N. 2 April-May-June 2007ZMB Province: Mary Help of Christians
Malawi & Namibia
V Provincial Chapter
Let us
Return
to Don Bosco
by returning to the young!
Editorial 3
News for all 4
Salesian Sanctity 5
From the Slopes of Kilimanjaro 6
Easter Thoughts 7
Reporting from Rundu 8
Reporting from Lilongwe 9
Celebrating Friendship 11
Provincial Chapter (ReLIVE) 12
ZMB Province in Pictures 15
Year 1/Nº2 April - May - June 2007
Director: Fr Joseph Czerwinski
Redaction Board: Fr Joseph Czerwinski, Fr Bruno
Zamberlan, Fr Slawek Bartodziej.
Graphic Design: Fr Javier Barrientos
Photos: Fr Leszek Aksamit, Br Walter Thyrniang, Fr
Slawek Bartodziej, Fr Antonio Barrientos
E-mail: zmbsocialc@gmail.com
Website: www.salesianszmb.org
Printed: Printing Press of the Provincial House
2
12
5
14
Editorial
3
appy Easter. May the Risen Lord bring
you all the blessings you have need of. In Hthe North, Easter is associated with
NEW LIFE: Springtime, blossoms, butterflies…. In
the South, Easter is related to NEW HOPE. The
Lord is Risen, Alleluia! It is an appropriate time
for us to be having our 5th Provincial Chapter,
during Eastertide. Let us have NEW HOPE
that the fruits of the Chapter will help us to be
more hopeful, enthusiastic and more fervent in
our Vocation as Salesias of Don Bosco.
The Provincial Chapter has just ended.
There was a lot of work put into the
preparation, which has helped things to run
smoothly. I would like to say thank you to the
Moderator – Fr. Bruno, Salesian Provincial
Community of Chawama, and each one of the
Confreres for creating an environment,
conducive for the Chapter meetings.
Brother Gerald Meegan, sdb, from the USA has
shared much from his wisdom and experiences.
We are most grateful to him for the two days of
Retreat that he gave us, as well as all the
professional help and interventions during the
formal sessions of the Chapter.
Many thanks to Sr. Zofia, FMA, Fr. Eustace
Siame sdb and Mr. Solomon Zulu for their
joyful, Salesian Spirit and active participation.
You will soon be hearing more about the
five points of the Chapter: Return to Don
Bosco, Urgent need for Evangelization, Need
for the recruitment/ of Vocations, Evangelical
poverty, New frontiers. These points have been
expanded and debated upon and the results will
be passed on to each one in the Vice Province.
On the last day of the Chapter, the delegate for
the GC 26 was elected. He is Br. Makumba
Sylvester. Congratulations to him and all the
brothers from our Province. Now, both of us
would have to start learning Italian!!!
Although the formal meeting is over, the
Chapter continues - in our hearts, communities
and in the play grounds among the young. The
Return to Don Bosco would have to be done
personally and with passion in order to ‘win souls
for the Kingdom.’
Once again, I wish you a very happy, joyful,
peaceful and prayerful Easter Season. May we
all Rise with the Lord and sing ‘ALLELUIA’!
May the Risen Lord bless each of you.
Fr. Joseph Czerwinski sdb
Provincial
Fr Joseph Czerwinski.sdb
4
All rof sweN
January - April
The new Project of
Apostolic Life of the Salesians-Cooperators is
promulgated- “On this day 8 April 2007, Solemnity of Chingola Zambia: Annual Graduation
the Resurrection of the Lord, the origin and the Ceremony. The Salesian Technical School of
summit of our Christian life and of our mission in the Chingola celebrated its annual graduation ceremony
world, I, as Rector Major, Successor of Don Bosco, on the 29 January. Number of guests and students
officially promulgate this renewed Project of turned up for this important event. From the
Apostolic Life.” With these words the Rector Major Fr provincial community Fr Slawek Bartodziej took part
Pascual Chávez has officially promulgated the new in the event.
Project of Apostolic Life of the Association of Chawama - Lusaka: Fr Leszek comes back to the
Salesians-Cooperators in its two parts, Statutes and
Regulations. The “book of life” of the Cooperators –
as the Rector Major describes it in his letter – has
been revised in recent years in order to be in greater
spiritual, theological and pastoral harmony with
Vatican Council II and the Magisterium of the Church
Province. After the sorrowful experience of losing
and the original intuition of the founder of the
both the brother and mother, Fr Leszek has come
Association: Don Bosco. The III World Congress of
back to the province. We accompany him with our
the Association of the Salesians-Cooperators, held
prayers.
between 9 and 12 November 2006 at the Salesianum
in Rome, completed the process of evaluation which
Kabwe Zambia: A Celtel Tower at St Mary’s.
lasted six years and which involved the members of
the Association at various levels. Referring to the
nature of the Statutes in his letter the Rector Major
writes “the text gives a description of the spiritual
riches of your charismatic identity; it defines you
Apostolic Project; it traces out the path of your
sanctification and invites you to bear witness to it as Celtel in its desire to be nearer of people and
the most precious gift”; and further on: “The Statutes eventually the church has erected a transmission
indicate the particular nature of the evangelical tower in the grounds of St Mary’s Parish after getting
project of an Association of lay faithful, harmonising the permission of the parish priest and one of his
the evangelical inspiration and the practical form of church council members. Celtel Making life better?
the structures, according to the characteristic spirit of
Don Bosco. The Statutes are intimately connected Chawama
with the Founder who wished to communicate to you
his spirit. In them you can find Don Bosco. Your love
for him is expressed in your actively taking up the
Project of Apostolic Life that he offers you. He is your
model. He is the key to reading the text.” The date of
the publication recalls another great event for the
whole Salesian Family: the canonisation of Don
Bosco which took place on Easter Sunday 1 April
1934.
next year representing ZMB Province.
ANS – Rome: 8 April 2007.
–
–
– Lusaka: 8-18 April 2007. The V
Provincial Chapter. 22 Salesians representing the
communities of ZMB Province have gathered at the
provincial house in order to celebrate the fifth
provincial chapter in preparation for the general
chapter that will take place in Rome next year. The
chapter members also elected the provincial
delegate who will accompany Fr Joseph Czerwinski
January
February
March
April
A saint of Just 15 Years Mother Mary Mazzarello Mary Help of Christians
ominic Savio was born on 2 April ary Domenica was born on May on Bosco used to say about his
1842 at Riva, in northern Italy. 9, 1837, in Mornese. At home she m i s s i o n a n d a b o u t h i s DSon of Charles and Brigit Savio. Mwas helped to develop a solid DCongregation: “The Madonna
Charles Savio was an illiterate peasant piety, untiring work and that outstanding has done everything.”
farmer and blacksmith while his wife was common sense and depth of judgement that In his life he always cultivated a deep love
a tailor. Dominic’s birth place is few miles she would show in later life. At fifteen, she for Our Lady, a love that profoundly
away from Don Bosco’s Becchi. joined the Association of the Daughters of shaped his life according to Mary’s
Nonetheless, Dominic was brought up at Mary Immaculate and began her apostolate virtues, especially abandonment to the
Murialdo, small town some miles away among the young people of her village. will of God.
from the capital Turin. A serious attack of typhoid, at the age of 23, As a sign of gratitude to Mary, Don Bosco
He was of a very weak complexion and not had a profound spiritual effect on her. The wanted to build a Sanctuary that would be
physically sound, but he made impression experience of her own physical fragility, on an expression of the love of the whole
on people due to his extraordinary the one hand, deepened her abandonment to Salesian Family for the Mother of God.. In
character. His father Charles recalls the God and, on the other, encouraged her to this way the Basilica of Mary Help of
following incident in the life of Dominic. open a sewing school to educate the girls in Christians was built and solemnly
At the visit of one of the acquaintance who work, prayer and love of God. consecrated on 9 June 1868. In those years
sat for meal without waiting for the (1872) also in honour of Mary, Don Bosco
customary grace (prayers), Dominic Thanks to her intense sacramental life, and with St Mary Domenica Mazzarello,
slipped away from the table and did not under the wise guidance of Fr. Pestarino, she began the Institute of the Daughters of
show up until some time later. Scolding made great progress in the spiritual life. On Mary Help of Christians which in his mind
him for this misbehaviour his mother the occasion of Don Bosco's visit to would be a living Monument to the Virgin
asked him all about; he replied: ‘I didn’t Mornese (10-8-1864) she said: "Don Bosco Help of Christians.
want to have my meals with a man who is a saint and I feel it". In 1872 Don Bosco When Don Bosco set about building the
eats like the animals without even blessing chose her to begin the Institute of the Basilica, there were, as always, serious
himself’. After this explanation the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians financial problems. To Fr Angelo Savio,
mother understood the delicacy of (Salesian Sisters). who said to him: “Don Bosco, the safe is
Dominic’s soul and his profound love for empty, we can’t begin the building of the
God. At the age of seven he was found She proved a capable teacher of spiritual Basilica…”, He replied: “You just begin
worthy to be already admitted to the life. She was cheerful and serene, and spread with the foundations. We have to leave
eucharist. On the day of his first peace wherever she went. She radiated joy something to Divine Providence …”
communion he made some resolutions and involved other young people in her On 9 June 1868 when, at the end of the
that he kept the rest of his life: dedication to the education of women. solemn consecration of the Basilica, many
- I will go often to confession, and to Holy Bishops and distinguished persons
Communion as often as my confessor will The Institute developed rapidly. At her congratulated him on the achievement,
allow. death, she left her Daughters an educational Don Bosco replied with a simple comment
- I will be most exact in keeping holy tradition, permeated by Gospel values: the but one full of faith: “Of my own I put in
Sundays and holidays of obligation. search for God, whom we come to know nothing. Aedificavit sibi domum Maria”.
- Jesus and Mary shall be my friends through enlightened catechesis and ardent Mary built her own house. “Every brick,
- I wish to die rather than sin. love, responsibility in work, sincerity and every decoration is a sign of a grace from
Dominic died in August 1856. He’s humility, austerity of life and joyful self- her.” (MB IX, 247).
become the youngest saint of the Salesian giving. She died in Nizza Monferrato on
Saints. May 14, 1881.
5
ZMB in MoshiDon Bosco College – Moshi
Since 1992, our province has been sending Introduction
students to Moshi for initial formation. Most of us The mountain has always been associated in
have tasted the sweetness of this formation. I am a the scriptures with the place where God manifests
product of this valuable formation. For sometime we himself. For the African belief systems, mountains
stopped sending students and only resumed in 2004 are places where spirits dwell. Though a pagan
with one student. The number has grown to 16 in two understanding, it’s not far from the scriptures.
years.Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa is such a place. There
We have as mentioned in the provincial are spirits called Kilimanjaro, which can be cast out
circular, 9 first year students (two Zimbabweans, two only by prayer and fasting.
Malawians, one Namibian, and four Zambians), six Far from its connotation, Kilimanjaro region is
second year students (three from Malawi, two from a very peaceful place with its people are very
Zambia and one from Zimbabwe), and one third year generous and friendly.
student from Malawi.Here is where the philosophate for English speaking
Africa is situated. This is the biggest community in
Don Bosco Moshi towards adulthoodAfrica with 73 confreres including 8 novices. There is
The intellectual formation in Moshi has gone also an added identity of the Youth training centre
through stages of development. During our time it with more than 130 young people studying as
used to be Philosophy and Religion. After due informal students for secondary education.
consideration it was changed to Philosophy and
Youth studies under the deanship of Selvam Sahaya. Provinces involved
During my last four years in office I have been There are five provinces involved in the
working on the program of Philosophy and formation. AFE, AFW, AGL, AFM and ZMB.
Education. This was realized this year when the Previously, AFW was leading in number. This year
Catholic University of Eastern Africa endorsed our we have the last batch of students from AFW. They
new program. On 23rd March, 2007 the students have started their own philosophate in Ibadan –
finished their teaching practice and are now full Nigeria. As such, apart from the hosting AFE
fledged teachers in art subjects. Another province, ZMB is having the second highest number
development is the accreditation of the college to the of students in formation.
Tanzanian government so that we can offer our own
diplomas recognized by the state.
Fr Eustace Siame. SDB
From the Slopes
of
6
What was the ransom that
freed you from the vain observances
of ancestral tradition? You know well
that it was not paid in earthly currency,
silver and gold. It was paid in the
precious blood of Christ! No lamb was
ever so pure, so spotless a victim!”
These are the words of our
first pope. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
When this spotless victim had
completed His heroic and loving task
beyond human understanding, He
called from the cross. “I t i s d o n e !”
If Holy Scripture had ended
there, we should actually be eternally
grateful, for the price for our
redemption had been paid! It was all
done! – Yet He knew human nature
and continued giving us ample
certainty that He really was and is the
promised Saviour; that He was the
only one who could ever say: “He who
has seen me, has seen the Father also!”
And then He revealed how He would
stay with us forever:
In His Spirit which He gave to men
once He had been raised to glory.
(John 7:39)
In the Holy Eucharist.
By this communion we are made one
with the Risen Lord! Everything in
nature has to have communion in
order to live and through it what is
lower is transformed into what is
higher: chemical into plants, plants
into animals, animals into men. And
man? Should he not be elevated
through communion with Him Who
‘came down’ from heaven to make
man a partaker of the Divine Nature! –
“As I live because of the Father, the
living Father Who sent me, so he who
eats me will live in his turn, because of
me!” (John 6:58)
This life as Jesus shows us on
Easter morning is in the end not subject to death. Are we aware
of this incredible gift, especially on Easter? Or do we secretly
belong to those people who can’t really believe this incredible
story about the resurrection of Jesus? Well, that, too, is human.
Maybe the writers of the gospel were mistaken! Nobody has
ever suggested that these men were telling lies. Their character
puts such a suggestion to flight. Some, however, have suggested
that they were the victims of hallucination, that they so much
expected the resurrection and had so excited themselves over it
that they imagined that they saw our Lord. But the Apostles did
not expect the resurrection. They were more than surprised at it.
They brought spices to anoint the dead body. When Mary
Magdalene found the grave empty she was most disturbed. It
never occurred to her that our Lord had risen. She fancied that
the body had been removed elsewhere. Peter was so far from
being keyed up to expecting it, that he coolly went off to do a
day’s fishing. And if the apparitions were the product of
imagination, why did they all of a sudden cease at the end of
forty days? After our Lord’s Ascension nobody ever fancied that
they saw our Lord again! Moreover, if the resurrection is not a
fact, it is impossible to explain the rise and success of the
Christian religion! Without that miracle of Easter morning, the
Christian religion could not possibly have survived the crushing
blow of the crucifixion. Its triumph without the resurrection
would be a greater miracle than the resurrection itself!
The wonderful truth about Easter is best shown in the
moving story of the two broken hearted men on their way back
to Emmaus. They are so involved with their own misery that
they fail to recognize our Lord. And Jesus does not reveal
Himself to them! He expects an open heart and trust in Him. And
He helps them do achieve just that!
When they had reached Emmaus He acted as if He were to leave
them and continue His journey. But they begged Him to come in
and stay with them. And this is the kind of prayer He always
answers! We must make our hearts His home! As soon as He is
the invited guest He becomes the Host! He takes the bread and
the wine …….. and gives it to them. By breaking the bread He
heals their broken hearts and they recognize Him!
Friends, let us be moved by Him and His Death and
Resurrection, because His resurrection is ours, too!
“You have only to live in me,
And I will live in you …
I am the vine, You are the branches!”
Unknown author
E
A
S
T
E
R 7
He is risen
and lives for ever!
8
1. Educational Events of Rundu Mission will gather at Don Bosco Youth Centre
- Computer course: Since January 2007, 20 participants Rundu in order to work out the detailed plan for the Youth
have been attending Computer basic course and Microsoft Conference which will take place in May 2007.
Excel course at the Centre from Mondays to Saturdays.
3. Short Courses & Workshops
- Cooking and Waitress course: Since January 2007, 40 - At least one of a short courses or workshops on human
participants have attended the course in the following development, behaviour change, religious matters, etc. has
subject: Kitchen (cooking), Restaurant (Waitress), Cleaning been conducted every weekend with an average
(Hygiene), Africans, English from Mondays to Thursdays. participation of 40 youth.
The participants of the computer and cooking…. courses 4. Special Events
will receive the Government recognized certificates. - Feast of Don Bosco: It was celebrated from 02.02.2007 to
04.02.2007 with 100 youth sleeping in the Centre and about
2. Kavanga Region Youth Council & Rundu District 100 youth coming during the days. All together about 200
Youth Commette youth participated in this event.
The Centre is the headquarters for the Youth
Kavango Region Council and the Rundu District Youth 5. Recreational Activities
Committee. - Sports: Almost every weekend there are competitions in
- Since January 2007, 3 planning meetings of the youth netball, soccer between the different youth groups from the
activities in the Kavango Region have been held at the Rundu District Youth as well as with the youth from the
Centre with the Youth Chaplain and the Youth Kavango different Church denominations and other youth sport
Region Council. teems.
- Visitation of the different Missions of Rundu Viacariate by On everyday bases youth come for netball, basketball and
the Youth Chaplain with the Youth Kavango Region Council volleyball games.
in the month of March 2007. - Singing, dancing, music, drama, TV: These activities
happen almost on daily bases according to the youth interest.
- Since January 2007, 3 planning meetings of the youth
activities of Rundu District have been held at the Centre with 6. Catechetical Instructions at the Centre
the Youth Chaplain and Rundu District Youth Committee. About 200 youth and children participate in the catechetical
instruction at the Mission ground.
- Visitation of the different Centres of Rundu District by the
Youth Chaplain with the Rundu District Committee since Fr Joseph Skowon
January 2007.
- Preparation for Rundu District Youth Conference: It will
take place at the Youth Centre from 16.03.2007 to
17.03.2007. Youth delegates from different Church Centres
Reporting from
Salesians in Malawi
The Salesians came to Malawi in 1995 at the
drive through twisted turns of the dusty road that reads invitation of Bishop Mathias Chimole. At First the
to Area 23 market and then preceding ½ a km to reach Salesians were suppose to open their Presence in the
Don Bosco Campus. Once there, the site is northern part of Malawi. On the 13 November 1995 the
astonishing. Beautiful, big buildings, spacey sports first group of Salesians from Zambia arrives in Malawi,
facilities and lovely gardens full of palm trees and Lilongwe. Fr. Leszek Aksamit, Fr. Paul Dziatkiewicz
green grass add to the warm and hospitality of the and Fr. Stan Jagodzinski. Gradually they establish the
people.Salesian presence in Area 23 the most populated
At the Youth Technical Institute, Students and suburban area of Lilongwe. The Don Bosco Campus
Teachers always busy at their lessons or in the now has a Parish, Youth Centre and the Don Bosco
workshops, in the afternoon the playgrounds are youth Technical Institute.
grounded with young people from the locality relaxing In 1997, The Salesians took over a parish in
and Training themselves in different sports activities. Nkhotakota. The mission station was established and
The place is always alive and moving. At the run by the White fathers until the Salesians came in
centre of all this, one the Salesians of Don Bosco, one 1997. Today there are 5 Salesians in Lilongwe and 3 in
would notice them easily when they walk around, while Nthotakota. In Lilongwe the Salesians are working in
carrying out their duties among the young people or Don Bosco Parish and very active and lively parish or
even when they just pass by, because the students and over 9000 Catholics. Though the parish Church is still
young people greet them joyfully and with respect. under construction the working structures and
Catechesis set up are put in place right from the
beginning. Fr. Peter Boryczka the parish priest take
special care of the formation of children and he attends
to the development and catholic formation of the
people in the out station. All the priests in the campus
spend give themselves and their time generously in the
service of the people in the parish and Sacraments.
The Youth Centre is run by Fr. Paul Skolasinski who is
also the Rector or the Community, the Pre-novice
Master and the Assistant Parish Priest. Around 200
youth participate in the activities of the youth centre
daily. There are different groups and sporting
programmes to keep the boys and girls busy and
cheerful.
Fr. Louis Malama looks after the Administration of the
Campus and Projects, like the construction of the new
church.
Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute is situated
in Area 23 under the Tsabango Chief. It is magnificently
built right in the centre of the most populated location in
the City of Lilongwe. Approximately 12km from the City
centre. One would have to know well the direction to
Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute
April
8th EASTER
10 – 11th Retreat
Members of the Chapter
12 – 16th Provincial Chapter
18th Feast of the Province
24th Novena to Mary Help of Christians
May
6 Feast of Dominic Savio
7 – 8th Formation Commission - LUSAKA
24th Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians
Blessing of the Youth Centre - Hwange
25 – 28th Provincial Council – Hwange
June
5 – 6th Parish Priests Meeting - Lusaka
24th Novena to Mary Help of Christians
29 St Peter & Paul Apostles
Reporting from
Malawi
9
Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute is a Playgrounds, the Institution is guided by Don Bosco’s
catholic Institution, built and managed by a Catholic method of education, The Preventive System built on
Religious congregation of priests and brothers called the three pillars of Religion, Reason and Kindness. The
the Salesians of Don Bosco. They follow the Dream Institution Educative plan is based on the following
and Mission of their founder who designed a path to objective that serves as a guide for decision making.
serve God by serving poor and needy youth. The
Salesians of Don Bosco work in130 countries around Vision
the world .Running Schools, Youth centres and Maintain the highest standards of excellence in
Parishes. In the African continent they are present in 26 academic, athletic and social life with special
countries. In Malawi they are in two places, Lilongwe consideration for the poor youth.
and Nkhotakota. There are 10 Salesians in Malawi and
4 Malawian Salesians who are still in their training. Mission
The Salesians came to Malawi in Educate the students to be Good Christian
1995(Just celebrated the 10years anniversary) at the Honest Citizens.
invitation of Bishop Mathias Chimole. The Institution
which is based in Area 23 now has a parish, Youth Motto
Centre and a Technical School. “Hard Work and Vision” is the road to success.
Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute was
inaugurated in 2000 by the then President of Malawi, Daily Programme
Dr. Bakili Muluzi. The Institution is a Millennium gift of Provide a conducive learning environment and
the Salesians Society to the youth of Malawi. The First atmosphere of celebrating life together. “Honesty and
academic year started on 3rd January, 2000 with Duty’ is the daily program of formation.
fifteen staff members and 120 students attending five by Br Walter Thyrniang
different courses namely Bricklaying, Carpentry,
Computer and Accountancy, Auto-mechanics and
Tailoring.
In Six years, the Institute has grown from
strength to strength; a good number of students who
passed from the college are employed. Generally most
of them are doing well in Life. In this way the institution
has contributed to the Social Development, and
educational growth in Malawi.
Today the Institution has doubled in Size, from
120 students in 2000, it has now 310, 5 courses then
now 8 Courses namely; Accountancy, Auto-
Mechanics, Bricklaying, Computer science, Carpentry
and joinery, Electrical Installation, Secretarial
Practices and Tailoring and Designing. Besides these
Fulltime Training programs, the Institution conducts
Part time classes in several subjects, for few years now
the Institution has carried out grass roots training
programs in collaboration with TEVET.
The Administration, staff and students in close
cooperation with the parents, work together to foster a
Learning atmosphere and a community of faith where
life is celebrated and friends are made. With the
essential qualities of Church, School, Home and
10
t Valent ine ’s Day is really amused me because I never experiences are transformed into
ce lebra ted on every expected that much from people drama due to the influence of bad Sfourteenth of February. It is I’ve never met before. And again companies and lack of trust in the
the day when people celebrate there was this other guy who just family setting.
love and exchange gifts. That is came when we were interacting As educators we are all invited to
why you will find young people with people who said, ‘Are you one help young people discover the
calling February the month of love of the celebrities we have here in true meaning of love, just as St
and friendship because people Zambia?’ to which I just said, John in his gospel says, ‘for God
celebrate love, and some find new ‘What? - Get to the point’, and he so loved the world that sent his
friends and so young people like it again said, ‘you just look like one of only Son’, where love means to
and love it very much. those famous people’, I chuckled. give one’s own life for the welfare
Then he finally told me that he of the one I love. In this way there
My friends used to tell me would like me to be his friend. In will be more chances that the
tha t i f you don ’ t have a addition to this, next to him was his culture of life that John Paul II urget
boyfriend/girlfriend then you are friend who drew closer and said to Christians to cherish may regain
not fit to celebrate Valentine’s Day him, ‘hey, you just want her to be its strength and dynamism.
because you will not have anyone your girl’, then he answered his ‘God gives life through love’ is the
to share your friendship with. So as friend that you cannot build a message of the Rector Major’s
a result I was bound not to house without a foundation, Strenna for this year, let us make
celebrate St Valentine’s Day meaning love always starts with echo of this invitation.
because I never had a boyfriend. friendship. This was a charming
However this year’s celebration and very nice experience to me
made me realise that Valentine’s that will never be left aside in my
Day is not meant for lovers only but life; it will always be in my heart.
for every one to enjoy love and
friendship which we get from God, By Ruth Nswana
family and friends. Don Bosco Youth Centre -
Kabwe
This year’s celebration has
really changed everything for me
because I celebrated it like any
other person who thinks it is not
meant for lovers only. In fact I
made new friends, I interacted with
new people not only those known
to me but different ones, people I
met for the very first time.
St Valentine’s Day this year has
made my heart acquire special
feeling of love towards others and
what is more important I think oung people discover new
friendship is a great thing. life experiences through Yfriendship; they experience
During the celebration new feelings and things which they
which we had at the Don Bosco never felt before. Love is a word
Youth Centre, one guy just came that is used and often misused by
up and approached me and told people, confusing feelings with
me, ‘if I try to say what you mean to what it really means. Adults often
me, I wouldn’t know where to start conceal the real meaning of love
from because you are filling the from young people through the
space of friendship in my heart’ example of their lives. Selfishness
and before leaving he added, and self-seeking are badly named
‘Happy Valentine’s Day’. That after love. Sometimes wonderful
A Letter to
Us pihsdneirta irb ne g FleC
11
Re-LIVE
e have to listen to each other, to faces among my brother Salesians.
help each other and to respect Whoever is a pessimist among readers let Weach other in order for us to him challenge me about this and he will
strengthen the dialogue for better definitely convert to the optimistic school to
effectiveness in our mission.” These which I subscribe. This school holds that our
powerful and inspiring words from Fr. Joseph province is the future cradle for missions all
Czerwinski, the Provincial of the Vice over the world. There are potentials untold in
province of ZMB showed the direction the the very lives of the Salesians who have
chapter was going to take in those five days given their lives to ZMB. Forgive my
of intensive work. preaching!
The atmosphere was warmly, the The 12th of April 2007 was the day!
passion evident. Everyone was looking The historical event, which I can refer to as
forward to a very constructive chapter, a the Jubilee chapter took place in the
chapter that would challenge the pinnacles provincial house, Chawama on the outskirts
of comfort in our province – truly the DAMIHI of the city of Lusaka. The solemn
ANIMAS was the focus of these passionate atmosphere entailed in the decorations so
Salesians. well done spoke volumes of the commitment
I didn’t say of the provincial community that really
this – the retreat burned out its candles to make this great
that had preceded event of the province and the congregation at
the chapter from large a success.
9th evening to In giving the background to the PC 5, the
11th evening of moderator Fr. Bruno Zamberlan stated that it
April 2007 left the was in preparation for the 26th general
confreres of the chapter in the Rector Major’s felt need for us
chapter burning to inflame with joy and enthusiasm our hearts
with passion for in living the Salesian life and in the fulfilment
Christ and for of the mission to the young.
humanity. I am It is with this passion that the members of the
proud to say – I chapter took off. Things were not all rosy in
am the witness. I the chapter. There were light moments and
saw transfigured heavy ones too. Hot moments and cold ones
and well focused too. There were moments of coalition and of
True passionate
sons of Don Bosco
PC 5 for ZMB
12
AM NOT QUALIFIED. Fr. Chester Lenczuk
has taken up this antiphon to supply it with
some music cords and it might become a song
for the next jubilee.
Jokes aside! The chapter members who were
twenty in number, plus four guests were
fanatically committed to the chapter such that collision too. Don’t be surprised at this! Such
the chapter was over a day and half before the antinomies just tell a story of the full life lived
scheduled end date.by ZMB province. Talk of shikulu Gotta not
If credits are sufficient to award, a lot of being able to send his report to the economer
them go to Br. Jerry Meegan, a Salesian because he was pushing and pushing the
brother from the province of New Rochelle in computer until it broke! Did I get him well? Or
USA who provided a professional touch to the was he trying to say that the internet
whole chapter. He was a legal reference connection was difficult to get in the kingdom
wherever we were stuck. The moderator of of Mwata Kazembe?
the chapter felt very comfortable because he What about the desire of Fr. John
could lean on Br. Jerry when things went hot in Bosco Mulenga to have a tour of Rome during
the chapter. The secretary of the chapter too, the 26th general chapter and ended up losing
the one writing this article sourced a lot from the elections? Many are saying his campaign
this fountain of wisdom in the person of Br. was too obvious. He was too Roman from the
Jerry.very beginning of the chapter by putting on
Hey! Don’t stop there! I have something black cassocks. This was enough for voters to
more to tell you. It’s about the last day of the be indoctrinated and start thinking that he
chapter, Monday 16th April 2007 when the belongs there. Unfortunately he got only a
members had to vote for the delegate. Who single vote. What do you conclude? It was his
says there are no politics in the congregation? own vote! From some analysts I gathered that
I am the witness here again. A lot of he had some traits of a Moslem imam in his
underground campaign was going on to have dressing that is why he lost.
a Salesian brother on the General Chapter. Some confessions were made too.
The first ballot went with a message There was a disease in the province that very
that Br. Makumba stood a chance of stepping few knew it was really a disease. Fr.
on the soil of the cradle of Salesian life – Tresphord Chota, the rector of Hwange was
Rome. And so it was. In the third round Br. even suffering from allergy because of this
Makumba Sylvester had a landslide victory disease. I am talking about the constant
with 13 votes out of 20 – the other 7 having antiphon confreres say whenever they are
been shared by Fr. Lesa Norbert and Fr. given a responsibility – I AM NOT
Lenczuk Chester.QUALIFIED. Take care of the Youth ministry –
Apart from politics, I see as I always see with I AM NOT QUALIFIED. Play some games – I
13
14
my glasses of
optimism –
our province
has a very
high regard
for a Salesian
brother. I will
t a k e t h i s
g o s s i p t o
young people
as I share
a b o u t t h e
S a l e s i a n
brother. I am
worried with
remind the parish priests about reports – It’s this attitude
not enough that they give to the catechists and will have an
parishioners… What more do we need? Our inf lat ion of
chapter begins now.S a l e s i a n
b r o t h e r
v o c a t i o n .
By Fr. Eustace Siame sdbBravo!!! Take
t h i s a s a
compliment.
Fr. Chester has kept his position as a
substitute of the delegate. He was a substitute
even in the last General Chapter. Who knows!
Something very substantial awaits him in the
congregation.
Fr. Joseph Czerwinski, the able
provincial for ZMB concluded with the
Eucharistic Celebration on the evening of 16th
April 2007. It was full of thanksgiving and praise
for the efforts each Salesian put in making it a
reality.
The battle is over... so went the
song of the concluding Mass. The
chapter is now over! Wait, did I say it is
over? Slip of the fingers on the keyboard.
The Chapter has just begun. We are now
to go back to our communities and
implement the lines of actions in the
articles so well paraphrased. Shikulu
Gotter look for other means to make sure
the report reaches the economer. Fr.
Chota take care of the signatures in
Harare for any agreements with the
outsiders. Fr. Clement help those young
confreres in Moshi value a life of
detachment and commitment. Fr. Leszek
The sessions
The Mass
Tea time
Before Sunday Mass
Mass with the Nuncio
15
1
2
3 4
5
6
7Legend
1 Fr Bruno Moderator PC 5
2. Discussion in groups
3. Mass with the nuncio
4. Tea time
5. Delegate to the General Chapter
6. Fr Eustace Siame, Secretary
7. Mass at State Lodge
8. Bro. Gerald from the U.S.A
8
Da mihi animas
coetera tolle!
