:: Salesian Bulletins worldwide

ZMB Salesian Newslink Year 7 No. 27

Year 7 | Issue No. 27 Jun - July - Aug 2013

Pope Francis:
A FASCINATING

POPE

CampoBosco: Kabwe ‘13

World Youth Day: RIO

Newly Professed Salesians

FMA Youth Rally - Kasama

:: Salesian Newslink ::
ZMB Quarterly publication

Year 7/Nº27 Jun - Jul - Aug 2013

Director & Editor: Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Redaction Board: Fr. Dennis Higgins, Walter Thyrniang
Graphic Design: Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Photos: Br. Walter Thyrniang, Sylvester Makumba, Fr.

Javier Barrientos, Joackim Mzanywa, John
Musonda, Faith Musabila.

E-mail: zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
Website: www.salesianszmb.org
Contribution from: Fr. George Chalissery, Dn. Jerome Bwalya, Br.

Walter Thyrniang, Fr. Jorge Ormeño, Fr.
Michael Mbandama, Cl. Irvin Lumano.

Printed: Printing Press - ZMB Provincial House

Editorial 3
Don Bosco Educator - Pascual Chavez RM 4
Faith and Violence are not compatible - Pope Francis 6
Our Response to God’s Faithfulness 7
Salesian World: Local News 8
Following Christ in Affirming others 9
Reaping what you sow - My take of the Youth Rally 11
Photos of the World Youth Day 12
Rock in Rio de Janeiro 14

15
16

Kabwe: CampoBOSCO 2013 17
Did you know that... 18
Initial Formation: Testimony 19
Miracles do Happen 20
Salesian Family: Unity in Diversity 21
First Professions 2013 21
Wonders of Faith 23
ZMB Photo 24

Salesian World: International News
Thinking Point: The Example of Pope Francis

In this Issue:

3Salesian NewslinkZMB2 Salesian NewslinkZMB

ack in July Pope Francis time, the Media –interestingly enough, also showed how
visited Brazil; he arrived people in various poor areas of Brazil, especially in Rio and
at Rio International other major cities, prepared themselves, their houses and
Airport where he was families to welcome the pilgrims. Images were shown of
greeted by thousands of people in the townships re-painting their houses, re-
young people who were arranging rooms, fixing doors, water pipes, electrical

expectant to see him. As usual, the installations, etc, in order to ready to welcome the
Pres ident of Brazi l , re l ig ious pilgrims.
authorities and other officials got the During his visit to Brazil, the Pope made use of a very
closest look of him, and they, too, had simple vehicle; this was something unexpected, and made
the chance to meet him personally, to a good impression on people. The Pope's love for poverty
stretch out hands with him and enjoy and moderation is an open invitation to all to make the
being in his presence. Church more credible in the eyes of the world.
Pope Francis was very pleased to be in Pope Francis continues using his black trousers and also
Brazil (at least that was the look in his his black shoes, carries his black leather bag, and what is
face) and to meet the citizens of one of most important he keeps the same simplicity of the first
the most Catholic countries in the day of his pontificate.
world. In one his speeches at Copacabana beach, he addressed the
At the end of the first day of his visit to millions of young pilgrims in ways that did not seek to win
various significant places of the City of popularity but to touch the hearts of young people, inviting
Rio de Janeiro, Pope Francis requested them to live a life of radical adherence to the Gospel. It was
(from the organizers of his visit to more like a father talking to his children explaining to them
Brazil) that a visit to the favelas or issues of life in a manner they could easily understand.
poorest townships also be included; On Friday 26 during the traditional Way of the Cross, the
and thus tight security measures were Pope was moved at the symbol presented to him in one of
set in place to give the Pope the chance the thirteen Stations of the Via Crucis; it was “the structure
to get closer to the reality of a vast of a church that needed to be rebuilt”. Pope Francis
majority of Brazilians: utter poverty! welcomed the message of this symbol and asked young
In the days previous to the arrival of people to join him in the task of re-building –not only the
the Pope and of the young pilgrims of image of the Church in the world, but rebuilding the Church
the WYD, protests broke up in various itself.
t o w n s c o u n t r y w i d e . P e o p l e Poverty was a powerful tool that helped St Francis of Assisi
demonstrated against the various to rebuild the Church in the Middle-Ages. Pope Francis
socio-economic policies of the says, he wants a “poorer Church” that becomes day-by-day
Brazilian government. At the same a Church for the poor.

Fr. Javier Antonio Barrientos

ditorial

FMA Youth Rally - Kasama:
Cultural Presentation, Trip to Chishimba Falls
and moments of Group Discussion

:: Salesian Newslink ::
ZMB Quarterly publication

Year 7/Nº27 Jun - Jul - Aug 2013

Director & Editor: Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Redaction Board: Fr. Dennis Higgins, Walter Thyrniang
Graphic Design: Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Photos: Br. Walter Thyrniang, Sylvester Makumba, Fr.

Javier Barrientos, Joackim Mzanywa, John
Musonda, Faith Musabila.

E-mail: zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
Website: www.salesianszmb.org
Contribution from: Fr. George Chalissery, Dn. Jerome Bwalya, Br.

Walter Thyrniang, Fr. Jorge Ormeño, Fr.
Michael Mbandama, Cl. Irvin Lumano.

Printed: Printing Press - ZMB Provincial House

15
16

Salesian World: International News
Thinking Point: The Example of Pope Francis

In this Issue:

3Salesian NewslinkZMB2 Salesian NewslinkZMB

Fr. Javier Antonio Barrientos

ditorial

FMA Youth Rally - Kasama:
Cultural Presentation, Trip to Chishimba Falls
and moments of Group Discussion

and maybe I would have a real need ... Please don't and at a certain point is blocked by a large boulder. If
think that it doesn't cost me too, after having you can't get it out of the way, you get over or around
appointed someone to do a job or after having sent it. Or, leave the job begun unfinished, in order not to
some errand either delicate or of concern, and not lose time in unnecessary waiting, put your hand to
finding it done in time or even badly done, that it something else. However, do not lose sight of the
doesn't cost me to keep calm; I assure you that interrupted initial work. For over time, the fruits
sometimes the blood boils in my veins, a tingling ripen, men change, the difficulties are smoothed out".
dominates all senses. So what? Get Impatient? Don't
you see that the job not done is done, and even Towards the end of my life, with the number of
corrects itself with fury". And I ended with a thought confreres increasing, it had become impossible to
very dear to me: "What sustains patience must be write a couple of lines to each one personally. I sent a
hope. This supports us, were we to lack patience". circular to all my Salesians to wish them a year

blessed by Lord enriched with many initiatives. In
Many times I realized not to have been understood, 1884 (6th January) I wrote: "Do we want to go to
even by someone I was roughly 'told off' about the heaven in a carriage? We are in fact religious not to
method by which (especially in the early years) I was enjoy, but – through sacrifice – to obtain merits for the
training my future Salesians. Can I justify myself by other life. Take heart, therefore, my dear and beloved
claiming that I was opening up a new path. I brought children. Let's move on. It will cost us effort, there
out a totally different experience, but I didn't go will be hardships: we shall reply: If the size of the
blindly. I just contented myself to be as prudent as award fascinates us, we must not be scared of all the
possible, even though my view went further. A few hardships that we must undergo to deserve it".
decades later, doing a re-scanning of the path I was
walking and recalling the challenges faced, I said: Death was at home in Valdocco. But it wasn't the
"Many clerics were staying in bed in the morning, heavy and lugubrious atmosphere that some authors
some were not going to school, they were not doing have described. Every month I offered the boys and
spiritual reading, nor meditation ... I saw all those the Salesians the Exercise of the Happy Death, a
disorders and I left that to be brought forward as one devotional practice that already existed. It was a
could. If I wanted to get rid of all the riots at once, I plunge into the solemn mysteries of eternity. I, the
would have to close the Oratory and send away all the educator of joy and healthy fun, predicted with great
young people, because the clerics would not have naturalness the imminent deaths of teenagers, not to
adapted to strict rules, and would all go away. I saw scare them, but to make their love of life grow in
that of those clerics who also went away many them. I was able to spread peace even when I spoke of
worked willingly, were of good heart, of wholly death, because the last word was about Paradise. I was
proven morality, and, beyond that the fervor of youth, talking about it as a child speaking about their dad's
I would then have helped a lot. And I have to say that house. The boys who died in Valdocco spoke with
several of the priests of the Congregation, who were ease and conviction of heaven, as their home,
part of that number, are now among those who work accepted messages from classmates and their
more, have a better ecclesiastical spirit, while they teachers, were dying with a smile on their face. I
certainly went away rather than submit to certain remembered without doubt a phrase that I loved to
restrictive rules ... If everything went to perfection I repeat: "Paradise pays everything". The death became
would have been reduced to a small group, not an irresistible appeal to goodness of a God who
having finished anything. " forgives, who welcomes children and feasts with

them.
The art of knowing how to wait

Due to my training, I wasn't very inclined to accept
A good farmer had learned to wait, learning and external forms of exaggerated penances. I had to
practising the lesson of patience, I remembered restrain that holy boy called Dominic Savio and rule
hearing many times from my mum a saying filled out any kind of mortification. Let him only “bear with
with wisdom: "By walking you lighten the burden of patience the insults if someone insults thee, bear with
the donkey". This was the most common means of patience the heat, cold, wind, rain, tiredness and all
transport, safe and economical. The goods were those difficulties of health that God allows". It was
divided into parts with equal weights on both sides of what I advised everyone: "To make up in themselves
the animal through two large saddlebags or baskets. the sufferings of Jesus, the ways are not lacking there
During the journey, the inevitable jolts ended up with are: heat, cold, illness, people, events. These are the
having to adjust the load. This memory of my means to live humbly". I gathered my thoughts with
childhood made me say later: "When I encounter a this expression: " to kiss the cross is not enough; you
difficulty I do what one does going down the street have to carry it ".

Salesian NewslinkZMB 54 Salesian NewslinkZMB

Don Bosco
EDUCATOR

DD
Fr Pascual Chavez SDB

RECTOR MAJOR

What sanctifies is not the suffering
but the patience to put up with it

ON BOSCO SAYS:

Returning from Barcelona and Paris

That evening of May 12, 1886 I arrived at Grenoble tired and
exhausted by a long trip that, in three months, I had taken from
Turin to France and Spain. I was subjected to a veritable tour de
force because the construction of the church in honour of the
Sacred Heart stagnated due to a chronic lack of money.

I was nicely greeted by Rector of the seminary who, worried
with the pitiful state of exhaustion in which he found me,
addressed fraternal words of comfort: "Reverend Father, none
better than you knows how much suffering sanctifies".
Whereupon, I was allowed to correct him by saying that "What
sanctifies is not the suffering, but the patience". It wasn't just a
phrase for effect; it was the synthesis of my existence, troubled
and painful: 71 years that were now weighing on my shoulders
and I had been reduced to "a man killed by fatigue", repeating
those same words which Dr. Combal, in Montpellier said to me
authoritatively a few days before, when he came to visit me in
Marseille in March 1884.

A family chat and some confidence

I remember that in a lecture I gave to my Salesians I had
explained to them the meaning of the word "patience" and had
made reference to the Latin verb that means "to undergo,
tolerate, suffer, be violent." And I pointed out with great
realism: "If it doesn't cost effort, patience would be no more."
Then, I added: "We need a lot of patience; or better to say, a lot
of charity topped with condiments of St. Francis de Sales:
gentleness, meekness".

Based on the experience that I was going through and with a
directness that I knew, I pre-empted an objection and I opened
myself with confidence by saying: "I, too, realize that it costs.
And please do not think that it's the greatest pleasure in the
world staying in all morning engaged in interviews or stuck at a
table all evening to give way to all chores, to letters or similar.
Oh!, I assure you that many times I'd go out glad to get some air

rector major

It is not enough to kiss the cross...
we must carry it!

them.
The art of knowing how to wait

Salesian NewslinkZMB 54 Salesian NewslinkZMB

Don Bosco
EDUCATOR

DD
Fr Pascual Chavez SDB

RECTOR MAJOR

What sanctifies is not the suffering
but the patience to put up with it

ON BOSCO SAYS:

Returning from Barcelona and Paris

A family chat and some confidence

rector major

It is not enough to kiss the cross...
we must carry it!

6 Salesian NewslinkZMB 7Salesian NewslinkZMB

“Following Jesus means rejecting evil, egoism,
and choosing the good, truth, justice, even when
that requires sacrifice and renunciation of our own
interests,” the Holy Father said. “And, yes, this
divides.”

The Holy Father also reminded the faithful that the
Gospel in no way authorizes the use of force in
spreading the faith, saying that the true force of
Christians “is the force of truth and love”.

“Faith and violence are incompatible! Faith and
violence are incompatible!,” he exclaimed. “But
faith and strength go together. The Christian is not
violent, but he is strong. And with what strength?
That of meekness, the force of meekness, the force
of love.”

Following the recitation of the Angelus, the Holy
Father lead the pilgrims gathered in St. Peter's
Square in praying for the violent situation
occurring in Egypt, where hundreds have died and
numerous Christian Churches were looted,
vandalized and burnt to the ground.uring his weekly Sunday Angelus address,

Pope Francis called on the faithful to look to
God for strength in times of turmoil. The Holy “Let us continue to pray for peace in Egypt. All
Father's remarks come at turbulent time in the together: Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us!” the
world where violence rages on in Egypt and a Holy Father told the faithful.
ferry disaster claimed the lives of more than 50

people in the Philippines.
The Holy Father also prayed for the victims of a

The Holy Father reflected on the words of Christ in tragic disaster that occurred in the Central Port of
Sunday's Gospel that he said needed to be explained Cebu, where a passenger ferry collided with a
“so that they are not misunderstood.” The Gospel of cargo ship on Friday, killing over 50 people.
Luke recounted Jesus telling his disciples: “Did you
think that I came to bring peace to the earth? No, I say
to you, I came to bring division” (Luke 12:51).

“What does this mean? It means that the faith is not
something decorative, ornamental; living the faith is
not decorating life with a little religion, as if life were
a pie and faith like the whipped cream that you use to
decorate it,” the Pope explained. “No, faith is not
this. Faith entails choosing God as the basic criterion
for life, and God is not empty, God is not neutral, God
is always positive, God is love, and love is positive!”

The Pope continued saying that it is not Christ who
intends to divide men against each other; rather the
choice to follow Jesus may divide us “even from the
closest bonds.”

Church Today | Pope Francis

FAITH AND VIOLENCE
ARE INCOMPATIBLE

SOURCE:
Vatican City, August 19, 2013

(Zenit.org)
Junno Arocho Esteves

Cairo - Egypt: Christian church burnt down
by Muslim mobs.

can they remain faithful to this
commitment till death?'. But, in
spite of this, an inner compulsion led
them to make this promise. Each one
of them had this certainty that the
Lord loves him and that they can
count on HIM to remain faithful.
They are not alone. The Lord's grace
helps them to be faithful. They have
the certainty that everyday, this love
that there is between them and the
Lord, can be nourished and

he past few weeks The Final Profession – called also strengthened. Just like true lovers
have been filled Perpetual Profession, and the First who grow every day more close to
with celebrations Profession, are truly prophetic signs each other in love, they also grow
of one sort or in today's world that does not want to more strong and joyful in their

another. We had the celebration of see life-long commitments. The commitment. There is no thought of
the World Youth Day in Rio, Brazil, tendency in the world is to go for infidelity. The secret that helped our
towards the end of July. We had the what is instantaneous. People are Brothers to make this Final
Final Profession of our 3 Brothers – weary of long-term commitments. At Commitment is the assurance, that
Alphoncious Hamweete, Mark Phiri weddings, men and women say they the key to fidelity forever, is fidelity
and George Phiri, on 28th July. On love each other very much, get lived every day. They do not need to
15th August we had the First married and promise that they will be worried if they will remain
profession of 7 of our Novices. From be for each other until death. But in a faithful for 20 or 30 years or longer.
22-25 August, there was the Youth few years time, this determination to But the everyday nourishing of their
Rally in Kasama organized by the live with each other and love and love for God, enables them to remain
Salesian Sisters, with young people, cherish one another, fades, in many faithful all their lives.
FMAs, Salesians, Cooperators and cases. Even among priests and We congratulate our Brothers who in
Vo l u n t e e r s f r o m d i f f e r e n t religious, who say they want to live spite of their doubts and anxieties,
communities of our Provinces. their whole life in dedication to God, were glad to make this step and we
Everything symbolized celebration it is not uncommon to find some, support them in their life of fidelity,
– happiness. whose motivation changes and they with our prayers. I wish you all God's
The atmosphere in Rio was are no more propelled by their initial blessings in abundance and also that
electrifying with a close estimate of enthusiasm, and leave their we all live our everyday life close to
over 3.7 million youngsters and commitment. God. Like that famous pop song we
others gathered together with Pope In such a context, how do our too ask the Lord:
Francis to hear once again the same Brothers make publicly this “One day at a time, sweet Jesus,
message of Jesus, from his commitment of fidelity – to follow that's all I am asking from You!”
representative here on earth – “Go Jesus in the footsteps of Don Bosco,

With best wishes and prayers,proclaim the good news.” The sea of to offer their life and their love for
Yours aff.ly,people left a deep impression that the God and for the young, for all their

Catholic faith is still very much life? I am sure before their
Fr George Chalissery SDBvibrant in people. profession, they too wondered: 'How

GOD’S
FAITHFULNESS

Our response to

Dear Friends,

6 Salesian NewslinkZMB 7Salesian NewslinkZMB

The Holy Father also reminded the faithful that the
Gospel in no way authorizes the use of force in
spreading the faith, saying that the true force of
Christians “is the force of truth and love”.

people in the Philippines.
The Holy Father also prayed for the victims of a

The Pope continued saying that it is not Christ who
intends to divide men against each other; rather the
choice to follow Jesus may divide us “even from the
closest bonds.”

Church Today | Pope Francis

FAITH AND VIOLENCE
ARE INCOMPATIBLE

SOURCE:
Vatican City, August 19, 2013

(Zenit.org)
Junno Arocho Esteves

Cairo - Egypt: Christian church burnt down
by Muslim mobs.

With best wishes and prayers,proclaim the good news.” The sea of to offer their life and their love for
Yours aff.ly,people left a deep impression that the God and for the young, for all their

Catholic faith is still very much life? I am sure before their
Fr George Chalissery SDBvibrant in people. profession, they too wondered: 'How

GOD’S
FAITHFULNESS

Our response to

Dear Friends,

:: FMA YOUTH RALLY 2013 ::
Kasama (Zambia) 22-25/8/13.

:: GERMAN VISITORS ::
Kabwe (ZAMBIA) 22/08/2013.

Young people who took part in the
2013 World Youth Day in Rio
gathered at Namalundu Mission
(40Km from Lusaka) to hold a
retreat and share with a larger
group on the experience of the
WYD. Fr Antonio, the ZMB Youth
Delegate was there among the
facilitators of the retreat. After the
retreat there was a short visit to
Kafue Gorge.

The Daughters of Mary Help of
The Youth Ministry Department in Christians (FMA) have held an
coordination with Fr Mariusz international youth rally in
Skowron organised the first Kasama with the purpose of
CampoBosco for ZMB, meant to s t u d y i n g , r e f l e c t i n g a n d
offer young people from our Vice-celebrating the Strenna 2013. The
Province the opportunity to study meeting gathered young people
more in depth the life of Don Bosco from the SYM, as well as SDB’s,
as well as his Educative System. Salesian Cooperators and other
The meeting took place in Kabwe members of the Salesian Family.
and participants came from The gathering began on Thursday
Mazabuka, Chingola, Lusaka, 22 and over 370 young people
Mukonchi and Kabwe.from within Zambia, Zimbabwe

The Provincial Superior of ZMB, Fr.
and Malawi were present to the

George Chalissery, has received the
event. Volunteers from Australia,

vows of the 7 novices of ZMB and
Poland, England and Italy were

AFM. The ceremony took place in
also actively present.

the parking place of the Provincial
House. FMA’s and Salesian
Cooperators were among the
invited guests.

Mr Anton Stadlmeier and his family
has visited St Mary’s Parish in a
effort to strengthen the bonds
existing between St Bernhard
Parish in Germany and St Mary’s.
Their visit comprised a visit to

B r Wa l t e r T h y r n i a n g h a s some of the major centres and
successful ly completed his outstations of the parish as well as
Master’s Degree at Cavendish meeting with the parish priest and
University - Lusaka. After a two-church council.
year course, our young confrere
has achieved his Master’s Degree in
Project Management. Br Walter
now works in Mansa as the New

Three of our ZMB confreres have School Manager for Don Bosco
made their final vows in Lilongwe, Secondary School.
Alphoncious Hamweete (Zambia),
Emmanuel G. Phiri and Emmanuel
M. Phiri (Malawi) in the presence of
Fr George Chalissery, Provincial
Superior of ZMB, and the parish
community of Don Bosco Parish.
Parents of our confreres were also
present in the event.

:: CAMPOBOSCO ::
Kabwe (ZAMBIA) 29/6/2013.

:: FIRST PROFESSIONS ::
Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 15/08/2013.

::YOUTH RETREAT FOR WYD
PARTICIPANTS ::
Namalundu (ZAMBIA)
16-18/8/2013.

:: FINAL PROFESSIONS IN
MALAWI ::
Lilongwe (MALAWI) 28/7/13.

:: BR WALTER GRADUATED
WITH FLYING COLOURS ::
Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 02/07/13.-

S WSalesian W dorl

8 Salesian NewslinkZMB 9Salesian NewslinkZMB

I am sure that have accomplished a great deal. love is God at work through you.
there have been You are good, not primarily because We might ask ourselves. What are

moments in our lives you are successful, but just because the effects of having been affirmed
when we have experienced you are you… a unique creation, by others and having affirmed

being affirmed by other, when made in God's own image and others? The good effects, the good
some “significant other” gave us a likeness, as the book of Genesis fruits are many.
new sight into our own worth. teaches us (Gen 1:31). I will gradually come to know and
In the language of modern feel who I am… I will gradually
psychology, the term 'affirmation' “God created man in his own become aware of my true identity;
or “to affirm” is quite commonly image… I will come to a growing awareness
used. We have the expression: God saw all that He had made, that I am different, but accepted;
“S/he is an affirmed person” and And indeed it was very good.”
also the expression “s/he is an
affirming person”. There are different ways in which
I think that the best book available we human beings can affirm each
on the whole theory of affirmation other. Affirmation can be visual,
was written by the great German when we respond to another with a
Thomistic philosopher Joseph smile. Affirmation can be verbal,
Pieper. The title of Pieper's book is: when we respond to another with
ABOUT LOVE. The very title of that an encouraging word. Affirmation
book gives us the key to the can be tactile, for example when we
meaning of “affirmation”. sincerely great another person with
The Latin word “Affirmare” means a hand shake, a pat on the back or an
to “make firm”, to make strong, to embrace. Our affirmation can also
give strength to. It implies assent, be spiritual… when we share prayer
agreement, consent, a willingness together in a genuine spirit and
to say “YES” to all that is good and atmosphere of Christian love.
true and beautiful in God's creation.
And since human beings are at the The philosopher Joseph Pieper has
peak of the hierarchy of God's stated, as I mentioned earlier that
creation, superior ontologically to “at the essence of all maturing love
the brute animals and to the plants, is affirmation.” Affirmation can only
affirmation means especially be given as a free gift. And
saying “Yes” to everything that is affirmation can only be a gift if it is
good and true and beautiful in our graciously received by the other
fellow human beings. Affirmation is person. St Thomas Aquinas wrote
the acceptance of the goodness of “Love is the first gift; whatever else
the OTHER person. Joseph Pieper is given to us becomes a gift only
puts it beautifully when he states: through love”. I will have a growing awareness
“At the essence of all maturing love Love has been described as the that I belong, to this world and that I
is affirmation”. 'affirmative of affirmatives'. can contribute to it, and that I am
You are good, you are wonderful Love enlarges the vision; contributing to it and helping to
You are good because you are you, Love expands the heart of man; develop it;
because you have great worth, Love is the spirit of brotherhood; I will grow more confidently open
because you are God's creation, Love is tenderness and compassion, to what is to come, sensing in the
G o d ' s w o r k o f a r t , G o d ' s forgiveness and tolerance; words of Anthony de Mello: “The
masterpiece. Love is dynamic motivation behind best is yet to come. Once we have
You are good, not primarily because every worthy purpose; experienced affirmation, then we
you have done anything; you are Love is the upward thrust that lifts will wish to share it with others. But
good, not primarily because you men to the heights, and the art of it is equally true that one, who has

Following Christ

in Affirming Others
By Anthony Geoghegan SJ

REFLECTION

:: FMA YOUTH RALLY 2013 ::
Kasama (Zambia) 22-25/8/13.

:: GERMAN VISITORS ::
Kabwe (ZAMBIA) 22/08/2013.

The Provincial Superior of ZMB, Fr.
and Malawi were present to the

George Chalissery, has received the
event. Volunteers from Australia,

vows of the 7 novices of ZMB and
Poland, England and Italy were

AFM. The ceremony took place in
also actively present.

the parking place of the Provincial
House. FMA’s and Salesian
Cooperators were among the
invited guests.

Mr Anton Stadlmeier and his family
has visited St Mary’s Parish in a
effort to strengthen the bonds
existing between St Bernhard
Parish in Germany and St Mary’s.
Their visit comprised a visit to

:: CAMPOBOSCO ::
Kabwe (ZAMBIA) 29/6/2013.

:: FIRST PROFESSIONS ::
Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 15/08/2013.

::YOUTH RETREAT FOR WYD
PARTICIPANTS ::
Namalundu (ZAMBIA)
16-18/8/2013.

:: FINAL PROFESSIONS IN
MALAWI ::
Lilongwe (MALAWI) 28/7/13.

:: BR WALTER GRADUATED
WITH FLYING COLOURS ::
Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 02/07/13.-

S WSalesian W dorl

8 Salesian NewslinkZMB 9Salesian NewslinkZMB

I am sure that have accomplished a great deal. love is God at work through you.
there have been You are good, not primarily because We might ask ourselves. What are

moments in our lives you are successful, but just because the effects of having been affirmed
when we have experienced you are you… a unique creation, by others and having affirmed

Following Christ

in Affirming Others
By Anthony Geoghegan SJ

REFLECTION

not been affirmed by others, will have great wonderfully created and still more wonderfully re-
difficulty affirming others, or it may be impossible created.
for him to affirm others.
It is a very useful exercise for us to sometimes, If we want to learn to grow in affirming others, let us
consciously and with thanksgiving, call to mind the imitate Jesus, our model. The whole of the gospel is
'significant others in our personal life history who just full of incidents in which Jesus affirmed people
affirmed us, and to reflect on the content of their in the course of his public life. And we could reflect
affirmations. It will motivate us to show our on the way Jesus affirmed them and the effect of his
thanksgiving to God for these 'angels of affirmation' affirmation on their lives.
or 'angels of consolation' by being more ready to
affirm everything that is good, and true and desire Let me propose just one example of a person in the
in others. If we wish to be affirmed, then we must gospel whose whole life was changed by the
desire to affirm others. affirming action of Jesus. That man was Simon Peter.

And the 'significant other' in the life of Simon the
There are some human beings who seek fisherman was Jesus Christ himself. It was Jesus
affirmation, who plead for affirmation, and struggle who first gave Simon Peter a deep sense of his own
to win acceptance but they never seem to worth by choosing him, by selecting him to be the
experience the affirmation that they seek so much. Rock and that name-change was a sign of the special
Why are they futile searchers? Probably because vocation from God himself “you are Peter and upon
they fail to affirm others. Their whole energies are this rock I will build my church”. (Mt 16,18).
used up in trying to affirm themselves, perhaps by
doing many things, perhaps, by striving to achieve It was Jesus who selected Peter, along with James
success for the sake of success. Perhaps by always and John, for the privileged experience of
trying to please people and so gain cheap witnessing his transfiguration on mouth Tabor, and
popularity. They forget that only another person for the equally privileged experience of being
can affirm us and that affirmation is a gift which we invited into the sorrow and agony. And most
can never force another to give us. It is a free gift like amazing of all, it was Jesus who affirmed Peter and
grace itself, like love itself. I think it is true that confirmed him as shepherd of his flock after the
people affirm us more on account of what we are resurrection by the sea of Tiberius, in spite of the
than on account of what we do. fact that it was the same Peter who betrayed his

master three times during the passion saying, “I do
At Christmas time people exchange gifts. But the not know the man” (Mt 26,27). It was this same
greatest gift that we can offer to another is to make Peter who publicly denied that he was a disciple of
him aware of his worth, his value. We can only give Jesus when the maid on duty at the door of the high
this gift through love. Love affirms the other as priest's palace questioned him, “Aren't you another
other. Genuine love never desire to posses and of that man's disciple? He answered, “I am not” (Jn
manipulate the other as mine. 18,17).

Peter was asked three times by Jesus on the
We were suggesting the very useful exercise of lakeshore, “Do you love me? And his solemn word
remembering the 'significant others'. We learned to was, “Yes, Lord I love you … You know that I love you.
grow emotionally in the essentials of affirmation. To “Jn 21,15-17).
grow in trust, recognition, acceptance, appreciation Immediately Jesus AFFIRMED PETER as Shepherd
and reverence for my own goodness. Those of his flock… “Feed my lambs”… look after my sheep”
'significant others in my life' affirm me, give me “Feed my sheep”.
strength while not robbing me of my own Once affirmed by Jesus, the great 'significant other'
individuality. in his life Peter, having been strengthened by the
Those 'significant others' in my life move me with outpouring of the Holy Spirit, begins to affirm. We
joy to sing out in thanksgiving to God, the river of all find Peter's first great speech after Pentecost (Acts
good gifts. “I am loved”. “I am worthwhile”. “I am 2,14 ff).
precious”… and each of these statements is true And what could be more affirming than the early
because that is how Jesus, the 'most significant Christians.
other in my life' sees me… he loves me, in his eyes I “You are a chosen race,
am worthwhile. In his sight I am precious – so A royal priesthood,
precious, so valuable that I was bought at a great A consecrated nation,
price, by the redeeming blood of the Son of God. A people set apart to sing the praise of God who
Jesus sees the good in me. Wonderfully created is a called you of the darkness into his wonderful light
mystery of God's love and I am his creature, (1Pe 2).

10 Salesian NewslinkZMB 11Salesian NewslinkZMB

Aspirants, Volunteers, Lay
people and the young
themselves tell the deepest
story between the
meaningful lines of their
poems and songs. Young as
there were they participated
better than some adults.
Maybe there are no
agriculture students in
Lufubu but I see that those
youngsters are growing up
very well.

5. Because I had no official
duty, I had time and was
free to mingle with the
throng of young people
(over 370 of them) most of
the time. I also noticed the
ever presence of fellow
Salesians (Priests and
Brothers), FMA Sisters,
Salesian Co-operators,
Teachers, Youth Leaders
and even Drivers among
the young and the young
people seemed very
comfortable with the
homely and friendly
environment. That was the
real Salesian Presence of
the famous “Valdocco
experience.”

How successful was the
degree of the Preventive

y chance I had the 2. Fun as it was, the as well as occasional events System I am not in a
wonderful organisers never lost focus. such as the youth rally. I position to evaluated, all I
opportunity to They concentrated on the must honestly say all of us can say is that, I saw happy
attend the theme and made sure it was on the SDB's side should Salesians among young

Salesian Youth Rally a spiritual and formative learn from them. people (which is rare today)
organised by the Salesian experience. Even the trip to and the young people
Sisters in Kasama recently. the National heritage site 4. The biggest number of enjoyed it.
Since I was an enthusiastic was linked to Prayer , participants was from Don
participant I now want to education and cultural Bosco Lufubu. I was I hope such event will be
share contribution of the episode. Yes, all the sceptical about them repeated. I can honestly say
amazing experience of sessions were classic, and because many were that some young people
being present among the the enthusiasm was children, but they put up spoke of their wish for
young people. demonstrated during outstanding performances similar rallies in the near

questioning, discussion, under the expert leadership future.
1. Congratulations to the counselling time and at the of Fr. Czeslaw Lenczuk. Once again, congratulations
Salesian Sisters (FMA) for confessional. Their introductory show, to the Salesians Sisters
organising the event. They the musical item on the especially those who
did a fantastic job in every 3. Again, the Salesians theme, and the dances played leading roles in
way. The programme, the Sisters deserve credit for during the Mass were organising the event!
food, accommodation and constructing simple and superb. They prepared it
entertainment were beyond functional facilities both for very well. The combination
the expectation. regular education activities of an able Salesian leader,

FOLLOWING CHRIST IN AFFIRMING OTHERS

REFLECTION

- Walter Thyrniang SDB

REAPING WHAT YOU SOW
My Take of the Salesian Youth Rally in Kasama.

S
r

P
ri

sc
a

M
w

il
a

F
M

A
a

d
d

re
ss

in
g

t
h

e
o

yu
n

g
p

ar
ti

ci
p

an
ts

Traditional dace from Lufubu

Fr Jorge during confession

Fr Chester playing the accordion

Mass at Chishimba Falls - Kasama

10 Salesian NewslinkZMB 11Salesian NewslinkZMB

How successful was the
degree of the Preventive

FOLLOWING CHRIST IN AFFIRMING OTHERS

REFLECTION

- Walter Thyrniang SDB

REAPING WHAT YOU SOW
My Take of the Salesian Youth Rally in Kasama.

S
r

P
ri

sc
a

M
w

il
a

F
M

A
a

d
d

re
ss

in
g

t
h

e
o

yu
n

g
p

ar
ti

ci
p

an
ts

Traditional dace from Lufubu

Fr Jorge during confession

Fr Chester playing the accordion

Mass at Chishimba Falls - Kasama

12 Salesian NewslinkZMB 13Salesian NewslinkZMB

The World Youth Day
has become a meeting

point between the Pope
and the young from

all over the world. The
programme of the WY

is almost the same yet,
the religious experience

is what

makes it always new.

ZAMBIAN PILGRIMS, visiting
one of Sao Paulo’s biggest
green area for family leisure time.
“The visit to the park gave us a sense
of peace and tranquility.”

MUTINTA MAPULANGA,
holding the Zambian flag
during the eucharistic
celebration held at
“Moses the Liberator” Small
Christian Community.

JAMES ZULU, MATEUS, MICHAEL
KELVIN, ANNIE, posing for a group
photo after their performance at
4th Centenary Park in Sao Paulo.
“Brazilians delighted us with their
Capoeira dance while they enjoyed
our traditional Zambian bits”.

ZAMBIAN PILGRIMS: Miriam &
Mundia, in the forefront on the first day
of their arrival in Brazil. The parish
community of Sao Paulo Apostolo
offered them the traditional Brazilian
dish “Fechoada”. “It reminded us of
our times in the boarding schools when
we used to eat beans; though this were
so delicious”.

CARD. SCHERER, during the closing mass
of the mission week at Sao Paulo before the
departure for Rio de Janeiro. In his homily,
Card. Scherer encouraged young people to
work harder in making the message of Christ
be heard far and wide, as it was the theme
of the WYD for Rio.

YOUNG PILGRIMS, during the send off mass
in Sao Paulo. The eucharistic celebration
concluded the Mission Week and all pilgrims
travelled to Rio immediately after.

IRVIN LUMANO SDB, carrying the cross
during the “procession of the martyrs”, a
custom in the Brazilian church to commemorate
the deceased members of the Christian community
who were murdered because of their work for
indigenous people and human rights.

12 Salesian NewslinkZMB 13Salesian NewslinkZMB

The World Youth Day
has become a meeting

point between the Pope
and the young from

all over the world. The
programme of the WY

is almost the same yet,
the religious experience

is what

makes it always new.

ZAMBIAN PILGRIMS, visiting
one of Sao Paulo’s biggest
green area for family leisure time.
“The visit to the park gave us a sense
of peace and tranquility.”

MUTINTA MAPULANGA,
holding the Zambian flag
during the eucharistic
celebration held at
“Moses the Liberator” Small
Christian Community.

YOUNG PILGRIMS, during the send off mass
in Sao Paulo. The eucharistic celebration
concluded the Mission Week and all pilgrims
travelled to Rio immediately after.

Conchucos district. Here are some (ANS - Lubumbashi)
excerpts from that letter and the 14/8/2013. Fr Basañes Starts
Rector Major’s reply: Fr Santilli the Extraordinary Visitation.
beging by describing the joint Friday, 9 August, Fr Guillermo
visit he made with Klement to Basañes, representing the Rector
these missions in the high plains, Major, arrived in Lubumbashi to
t o P u c a l l p a a n d t h e A l t o start the Extraordinary Visitation
Amazonas, where he met Fr Diego for the Central Africa Province

(ANS - Moscow) 26/8/2013.- Clavijo, Permanent Deacons, (AFC).
Pilgrimage of the Relics of Don Ministers of Eucharist and the The Extraordinary Visitation is a
Bosco. Between 17 and 25 word. “The testimonies were vivid moment of grace for the Province,
August, the relics of Don Bosco and poignant. One gets a sense of during which it can directly
visited three large cities in Russia: the great work of evangelisation, experience the attention and
Rostov na Donu, Moscow and St and especially of Fr Bola’s paternal care of the superiors of
Petersburg. The pilgrimage to personally - he has the stature of the Congregation. Fr Basañes gave
Poland ended in Auschwitz on 17 the great evengeliser and saint.” a good example of that by making
August and the next day the relics a visit, already in the evening of
of Don Bosco were brought to the Fr i d ay 9 , to t h e S a l e s i a n
city of Rostov na Donu. They were Community of Carrefour, which
received at the airport by fr hosues the elderly and sick
Zbigniew Bartoszewski, Rector of Salesians of the Province.
the Salesian House at Rostov,
together with a large group of the
faithful.

(ANS - Lima) 16/8/2013.-
(ANS - Kamuli) 12/8/2013.- Solidarity for the difficult
Youth Forum 2013. Wednesday, situation at San Luis Mission.
August 7, 2013. The Youth Forum On 14 August last ANS published a
for the Vice Province of Africa brief news item and photo

(ANS - Asuncion) 6/8/2013.- Great Lakes (AGL) was held in the regarding the visit that Fr Vaclav
Ordination of Bishop Gabriel Salesian house of Kamuli, Uganda. Klement, Councillor for the
N. Escobar Ayala, SDB.The event, organised by the AGL Salesian Missions, made to the
On Saturday 3, August, at the youth ministry team, was indignous Achuar group at
Shrine of Mary Help of Christians attended by about 250 young Kuyntsa in the Yurimaguas
in Asuncion, Fr Gabriel N. Ayala people, who wanted to explore Vicariate; on that same day Fr
Escobar, SDB, the new Bishop of the theme: “Pedagogy of joy” Vicente Santilli, sent a letter to the
Paraguayan Apostolic Vicariate of proposed by the Rector Major for Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chavez,
Chacho, was ordained bishop.this year’s pastoral animation. telling him of the difficult
The new bishop is responsible for Many Salesians were present for situation they are going through
a community of 20,000 people.this event, among them were the at San Luis, a mission parish in the

Superior of the Vice Province, Fr
Camiel Swetvagher, the Delegate
for Youth Ministry, Fr Jean Pierre
Turabanye and Fr Lazar Arasu,
director of the community of
Kamuli. They encouraged the
boys to find their joy in Jesus.

S WSalesian dorl

ANS

14 Salesian NewslinkZMB 15Salesian NewslinkZMB

extent to which the concept of the small Christian community
has developed in that country. Each small Christian community
has its own chapel in their suburb and some charitable work
which they do such as taking care of children and the homeless
among many others depending on the need. Interesting is how
these communities were born. Most of them used to gather in
some small house or in someone's garage to pray and discuss the
need of the community which inspired them to push for the
rights of the people and to make the lives of the people better.
The priests go to celebrate mass in the small Christian
communities once per week, usually on Saturdays and Sundays,
which means they only meet in the main parish on major feasts.
In this, one can see the importance of the small Christian
community and how the church was born out of it. I have come to
learn how small Christian communities can have a major impact
on the lives of people in society.
The second week was the mission week, which marked the
beginning of the official program of the World Youth Day and we
spent it at St. Mark parish, also within Sao Paulo. Many other
activities were done including a visit to the museums. On the last
day in Sao Paulo, we had a send off Mass with the young people
and pilgrims who were hosted in the archdiocese with the

delegation of forty eight vibrant metropolitan Archbishop of Sao Paulo, Odilo Cardinal Scherer.
Zambians jetted off from Kenneth In Rio de Janeiro, we were hosted by the parish of Sao Afonso
Kaunda International airport to Liguori who arranged families to host us in groups of about two

Guarulhos International airport in Sao Paulo, per family. We would meet every morning with other pilgrims
Brazil on 9th July 2013 and touched back on from English speaking countries with a bishop expounding on
Zambian soil on the 28th of July. It was a the theme of the World Youth Day which was, “Go and make
journey that was not to begin in Zambia and disciples of all nations” (Mat 28:19) and other topics. On
end in Rio with the Pope, nor when we came Wednesday 24th July, the archbishop of Rio de Janeiro
back to Zambia; but a journey to have an celebrated mass on the world famous Copacabana beach at the
encounter with Christ together with the rest end of which the Prefect for the Congregation of the laity
of the youth from all corners of the world. Cardinal read to declare the 2013 WYD officially open on behalf
The first week was spent at the parish of St. of the Pope who had gone to visit the famous Shrine of Our Lady
Paul the Apostle in the archdiocese of Sao of Aparecida. The following day we had the welcoming of the
Paulo and thanks to Fr. Omir Oliveira SVD, Pope Francis who humbly always referred to himself as bishop.
who made it possible; he once worked in On Friday we had a beautiful way of the cross together with his
Zambia as a missionary for fifteen years. A holiness Pope Francis.
crowd of parishioners awaited us at At the first brush of the life style of today's youth, one would
Guarulhos International Airport with much think they care less about God and for me the over two million
enthusiasm and jubilation as though waiting young pilgrims from all over the world proved to all that many
for long lost relatives yet we were strangers. young people know that a life without Christ is empty. There is
We felt so much at home within the first few an insatiable thirst in them to have a meaningful life with Christ
minutes of our arrival. We were driven to the at the centre of their lives.
parish where the rest of the host families No words can suffice to express our heartfelt gratitude to our
were waiting to pick up their sons and hosts for their hospitality. Despite the language difference, their
daughters from Zambia. love and care during our stay proved true the anecdote which
The week was packed with different says that where there is love, language is not a barrier. New
activities which included faith sharing, visits families were born of this encounter, differences of language and
to the small Christian communities, cultural race broken and in unison we made love a concrete experience.
exchange programs and visits to different It is my prayer and hope that this experience will be a strong
parts of the town. It was an awesome foundation for us to go out there and make disciples of all
experience and I was very impressed by the nations.

ROCK in

The massive presence of

the young Catholics at

Copacabana Beach has been a wonderful witness

to their faith: singing, praying and having good

time together. They did all they could to be there

with Pope Francis.

By Irvin Lumano SDB

TESTIMONY

S WSalesian dorl

ANS

14 Salesian NewslinkZMB 15Salesian NewslinkZMB

ROCK in

The massive presence of

the young Catholics at

Copacabana Beach has been a wonderful witness

to their faith: singing, praying and having good

time together. They did all they could to be there

with Pope Francis.

By Irvin Lumano SDB

TESTIMONY

16 Salesian NewslinkZMB 17Salesian NewslinkZMB

that others need to read the Gospel from. He said
to the applause of those present: “...and if you
like a nice car, think only of how many children
die of hunger in the world.” I am deeply
challenged by these words in front of what I see
in ZMB.
I was so glad to see the final profession of our
three confreres in Lilongwe, which reminded
me of the day I too made mine in that very place.
And yes there are those on the way to the
priesthood and religious life that gives us joy
and hope: it is very encouraging! Nevertheless,
while reading the lamentation of the provincial
in his circular letter, about the many brothers
who have decided or were advised to leave the
Salesian life; it is also a painful experience.
My thinking point is focused on the manner I am
living my religious life as a Salesian. Often I think

ello Thinking people. I have gone back to collect the very things I
Pope Francis has captivated my promised God that I would leave behind: money,
attention from the day of his election. gadgets, cars, freedom and attachment to
I have never heard of this person positions of authority, place or particular
before that moment when he came friends. When I was a confrere in temporary

out to greet the pilgrims in a simply, honest and vows, I was somehow restricted to those things
yet -very touching way. And since then he has and I avoided them because of fear rather than
been living that spirit. conviction. Today I am collecting them in the
Recently I read about the Colombian priest who justification of my Mission. It is but a hypocrite
after hearing the words of Pope Francis on appease of my conscience. I am definitely not
austerity, sold his Mercedes Benz to use a bicycle witnessing the values I professed or the
instead joyfully declaring: "I have no problem principles I preach from the pulpit.
with that". Concluding his address, the Pope invited the
During the talk to 6000 Seminarians on 8 July, seminarians and religious men and women to
2013 the Pontiff challenged them frankly on the avoid being “bachelors or bachelorettes”, but to
values of consecration. He emphasised on the have apostolic fertility. Perhaps it isn't this the
need of making Christ the centre of their lives. call for us in ZMB today?
While speaking about the joy in ones' vocation, he
stated that it does not come from owning the What do you think?
latest Smart phone, “I tell you sincerely, it pains
me when I see a priest or a nun with the latest
automobile," he said. A religious without joy
indicates a problem of satisfaction with one self
and the community since religious life must be
"chaste and fertile at the same time". He even said
that it is better to have" the worst seminary than
no seminary" while speaking about community
life. He was so bold when speaking about poverty;
and I feel as if he is speaking to us in ZMB who are
claiming to be poor because "we have no money"
and have been singing the song of financial
difficulty, but still failing to practice austerity.
"When an institution or parish (may I add a vice
province) is seen placing importance on money, it
is not doing good, because “it is through our life

THINKING POINT

The example of

By Walter Thyrniang SDB, MA

POPE
FRANCIS

The Campo Bosco is a meeting of young people who gather around the
figure of St John Bosco to know more about his life, his pastoral approach to
the work on behalf of youth and his path to holiness.
It is a journey to get to know him more and know the history behind, the
places where he lived and the way he interacted with time and history in
order to provoke reflection.

Originally the idea comes from the Salesians in Europe who sought to
gather young people and with them make a journey to the birth place of St
John Bosco in order to live with them the experience of the oratory and see,
touch, walk in the same places where Don Bosco lived and worked.

The Campo Bosco in ZMB is an experience of study, reflection and
awareness that Don Bosco’s charismatic figure is alive and continues to
guide Salesians and young people towards holiness.

The Campo Bosco is a combination of two words: “Campo” that in English
can be translated as “Camp”, which is an open space for temporary
accommodation and the word “Bosco” which is the family name of St John
Bosco the founder of the Salesian Movement and the inspiration for so
many young people worldwide.
Campo Bosco is also an experience of living together as friends and day by
day becoming a family.

A man sent by God: DON BOSCO

B
O

SC
O

C
a
m

p
o

d o n

16 Salesian NewslinkZMB 17Salesian NewslinkZMB

THINKING POINT

The example of

By Walter Thyrniang SDB, MA

POPE
FRANCIS

The Campo Bosco in ZMB is an experience of study, reflection and
awareness that Don Bosco’s charismatic figure is alive and continues to
guide Salesians and young people towards holiness.

A man sent by God: DON BOSCO

B
O

SC
O

C
a
m

p
o

d o n

18 Salesian NewslinkZMB 19Salesian NewslinkZMB

DID YOU KNOW

I and the three other Zambians entered the Pre-novitiate
formation house on the 7th of September 2012, around
20:30hrs accompanied by Fr J. Antonio. We were warmly
welcomed by brothers Vernon, Gabriel and David since the
rector of the community, by then Fr. Slawek Bartodziej, had
gone to Poland for the funeral of his father in Poland. Then a
week later four new comers arrived from Malawi and joined the
gruop to make a complete batch of eight pre-novices.
When I just entered the community my mind was preoccupied
with lot questions of what to expect from this enormous place,
made up of people of different countries, background and
culture. I was so enthusiastic by being in Chingola though not
sure whether I was going to be happy and enjoy my stay, or it
was just a waste of time as I heard other people say.
The first month was quiet hard as everything was quiet new to
me, though I had a bit of exposure to Salesian life when I was an
aspirant in Bauleni community in Lusaka with Fr. Chisanga. It
was a bit hard to open-up and share everything with everyone,
especially with the Malawians, for it was my first time to
associate with people from other countries. There were
moments when we could misunderstand each other even at a
point of shouting at each other. Despite such moments, which at
first I regarded to be bad occurrences, I never even liked to think
of them, yet later on I came to appreciate and cherish those
times, for being part of my experience during my stay in pre-
novitiate. Why..? Because they gave meaning and answers to the
question of why having a year of Pre-Novitiate instead of going
directly to the Novitiate. I slowly discover that it was meant to
be a moment of discernment. It mainly focused on the human
growth. I saw how important was to learn to live with others in
community, sharing our lives and skills. Hence, this was a
special moment of grace which helped me to know and
understand myself and others better and to see that I was not
stagnant in my relationship to the others, not only to my fellow
Pre-Novices, but even to the young people, both in the school
and the oratory, who were so cheerful and helpful.
We were guided by a timetable which consisted of having time
for waking up, prayers, meals, classes and study, oratory and
recreation. All these programs were of great help to us, for they
proved to us that we did not only pass through Pre-Novitiate,
but it passed through us too! As Don Bosco would say, “that you
are young is enough for me to love you cause for you I live, study,
work and I'm even ready to give up my life for you.” For Don
Bosco wanted is youngsters to find joy, peace and love in being
honest citizens because of being good Christians. Even today,
through the Salesians, he is looking for future followers who
will be signs and bearers of God's love to the young people.
A word of thanks to our Pre-novice Director, Fr Bosco Mulenga
and the entire community, for being there for us when we
needed them most during our second stage in our formation
journey.

MY LIFE EXPERIENCE IN PRE- NOVITIATE

By novice John Chabu

INITIAL

FORMATION

1. The Current Pope – Pope Francis was
baptised by a Salesian Missionary from Italy,
who went to South America - Fr Enriko Pozzoli
SDB. He was baptised on Christmas night, in
1936 in the basilica of “Mary Help of
Christians”. Fr Enriko Pozzoli lived in
Argentina from 1906 until his death in 1961.
He left Italy as a young priest to work in South
America and he was a 'very important figure

B r o t h e r s ( C o a d j u t o r s ) h a v e b e e n and model of priestly life' for Pope Francis.
pioneers/first to make final vows in all our
countries of ZMB Vice Province where such 2. In all the countries that make up ZMB Vice-
celebration has been held so far (Br Sylvester Province (Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and
Makumba in Zambia in 1995 and Br Walter in Zimbabwe), there has been a few “Don Bosco
Malawi in 2005. Namibia and Zimbabwe still Schools” before the coming of the Salesians;
on hold.these schools were/are not built/run by the

Salesians. In Malawi there is “Don Bosco High
5. The Decree of Inst i tut ion of the School” in Mzimba Boma (Muzuzu Diocese), in
Circumscription of ZMB (under the title 'Mary Namibia there is “Don Bosco Primary” in
Help of Christians') was issued on 24th July Keetmanshoop, (Keetmanshoop Diocese). In
1994 by the Rector Major Don Egidio Vigano. Zimbabwe there is “Don Bosco High School” in
Fr. Peter Boryczka was appointed as its first Masvingo (Masvingo Diocese). In Zambia yet
superior. Hence we ceased to be a delegation of to be discovered.
the Warsaw Province. Remember that next
year 2014, we shall be celebrating 20 years of 3. Among the “Local Salesian Priests” only Fr
the creation of ZMB Vice-Province.Mulenga OrswaLd and Fr Kunda Christopher

were ordained by a Salesian Bishop. Fr. Oswald
6. AGONY is when the “Salesian Superiors” Mulenga was ordained in 2005 in Chingola by
from Rome (Italy) come to visit your Bishop Gaston Ruvezi SDB from Congo D.R.
community and discover that most of the DVDs (Bishop of Sakania – Kipushi Diocese). Fr
from Missioni Don Bosco are not opened and Kunda Christopher was ordained in 2012 in
are still with plastics, and then they open it for Lusaka by Bishop Mulenga Clement SDB
you and starting watching them. Worse off is (Bishop of Kabwe Diocese). Both were the last
when among the un-opened DVD; there is one ones to do “Philosophy and Youth Ministry” in
which is a Strenna for that year. Moshi (Tanzania); and they both finished in

1999. Both had their first appointment as
7. The last three of the twelve founder Assistant Parish Priest of St. Paul's Parish –
fathers/pioneers of the Salesians in ZMB vice-Nkhotakota, Malawi.
province (Frs. Paul Dziatkiewick, Fr. Stan
Jagodzinski and Fr. Peter Boryczka) to leave 4. Br. Walter Thyrniang is the first Salesian in
ZMB vice province either on medical grounds initial formation to do his Pastoral Training in
or on contract with other province or Namibia. And he was the first Salesian to make
permanently or any other reasons, left the his Final Vows in Malawi. He made his final
province while working in Malawi.vows on 31st July 2005. Note that only Salesian

Fr John Bosco and Gabriel Mwenya SDB

Paul Nkandu and Joseph Lanjesi

John Chabu and Christopher Nonde

From Left: Fr Casim
ir Socha, Fr Casimir

Cichecki

and Fr Piotr Boryczk
a in Bauleni.

by Dn. Jerome Bwalya sdb

THAT…
Br Walter while a Practical Traineein Rundu (Namibia)

18 Salesian NewslinkZMB 19Salesian NewslinkZMB

DID YOU KNOW

MY LIFE EXPERIENCE IN PRE- NOVITIATE

By novice John Chabu

INITIAL

FORMATION

Fr John Bosco and Gabriel Mwenya SDB

Paul Nkandu and Joseph Lanjesi

John Chabu and Christopher Nonde

From Left: Fr Casim
ir Socha, Fr Casimir

Cichecki

and Fr Piotr Boryczk
a in Bauleni.

by Dn. Jerome Bwalya sdb

THAT…
Br Walter while a Practical Traineein Rundu (Namibia)

20 Salesian NewslinkZMB Salesian NewslinkZMB 21

problem with her right hip and she struggled with it for the
past nine years. Being a retired teacher she thought of helping
here and there teaching the catholic faith but the condition of
the leg would not allow her and hence she ended up moving
from one hospital to the other without any help coming her
way.
The last chance according to her was just to go to S.O.S.
Hospital, but at S.O.S Hospital they couldn't help her either,
so she was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital where she
stayed for four days awaiting her surgical operation. As she
was waiting for the operation that morning, the medical
assistant came and told her that she needed to pay
MK2,000,000 for an operation to be done or else she would
be discharged immediately. Her hip was damaged the doctor
said and she would be protected only by fixing a metal piece
inside the hip but quite costly. Understanding her situation,
she withdrew but complained bitterly and actually said that
her last chance of getting help from the hospital was over.
She cried but the son comforted her by asking her to stay with
him for some days before going back to the village. The son's
home is just few metres from Don Bosco Campus so upon
hearing that the Casket of Don Bosco was coming, she asked
the son if she could stay some more days with him so that she
could see the Casket of Don Bosco a chance she missed when
the figure of St Philomena was brought to Balaka. Anyway
she was not feeling well that day when the Casket arrived but
asked the son to drop her off and later spend the whole night
praying with the charismatic group. In the morning she
thought of attending the morning mass but couldn't manage
because she started feeling very bad. She called the son to
pick her up so that she could go and rest but felt very bad not

he 28th of July 2012 was a long awaited day for the to attend mass that day the 30th of July. But however she
arrival of the relics of Don Bosco. In a culture went and the whole day she slept and never actually woke up.

where death is very much respected, it was very difficult to Food was taken to her bedroom but felt worse than before. In
start explaining to the people what this entire visit would the morning when she woke up, she felt better and tried to
mean. In Malawi as in most parts of Africa, an announcement stretch up and actually she did. As usual she picked the
of death is very touching and very involving. It is a crutches but asked herself why she was taking the crutches
community task and usually if it happens in the evening it is when actually she was not feeling any pain. She immediately
then announced by a whistle blow throughout the perimeters put the crutches down and tried to walk in doubt but actually
of the village accompanied by a voice announcing the death. she managed to walk. She decided to move out of her
If there is a funeral, the whole neighbourhood is obliged to bedroom to the sitting room where she found her daughter in-
attend. law seated in the living room and just laughed at her. The
The day the Casket of Don Bosco was arriving from grandchildren started laughing and mocking her but actually
Nkhotakota, our main market of area 23 was full of people she managed to walk without any problem; those who were
waiting to see what this is all about. The thinking before was laughing at her became a little bit curious and wanted to
that students from Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute know what really happened because by now she was fine and
would welcome Don Bosco as he arrives but what was well no longer in pain, besides, she was able to walk freely
thought and arranged became a disaster to those who saw the without any help.
all welcome arrangements. We could hear other confreres With this she called for a priest from Don Bosco Parish so
commenting that the welcoming and sending off in Harare that she could explain what she experienced during the visit
was spectacular, or that the welcoming and the sending off of Don Bosco. I went with Brother Chifundo to the house to
from Zambia was smooth, but it was in this context that a hear a testimony of God's greatness. She said that she knelt
miracle happened. before Don Bosco asking him to pray for her to God for the
On the arrival day after mass, people started gathering gift of healing. She added that she accepted the message from
around the Casket of Don Bosco praying and actually most of the Doctors but believed that one day God will answer her
them unnoticed because they really wanted God to touch prayers. She also told us that she always prayed the Rosary
them through the intercession of St John Bosco. A woman and was testifying before many Christians around there that
from St Joseph Small Christian community in our parish was there is power in the Rosary. On the following Saturday she
there too though in great pain. She was there to pray. came again walking all by herself as a public testimony that
Originally she is not from Don Bosco Parish but from Balaka the miracle actually happened and said farewell to the parish
and an outstation of a neighbouring parish. She had a priest, thankful for God's kindness.

By Fr Michael Mbandama SDB

e can only explain
t h e S a l e s i a n s
Family looking at it
from the point of

view of God. It is God that brings
together people from any gender
(male or female); any way of life
(single, married, consecrated);
any vocat ion (secular or
religious) in a great variety of
social, cultural and geographical
backgrounds in order to live a
common pro jec t o f l i f e :
participate in the Salesian
mission at the service of the
young and the promotion of the temples of the Holy
Christian humanism. The ties God unites Spirit. We are his in the
them all are interior, charismatic and spiritual real sense of the word.
and are expressed in concrete by a shared However being his, we
Christian identity and a common mission, have also come to be
spirituality and history. related to each other: we
The Christian identity enables the unity of the have become a big family,
Salesian Family: the unity of what we are. the Family of God. God
The different groups of the Salesian Family has called us to put aside

the natural reservations
we have for each other;
Jesus has given us an
example to work together
for the good of his

have God as the source of people; the Holy Spirit
their communion. First has given us a particular
of all, we are all children way of being children of
of God. We have been God akin to Don Bosco
sealed with a covenant and also to each other.
with God on the day of The common mission
our baptism. We have gives the Salesian Family
entered into a close a unity in what they want
relationship with God: to do. God called Don
we are children of the Bosco for a specific
Father, brothers and mission. God gave him a
sisters of Jesus and vocation: to be a father

and an apostle. Don
Bosco was a father and
teacher to his young
people, an educator to the
working classes and a

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

SALESIAN FAMILY

A reflection from Fr Jorge Ormeño on the elements which bind up the Salesian Family as an
entity for the service of the mission whilst keeping each its own indentity

W
Panel of the Salesian Family (SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators)
during the Salesian Youth Rally in Kasama.

The differences within the groups Salesian Family are
evident, but there are several elements that speak of
its unity.

TESTIMONIES

Miracles
Happen

20 Salesian NewslinkZMB Salesian NewslinkZMB 21

By Fr Michael Mbandama SDB

e can only explain
t h e S a l e s i a n s
Family looking at it
from the point of

the natural reservations
we have for each other;
Jesus has given us an
example to work together
for the good of his

and an apostle. Don
Bosco was a father and
teacher to his young
people, an educator to the
working classes and a

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

SALESIAN FAMILY

A reflection from Fr Jorge Ormeño on the elements which bind up the Salesian Family as an
entity for the service of the mission whilst keeping each its own indentity

W
Panel of the Salesian Family (SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators)
during the Salesian Youth Rally in Kasama.

The differences within the groups Salesian Family are
evident, but there are several elements that speak of
its unity.

TESTIMONIES

Miracles
Happen

Salesian NewslinkZMB 2322 Salesian NewslinkZMB

with thanks for your dedication and
service to the Church...

Youth Forum

By Sharon Mubanga

F Life sometimes is so hard, indeed challenging and complicated at

the same time. I, have gone through a lot of challenges in my life,

Yes! many obstacles. It is sad to have a father who doesn't care

about you (his own blood) and the whole family. Through

experience of having heartless father, I indeed thank God for the

gift of faith for it is through that that God wants me to be strong in

my faith. He never lets His children down, rather shows them the

path to eternal happiness. Besides the hardships undergone and

still undergoing, I believe that one day things will be fine for me no

matter what, God will not fail me.

God sent Don Bosco into the church giving him a zealous heart for

the young people. Yes! you and me through the opening of the

oratories. It is through Don Bosco's oratory that I found a

conducive environment to learn with a vision of becoming a good

citizen and a good leader. It is also through Don Bosco's school

that I am able to find the man of my life as part of fulfillment of my

vocation dreams for we are called to serve God in different paths

of life.

So I just want to encourage you my fellow youths out there that

you never lose heart in unfriendly situations, rather trust in God.

Life will corner you left and right but know that God is the only

answer to all the questions that stirs up our hearts. You only need

to have faith in Jesus, as we are in the year of faith too. Let Jesus be

the pillar of your life.

I know some young people are still in the dark, thinking they are

enjoying life through immoral behaviour. My advice to you is that

better you let go these misleading behaviors. God is waiting for

you for He loves you so much despite displeasing things done to

him (GOD).

So why not let go the works of darkness? In my case through faith I

have become who I am today since life has to be dynamic. As said

already, it is all through faith and unceasing prayers that things

change in one's life. My brothers and sisters we cannot run away

from challenges as far as life is concerned. No one is born with a

silver spoon in the mouth; rather it is through working tooth and

nail that we become successful in life. One day you shall become

who you dream to be through faith in God. Remember the little

dreamer (Don Bosco) and all that he went through in life. Shun

away from idleness and be in an intimate relationship with God

then you shall see the wonders in your life.

Thank God for you bear Christ's name.
(1 Peter 4:16) one love!!!!!!!!!!

N
S

E
R

o f T F A I H

simple and concrete in his approach to God and
man, showing joy and optimism in his approach
to life, untiringly working for the good of all. The
groups and each member of the Salesian Family
live out the different elements of the Salesian
Spirituality of Don Bosco and recognize
themselves in them.
The common history provides the Salesian
Family with a unity of past, present and future.
There are several decisions taken by Don Bosco
that shaped his spiritual family at Valdocco: the

promoter of Christian humanism. Don Bosco devotion to the Eucharist and Mary Help of
carried out his vocation with God's assistance, Christians, the practice of the Christian
some people around him and by setting up some Humanism of St. Francis de Sales, the
concrete charitable works. God endowed Don commitment to the defence of the Church, the
Bosco with some charisma, both personal and in filial loyalty to the Pope, the responsible
benefit for his mission. Every group and every participation in the life of the civil society and
member of the Salesian Family are also the dedication for his advancement, the
endowed with some charisma to carry out the commitment to education of the young people
Salesian mission. and the working classes.
The common spirituality offers the Salesian The differences within the groups Salesian
Family a unity in the way they do things. The Family are evident, but there are several
groups of the Salesian Family do things the way elements that speak of its unity. Maybe the last
Don Bosco was doing them, that is, the way God one to be mentioned is the fact that they want to
inspired Don Bosco to do them, sharing his be together and have the successor of Don Bosco
spirit. Don Bosco was a master of building as the father of this vast family.
relationships based in loving kindness, being

SALESIAN FAMILY

First Professions: 15.8.2013