the community of Sunyani.

First on the list of activities was Val’s day

celebration which was celebrated in a very healthy way

on 12 Feb in the hostels having a joint programme, and

for the first time in the Parish. Val’s day in the hostel

was so unique, having the Rector Fr Peter W as the MC

of the day. Br Paolo gave a beautiful story on Love; the

love of God whose light on us never dims… following

Br Paolo were different acts on stage who entertained

with their songs, dance, poem etc. the day ended with

closing prayer by Fr Mark Anthony and a well animated

goodnight by the rector showing the youngsters through

a song the love of God for them.

Also in this month of February, was a heritage

which the oratory of Odumase already had and that is

Obolo Gala of popularly known as Obolo Ice kenkey.

This is a football tournament for young boys and girls

from ages 7-15 started by the famous Br Michael Schmitz

popularly known as Obolo by the people and since then

has come to stay. This year’s tournament had 670 boys

and girls playing for different team which does not

include those who come to watch. The children are given

bread and Ice kenkey as refreshment. Children need an

avenue to bring out what they’ve got inside of them and

I am glad we are giving them that opportunity as Don

Bosco would say “Da Mihi Animas Cetera Tolle.”

EKUGBAH CHIKEZIE SDB

St John Bosco Community

Sunyani

From the hostel, the baton was handed over to

the Parish who on 13 Feb for the first time, celebrated

Val’s day tagging it “Valentine Dinner.” Married couples,

young gents and ladies all trooped to the venue of the

event which was the Parish hall. The event started with

Fr Mark Anthony giving the input followed by other

activities like pick ‘n’ act, two can play (which was

to show how much couples knew themselves) and the

event came to its peak when the two gospel acts from

Sunyani came up to thrill the audience with their out of

this world performance. The day came to a close with

the concluding prayer and final blessing from the Parish

Priest Fr Peter Savio.

2.6 Page 16

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

DON BOSCO LIFE CHOICES

VCT-NIGERIA

CELEBRATES

VALENTINE

2011 IN STYLE

BY SIR RICHARD B. AJAYI.

Only total abstinence from premarital sex among youths

or sticking only to a faithful marital partner in the case

of married couples can prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS,

Mrs. K. A . Bada, the Matron, Isolo Maternity Health

Centre, Akure has said.

Delivering a Paper entitled: “Love, Sex and Sexuality”

to a group of Youths drawn from Secondary Grammar

Schools, Churches, Mosques and other Youth

Organisations recently in Don Bosco Centre, Akure,

during the Valentine 2011 Symposium organized by

the Don Bosco Life Choices VCT-Nigeria to mark the

Valentine Day, the Health Officer observed that sexuality

was the expression of the sexual drive but the expression

of sexuality should be, as expected, only in heterosexual

marriage.

She noted that what most of the youths indulged in

nowadays was basically infatuation rather than love.

According to her, infatuation would normally rear its

head, but it should be handled “responsibly without

giving in to its foolish desires and recklessness”.

She identified pornography, sex orgies, pedophilia,

homosexualism, lesbianism, bestialism, sadomasochism,

voyeurism and genital exhibitionism as the most common

sexual perversions plaguing not just the society, but the

youths in particular.

In his own Paper entitled: “” I want to Belong”: Issues

and concerns for young People making decisions”

, the Asst. Director, Justice, Development and Peace

Commission, JDPC, Rev. Fr. Vincent Anadi observed

that what matters was the courage to follow one’s path

through self mastery, as, what shapes destiny is the

choice.

Fr. Anadi remarked that man was created as a decision

making machine but regretted that almost every individual

is chasing to be like the other and never to be left behind.

He was of the view that many young people were not

living their lives but other people’s. Frowning at different

vogues among the youths, the Priest queried “after the

“sagging”, “o ti yanyan”, “gangsterism”, “zipdown”,

perhaps “Ori e o fokasibe!” what next?

He challenged the youths to get rid of mental blocks,

saying that many allowed the mind to be clogged with

certain presuppositions and biases as well as prejudices.

He called for the development of intuition and logic

admonishing that the notion that there is only one ‘right

solution’ to a problem should be jettisoned.

2.7 Page 17

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At the occasion, the Special Guest, the Commissioner

for Youths and Sports, Alhaj Yekini Olanipekun, who

was represented by Mr.Bola Faturoti, commended the

organizers for bringing up the programme to fashion

the future for the youths. He remarked that the youths

needed those activities that would give scope and outlet

for their psychological and physical energies.

He then called on well-meaning Nigerians , corporate

bodies and religious organizations to emulate the

organizers and join hands with the government in her

determination to develop the youth in all ramifications.

However, the Rector of the Salesians of St John

Bosco Community, Rev. Fr. Italo Spagnolo had earlier

welcomed the Guests and Students from different

Schools, Churches, Mosques and Organisations and he

called on the youth to seize the opportunity of being part

of the programme to gain something from all that they

would be made to know.

While presenting his Speech, the Program Manager, Sir

Richard B. Ajayi drew the attention of the gathering to

the fact that, the present programme by the Don Bosco

Life Choices VCT-Nigeria actually started October 2009

and since then to January 2011, a total number of 9,324

clients had been counseled and tested through the mobile

and facility activities.

AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

He implored the youths to be cautious stressing that

the programme was meant to show them the future and

straighten their conception about the celebration of the

yearly Valentine Day.

Nothing less than 15 students were drawn from each of

the 15 Secondary Schools invited. Many youths from

other churches, mosques and organizations were also

invited.

At the end of the Quiz Competition where four Schools,

Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure; St. Louis Girls Sec.

Grammar School, Akure; Becky Parker College, Akure;

and Don Bosco Technical Institute, Akure featured, St.

Louis Girls Sec. Grammar School, Akure, won the !st

Position; the 2nd Position was grabbed by Don Bosco

Technical Institute, Akure; while Becky Parker College,

Akure took the 3rd Position. Their Awards were presented

to them by the Rector of the Salesian Community, Rev.

Fr. Italo Spagnolo.

A group of promising Youths called the Soldiers for

Christ thrilled the audience with Western Dance, while

the students of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Akure

presented a drama entitled “Karma” ; with another

student of the school, Adesola Adewumi reeling out a

Poem to the admiration of the audience.

2.8 Page 18

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

Nigerian Youth

Ministry Seminar

(ANS and Ibadan) ñ Between 21 and 25 February Fr

Dominic Sequeira, a member of the Youth Ministry De-

partment, chaired a Seminar at the Don Bosco Institute

of Philosophy and Education in Ibadan. Very down to

earth and practical, the Seminar encouraged those tak-

ing part to become active and effective in accompanying

young people.

The participants included Salesian Post-Novices,

Guanellians, lay students and lay animators from five

African countries and Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone,

Liberia and Congo DR. Most of the exercises were done

in groups. The practical issues concerning each of the

countries represented were addressed by participants

who had been grouped according to their countries.

Youth Ministry from the Sudanese Delegation in the

ìEast Africaî Province (AFE) and Fr Piotr Wojnarows-

ki, Youth Ministry Delegate for the Vice Province of

ìEnglish-speaking West Africaî (AFW).

At the end of the Seminar on the last day, every partici-

pant prepared a project that was geared towards address-

ing specific issues in youth ministry in a locality of their

choice.

The five day seminar began on Monday 21st February

with a quick survey on what youth ministry actually en-

tails, and how it can be implemented in the local African

contexts.

Subsequently, based on his experience with the young

people in India, the United States, and Italy, Fr. Domi-

nic was able to address some pertinent issues raised by

the participants. He also urged everyone to take time to

think and work out how practical issues pertaining to

youth ministry in their various countries can be ad-

dressed.

The Seminar continued along very practical lines with

tips on how to be a youth minister. Each day there were

specific imputs; psychological games, questionnaires and

jokes that can also prompt young people to deep reflec-

tion.

Making their own valuable contribution to the Seminar

by the their presence were Fr. Cyril Odia Delegate for

Ibadan.

2.9 Page 19

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

FEEDING PROGRAMME AT

DON BOSCO

YOUTH CENTRE TINTAFOR LUNGI

Tintafor Lungi is found in the northern district of Port

Loko where the only International Airport is found.

People in this environment practice petty business

and rely on subsistence farming and fishing for their

livelihood.

Over two third (2/3) of the population survive on one

meal a day just to sustain their lives.

Most children go to school hungry from 8am to 1:35pm.

Once in a while world food programme provide food for

some schools while some are left without. It is extremely

difficult to cater for every pupil in school, because

parents cannot feed their children at home of get only

one meal a day, most children fear to go to school for

whole day with empty stomach. Some parents use these

children to do petty business, get some money for the

one evening meal.

Don Bosco Youth Centre Lungi has been given recreation

and trauma healing to the youth and young adults every

day except Sunday. During the day even when the youth

centre is not opened some of these children who are not

fortunate to go to school are found at the youth centre

with their petty business abandoned playing games.

The director of the youth centre brought about a feeding

programme wherein one hundred and twenty five pupils

are benefiting. The staple food of Sierra Leone (rice)

cooked for these children every lunch on Mondays,

Wednesdays and Fridays. Each one of the 125 pupil is

served a plate of rice which they also share with their

friends without. The food is really meant for 125 pupils

but more than 200 shared hence each have a friend.

This feeding programme however is useful and according

to my witness, the real beneficiaries are getting the food

and really appreciate it. This programme started on

the 10th of January, 2011. I only hope and pray that in

the near future this number may be increased to 250,

because children were identify at random, some form

St. Augustine Primary, Kankaylay Primary, D.E.C.

Kamasondo Primary and Benkeh Primary School. Yet

more were.

It thanks the donors and may God bless them.

I thank the donors, volunteers, and the mammy who

prepare the food for these puspil

2.10 Page 20

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

KARATE

KIDS IN LUNGI

MARTIAL ARTS

BON BOSCO

YOUTHS CENTER

INTRODUCTION

The Don Bosco Youths Centre (DBYC) has

developed so many sport disciplines in which

martial arts is no exception. The martial arts

wing in the don Bosco youths centre, was

formed in 2006 under the supervision of rev.

Fr. Sajej. The martial arts wing was named

“the Don Bosco Martial Arts Academy (DB-

MAA), and is headed by a black belt 2nd fan

holder-Annel Thoronka.

The academy is non-political and non-profit

making. The operation of the academy is pri-

marily focused in the DBYC, Tintafor, Lungi.

OBJECTIVES

I. To inculcate the sense of belonging-

ness.

II. To promote sport at the grass root

level.

III. To enable youths to appreciate their

prime roles in national development,

IV. To eradicate the fear of domination

and marginalization by strong opposition,

V. To promote karate and facilitate the

realization of all her protocols.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership into the don Bosco martial arts

academy is automatic but for a person to be

recognize as a member of the academy, one

need to obtain a registration form at a cost

recovery price.

Note that the academy prime objective is to

nurture youths as developmental agents and

to become self-reliant in society.

3 Pages 21-30

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3.1 Page 21

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

AN EMOTIONAL DILEMMA

The effect that have on students in our schools will remain with them al theri lives. When

they leave our schools, what they take with them is not just the knowledge and skills that

they learnt, but more importantly the values that will guide them throughout life. Here

we bring the speech given by a student at the graduation of St Augustine School in Lungi,

where our Salesian Community is doing a lot of sterling work in the field of educaiton.

What could be more frightful than leaving the

assurance of a sanctuary? The St. Augustine

Agricultural Secondary School, Tintafor Lungi is a

sanctuary that has sheltered my self and many from

the callous brutality and glaring hostility of the out

side world. It is a loving , caring and considerate

mother that has not failed to furnish her children with

Love, Protection Morals, and academic ammunition

to combat the hostility of the outside world.

Leaving the St. Augustine Agricultural

Secondary School, is the hardest reality especially

when the Salesians of Don Bosco have always being

there to guide and train HONEST CITIZENS AND

GOD FEARING PEOPLE in their enviable principle

known as the PREVENTIVE SYSTEM they

inherited from their Patron Saint {DON BOSCO}.

In This system , they have always been there to

help us to use our reasoning power in the way we

look at things with these three words, REASON ,

RELIGION and LOVING KINDNESS . It has

always neglected the idea that repressive as the best

as it is been practised in the neighbouring schools

but they believed in the philosophy their presence is

merely enough for us and today it is yielding good

and enviable fruit for all it’s children , without the

rod, we are yet disciplined unlike our neighbours

that uses the rod. St. Augustine like the mother

Kangaroo, the St. Augustine Secondary School has

sheltered and protected Me in her pouch

The thought of leaving the invulnerability

of her pouch for the vulnerability of the out side

World leaves me cold. Moulting from the innocence

to experience is indeed frightful. It is leaving the

conversance of home where one is assured of all,

for the uncertain and uncompromising World where

everything is at stake.

On the other hand , going to the out side

world is adventurous in a sense . It is an experience

every true Augustinain student must not be afraid

to challenge. As far as Moral, Spiritual, Academic

and Physical values are concerned, no student who

pass through the enviable PREVENTIVE SYSTEM

is malnutrited.

The SALESIANS are not there to dispense Moral,

Spiritual, Academic , and Physical nutrient to their

wards and at the same time , they have not been

superfluous in dispensing these values so as to

ensure that they do not become fanatics.

We see that we have been fully equipped to

face the out side world . Our prospect are indeed

bright, this can be manifested in the lives of her

children that are leaving for the various universities

and other secondary schools, they have always

being at the apex of all situation this is as a result of

having dedicated EDUCATORS rather than mere

teachers and a richly balanced diet to face those

challenges Yet , inspite of all these certitudes, I find

out that my emotion is embigenal .

Must I be sad or afraid to leave the protective

and safe pouch of Mother St.Augustine for the

hostility of the adult world? Or must I be happy

and fearless to confront the world and put into

practice the quintessence of morality a spiritualism

what I have learnt as her word. What could

have been of us in Lungi without the help of the

Salesians?………………………………

Long live the SALESIANS

Long live the RECTOR MAJOR

Long live our BENEFACTOR

Long live ST. AUGUSTINE

Long live to our relentless and hard

working Staff and to all in and out side her pouch.

THOMAS V.M SENGEH

Assistant Head Boy 2ooeight /2oonine

3.2 Page 22

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IT IS GROWING!

AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

Water the Plants.

For quite a long time, Sierra Leone has had only

three dioceses, Makeni diocese (found in the

north) Kenema diocese (found in the east and arch

dioceses of Freetown and Bo (found in the western

area and southern province). Pouring water for the

growth of the catholic faith, Bo which is found in

the southern of Sierra Leone is really rich in the

catholic faith and has produced a lot of priests, and

religious up to date.

It may have come like a dream when on the 15th

January it was announced that Bo was to become a

diocese and rev. Fr. Charles Campbell as the first

bishop elect awaiting his ordination on the 7th may,

2011. Bo is the second largest city of Sierra Leone

with four well populated districts, and with more

than half of its population Catholic Christians.

It is still growing because he is still pouring pure

water even though he has celebrated his fiftifh year

of priesthood.

Bishop Dr. George Biguzzi, who is celebrating 50

years of priesthood, has just ordained three catholic

priests. Two of which were diocesans priests, that

is Rev. Fr. Benjamin H. Sesay and Rev. Fr. William

sonny brown while Rev. Fr. Andrew Dumbuya

belong to the josephite congregation.

Bishop Biguzzi expressed concern over his

growing plants, that most people destroy his plants

instead of nourishing it to become fresher. He said

“these are your own very brothers, instead of given

them, you border they with your request, instead of

advancing them, you pull them down and destroy

there good image.

Before completing his homily, Bishop George said,

“a prayer have been issued to all the parishes to

be said during every Eucharistic mass in honor of

the 50th anniversary of Sierra Leone”. And when

ever reciting the litany of Blessed Virgin Mary,

we should add “MARY OUR LADY OF SIERRA

LEONE”.

MINI YOUTH CENTRE – TARGRIN

The Salesians of Don Bosco in Lungi community

covers a lot of different communities including

Targrin. Targrin is the main route traveler’s use from

Lungi to Freetown through a ferry. So many people

rely on fishing a s their survival need while most of

the young boys rush in the ferry to be self employed

by carrying loads for people. So the Salesians

community saw the usefulness in opening a mini

youth centre rather than Tintafor youth alone.

This centre however, comprises of series of activities

for youths within the age group ranging from 10 to

18 years. This centre opens to the public for Monday

through Saturday at the Roman Catholic Primary

School compound by 4:00Pm to 6:45Pm.

Some of the games that youths enjoy at the centre

include Football, Tee Tee Ball, Ludo, Table Tennis,

Draft and much more. Before the opening of the

centre everyday, a little prayer is offered with few

minutes gospel reading and reflection on that gospel

read.

The games of the youth centre is meant for every

youth regardless of your race, religion, gender, or

tribe, and many youths take advantage of this, and

their talents are identified.

There are a lot of constraint which in due cause can be

handled squarely. We hope to do more us plans area

on for more development.

3.3 Page 23

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

SALESIANS OPEN NEW

HOUSE IN AKURE

BY SIR RICHARD BABATUNDE AJAYI.

The Salesian Councillor for Missions Worldwide, Rev.

Fr. Clement Vaclak, SDB, has called on the faithful in the

Catholic Church not to relent in joining others to fulfil

the dream of St. John Bosco in the missionary task as

bestowed by Don Bosco himself.

Speaking recently in Akure where he was, accompanied

by the Provincial for West Africa, Rev. Fr. Jorge Crisafulli,

SDB, to commission a new edifice for the use of the

Salesian Community in Akure, the Superior Councillor

for Missions said in his homily that it was compelled

on all to preach the love of God through evangelization

as exhibited by St. John Bosco and Akure Community

should not be left out.

He remarked that Jesus was calling on every man and

woman to have experience of God, stressing that it had

ever been the intention of the Salesians to encourage the

youths who were aspiring to be such missionaries from

Nigeria .

At the colourful but brief ceremony where members of

the Community, Staff and Faithful were present, Rev.

Frs. Vaclak and Crisafulli were welcomed with songs and

cheerfulness, with the Rector of the Community, Rev.

Fr. Italo Spagnolo, SDB, familiarizing the visitors with

every department in the Community.

Fr. Spagnolo saluted the Superior Councillor for taking

the pain to come for the dedication and commissioning

of the Salesian House, of which he commended Rev.

Bro. Thomas Robert Annan, SDB, who he described as

the architect and supervisor of the beautiful u-shaped

edifice . He also appreciated the parishioners for their

contributions in making the project a reality through the

donation made.

While observing the gains of the presence of the Salesians

in Akure and Ondo Diocese in general, the Vice Chairman

of the Parish Council, Mr. Desmond Eke commended

the Salesians of St. John Bosco for making available the

Don Bosco Technical Institute, Akure; the Don Bosco

Continuing Education Centre and the Evening School,

which had availed those who missed the chance of going

to regular school the opportunity of being educated; the

Don Bosco Printing Press, which had trained a lot of

youth on printing technology with the assistance of Rev.

Fr. Matteo Bala, SDB,; the Don Bosco Health Centre

and Life Choices VCT – Nigeria Centre, with high-tech

laboratory services and HIV Advocacy and outreach

services and the Youth Centre which had provided a

playing ground for thousands of youth irrespective of

creed and sex.

He said members of the Parish and the whole Akure

Community would remain grateful for ever for the lease

of life and light that the Salesians had brought to the

Diocese.

The self-contained-six-room one-storey building also

accommodates three offices, one library, one dining

room, one store and a reception was commissioned by

Rev. Fr. Vaclak at exactly 9.05am at the glare of all,

with the assistance of the Provincial , Rev. Fr. Crisafulli

and Rector of the Community, Rev. Fr. Spagnolo before

proceding to the Mary Help of Christians Parish Church

for Mass which ended at exactly 10.00 after which the

Salesian Superiors continued their journey to Lagos

where they were to board flight to Ghana same day, via

Don Bosco Community, Ondo.

Parishioners were later treated to a light refreshment.

3.4 Page 24

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

Youth Corner

THE COLOURLESS FLOWER

Around the four walls of St. Augustine , Eyes can view colourless flowers.

Heavens who maketh thy colourless flowers

No, No, an Indian Priest

It is so beautiful, so wonderful , cheerishable, lovely, amicable, and pleasing to every heart.

Oh wonders be thou you

Along the road to Salesian house Tintafor

It shines like a golden ring , Smells like a Heavenly spray

Yes such an undindable bell, Beautiful as it is .

In day light and done, Be it bell or spray, Where lovers search for short snaps .

And Children disturbs it’s beauty.

Is it in forest?

Is it in garden?

And why so mythful

Thou God maketh me

Hence mythyful.

A. L. T. Lamin, Holy Cross Parish Lungi,

Sierra Leone

THE WAR

There is a war between Colonel rice and Major

general fry soup at the pot desert , Colonel rice

who was supported by the water battalion was

attacked by Major general fry soup who was

supported by Captain pepper and corporal onion.

The war was how ever planned by president Cook

at the kitchen .The kitchen was unable to control

the explosions and bombarding so it was sent to

the dinning room where Chief Justice spoon and

Magistrate plate judged them . They were both

found guilty so they sent to the stomach jail for

the rest of their lives

Thomas v.M. Sengeh

Holy cross, parish-lungi

THE DAY

The day is a wonderful thing during man’s

creation . It is something that all crave to see .

One should thank God for seeing such a thing

which money cannot buy. Some people make

good use of it while others do not but rather take

it uselessly . The day itself lasted for twenty four

hours, while the sun and the moon lasted for

twelve hours each.

Some people work on their own , like going to the

office, building houses, sporting activities, going

to church on Sundays etc

This work may at least last five working days

a week, It some times look hot when the sun is

overhead and cold when it is raining . It looks

dark at times when the weather is fine outside of

the houses are clear but inside dark

The sun shines during the day and the moon at

night .

You have being so lucky to see this day just rise up

and say thanks to God for His protection.

Thomas v.M. Senge

Holy cross, parish-lungi

3.5 Page 25

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AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

For Your Diary

BIRTHDAY

March:

02/78 Samuel Agudosi

03/70 Piotr Wojnarowski

05/53 Isaias Torres

08/74 Francis Berisie

08/86 Isaac Okoh

14/82 Ephraim Amandi

14/67 Ambrose Anene

17/84 Joseph Oraegbunam

19/61 Jorge Crisafulli

20/81 Michael Ebor

20/84 Akinyele Cyril

21/84 Anthony Odior

23/73 Patrick Sokuu

25/83 Eshun M. Kwadwo

25/40 Lionel Xavier

26/32 William Regner

27/78 Matthew Adetiloye

27/78 Killian Kpogoh

29/80 Anthony Ekezie

29/71 Henrie Warbah

April:

03/71 Charles Uzoeto

06/78 Philip Avuleteh

08/82 Marcus Blamoh

9/89 Udechukwu Chima

09/74 Mark Anthony Okpala

19/67 Ubaldino Andrade

23/82 Anthony Acquaye

24/83 Stephen Esuk

30/74 Fidelis Agbara

30/55 Lawrence Gilmore

ProvinciaCalendar

April

(Provincial Visitations)

PT Meeting (Nigeria

Easter Sunday

Post Chapter Assembly (Ibadan, Nigeria)

27-28

Rectors’ meeting (Ibadan, Nigeria)

29-30

PC Meeting (Ibadan, Nigeria)

May

(Provincial Visitations)

8-15

Provincial Vocations Awareness Week (PVAW)

11-19

Fr Guillermo Basanes visit to AFW

Mary Mazzarello

14-15

Salesian Brothers’ Meeting (Ashaiman, Ghana)

Blessing New Church (Lungi, Sierra Leone)

PC meeting with Fr Basanes (Ashaiman,

Ghana)

20-21

Curatorium Lome (Togo)

Priestly Ordination of Anthony Ekezie (Onitsha ,

Nigeria)

Deacon Ordination of Peter Morba (Nairobi,

Kenya)

26-27

Curatorium Yaoundé (Cameroon)

Mary Help of Christians

Visitation in Nigeria:

a. Ondo: 01-05/04

b. Akure 06-10/04

c. Onitsha: 11-17/04

d. Ibadan: 18-25/04

A MARRIED MAN

AND COUNSELLOR

A man who has been married for ten years was consulting

a marriage counsellor. “When I was first married I was very

happy, because when I came home from hard day work at the

shop, my dog would race around barking and my wife would

bring me my slippers but now every thing has changed, when

I come home my dog brings me my slippers and my wife

bark at me,” complain the man.“I don’t know what you are

complaining about” said the counsellor” you are still getting

JOKES the same service,

”Yours Faithfully,

Kankalay Islamic Secondary School

Tintafor – Lungi.

3.6 Page 26

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THUS SAID ONDO YOUTH

“WE ARE YOUR SONS AND

DAUGHTERS OH! BOSCO”

Every year the church celebrates the memorial of St,

John Bosco the father and patron of the youth. And

for the Salesians it has been and it will continue to

be a great day for them because Don Bosco is their

founder.

The Salesians commemorates yearly on the

31st of January, the feast of St. John Bosco in a spe-

cial way together with their youths as such this year

also was not an exceptional for the youth of St, John

Bosco Youth Center Ondo town. Don Bosco youth

together with the oraterians prepared themselves

within the nine days of novena to St. John Bosco by

praying three Hail Maryís daily, to remember what

St John Bosco always tell his boys to do before go-

ing to bed.

This came to an end when the youth centre

together with the various oratory centers namely;

blessed Laura Vicuna oratory, Don Caffaso oratory,

St. Philip Neri oratory, St Dominic Savio oratory

and Blessed Attimedi Zatti oratory gathered to-

AFW Newsletter Febuary/March 2011

gether in the youth centre to celebrate the solemnity

and feast of St. John Bosco. The youngsters were

welcomed by the vice rector of the community

Fr Chris with a message that they should always

ìBE CHEERFUL AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN

CHRISTî. This will helped them to Jesus lives. The

youth later watched Don Boscoís movie where most

of the things were elucidated by Joseph SDB to the

young people.

All the Salesians in Ondo community were

present to celebrate with young people and to wit-

ness their various presentations. Which were beau-

tifully presented by all the various oratories centers.

It was really a thing of joy and hope for the young

people and the Salesians.

The whole event came to an end with Fr. Oche SDB

entrusting the youngsters in the hands of Mary help

of Christians with three Hail Maryís, bless them

and all departed in peace.

From the press group of Don Bosco

Youth Center Ondo

CONGRATULATIONS

On the 100th birthday of Mrs Cecilia Mary Xarier mother of Fr Lionel Xarier.

A special celebration was held for the mother of Fr lionel who turned 100 this year,

present for the celebration were amongst others Fr Micheal Korikumnel, Br Sallem,

Fr Joy, Mr & Mrs Jocob, close friends of the family.