Year 3 | Issue No. 13 Dec 09 - Jan - Feb 2010
Africa: rise up!
African Synod
Afro-Agro-Bosco Lufubu
CIVAM - Maputo
ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE - MALAWI - NAMIBIA
Blessed Michael Rua
Editorial 3
Words of the Provincial 4
African Synod 5
Halves in Everything - Michael Rua 6
Salesians of Don Bosco 150 Years later 7
Chronicles of the Extraordinary Visitation 8
Don Bosco Agricultural Centre - Lufubu 10
IT Technician - Lilongwe 11
Salesian Family - Bauleni Cooperators 12
ZMB Confreres 13
CIVAM - Maputo 14
Family of God 15
Silver Jubilee - St James Parish 16
In memoriam 16
Mission Animation 17
ZMB Past Events 18
ZMB Photo 20
150th Anniversary
of the Foundation Congregation
Director: Fr Joseph Czerwinski sdb
Editor: Fr Javier Barrientos
Redaction Board: Fr Joseph Czerwinski, Fr Javier Barrientos
Graphic Design: Fr Javier Barrientos
Photos: Fr Leszek Aksamit, Fr Antonio Barrientos,
Fr Chester Lenczuk SDB
E-mail:
Website:
Printed: Printing Press - Provincial House
zmbsocialc@zmb.co.zm
www.salesianszmb.org
ZMB
Salesian Newslink | ZMB Quarterly publication
Year 3/Nº13 Dec 09 - Jan - Feb 2010
2 Salesian NewslinkZMB
LEGEND
1. BAULENI: Don Guillermo and Fr Bruno
during the canonical visitation.
2.LILONGWE: Fr Alexander Kim while
supervising the construction of the church.
3. SESHEKE: Fr Guillermo and Fr J.B
Mulenga at the border with Zambia.
4. CHAWAMA: Birthday celebration of Fr
Andrew Daniluk SDB.
5. KABWE: Birthday celebration of Fr
Christopher Rychcik SDB, ZMB novice
master as he turns 50.
Photo cover:
Fr Guillermo Basañes SDB, Regional
Councillor for African and Madagascar,
during his visit to the community in Harare.
1
2
3
4
5
3Salesian NewslinkZMB
Editorial
time of grace for the Vice- province can say that is getting deeply challenging task of educating young
province of Mary Help of rooted in the African soil, and thus far, people especially in times of financial
Christians (ZMB) has been the Zambia is been privileged to receive the crisis and recession. Nevertheless, like A
Extraordinary Visitation carried out by Fr very last breath of many of our Don Bosco all communities in the vice-
Guillermo Basañes on behalf of the Rector missionaries. And as they rest in peace, province are certainly committed to
Major. His presence in the vice-province they surely watch over us, that we might be educating young people, especially those
has helped us get more in touch with the faithful to the mission of Don Bosco. most in need.
reality of our mission of education and
evangelisation. The four countries which A second moment during the visitation has Now that the Extraordinary Visitation has
make up the vice province of ZMB have been the celebration in Rome of the come to an end, it is the time to mediate on
welcomed the visitor in many cultural and African Synod, and the participation of the the resolutions for each community and
colourful ways. Yet the presence of the Regional for Africa and Madagascar Fr make of them tools to improve the present
Regional Superior for Africa and Guillermo in the Synod has been situation guided by the events which we
Madagascar was not to blow trumpets but providential. have witnessed. The good example of Fr
to see deep inside, and ask ourselves: How The African Synod although criticized by Jozef and the African Synod will certainly
faithful is being our commitment to the many remains a landmark in the give us the courage to commit ourselves to
Salesian Mission in this part of Africa? development of the Church in Africa, sign a greater development of the Salesian
Certainly, the extraordinary visitation has of growth and awareness of the prophetic mission. Alongside the occasion 150th
taken many of us by surprise, since the year mission of the Church on this side of the anniversary of the foundation of the
2010 was the scheduled time for the world. Salesian Congregation on the 18
visitation, yet many events have prevented The Church present in Africa cannot December in which we shall renew our
Fr Guillemo from coming next year, thus remain silent to the pressing situation of religious profession will mark the moment
making the canonical visitation one year in the African societies which affects all. For in which we shall leave behind the lethargy
advance. us Salesians, the situation of the youth is of a burn-out attitude towards mission and
Fortunately, we can say that the presence of certainly the area of concern in which our become what the Organic Provincial Plan
Don Guillermo rather than being a moment reading of the propositions of the synod states for us: ‘Passionate Salesians to
of division or confrontation, has been a should help us reflect on the impact of our empower the youth’.
time of reconciliation and coming together work among the young and the fruit it bears
to grow in faithfulness and zeal, following of human development alongside
Don Bosco’s “Da mihi animas coetera evangelisation.
tolle”. Fr Guillermo -in his reading of the
propositions of the African Synod, pointed
During the visitation the confreres of ZMB out that some of the main areas of concern
have witnessed the sad event of the death of are the education of youth in the technical
Fr Jozef Gotter SDB. This event which field and the need to develop agriculture in
took place on the 27 September, 2009 left Africa. The challenge is big,
us all astounded and mournful. Many and certainly not an
memories come to our minds whenever we easy one. In the vice
remember him. A strong man, in all sense province we are
of the word; faithful to his priestly ministry present in the field of
even to the smallest details; proudly he technical education
confessed that he did not spent a day and also education to
without celebrating mass. Neither fatigue A g r i c u l t u r e .
nor any other reason would prevent him However, all are fully
from uniting himself to the Lord in the aware that the task is
sacrifice of the altar. The first part of the very challenging.
visitation ended in a very sad note, with the Communities with
funeral and burial of Fr Gotter [‘Shikulu’ as technical education
we knew him]. in the province can
With the death of Fr Jozef Gotter the w i t n e s s t o t h e
Fr Javier Antonio Barrientos SDB
zmbyouthd@zmb.co.zm
Passionate Salesians
EMPOWERED YOUTH
a challenge to ZMB after the Extraordinary Visitation
June 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
4 Salesian NewslinkZMB
Dear Confreres, shown them the way to Christ.
he year 2009 is slowly drawing to It was His coming to us, 2000
its close. Soon we will celebrate years ago, that made all these celebrations
Christmas and the New Year, 2010! possible!!! In the person of the newly T
The new year 2010, it will be rich in new born Jesus, lying motionlessly in the
and challenging events (Don Rua’s manger we contemplate the great and
anniversary., 6th PC, SA World Cup etc.). profound mystery of God who decided to
However, before we commence Christmas LOVE and visit his people regardless of
and the new year celebrations, on the 18th their nationality, colour of the skin, and
December 2009, we – worldwide, political affiliation.
wherever we are, will renew our religious Realizing that we are all taken by
vows. this limitless LOVE, we all sing together
We will pledge our faithfulness to the Lord, with the angels “glory to God in the
asking him for the necessary grace to carry highest” thanking the merciful Lord for his
out our mission faithfully according to the goodness.
way Don Bosco asked us to do. In this way
we re-commit ourselves to ‘be the signs May the LOVE, PEACE AND
and bearers of the love of God for young JOY of Christmas, fill your hearts and
people, especially those who are poor…’ minds so that we are real witnesses of this
(C.2) wonderful Christmas event to the people
around us.
The Feast of the 18th December is May all the Christmas blessing be yours in
a good opportunity to prepare ourselves for this season and in the new year 2010.
Christmas and the new year, 2010. It is a
good opportunity to say thank you for all Have a wonderful Christmas and
the graces that we have received and all the prosperous new year, 2010!!!
young people that we have met and have
Words of the Provincial
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Fr Jozef Czerwinski sdb
zmbprovincial@gmail.com
Signs and bearers of
God’s love
for the YOUNG
“She gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes
and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them
in the inn.
(Luke 2,1)
5Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
Church Today
African Synod, message to the People of place. It is in the light of the cry “Africa, Get the continent, including poverty, disease,
God, “HOLY POLITICIANS” AND Up!” that the synodal fathers delivered their and persistent warfare. The suffering of
“FREEDOM OF RELIGION” “Message to the people of God” today, the Africa, the message said, is due largely to "a
final document of the Synod ending at the tragic complicity and criminal conspiracy
frica needs “holy politicians Vatican on Sunday. The text was drawn up of local leaders and foreign interests."
freeing the Continent from in four languages: English, Portuguese, While decrying the exploitation of African Acorruption, who’ll be working for French and Italian. It points out the resources by multinational corporations
the good of the people, and will know how “shameful” situation which lots of and the policies of foreign governments,
to galvanize other men and women of countries have to face; however, it also the Synod fathers refused to absolve
goodwill outside the Church: they will join includes the “good news” coming from Africa's own leaders of their responsibility:
together to fight the common evils different parts of the Continent, usually Whatever may be the responsibility of
afflicting our countries”. The appeal, ignored by media, which “seem to foreign interests, there is always the
included in the final message of the synod concentrate on our misfortunes” rather than shameful and tragic collusion of the local
of bishops for Africa, cherishes the hope “on the positive efforts we are making”. leaders: politicians who betray and sell out
that “holy politicians and heads of state will Among them, there are new peace paths for their nations, dirty business people who
emerge in Africa”; this hope is part of the countries getting out of long war years, collude with rapacious multinationals,
post-synodal exhortation of John Paul II cases of “good government”, and initiatives African arms dealers and traffickers who
“Ecclesia in Africa”, providing the example undertaken to provide solutions to thrive on small arms that cause great havoc
of the figure of Julius Nyerere, the first head problems afflicting Africa. The message of on human lives…
of state of Tanzania, which is going to be the synod is composed of seven parts plus
canonized. Moreover, the document introduction and conclusion; it speaks to "What has happened to our traditional
denounces the spreading of “religious the “Universal Church” and the African African sense of shame?" the bishops
fanaticism” as well as restrictions of Church, to priests and to lay believers, asked. They challenged African leaders to
“freedom of religion”, which “includes also launching appeals to the political world and set new models for responsible public
the freedom to share one’s faith, the the international community. service, and said that government officials
freedom to propose it without imposing it, who have been guilty of corruption should
accepting and welcoming the people who Synod message challenges African "repent, or quit the public arena and stop
convert”. leaders to stop corruption causing havoc." "Africa needs saints in
“Dialogue and collaboration will flourish if high political office," the message said.
there is mutual respect”, said the bishops, The Synod fathers have issued a message to
according to whom “the countries which the world and especially to the leaders of The Synod message warned Africans
forbid their citizens to follow the Christian Africa, calling for a revival of spiritual and against the influence of Western
faith by law” deprive them of a family life, a new impulse toward development experts who sometimes
“fundamental human right”. economic development, and an end to undermine the traditional moral standards
exploitation and political corruption. of the culture. "We alert you to be on your
“AFRICA, GET UP!” guard against some virulent ideological
In a world full of contradictions and going The Synod fathers released their message. poisons from abroad, claiming to be
through a crisis, where thousands of people "We are convinced that the first and most modern' culture," the message said. More
die of poverty, illness, hunger, and tragic specific contribution of the Church to the specifically, the Synod fathers endorsed the
situations every day, Africa should not fall people of Africa is to proclaim the Gospel stand taken by Pope Benedict that the
in despair, even though it is the most hit of Christ," the bishops proclaimed. Noting spread of AIDS " cannot be overcome by
that the world often focuses on the bad news the distribution of prophylactics.”
about Africa, the Synod called attention to
the strength of religious belief, the number The Synod called upon Church leaders to
of vocations to the priesthood and religious set a model for their societies, particularly
life, and the growth in the number of by fighting the effects of deep-seated racial
Catholics in Africa. and tribal animosities, "Your example of
living together in peace across tribal and
Never the le s s the Synod f a the r s racial lines can be a powerful witness to
acknowledged the many problems facing others.”
African
SYNOD
The African Bishops gathered in Rome in the month of October (4th - 24th)
have pointed out the way forward for the Church in Africa and for the African
nations. Reconciliation, education, involvement, fight against corruption are
just but few of the key words in the message to the People of God. Their
message is an invitation to hope and to action!
6 Salesian NewslinkZMB Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Salesian Spirituality
Blessed
Michael Rua
IN EVERYTHING
Brothers' discipline went out the proverbial have thrown Rua's methodical study system
window. out of gear for a while. His first reports
"There was always a mad rush to greet him indicated his half-heartedness. Yet by the
or to shake his hand, the Brothers vainly end of the year Michael's teacher was
trying to keep us in our benches. Each one praising "his marvellous progress and
of us felt genuinely loved by him," recalled enthusiasm" which won him a place in the
one student. "Senate" ranks in the fiercely competitive
system then in use.
Michael had already met Don Bosco on his At the Oratory itself, the neatly dressed,
home ground. Dazzled by a friend's bright soft-spoken Rua must have felt awed by the
tie won as a prize at the Valdocco Oratory rough-and-tumble country youngsters who
(or youth centre), Michael had gone to see spared neither plants nor people in their
such munificence for himself. He had sweeping playground battles.
remained deeply impressed by his brief Typical of them was John Cagliero. Built
glimpse of this priest with the smiling eyes like a tank and a straight-shooting one at
who could tolerate any amount of youthful that, he was to leave a fine reputation as the
exuberance. But his mother, Giovanna, first Salesian bishop, cardinal, and musical
soon curtailed such visits. It was all right for composer. He recalls the quiet newcomer
his older brother, Luigi, to be mixing with for us.
the rowdy Oratory kids, but not for "Our youthful recklessness made a great
Michelino with his matchstick frame. contrast to Rua's self-control and sense of
Besides, on Sundays he had to be on hand to duty. On Sunday mornings while Don
serve Masses for the elderly factory Bosco heard confessions before Mass,
chaplain who had very definite ideas about Michael took it upon himself to stand guard rom the thorough de La Salle
Don Bosco and his newfangled projects, as near the playground water pump, to remind FBrothers in Turin, Northern Italy,
Rua recalls. "I was deeply distressed when forgetful ones of the Eucharistic fast (i.e. young Michael Rua learned his first lessons
he once suggested that Don Bosco was ill." the old regulations). in precision and self-discipline.
Yet Rua's decisive call was still to come. Their school prospectus for the year of his
Returning from school one day in the Porta entry (1848) seemed formidable enough to
Palatina marketplace, Michael and his daunt any eleven-year-old newcomer:
schoolmates met Don Bosco, and, as usual, "Besides religious knowledge, the rules of
they lined up for a medal. Each received his literature, the system of weights and
medal except Michael. Instead the priest measures used in Piedmont; the recently
held out his open left hand and, as the developed decimal metric system, the
youngster watched wide-eyed, he geography of Asia and Africa, the history of
pretended to cut it in half with his right. "As our assistant on the way to school he Savoy, drawing and handwriting."
"Take it, Michelino, take half!" would try, usually in vain, to hurry us on ‘Michelino’, or little Michael, as the
It was a cryptic invitation to be deciphered from the travelling acrobats or magicians in slightly built Rua was called, remained
only with the passing years -for Rua would the marketplace. Later on, as evening tutor undaunted. As a methodical student he took
go halves in Don Bosco's life and mission: to companions of his own age, he would each hurdle as it came. He would need to.
halves in everything. quietly but firmly assert his authority at the His father, a supervisor at the Royal
start of class. I always had a holy envy of his Munitions Factory in Turin, had died when
Absorbing a spirit goodness and self-control." Michael was only eight, leaving a widow
It was not easy for Rua, reserved and Tall, gaunt and eagle-eyed, the student and three sons; four other children had died
studious, to settle down in his new teacher proved just a little too stiff and in infancy. As the youngest and brightest
environment. unbending at times. Once when a young and serious beyond his years, Michael
From early morning till late afternoon the pupil by the name of Dominic Savio (yes, seemed earmarked for a clerical job that
boys were out at various private schools or the schoolboy apostle) broke out in a fit of would hopefully lead up to his father's old
trade centres; Rua's group, who went to uncontrollable laughter, the disciplinarian position at the factory.
Professor Bonzanino's school of classics, Rua sentenced him to kneel in a corner.But the school chaplain, a 33-year-old
were known locally as "Don Bosco's little After one such incident, Rua found a small priest called Don Bosco, was to open up
Latinists." Most of them came from out- bottle of oil on his doorstep. “Take a few new vistas for the lad. Whenever Don
lying farms. drops to loosen up the stiff hinges,” Don Bosco entered the school chapel for Mass or
Such a casual, nomadic existence seems to Bosco's accompanying note. Only by a confessions, as Rua later reminisced, the
AFTER I AM GONE,
REMEMBER, YOU WILL HAVE
TO WEAR DON BOSCO’S CLOAK
FULL TIME
Blessed Michael Rua met Saint
John Bosco while still a boy, and
he was won over by the saint. He
learnt from him and succeeded
him in the leadership of the
Salesian Congregation.
slow osmosis would this intense young man
absorb the Salesian gentleness.
Not that Michael Rua was a self-righteous
fellow. Far from it! In fact, he was the
mainspring of the senior students who went
out during the cholera epidemic of 1855 to
nurse the sick and dying in the Turin slums,
often cutting up Don Bosco’s altar cloths
for sheets and bandages as they worked
heroically for few weeks on end. Unstinted,
self-sacrificing work would be the test of
their authentic Salesian spirit in this low-
keyed religious atmosphere.
Having received the clerical habit, Michael
took up his theological studies, often
having to rise before dawn because of his
regular teaching duties. Heaven knows
how, but he also edited two Italian classics
during this period.
Again the irrepressible Cagliero leaves us a
memoir: "Rua and I slept in adjacent rooms,
rising at four o'clock in the winter. With the
water frozen in the basins, we used a
handful of snow to freshen up before sitting
down to work: Rua on his theology or
Hebrew, and I at my old battered piano."
A religious society was slowly evolving,
almost unnoticed. We find Rua's name
among the first nineteen dedicated "to a
practical charity to our neighbour," and,
known as Salesians, to the loving kindness
of Francis de Sales.
Michael Rua was at last ordained priest in
1860. Huge banners hung up in the
playground read "Long live Don Rua." In
his embarrassed, humorous way Michael
contradicted his boys, saying, “No. Long
live Don Bosco." To this newly ordained
assistant, Don Bosco had passed on a heavy,
well-worn cloak for wintry days, adding:
"After I am gone, remember, you will have
to wear Don Bosco's cloak full time."
On his return, he found a note in Don
Bosco's hand- writing on his desk:
"Remember, Michael, that you will have
many tribulations as a priest: first the
dangerous Red Sea and long desert to cross,
but then, at the end, you will enter the
Promised Land.”
(From Halves in Everything, by John Ayers,
SDB. New Rochelle, NY)
7Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
St James Parish
(1984-2009)
Mansa - Chimese:
Emeritus bishop
Aaron Chisha,
preaches during the
Thanksgiving
Eucharist on the
Silver Jubilee of St
James Parish.
a sa - h
ese
M n
C im
:
An re
Zdz b rs
Fr d w
ie o ki
S B p r
h ri st
f t
D , a is
p e o
S
Ja s
ce e t
e
me re
iv s h
of e in s
rom t ef r g f
h
par hi
e s w o c
e
is on r
h am
or he Eu
h r sti
f t
c a i c
ele r io
n.
c b at
Parish Choir from St James Parish
Fr Michael Wietek and Fr Andrew
Zdzieborski while distributing the
holy communion.
Members of various parish groups
present the president of the
celebration different kind of
Young people bring their
Anniversary
8 Salesian NewslinkZMB
ZMB on the Focus
Fr Guillermo Basañes SDB
gbasanes@gmail.com
in his face (something unusual to him, I On the evening before the annual retreat
believe!) and then given a ride on a special would end, Fr Michael Więtek brought Fr
vehicle which was designed for the Guillermo back to provincial house since
occasion, with no windscreen, no bonnet, the following day in the morning they
no bumpers, no radio, no air conditioner, would have to leave for Luapula province
etc, etc, just the engine, a couple of sits, the where the extraordinary visitation would be he last two months have been for the
steering wheel and gear box. A simple conducted: Mansa, Lufubu and Kazembe ZMB vice-province especial times.
We have got the visit of Don T version! were on the focus.
Guillermo Basañes, the regional superior
From Lilongwe the Regional travelled to The extraordinary visitation in Kazembe for African and Madagascar. In his quality
Nkhotakota and there he spent a few days was marked with a sad moment. The sudden of councillor for this region, he was
while meeting with the confreres of that death of Fr Jozef Gotter SDB brought appointed by Fr Pascual Chavez as his
community. Fr Lewis Malama in his sadness and grief to the community and the personal delegate for the extraordinary
capacity of local superior welcomed Fr locality at large. Fr Jozef Gotter who visitation of ZMB vice-province.
Guillermo and showed him all the data worked in Kazembe as parish priest, rector
needed for the visitation. At the end of the and lastly as principal of the carpentry The visit of Fr Guillermo has come like a
visitation to Nkhotakota community, Fr school, died during the canonical visitation lightning which somewhat took people by
Lewis travelled with Fr Guillermo to to his community; an event which was seen surprise because the former schedule was
Zambia for him to continue with the as providential and a blessing for the people for the year 2010. However due to
canonical visitation of ZMB. who witnessed the love and dedication of a unforeseen circumstances in other
During the days of the visitation in Malawi, Salesian missionary who was loved by the provinces, his visit to ZMB was anticipated
the provincial of ZMB had gathered with confreres and the people he lived and to the year 2009.
his council in the meeting scheduled for the worked with.The visitation started in Malawi; there the
month of September 2009. The arrival of After the visitation to Luapula province, Salesian community displayed the best of
Don Guillermo that was planned for the and accompanying Fr Jozef Gotter to his its art and culture. Already from the airport
afternoon of 8 September was somewhat final rest, the regional for Africa travelled to the Regional Superior was welcomed with
delayed and therefore the councillors Lusaka and presided over the funeral mass lots of joy and happiness. Students from the
moved from Chawama provincial house to at Bauleni. After the funeral mass and burial Don Bosco Technical College in Lilongwe
the construction site of the new novitiate in of Fr Jozef Gotter, Fr Guillermo left for prepared a colourful celebration with which
Makeni. Surprisingly as it might be, on their Rome where he attended the African Synod.they honoured the special guest.
return they saw Fr Guillermo already in the The African Synod has been a blessing for Just before entering the campus of the Don
provincial house and it was the regional the people of Africa, but most especially for Bosco Youth Centre, the central committee
superior who actually welcomed the stopped the delegation that came from the
provincial and the councillors for the airport to perform some traditional
extraordinary visitation in Zambia.customs. Fr Guillermo was dressed up with
Fr Guillermo met with the provincial a special bull’s skin and skilfully decorated
council during the first session of 9
September, 2009. After a short meeting
with the council Fr Guillermo left for
Kabwe where he continued the visitation in
Zambia. Kabwe being a complex
community (parish, novitiate, youth centre
and O.V.C project) needed extra time. From
Kabwe, Fr Guillermo returned to Lusaka
and joined the group of confreres that were
leaving for Kasisi for their annual retreat the ZMB vice-province, since upon return
together with Fr William John Dickson. Fr Guillermo shared with the confreres first
During the retreat, Fr Basañes had enough hand information on the African Synod and
time to meet with most of our confreres, its relevance for the people of Africa, and
especially the rectors. most especially for us Salesians.
Extraordinary Visitation
2009
Fr Guillermo Basañes SDB regional councillor for Africa and Madagascar
carried out the canonical visitation of ZMB in the name of the Rector Major Fr
Pascual Chavez SDB.
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
The second part of the visitation started in session, Fr Guillermo was escorted to the
Harare. Fr Guillermo who attended a airport by Fr Leszek Aksamit and in this
meeting in Maputo (Mozambique) flew to way the extraordinary visitation of 2009
Harare to continue his visitation. In Harare was ended. A time of grace and what
he was welcomed by Fr Ignatius Musenge follows is the time to get to work on the
and Fr Pontiano Mulenga. From Harare, the recommendations made by the Regional
Fr Guillermo left for Hwange in the Superior for Africa and Madagascar.
company of Fr Musenge. Although they
were expected for the mid afternoon, the trip By Fr Javier Antonio Barrientos SDB
went quite fast and therefore, the regional Chawama
had to ‘wait’ for a couple of hours before
being ‘officially welcomed’ in the
community. Young people had not yet the confreres and personnel of the
arrived by the time the regional was already technical school. On Tuesday, having
in the community house, but as soon as they concluded the visitation Fr Norbert Lesa
were ready they invited Fr Guillermo to be escorted Fr Guillermo to Lusaka. The
among them and thus officially welcome regional started the canonical visitation of
him to Don Bosco College in Hwange. the provincial house on 17 November,
Finishing the visitation of Hwange 2009 and there he met with all the
confreres of the community including Bro
Nguyen Peter from Vietnam who is
currently studying English at Chikuni in
Monze.
From Chawama, Fr Guillermo moved to
Bauleni where he would conduct his last
visit to a ZMB community before meeting
with the provincial and his council and
officially closing the extraordinary
visitation. In Bauleni, Fr Basañes had the
chance to meet with each of the confreres,
volunteers, members of the Salesian
community, Fr Guillermo was brought by Fr family and even the former bishop of
Tresphord Chota to the border with Lusaka, monsignor Mazombwe.
Namibia; there Fr Dennis was waiting for
him to take him to Rundu to the Salesian On the last part of the visit of Fr Guillermo
community. Fr Basañes conducted the to our ZMB vice-province, he met with
visitation of the only community in Namibia the provincial and his council. The
and after a few days, he was brought by Fr meeting lasted for a couple of days. On the
John Bosco Mulenga to the border with 25 November, 2009 the provincial
Zambia where Fr Jozef Czerwinski was community offered Fr Guillermo a
waiting for him to bring him to Lusaka farewell supper; the communities of
before proceeding to Chingola. Bauleni and the Novitiate (Kabwe) also
In Lusaka, Fr Guillermo barely spent a day, joined the event. During the Evening
and then he travelled to Chingola where he Prayer, Fr Guillermo gave special thanks
to God for the extraordinary visitation
carried out in ZMB and prayed for each
confrere. In the ‘good-night-talk’, Fr
Guillermo shared a bit of his life with
those that were present telling the process
of his formation and the beginnings of his
missionary life.
The following day, after meeting the
provincial and his council for one more
would spend the whole weekend and part of
the following week. In Chingola, Fr
Guillermo was welcomed with the brass
band and the traditional healers of the
Copper Belt. Students and youngsters from
the oratory crowded around Fr Guillermo
happy to have the Delegate of the Rector
Major among them. After the official
welcome, Fr Basañes met with each one of
9Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
10 Salesian NewslinkZMB
Youth Ministry - Schools
Dn Christopher Kunda SDB
chriskoloso@yahoo.fr
LET THE YOUNG LEAN ON ME lost the sense of Salesian life? Try this: Ask
(Mt. 19: 13-14) a young person to lean on your shoulder,
not just metaphorically. Immediately you
ou have certainly come across the will feel rejuvenated and energised.
saying “Don’t judge a book by its Ycover”. Remember a story of a For the young to lean on us with
woman to whom Jesus had promised a visit confidence, it is essential that we
and how she prepared herself for the understand their expectations and needs,
Majestic Guest? Three men came to her appreciate the values they are more
domicile but shunned them all, each in his sensitive to, and recognise their own
turn, saying: “Go away from my premise, potential. Education and Evangelisation
don’t you know am waiting for a Very are the greatest contribution we can offer to
Important Person?” Of course the VIP, she win their confidence. In response to this that the number of students be reasonably
was expecting never turned up. Yet the very important calling, Don Bosco controlled. Whereas we know that quality
Guest had actually passed by her home at Agriculture Training Centre had for the and quantity are inseparable, we believe
three different occasions. She did not past year tried to purify this purpose so as to that quality education cannot be
recognise who He was. He was not give quality Salesian and professional compromised. We have considered 40 as
appealing. She had sent away her VIP. formation to the young. maximum number of students per training
Sorry!!! For the first time in its history, the Centre period.
has embarked on a Craft Certificate To add value and sense of responsibility to
Programme; this means that our Centre will the training, students will be asked to
now compete with other agriculture contribute for their training. It is call
training institutions in the country. The contribution and not school/boarding fee
training period will therefore be taken from since it is symbolic if we compare with
one year to two years. At the end of the two other training institutions of the same kind.
years the students will sit for a Government In addition, students will therefore work
Craft Examination in General Agriculture. hard on practical work on the “school-
This is a challenge for us especially in farm” to minimise the training costs.
finding qualified training providers. As a To re-emphasise the centrality of the young
response to the challenge, one teacher has in our educational system, it would require
been sent to college for upgrading. This that the School Academic Year be revised.
will make him ready to offer quality Previously the year began in September.
Most of the time we look for Jesus education to the students. We wish to Students where however asked to report in
elsewhere without realising that he is just continue upgrading our teachers. June. Between June and September
on our door steps. Sometimes we simply Confreres too are undergoing a kind of students worked on the farm for their
refuse to recognise Him. He is always upgrading. We plan, as a Community to upkeep and for production. The period
present in our houses. We meet Him form ourselves into kind of qualified between June and September was
everyday yet we stubbornly fail to AFROAGROBOSCOS (recommendation nicknamed “Come and See Programme”. It
recognise Him. For us Salesians, first, from the Extraordinary Visitation 2009). was only after this period that students
Jesus is in our hearts. second, Jesus is alive We wish to engage ourselves in a more
in the Young. As Salesians we meet Christ convinced apostolate by applying the
in the Young especially the poorest of them. Salesian Educational System, using
The formulae “Jesus and Young” is the agriculture as a means. Our aim therefore,
object, the content and the method for our will not only be to get profits from the farm,
mission. but more importantly to produce qualified
The young people are the very important young people for the country who will be
persons (VIP) in our ministry. They inspire able to either work for themselves or seek
and guide our work. Look in the eyes of the jobs anywhere in the country.
young, check the way they express To offer this desired result, we have
themselves, listen to their fears and joys reduced the number of training candidates.
and you will always be inspired. Have you A more personalised formation will require
FROA - GA RO BOSCO
Lufubu
The African Synod urges people to invest in Agriculture as the way forward to development in
Africa. Aware of its strategic importance in the development of the country, Don Bosco
Agricultural Training Centre gives itself a new push with the Craft certificate level in General
Agriculture, following the encouraging words of Don Guillermo in making of the centre a
leverage for development for young people under the sure guide of Don Bosco.
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
11Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute Also through the revision, students can join
Lilongwe Area 23 the program in the midway as long as they
Malawi favourably satisfy the requirements at each
entry level.
IT TECHNICIAN COURSE
MCP OVERVIEW
on Bosco Youth Technical The Microsoft Certified Professional-
Institute helps meet the needs of Olympics started on 05th January, 2009 Dthe young people by shaping their with 12 athletes on board for the marathon.
minds and exploiting their talents so that As beginners it was not that easy for the
they can positively contribute to the students to understand Managing and
development of the country and also Maintaining Windows Server 2003
become self-reliant. The college commit Environment, (Exam 70-290), however,
itself to these goals by engaging in gradually, they catch up.
activities and offering courses that are As a family, they were talking in dreams of
designed to meet the stated requirement becoming MCPs. Team spirit, discipline,
and one such course is Information dedication, and with Don Bosco Youth
Technology. Technical Institute motto “Hard Work and
The course started as a combination with Vision” their dreams of becoming
accounting or administration courses and Microsoft Certified Professionals (MCP)
later on separated to solely a computing came to pass, and these are their finals
course and now a full Technician course. words, “Don Bosco thanks for the dream,
The course has undergone such revisions we are MCPs.”Said the students after being
owing to the needs and outcry from the successful.
industry for fully qualified IT technicians. Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute has
Not only is the industry looking for raised its Computer Training program to a
professional IT technicians but also a call is better standard. The first batch of Microsoft
made by students who graduated in the Certified Professional Students sat for their
previous computing course, they ask for online Examination at New Horizon, all
possibilities of training to the highest level passed with flying colors. They are
possible in IT through the college. specialized in Microsoft Server 2003
The college revisited the course in order to network environments. Thanks to the
take the students to highest expected level Salesian Community, Jugend Eine Welt
of IT technician professionalism. The and the donors for their support to
revised course is designed to run for three strengthen IT Training.
years, in which students are prepared with
knowledge, practical skills as well as By Walter Thyrniang SDB
preparation to pass various
examinations such as
M i c r o s o f t C e r t i f i e d
P ro fe s s iona l (MCP) ,
C o m p T I A A + a n d
C o m p T I A N + .
Examinations shall be
taken at various levels
throughout the three years
period of training to
validate the skills acquired.
ZMB Schoolswould commence the training. Students
remained in the school without home leave
up to examination time and graduation the
following June.
This arrangement had given the financially
unprivileged youths of the area the desired
training. However, it had one major
disadvantage; it compromised the
formation of the young. The students spent
more time servicing the farm than on their
training. The farm became more and more
separated from the school. Nevertheless,
there is a plan to change this trend. The farm
is a means and not the end in the formation
of the students. The farm will soon become
“school farm” and will eventually be at the
service of the young. To this effect, the
Academic Year will begin in January and
will comprise of three terms. Each term will
have three months after which students will
be allowed to go for a one month home
leave.
Don Bosco Agricultural Training Centre -
Lufubu reaffirms its desires to educate and
evangelise the young. We wish to allow the
young lean firmly on our shoulders. St.
John the disciple leaned on Jesus because
he felt loved. He felt special in the presence
of his Master.
As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of
the Salesian existence lets work out how to
make ourselves loved by reflecting on what
we have always done. We might be shocked
to discover that we have sent away our
Majestic Guest, the VIP…the Young.
By
Dn Christopher Kunda SDB
Lufubu.
IT echnici nt a MCP
Boys of the Oratory Don Bosco
in Lufubu (Zambia)
12 Salesian NewslinkZMB
Our formation is based on the Project of
Apostolic Life – Association of Salesian
Cooperators Statutes. These statutes call
on us as lay people to live the charism of
the Salesian Congregation in the secular
world. From this statement, we can deduce From these
that the Salesian Co-operators are an topics covered
extension of Don Bosco’s work of his from the statutes, it is clear
mission for the Salvation of the young that Salesians are both ‘workers’ as well as
especially the vulnerable. The mission administrators of their association for they
then, is the objective of the Salesian Co- are expected independently to create their
operators. own programs for the youth and fund them
from their means. This calls for
The prospective Salesian Co-operators commitment and creativity. The Salesians
draw strength from a life of serious prayer are our spiritual guides and formators but
and trust in God the Father. Just like Don are not in any way our ‘bosses’. We can
Bosco, we have also been sent by God and consult them as our spiritual fathers but
have a specific vocation in the world other issues of how we run our programs
(according to chapter 1 of the Statutes of are entirely up to us.
the Salesian Co-operators). We have had
A B R I E F H I S T O RY O F T H E different trainers/ animators who helped us We have almost come to the end of the first
PROSPECTIVE COOPERATORS OF with the formation over the past almost one stage of our formation and while we desire
ST. MATTHIAS MULUMBA PARISH IN year (Fr Bruno; the fully fledged and to make our first promises, we are anxious
BAULENI, LUSAKA. operational Co-operators from Kabwe knowing that our works will not go
who came to share with us their without challenges. Our hope and strength
ambia has very few groups of experiences of being Cooperators; Fr lie in the sense that we have managed to
Salesian Co-operators: one in Antonio Barrientos SDB; Fr Oswald work with the Salesians and the Youth in ZChingola and one in Kabwe. So far, Mulenga SDB; Deacon Michael our families, communities and the parish,
these groups are working well with the Mbandama SDB and our chairperson who consciously or/and unconsciously and
youth. Since Don Bosco’s vision was that in the absence of any animator has led the now armed with the Salesian Spirituality
more and more youth be reached and group into reflection on some themes from and the intercession the Mother of the
brought to salvation through education and the Statutes). These have all emphasized Church, Mary , we will triumph.
sport, Fr Bruno Zamberlan SDB felt that different aspects of the Salesian
there was need to have as many co- Spirituality: unique vocation being lived in We thank all our animators/trainers in the
operators as possible. It was for this reason the world out there; the apostolic Salesian Spirituality, and you, Fr Basañes
that he initiated a group of co-operators at c o m m i t m e n t ; c o m m u n i o n a n d for being with us on our journey and ask
Bauleni. A number of parishioners were collaboration; the Salesian Spirituality for your continued love, prayers and
approached and the idea was sold to them, which is a precious heritage; belonging blessing.
they were inspired and expressed and formation of a Salesian Co-operator;
willingness to join. organizing of the Association of the By Mrs. Regina M. Chitunda
The first meeting of this group took place Salesian Co-operators.
on 8th December 2008. It was chaired by
Fr Bruno. The original number of the
people that showed interest was fifteen
(15) but along the way, with problems and
commitments beyond what they could
handle, some have dropped out leaving a
comfortable number of eleven (11)
members.
The group has continued to meet monthly
for formation and have been involved in
activities/celebrations with the Salesian
Family. Two such events have been the
celebration of the Salesian Family Day on
9th May 2009 at Bauleni and witnessing to
the Salesian Professions in Kabwe on 15th
August 2009. Both events were well
attended by the prospective Salesian Co-
operators.
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Salesian Co-operators
Bauleni-Lusaka (Zambia) 07/12/ 2009.-
The candidates for Salesian Co-operators
finished their three days retreat as
preparation for the day of the promise on
18th Dec 2009. During the canonical
visitation of Fr G. Basañes, the prospective
Co-operators had a chance to meet the
Regional for Africa and the following
report was given to him.
¬Fr Aksamit Leszek 1988 ¬Cl Bwalya Jerome 2002 ¬Fr Woo Henry 2005
Fr Barrientos Javier 2000 Fr Twahirwa Gilbert 2008 Fr Chenginiyaden Thomas 2000
¬Fr Bartodziej Sławomir 1994 ¬Cl Phiri E. George 2005 ¬Cl Kulczyk Bartosz 2007
Fr Boryczka Piotr 1982 Cl Phiri E. Mark 2005 Fr Kobuz Bogusław 1985
¬Fr Chisanga Tresphord 1993 ¬Cl Luchembe Prince 2009 ¬Fr Wysocki Marek Bogdan 1988
Fr Chota Telesphord 1994 Cl Hwameete Alphoncious 2005 Fr Świderski Jan 1988
¬Fr Czerwiński Joseph 1985 ¬Cl Jere Louis 2004 ¬Fr Kaczyński Krzysztof 1988
Fr Daniluk Andrew 1984 Cl Kabanga Gasiano 2004 Fr Maślanka Piotr 1996
¬Fr Dziatkiewicz Paweł 1982 ¬Cl Kalubalosi Anthony 2008 ¬Fr Rządca Janusz 1996
Fr Grzegorzewski Tomasz 1997 Cl Lihoma Joseph 2009 Cl Leja Michael 1985
¬Fr Higgins Dennis 1999 ¬Cl Lumano Irvin 2009 ¬Cl Niemczyk Ireneusz 1985
Fr Kim Alexander 2005 Cl Lungu Raphael 2006 Cl Zabrocki Zbigniew 1985
¬Fr Kozłowicz Wojciech 1985 ¬Cl Lushibashi Vernon 2009 ¬Fr Lewandowski Grzegorz 1986
Fr Labun Zygmunt 1992 Cl Mayamiko Kennedy 2009 Cl Lignar Jarosław 1986
¬Fr Lenczuk Chesław 1987 ¬Cl Mesi Alexio 2006 ¬Cl Korabik Kazimierz 1986
Fr Lesa Norbert 1993 Cl Mpundu Macarius 2007 Br Fałek Andrzej 1988
¬Fr Makina Patrick 1995 ¬Cl Mukuka Christopher 2007 ¬Br Skolasiński Tomasz 1988
Fr Juszczyk Henryk 2009 Cl Mukuve Willem 2008 Cl Kot Christian 1988
¬Fr Malama Louis 1995 ¬Cl Musonda John 2007 ¬Cl Cierlica Mieczysław 1988
Fr Malec Piotr 1988 Cl Mutamba Clement 2006 Cl Krasowski Wojciech 1990
¬Fr Molenda Waldemar 1992 ¬Cl Mutwila Maurice 2009 ¬Cl Duma Wiesław 1991
Fr Mulenga Clement 1991 Cl Muza Oscar 2006 Cl Romanczuk Wiesław 1991
¬Fr Mulenga J. Bosco 1993 ¬Cl Mwenya Gabriel 2009 ¬Br Radomski Paul 1991
Fr Mulenga Oswald 1997 Cl Mwila Prospery 2008 Br Karanatt Staju 2000
¬Fr Mulenga Pontiano 1995 ¬Cl Mzanywa Joachim 2009 ¬Cl Caramagna Nicolas 2001
Fr Musenge Ignatius 1994 Cl Nakholi Joseph 2009 Cl Lungu Mark 2002
¬Fr Ormeño Jorge 2000 ¬Br Nguyen Peter 2009 ¬Cl Kariyati Leviticus 2003
Fr Panachida Andrew 1990 Cl Njolo David 2008 Br Moyo Mbuyu 2005
¬Fr Reut Andrew 1987 ¬Cl Nkukumila Emmanuel 2007 ¬Cl Kaunda Jacob 2005
Fr Rychcik Christopher 1986 Br Nyondo Joseph 2006 Cl Muhine Patrick 2005
¬Fr Siame Eustace 1993 ¬Br Nguyen Martin 2009 ¬Cl Ngosa Dennis 2005
Fr Skolasiński Paweł 1996 Br John Orysiuk 1986 Cl Mzanywa John 2005
¬Fr Skowron Joseph 1984 ¬Fr Joseph Bem 1982 ¬Cl Mattapallil Jophin George 2007
Fr Skowron Mariusz 2007 Fr Kazimierz Cichecki 1982 Cl Kalobwe Kelvin 1995
¬Fr Socha Kazimierz 1988 ¬Fr Karczewski Louise 1982 ¬Cl Chiyemfya Cosmas 2003
Fr Szurgot George 1984 Fr Eugeniusz Szmyt 1982 Cl Chola C 1996
¬Fr Tembo Vincent 1993 ¬Fr Tadeusz Molendowski 1982 ¬Cl Njamba Alpha 2006
Fr Wiącek Adam 1988 Fr Joseph Ojczyk 1982 Cl Mwaba K 2003
¬Fr Wnęk Eugene 1987 ¬Fr Oscar Zamora 2002
Fr Wziętek Michael 1990 Fr Kazimierz Kulczycki 1985
¬Fr Załubski Ches aw 1987 ¬Fr Gotter Joseph 1985
Fr Zamberlan Bruno 1994 Fr Bernaś Jan 1982
¬Fr Zdzieborski Andrew 1984 ¬Fr Jagodziński Stan 1982
Br Makumba Sylvester 1989 Fr Zak Henryk 1982
¬Br Sieradz Stefan 1987 ¬Fr Kloc Walter 1984
Br Thyrniang Walter 2001 Fr Gozdalski Piotr 1984
¬Br Basumatary Martin 2006 ¬Fr Niedziela Tadeusz 1986
Br Radecky Frantisek 2009 Fr Kowalski Marek 1990
¬Br Mubanga Kenny 2002 ¬Fr Vaz Rosario 1994
Dn Mbandama Michael 2004 Fr Kalariparampil Francis 2000
¬Dn Kunda Christopher 2004 ¬Fr Ziółkiewicz Józef 1984
ł
13Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
n the 18th December 2009, the Salesian Congregation celebrates in the journey, this 18 December 2009 is a time to renew the commitment
150 Years of existence, a moment of joy and thanksgiving for all and continue praying for faithfulness and perseverance in the vocation.Othe good done in the Lord’s name on behalf of youth. It is The list given below shows the names of all those who some time back
important to remember that like in any good painting which is made up of made up and those who today make up ZMB, showing the date in which
lights and shadows, our history and the history of the Congregation they arrived or joined the province.
records many people who conquered by Don Bosco left family, friends, In reading the list, let us remember friends who went to the Lord and
country, and themselves to follow Christ in the Don Bosco Way. Some are those who are no longer with us, thanking God for their efforts in building
gone to the Lord, other have left us for various walks of life, but all in up the province and the Congregation that one day we might join in the
various ways contributed to what we are today. Thanks be to God for Father’s house to praise him for ever.
putting us all in same journey, they have helped us and have somewhat
benefited from our friendship, love and wisdom. For those who continue
Happy 150th Anniversary!
150 Anniversary
to remember in
HISTORY
14 Salesian NewslinkZMB
CIVAM Meeting – Maputo 19th – 26th work and summarising it did not take much was fully spent in hearing the reports from
October 2009 of our time, we rather did a quick job. On the provinces: amazing work done in the
the second day, gathered in the hall, all various provinces of Africa. The one that
his was the first time I ever members patiently listened to the was most professional in its presentation
participated in the meeting of youth propositions coming from the document was Africa Tropical Ecuatorial (ATE). The Td e l e g a t e s f o r A f r i c a a n d prepared the previous day. The work in the field of youth ministry is so
Madagascar (CIVAM) since I took over the prepositions were read in Italian, English, well organised that they always made
office of youth ministry in the province. I French and some other languages. One of reference to the EPP, OPP and other several
must say that I really wanted to skip this the members kindly agreed to read his documents of their province. Their doing
meeting because by looking at the agenda propositions, using “his Spanish in several corresponds to their planning and before
and the timetable there was nothing languages” as he said. It was quite amusing they go into the next year, a proper
appealing in it. Last year’s youth to hear Spanish just as clear as English or evaluation and planning follows. I was
commission meeting even suggested that a Italian. I think that confrere had the gift of very happy to see how well organised that
member of the commission could tongues, or at least the gift and courage of province is, and how convinced they are of
represent the province rather than having mixing them up. the importance of planning and evaluating.
the youth delegate flying all over Africa The turn for ZMB province arrived as well
and not bringing home much of what has and the assembly heard what is going on
happened in the meeting. and done in the province. Fr Fabio was
When I arrived in Maputo (Mozambique) I quite impressed to hear the report and
felt that the meeting was to be just the way I made some comments which will be
thought I would: nothing special, reading shared during the youth commission
reports, planning stuff which might not meeting next year. And good news is:
come true, etc. ‘Next year’s CIVAM meeting will be held
The meeting started on time, we began in Lusaka!’
with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist After the reports, Fr Fabio gave a general
and after that we had supper. comment on the situation of the Salesian
After supper we were briefed of the youth ministry in Africa. He was quite
timetable for the whole week. It was quite happy with the work done in most
overwhelming, I must say. The tight The propositions were made and were provinces, but nevertheless he was not that
timetable, the little time for interaction and ready to be presented to the provincial. happy. Moreover, he challenged all the
visits to town; it all showed that we were These propositions were the areas where delegates to engage in youth animation of
there for work and not for some sort of the Salesian provinces of Africa feel there the confreres. He stressed the idea that the
tourism. In fact we hardly managed to visit is need to give more emphasis in so far as youth delegate is not the one to run the
Maputo town for a couple of hours and youth ministry and formation areas are youth activities of the province, rather the
some Salesian presences in the south, close concerned. Frs Fabio Attard, the general one to help the provincial to animate the
to the border with Swaziland. councillor for Youth Ministry and Fr communities by means of study, reflection,
Fancesco Cereda for Formation were both planning and evaluation of the pastoral
present during the session and contributed activities; otherwise we are wasting our
substantially to the discussions. We were time.
all impressed at Fr Fabios’s good
command of French and English, not
mentioning Italian. Definitely, everyone
knew that although English was his main
During the first day of our meeting, language he would shift to French when
strangely enough there were no feeling tired. It amazed everyone!
evaluations, but the commissions of youth After these two days of joint work between
ministry and formation had to work Youth Ministry and Formation, the two
together and present a document with the commissions began to gathered separately
conclusions from the questionnaires which in order to tackle issues of its own concern.
went around the provinces. It was a fine The first session of the Youth Commission
Youth Ministry in the African Region
youth delegates
... spiritual companionship in the Salesian Youth MinistryFr Javier Barrientos SDB
zmbyouthd@zmb.co.zm
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
15Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
When I heard ‘study’, ‘reflection’, and spiritual companionship. He said, ‘in towards the end of the meeting, he said,
‘planning and evaluation’, then I thought, spiritual direction not all of us are gifted or ‘when the things to be done seem to be
‘it is going to be a big job what lies ahead. even have the training, and it is ok’, but ‘in overwhelming, just remember to focus on
But, let’s do it!’ spiritual companionship all of us have the the essentials and work with the policy of
A second big moment in the meeting was duty to participate’, he added. For spiritual the little things, namely don’t deceive
the ongoing formation. Here I must say, ‘I companionship in our youth ministry he yourself thinking that you will change the
appreciated the time spent in Maputo’. A meant the personal contact with the young province overnight, not even in a span of a
Salesian priest, Fr Enrique Franco, gave a in which we openly ask the young year, but try to work with those who are
wonderful presentation of the Salesian man/woman about his/her sacramental life, interested and are ready to work in this
Preventive System as a Mystic Experience. his vocational aspirations/concerns, direction and then it might have the domino
It was lovely. Fr Enrique presented this speaking of God, religion, spiritual life in effect, by which moving one tile, the rest
topic in French but thanks to his strong order to help the young person open up to get dynamic the effect and move as well.’
Spanish accent I could follow it before it the spiritual dimension and then, This is what I learnt and what I came back
was translated into English. And I can say, accompany the process of growth till it with from the meeting in CIVAM. It was
the presentation was much more than what I reaches the point of choosing one’s path of good to be there! The rest I think is not that
expected, because some people upon life. important, the food, the fact that we had
hearing of Salesiana are put off, but this It seems quite easy but it is hardly practised, meditation in the form of Lectio Divina on
time it was different, the focus was on the and many youngsters report that none ever daily basis at 6:30am. I think it all
side of ‘being Salesian’ rather than ‘doing spoke to them about religious/priestly contributed to create the atmosphere and
Salesian work’, amazing! vocation which is their right after all. gave us the energy to carry out with the
At the end of the presentation Fr Fabio After hearing all these and more, I felt like work, study, reflection and sharing during
Attard added an insight which I see as very there is a lot of room for improvement in the the CIVAM in Mozambique.
important for each of us. Fr Fabio explained quality of the Salesian youth ministry in It was good to be there!
the difference between spiritual direction ZMB. Sharing my concerns with Fr Fabio,
Thinking Zone
FAMILY OF GOD
...time to come back home!
t’s never too late to be drawn to such a beautiful guide, your hope and your faith. When everything else fails
experience. This is what we have been longing for you, it’s giving you what you thirst for.
throughout the year and now the time has come. At this time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus we are I
The feeling of “I have come home”, it’s never something that reminded of the one family that has always been true to us, a
we dread but it’s the time we long for and know will brush out family that always welcomes us whether we are happy or
all our heartaches. It’s been my experience that whenever we sad. What more to celebrate with our Salesian brothers and
celebrate Christmas we always make sure we are always sisters who have since defined love in a clear and beautiful
close to our family. The emptiness and loneliness without way. To be among those who love you, who encourage you,
family at this time of the year is unbearable. who believe in you, who have put their trust in the Lord to
Let me share with you an experience which has left me with a help you discover who you are! A family that is always
peaceful heart. When we celebrate Christmas, it’s the time reminding that God loves you.
we wait for our Lord Jesus, it’s a time when we belong, when Christmas is the time to embrace and to re-establish your self
we are a part of a Family that is blessed. again as part of the Family of God. I am part of that family, I
God is calling us to be a part of this family. The church is a no longer feel empty because I know I have come home.
big part of our family. It’s a family that is your pillar, your Merry Christmas !
By Charity Maseko
Hwange - Zimbabwe
Lilongwe (Malawi).- 12/11/2009.- The
progress in the construction of the new
church in Area 23, Lilongwe, is quite
remarkable. The main work this time
around is the fitting of the roof which
came from Turin. Fr Pier-Luigi Zuffetti
SDB has generously donated the entire
roof for the new temple.
The community and the parishioners are
putting hands together to continue with
the building of this new church, through
fund raising activities and other
initiatives.
16 Salesian NewslinkZMB
In loving memory
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
A PASSIONATE SALESIAN
Fr Joseph Gotter was born in Dubin-Rawicz,
Poland. After 18 years of his priestly ministry in
Poland he came to Zambia on 17.12.1985,
since then he worked in following places:
Lusaka 1985 – 1986
Luwingu 1986 - 1998
Lufubu 1998 – 2001
Kazembe 2001 – 2007
Don Bosco is still saying to us today through the Salesian
Constitutions that: “…death for the Salesian is made bright by the hope of
entering into the joy of his Lord, and when it happens that a Salesian dies
working for souls, the Congregation has won a great triumph.”
(Constitutions, Art. 54).
Like the faithful steward of the Gospel, Fr Joseph Gotter SDB was
ready to receive his Lord. He did not refuse to work, but upon hearing God’s
call he was ready to meet his Master and give account of all that had been
entrusted to his care.
Let his life be an example for all of hard work and dedication for the mission
of behalf of youth.
Requiescat in pacem!
Drogi Jozef,
SHIKULU
GOTTER
Letters to the Editor
Hej Antonio!
Life is great here. I enjoy Malawi a lot and
I'm spreading my joy and my enthusiasm.
Right now I am at home with Anna. Our
trip was very fine, now we're safely back.
We're already back to our every-day-life
and a lot of work lies ahead of us. But I
really like it, to be occupied to the fullest.
Your community is too small, you should
hire some more young guys like Raphael,
o the rwise you ' r e too lone ly ; )
Thank you for the nice stay in Chawama, I
liked the company of you and Raphael and
the community a lot.
Send you a lot of cheerful greetings,
Your Malawian volunteers
P.S: You're anytime invited to visit us here,
then we make a nice trip to the Lake, but
make sure to take Raphael ;)
Hi Antonio, case, all will come and go, but the flag of
Thanks for the update and sorry to hear Don Bosco that has captured and ruled this
about what happened to the provincial state for over 75 years remains something
internet system. I hope things will come to to be appreciated.
normal.
In your mail, you mentioned Chifundo's
family. What is it about? What I am aware
is about Mark Phiri, whose one of the
parents passed away. What about
Chifundo?
However, down here, we are just praying
for our people and confreres in many parts
of this country, who are affected with
floods. About 130,000 people lost their
lives in three or four states. Apart from
these, we have many more losses in Samoa
America and Phillipines. Please, kindly
pray for them. In our state, we have had Vocations here are quite many, not because
heavy rains for the past few days, day and of anything extraordinary, but due to
night, it’s raining cats and dogs. I hope we education institutions that salesians
do not find ourselves submerged in water administer. It is a big challenge for us
the following day. there. We therefore, have to think in that
So much work is going on in the college line and not expect vocations from outside
where I am residing, the province and the Salesians communities each time. Think of
archdiocese. The Rector Major will be this: What can we offer to that country with
here in three weeks time as well as the Rex- potential vocation for our Congregation?
Band International. We shall begin with God bless you all and hope to see you
the latter at the cathedral playing for the somet ime. Bes t regards to a l l !
50th Anniversary. When the Rector Major
comes on the 9th Nov, St Anthony's in Don Bosco,
college shall celebrate 75th anniversary
and finally the province of Guwahati's Fr. Pat Makina SDB
50th Anniversary too. As you can see there
is so much going on round here. In any
17Salesian NewslinkZMB
Mission Animation
June 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
18 Salesian NewslinkZMB
ZMB Events: Sept - Oct - Nov ‘09
Lusaka (Zambia) 08/09/2009. Fr Pascual
Chavez has appointed Bro Sylvester
Makumba SDB and Fr Ignatius Musenge
SDB councillors for ZMB province. The
two new members of the provincial council
attended the provincial council meeting
and Fr Joseph Czerwinski SDB read the
nomination letter from the Rector Major
and officially welcomed the new
councillors.
Lusaka (Zambia) 17/09/09.- The Fr Guillermo who is visiting the province is
Regional super ior for Afr ica & concerned with the pastoral approach of all
Madagascar, Fr Guillermo Basañes SDB, the works of the Salesian Congregation
present in the ZMB countries. The bishop
expressed his gratitude to the Salesian
Congregation for their cooperation in the
various pastoral activities of the
archdiocese, especially for the youth
animation at the level of the archdiocese
which is carried out by Fr Oswald Mulenga
SDB of Bauleni community.
Rome (Italy) 17/09/2009.- Fr Piotr
Boryczka is attending the missionary
paid a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of
Lusaka Tresphord Mpundu. The visit
which was scheduled well in advance
followed all the protocols of its kind. One
of the main reasons of the visit of Fr
Guillermo was to speak with the
archbishop on the contribution of the
Salesians of Don Bosco to the pastoral
work in the Archdiocese of Lusaka.
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
19Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
course in Rome. Fr Piotr has recently shown around the premises and I must say
finished his service in Malawi as parish they were impressed with the activities
priest of St John Bosco parish in Area 23 in going around here – in spite being morning
Lilongwe (Malawi). hours. In their familiarisation tour they will
The department for Salesian Mission in the visit the Lusaka cathedral and cemetery
person of Fr Vaclaw Klement is one of the where known to them Fr Joseph Ojczyk
main agents of this missionary renewal SDB and Cardinal Adam Kozłowiecki are
course. The course aims to help buried. Tomorrow they go North to inspect
missionaries renew their enthusiasm and the going on and recently realised projects
passion for Christ while updating their in Kapiri Mposhi, Chingola and Mansa.
knowledge in Christology, Anthropology (by cl)
and Pastoral Ministry.
Lusaka (Zambia) 21/09/2009.- Group
photo taken at the end of the retreat
organised by the formation commission for
all the confreres aged between 40 and 49 in
preparation to the celebration of the 150
anniversary of the foundation of the
Congregation. The retreat by preached by
Fr William John Dickson, a Salesian from
Great Britain. Fr Dickson is a historian and
recently he has published a book in which
he has collected all the correspondence
between blessed Michael Rua and the
confreres from the English province. He
kindly accepted to preach two retreats in
our province these year.
(photo Fr Jozef Czerwinski SDB).
Bauleni – Lusaka (Zambia) 14/10/2009.-
Fr Adam Parszywka and his friends Ela &
Darek Malejonek arrived in Lusaka
yesterday. Fr Adam who is a director of the
Salesian Voluntary Movement “Młodzi
Światu” in Kraków-Poland came to
Zambia to see the projects realised through
his organisation. In his busy schedule he
found time to visit Bauleni community, the
Salesian parish as well as the pre-novitiate.
After the cup coffee the visitors were
Challisery to celebrate the community day
that marked the end to the community
month. The community gathering included
besides the Salesian confreres, the non
teaching staff and non-Salesian students of
Philosophy, teaching staff and students
from our youth training centre. The
afternoon programme began with the
symbolic welcome of the rector in the
community by the brothers from Kenya.
Hwange (Zimbabwe) 18/10/2009.- the
outgoing provincial economer Fr Leszek
Aksamit and the provincial youth delegate,
The welcoming ceremony was the replica
of how kings/chiefs were installed by the
elders of the village in the old days. In same
way, Fr George was symbolically
reinstalled as the rector of the community.
T h i s g e s t u r e
simply helps the
community to
Fr Javier Antonio Barrientos visited the acknowledge the
Don Bosco Technical college of Hwange centrality of the
from the 14-15 October 2009. During the rec tor in the
short visit they both managed to meet with community.
the community, teachers and students of the The next day was
college. the apex of all
This visit also made possible the handing celebrations with the Eucharist celebrated
over of the economy from the rector of the by the man himself Fr George in the
community Fr Tresphord Chota SDB to the company of Fr Clement Mulenga SDB, Fr
new administrator Bro Frantisek Radecky Vincent Tembo SDB and Fr Paul Nyaga
SDB. In a very simple ceremony the Karuri SDB. During the past one month,
financial reports were presented, explained many activities have taken place leading to
and signed. Fr Leszek witnessed the this wondrous end; activities included
handover of accounts on behalf of the sports competitions among the 50
confreres of the community. This month
has been a month of spiritual renewal as
well. This was expressed in prayers where
all confreres prayed for each other,
conferences, goodnights talks, the holy
provincial. Meanwhile Fr Barrientos
visited the college and addressed the
students who on that particular occasion
were sitting for their mid-term exams. The
principal of the College welcomed not only
Fr Barrientos but also Fr Leszek and Eucharist etc. This has been a true
showed them around the college. After this reflection of this year’s theme, ‘community
visit, the visitors left the place for Zambia united in prayer and service’. The closing
activities focused on the rector, the Don
Moshi (Tanzania) 22/1/-09.- The Bosco of our community and the centre of
community of Don Bosco - Moshi unity.
gathered around the rector, Fr George
news for all...
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Blue Fontain, Namibia.- Fr Joseph Czerwinski SDB,
standing on a celestial body during a trip to
Windhoek.
Bauleni (Zambia).- Fr Guillermo Basañes
SDB during lunch with members of the
parish council.
Lufubu (Zambia).- Fr Piotr Malec SDB with a
bull during the midday walk in the farm.
Lusaka (Zambia).- Poster of the extraordinary
visitation to ZMB.
Blue Fontain (Namibia).- Fr Henryk Juszczyk
SDB, one of the newly arrived in ZMB Vice-
Province.
Chawama (Zambia).- Group photo with the
staff of SADBA (Don Bosco Salesian
Voluntary Service from Czech Republic)
Chawama (Zambia).- Fr Guillemo waving a flag
from Argentina moments before his official visit
to the Papal Nuncio in Lusaka.
Hwange (Zimbabwe).- Group photo moments
after the 2009 Graduation Ceremony at Doon
Bosco College.
www.salesianszmb.org
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