Year 4 | Issue No. 14 Mar - Apr - May 2010
Curatorium Moshi - Nairobi
XVI Graduation Ceremony - Chingola
Way of the Cross - Bauleni
New Translation of Roman Missal
ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE - MALAWI - NAMIBIA
Editorial 3
Words of the Provincial 4
New Translation of the Missal 5
Echoes from 150 Anniversary of SDBs 6
2010, Year of Priests 7
Youth Rally in Chingola 8
XVI Graduation Ceremony - Chingola 9
Xaverian Seminar - Kazembe 10
Don Bosco’s Feast - Malawi 11
Lenten Spirituality 12
Bauleni Pre-novices 13
Cagliero 11 14
Kabwe: Youth Day Celebrations 16
Thinking point: Wasted Talents 17
ZMB Photo 18
100 Anniversary
of the death of Blessed Michael Rua
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,
Moshi SDBs
E-mail:
Website:
Printed: Printing Press - Provincial House
zmbsocialc@zmb.co.zm
www.salesianszmb.org
ZMB
Salesian Newslink | ZMB Quarterly publication
Year 4/Nº14 Mar - Apr - May 2010
2 Salesian NewslinkZMB
LEGEND
1. LILONGWE: Christmas play at Don Bosco
Hall on Christmas Eve.
2.KRAKOW: Bro Kenny Mubanga SDB while
visiting the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy.
3. CHAWAMA: Joint celebration (City of
Hope Community, Thorn Park and
Chawama) in honour of St John Bosco.
4. CHAWAMA: Birthday celebration of Fr
Leszek Aksamit SDB.
5. WARSAW: Sister Maria Domalewska FMA
while in Poland for medical check-up.
Photo cover:
Curatorium Meeting at Moshi: Fr Guillermo Basanes & provincials belonging
to Moshi-Nairobi Curatorium.
1
2
3
4
5
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
3Salesian NewslinkZMB
Editorial
a God who is a Father and who cares for vents that are taking place in
them, even though we do not see it various places show us that
sometimes.Ethere is so much more than
what we can actually see. Youth activities in the province are
These days the media in Europe show how becoming more organised and they cater
much anger and disappointment some for more and more young people. The
people show towards the Church and all it efforts of the various communities in
stands for. However, this is only part of the bringing young people together to
things that can be seen; there is so much celebrate their journey of faith is becoming
more that lies beneath. a driving force that enables both young
Scandals and mistakes are part and parcel people and Salesian communities
of our human nature and due to our natural appreciate all that God is doing in the
inclination to evil we do realise our need of youngsters and also becomes a source of
God and of his redemption. Man alone energy to renew ourselves to face up life
cannot reach its goal of growth towards with greater commitment and enthusiasm.
fullness and self-realisation unless s/he is
helped and assisted by God’s grace. Finally, let’s remember that some big
Looking at what the Church faces events are ahead of us: Holy Week &
nowadays and what lies ahead, there is so Easter, the VI Provincial Chapter and the
much to hope for. The Catholic Church in Feast of Mary Help of Christians. Each of
the States after publicly venting its them takes our daily life to higher
mistakes and recognising the wrong that Love is stronger than death and we need to dimensions. Holy Week & Easter show us
was made, is now slowly recovering and remember that God is love as the Gospel of the grandeur of the life lived under God’s
proving to be stronger than it was before. John reminds us. grace and the promise of eternity; the
Surely, those who used the mistakes made Provincial Chapter seeks to renew the life
by church ministers and clergy, and tried The first three months of life of ministry in of our vice-province to aim higher and
also to put the Church down in its moral ZMB are witnesses of the same reality: ups dream big, and the Feast of Mary Help of
stands, did not do but to make the Church and downs allow each of us to reflect on the Christians shows us Mary’s love for the
stronger. Jesus’ promise to Peter, “the fact that despite our weaknesses and Church and Don Bosco’s love for Mary
power of hell will not overcome it [the failures, shortcomings and difficulties under the title of Help of Christians.
church founded on him]” is the sure hope God’s grace is able to make out of bad/sad
of the triumph of good over evil. We are events, occasions of growth and glory. As these events come by let our
still in the Lenten season but soon we will Testimonies of young people in most of our preparation and the commitment to the
all enter the time to re-live with Jesus all centres are the proof that God is at work in mission entrusted to us by the Lord in this
the most powerful moments of his ministry our communities. Young people that had part of the African continent, continue
on earth; there we will all witness the recently graduated expressed how closer giving us renewed energy and the joy of
weakness of human nature and the strength they have felt God in the past year and following the Risen Lord in the footsteps
of God’s power and love for humanity. being in contact with the Salesians has of Don Bosco.
been the greatest May Mary Help of Christians continue
e x p e r i e n c e e v e r. blessing the Salesian Congregation and the
Young people in our Church!
oratories do feel at
home, they find the
home the long for and
most especially by the
fact of being always
surrounded by the
Salesian Community
they know that there is
Fr Javier Antonio Barrientos SDB
zmbyouthd@zmb.co.zm
June 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
What lies
!
4 Salesian NewslinkZMB
I just finished the visitation of our Salesians are involved fully in all sectors of communities in Zimbabwe, Kabwe the project: School, Oratory and St Theresa and Luapula (Zambia). This time I Church. The planning is done in the
stayed in the communities longer and we community and it is the SDB Community
all tried to reflect on our apostolate that is responsible for the smooth running
together. I also assisted these six of the whole center. I take this opportunity
communities in doing their community and express my words of thanks to Fr
plans. Although at the beginning there had Chester, Dk Chris and Br Gasiano. I do
been some negative feelings towards it, as hope and pray that this situation will
we continued with the planning process, continue for the benefit of the young
the situation changed and the confreres people and the SDB’s.
expressed their happiness for the time of
reflection and guidance. We are in the fourth week of Lent, almost
ready for the Resurrection, time very
I must say that so far, my impression is opportune for a decisive change in life. It
rather positive and I would like to would be a tragedy if we were to become
encourage confreres to continue working too busy, too caught up with doing things,
with the young people entrusted to us, in too efficient and success oriented and
the same spirit of joy and optimism in all hadn’t the time and space for compassion
our communities. and forgiveness. It is compassion and
but allowing His Spirit to change my forgiveness that is a source of Jesus’
heart. Only if we are men of compassion The last community I visited was Lufubu. I teaching, preaching, healing and forgiving
and courage, we can fulfill our mission. was very impressed with the positive - symbolized so powerfully in the image of
change that I found there. As a matter of the parable of the Merciful Father that we
May the Lord’s peace be with you fact there is a radical alteration in the heard this last Sunday.
throughout this Lenten Season and may situation of the SDB Community and the
your various ministries be particularly Agricultural Training Center. The As I have already said, Lent is about a
fruitful. transformation is total and in a positive change of heart – not about my changing
sense. The students are happy and the my heart through doing or giving up things,
Words of the Provincial
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Fr Jozef Czerwinski sdb
zmbprovincial@gmail.com
MISSION
Men of Compassion
to fulfil the
A Visit from the Director of S.O.M Fr Roman Wortolec SDB,
director of the Mission Procure of
Warsaw (S.O.M) visited ZMB
province from 4-12 March 2010.
Fr Roman arrived in Victoria Falls
(Zimbabwe) together with Fr Marek
Kowalski SDB.
In Zambia, Fr Roman visited the
communities of Bauleni, Kabwe,
Mansa, Kazembe and Lufubu,
spending some quality time with the
Salesians as well as with the volunteers
from his mission centre.
In Lusaka and Mansa Fr Roman also
visited the FMA communities.
Fr Roman Wortolec SDB, Director of SOM
5Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
Church Today
ast December I wrote an article for The council also wisely made provision for
America, the Jesuits’ respected times of experimentation and evaluation Lweekly magazine, proposing a “road (SC 40) – something that has been
test” of the controversial new translations noticeably missing in the present case. This
of the Roman Missal. Even in my most leads me to pose a question: what if we were
sanguine moments I never imagined that in to awaken to the fact that these texts are
one month more than 10,000 people – lay, simply not ready to be implemented? What
Religious,and clergy – from all over the if we just said: “Wait”?
world would register their support. And this F o r s o m e , i t m i g h t s m a c k o f
in perhaps the busiest month of the year, insubordination to ask these questions, but I
What if we, the priests, Religious and when people might not be expected to be think it’s loyalty and plain good sense –
laypeople of the English-speaking world, pondering anything so arcane as how best loyalty not to any ideological agenda but to
were to find our voice and tell our bishops to translate revered old Latin texts. the people of God whose prayer the new
that we want to help them avert a fiasco? I take this as a measure of the high translations purport to improve, and good
What if we told them that we think it unwise importance Catholics attach to the Mass sense to anyone who stops to think about
to implement these changes until we have and to the prayers that are at the heart of what is at stake here.
been consulted in an adult manner that their lives as believers. I also take it as a What is at stake is nothing less than the
honours our intelligence and our baptismal clear indication that people want a voice in Church’s credibility. The Church could
birthright?decisions that touch them directly. surely gain some credibility by giving us
What if we just said, “Wait – not until we Apparently, they’ve taken to heart the more beautiful translations, but clumsy is
are ready for the new translations, but until teaching of the Second Vatican Council. not beautiful, and precious is not prayerful.
the translations are ready for us”? And so I The council, of course, is where all this During a recent dinner conversation, the
offer the following modest proposals. What started. Forty-six years ago at the closing issue of the new translations came up. Two
if pastors, parish councils, liturgical Mass of the second session of the council, at the table were keenly – and angrily –
commissions and presbyteral councils were the bishops of the world along with Pope aware of the impending changes; two were
to appeal to their bishops to slow down and Paul VI promulgated the Constitution on not. When the uninformed heard a few
do some “market testing”? What if each the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum examples (“and with your spirit”;
conference of bishops were to designate Concilium. In many ways, it was a modern “consubstantial with the Father”; “oblation
communities where the new translations Magna Carta. It transcended ecclesiastical of our service”; “precious chalice”), the
would receive a trial run: large, politics: it was not just the pet project of a reaction was somewhere between disbelief
multicultural parishes and small parishes, party but the overwhelming consensus of and indignation.
urban and rural, affluent and poor, religious the world’s bishops, who had voted for it One person ventured the opinion that with
communities and college campuses? What 2,147 to 4. I was present in St Peter’s all that the Church has on its plate today –
if for the space of one liturgical year the Square that day, an eager and enthusiastic global challenges of justice, peace and the
new translations were road-tested in these North American College seminarian, environment; the ongoing clergy abuse
communities, with careful catechesis and and I shall never forget it. scandal; a severe priest shortage; the
thorough, honest evaluation? Wouldn’t Never would it have occurred to me then growing disenchantment of many women;
such testing yield valuable information for that I would live to witness what seems like seriously lagging church attendance – it
both the translators and the bishops? In the systematic dismantling of the great seems ludicrous to push ahead with an
short, what if collegiality, dialogue and vision of the council’s decree. But I have. agenda that will seem at best trivial and at
concern for the pastoral needs of the people We all have. worst hopelessly out of touch.
of God were to be introduced at this late For evidence, we need look no further than And there’s more: the chilly reception the
stage? Isn’t it possible that we might help the new translations of the Roman Missal people of South Africa have already given
the Church we love avert disaster? And isn’t that will soon reach the final stages of the new translations. The bishops misread
it possible that those who have decided that approval by the Holy See. the directives from Rome and introduced
Latinity is more important than lucidity When that approval is given, those of us the new translations of the Order of Mass
might end up re-thinking their position, and who enthusiastically embraced the over a year ago. The translations were met
that ungainly, awkward sentences could liturgical reforms of the council will be almost uniformly with opposition
give way to noble, poetic translations of asked to do the same with regard to the new bordering on outrage, and have created
beautiful old texts that would be truly translations. We will be hard put to do so. In serious division in the parishes.
worthy of our greatest prayer?fact, we can see the present moment only as It is not my purpose here to discuss the
So let the dialogue begin.an assault on the council and a blow to flawed principles of translation behind this
episcopal collegiality. It was, after all, the effort or the weak, inconsistent translations
council that gave bishops’ conferences the that have resulted. Others have already ably
au thor i ty to produce vernacular done that. No, my concern is for the step we
Extract from The Tablet, 16 Jan 2010.translations (SC 36, 40), to be approved, of now face: implementing the new
course, by the Holy See but not, translations. This brings me back to my
presumably, to be controlled by it. question: what if we just said, “Wait”?
www.whatifwejustsaidwait.org
New Translation
of the Missal
Fr Michael G. Ryan
6 Salesian NewslinkZMB Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Provincial Celebration
Bauleni – Lusaka (Zambia) 18/12/2009.- provincial secretary Fr Javier Antonio
Confreres from ZMB Vice-Province have presented the statistics of the province
celebrated the 150 Anniversary of the along with the questionnaire for the
Foundation of the Salesian Congregation technical schools. The turn of the provincial
with a central celebration at Bauleni of ZMB also came with the speech he gave
community. to all the confreres gathered at Bauleni. He
The event was carefully prepared by Fr reminded all of the importance of the event
Chester Lenczuk SDB and the salesian and all the facts that made this celebration
community of Bauleni. The programme possible.
began with the presentation of the modality At 11:00 am the Apostolic Nuncio
of the forthcoming Provincial Chapter. The Archbishop Nicola Girasoli arrived to
presentation was made by Fr Eustace Siame Bauleni and presided over the eucharistic
SDB who is the appointed moderator of the celebration in which confreres renewed
chapter. After Fr Eustace’s presentation, the their vows in the presence of the provincial
of ZMB Fr Jozef
Czerwinski.
During the eucharistic
celebration, a group of
10 people made their
promises as Salesian
Co-operators and thus
symbolic acts: the first was the signing of
they were incorporated
the large copy of the Salesian Constitutions
into the Association of
and second the burning of incense as sign of
t h e S a l e s i a n C o -
total to offering to God. Lunch followed the
operators. At the time
eucharistic celebration and after the
of the thanksgiving all
acknowledgments people departed to their
Salesians that were
various destinations.
present came in front to
renew their vows and to
By Fr Javier A. Barrientos SDB
m a k e a l s o t w o
Anniversary
of the Salesian Congregation150
echoes...
Distant Adoption
t. Paul’s Parish is one of the biggest Trainee. because of the generosity of overseas
parishes in ZMB Vice Province. The What makes the parish special, apart from the benefactors as well as, a well coordinated Sparish is situated on the picturesque and beautiful country side and vicinity of the mighty system of distribution and tuition in the parish
magnificent shore of lake Malawi. It comprises lake, is the well developed a Distant Adoption itself. Last year 2009, the new offices were
of 6 large centers which are further divided into Programme. completed in the parish premises and the project
30 out-stations and 85 Small Christian ‘The Distant Adoption’ Program is very well continues addressing the needs of the young
Communities. All together there are 18,700 run. It has been commented in 2005 in with greater efficiency.
baptized Catholics and 1,500 catechumens. cooperation with Salesian Mission Procure in It is indeed a big help for the underprivileged and
Presently there are three confreres in the Warsaw. Presently the project has almost 900 poor youth from the Nkhotakota District.
community: Fr Malama Louis, Parish Priest and beneficiaries in the different schools and
Local Superior, Fr Dziatkiewicz Paul, the colleges all over the country. Children and Fr Joseph Cz.
assistant of PP and Br Mesi Alexio, the Practical young people are able to continue their studies
Nkhotakota
7Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
Thinking Point
Do you know that year (June 2009-
June 2010) is dedicated to the priests? No
sooner had we completed the Year of St.
Paul the great missionary and evangelizer
than the Pope declared the year 2009 and
2010 as the Year for the Sanctification of
the priests. We all know that the Church
throughout the ages needs dedicated and
holy priests to carry out the 5mission
entrusted to us by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Actually the Year of St. Paul opened the
door to see the image of Priesthood needed
in our contemporary world. The Year of the
they are about to undertake following the Sacrifices (Pt 2:5).Priest has already started and it runs from
path traced out by Jesus Christ the High To experience the renewal of our June 15 on the feast of the Sacred Heart of
Priest. Thus, it demands a priest not to Priesthood either Ministerial of common Jesus to June 2010 on the same feast in
neglect his work but to minister the priesthood and receive God’s grace in this which we entrust our priests and all the
sacraments to the faithful and especially to special year I suggest that we can faithful to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. During
be at the service of God’s people and strive practically do the follow:this special year for our priests, the Pope
to be Holy. I invite all the priests to imitate the zeals of has called the entire Church to see the life of
It is the year to call to mind that a priest is a St. John Vianney to be staying in the the priest in the light of the Priesthood of
human being chosen from among people so confess box and administer the sacrament Jesus Christ the High Priest who laid his
as to serve them (Heb 5:1-10). In view of of Penance and to invite the fait to the life for others. In this regard the Pope has
this, St. John Vianney the Patron saint for reception of this sacrament.come up with a theme to guide us as we
the Priests said, “A Priest is not a priest for To formulate a common prayer to pray for meditate on priesthood.
himself only; he is a priest for others”. Priest and new vocation to priesthood every
Therefore if we pray for the sanctification Sunday or any suitable. This can be done at
of the church actually we are praying for the the parish level, small Christian
sanctification of the Church. Hence we can communities and associations.
deduce that the year for the Priests is a year Workshops to be conducted so as to make
of renewal of the church and a year of people know about the Sacrament of Holy
grace. It is also true to say that the grace of orders.
Priesthood touches upon the church’s Eucharist, adoration, saying Rosary
mission of Evangelization which requires recommending our Priest to Jesus and the
personal sanctity on the Part of both her Blessed Virgin Mary the mother of all the
Priests and the faithful. In addition to that, Priests. This can be done at all levels.
Psalm 132:9 states that “Your Priests will To conclude my reflection on the Year for
The guiding theme is “Faithfulness of be clothed with holiness and your faithful Priest I end up with the words of Jesus from
Christ, Faithfulness of Priests”. It follows will rejoice”. Indeed the year itself is good Mt 10:41: “Whoever receives a prophet
that the Priesthood of Christ is the news as Priesthood is good news both the because he is a prophet will receive a
paradigm upon which every Priest should priest and the people to whom he is send to prophet’s reward”.
mould himself and Christians need serve in the name of Christ and church. In Let us remember that the real enemy of the
to help their Pastors to serve them as Christ fact we should give thanks to ministerial Church is the one who attacks the Priest and
did. I am also happy to pin-point that the Priesthood, for the faithful are made aware the Eucharist. Hence, let us take this year
Year for the Priests is to recall and re-live of their Common Priesthood and they seriously for the Love of our Church and
their ordination event. On the day of should live it (Eph 4:11-12); the Priest Priests.
ordination every priest is reminded by the reminds them that they are the people of
Bishop to be faithful to the ministry which God and make them able to offer Spiritual FR. TRESFORD CHOTA SDB
2010
Year of the
Fr Tresphord Chota SDB
Rector of Hwange Community PRIEST
8 Salesian NewslinkZMB
Youth Ministry - Techical Schools
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Youth rally - Chingola
The Seed has become a tree
Chingola (Zambia) 19-23 December SDB were also present, along with other
2010. Hundreds of young people from young confreres.
various communities of ZMB Vice- The youth gathering started on the eve of 19
Province gathered at Chingola – Copper December after the arrival of last
Belt (Zambia) to celebrate the 150 delegation (Kabwe). The youth rally started
Anniversary of the Foundation of the with the cultural presentation of the various
Salesian Congregation. The theme for the delegations. The delegation from Chingola
youth gathering was ‘the seed has become a amazed the rest of participants with the
tree’. Zulu-dance and the adaptation of the
Fr Eustace Siame SDB the zone youth ‘gwara-gwara song’ to the theme of the
coordinator for Bauleni, Kabwe and festival.
which the youth displayed the best of their Chingola, together with Fr Norbert Lesa During the youth rally the animation of the
knowledge on matters regarding the SDB and Fr Gilbert Twahirwa SDB have eucharist was entrusted to the various
Salesians. In the evening winners of the organised a large gathering of young people delegations which came up with beautiful
quiz were awarded with t-shirts with the in order to commemorate the 150 and creative ideas. Likewise the animation
motive of the 150 anniversary of the anniversary of the Salesian Congregation. of the morning and evening prayers were
Congregation.The venue for the youth celebration was the done according to delegations.
The closing mass was presided by Fr On the second day,
Eustace Siame who tanked all the all the young people
participants for their cooperation in the gathered at Chingola
preparation of the festival and each young marched ac ros s
person for their participation and town at the rhythm
contribution towards the celebrations of the Don Bosco
which are taking place worldwide as we Band. People who
celebrate the anniversary of the beginning saw the vigour and
of the Salesian Mission.enthusiasm of the
y o u n g p e o p l e ,
By Javier A. Barrientos SDBjoined them in the
march pass and
followed them until
the campus of Don
Bosco Chingola. the
youngsters made a
colourful parade
with the banners, t-
salesian community of Chingola (Copper shirts and band which were prepared for the
Belt – Zambia). To this youth gathering Fr occasion.
Cheslaw Lenczuk SDB, Vice provincial of The event also recorded a quiz on the
ZMB and Fr Javier Antonio Barrientos history of the Salesian Congregation in
The Zone Youth Rally gathered young people of the communities of Bauleni, Kabwe and Chingola
to spend few days reflecting on the Rector Major’s Strenna for the Year 2009, thus closing with a
note of celebration the big event of the Anniversary of the Salesian Congregation.
they truly love you because that which people say about them are just rumors, but LIFE’S EXPERIENCES
comes from the heart is always the best then again it could be true. For fear of By Chongo Musonda
and is special. In most cases though, finding out the truth about them you would
people tend to misuse this phrase ‘I love rather not believe the stories going round.“In my journey through life I have come to
you with all my heart.’ The worst thing about all this is when you learn a lot”
There are situations in life were you just come to realize that the person you are in
love someone so much that you wouldn’t so much love with and are ready to do hen you come to think of it I
even want to hear anything bad being anything for don’t even see all that in you think you’ll agree with me that
spoken about them.. It doesn’t matter the and they just seem to care less…it is quite Wthe heart gets affected so much
differences you might have with them or disappointing…but one thing you should with almost everything that happens in our
how much you might be hurt by them, you know is that giving someone all your love lives. It gets affected either by feeling hurt
would feel like standing up and defend is never an assurance that they’ll love you or loved. When a person tells you that they
them whenever you hear people speaking back. Do not expect love in return; just love you with their heart, it means that
ill of them. It could be that what you hear wait for it to grow in their heart. If it
doesn’t, be content it grew in yours. We
now reach a point were you feel like your
door of happiness has closed and you are
left with no option but to face reality which
is so painful…it feels like the end of the
world. And often we spend so much time
looking at this closed door that we can’t
even notice the other one which has been
opened for us. If not careful we would
never notice it because we choose not to
move on, instead we continue living in
pain. But I believe that the brightest future
will always depend on the forgotten past,
we can’t go on well in life until we let go of
our heartaches and failure keeping in mind
that just as part of growing is learning, so is
hurting part of loving.
It only takes a minute to get a crash on
someone, an hour to like them and a day to
love them, but it takes a lifetime to forget
someone. Believe you me, there are
moments in life when you miss someone so
much that you just want to pick them up
from your dreams and hug them for
real…this usually is the time when you
realize what you had now that it’s gone.
Perhaps that thing wasn’t meant for you, it
wasn’t the right thing you needed after all
but for some reason you’ll probably never
know, you possessed it for sometime and
then taken away. May be God wants us to
meet a few wrong people before meeting
the right one so that when we finally meet
the right person we will know how to be
grateful for the gift.
after me, but trying to change things In conclusion I just urge you to give each of THANKS TO THE
through being educated by the Salesians. the following a thought: SALESIANS FOR MY
One more time BRAVO to the Salesians The best kind of friend is the kind you can GRADUATION for the good Missionary work to the sit on a swing and swing with, never say a
Finally, I have managed to reach 2010, the youths. Greetings to you all.word and then walk away feeling like it was
promised year. My thanks goes to God the Written by: Malama Martin Christantos the best conversation you’ve ever had.
almighty Father for giving me this
Always put yourself in other people’s
privilege. It has not been easy for me to
shoes, if you feel that it hurts it probably
challenge the youth challenges. I believe
hurts the other person too.
God is working in me.
The happiest people in life don’t
I also want to thank the people who helped
necessarily have the best of everything;
me to be the way I am today, especially the
they just make the most of everything that
Salesians of St. John Bosco. I hope and
comes their way.
pray that they continue with the same
Don’t go for looks in someone, even that
spirit. They say a person to thank most in
which fades away but rather go for
life is the one who is giving you
someone who makes you smile, to make a
knowledge. Therefore, I want to extend
dark day seem bright. Simply go for
my gratitudes to the provincial youth
someone who makes your heart smile!
delegate of ZMB Vice Province, who
really helped or educate me both Spiritual
People might hate you for merely what they
and Physically from grade Ten to grade
see on your outside without taking time to
Twelve, and finally to the college level. I
explore what lies inside you. Do not mind
am now a Carpenter by professional who
them; they don’t matter because those who
managed to graduate with a distinction.
matter do not mind. Just be you.
Despite having difficulties in the world, I
am now independent person living in a
Love begins with a smile, grows with a
foreign town where I only have friends.
kiss, sustained by fear and ends with a tear.
Slowly, I know and believe that
Kakabalika. It is a good challenge to all
Hope you learn something from what have
the youths especially those who find it
been my experiences in life so far.
difficult in being at the youth Center. I am
just a young man, black in complexion,
double orphan without anyone to look
9Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
XVI Graduation Ceremony
Chingola (Zambia) 16/02/2010.- Students from all the different departments of
Don Bosco Technical College - Chingola graduated in a ceremony which was well
attended. The Guest of Honour was Fr Leszek Aksamit, director of the ZMB
Development Office; other important invited guests were Ms. Ann Johnson, the
outgoing National Coordinator of ICDL-Zambia and government authorities.
10 Salesian NewslinkZMB
Youth Ministry - Parishes
Don Bosco Parish
KAZEMBE
uring the time of Advent we are
encouraged to prepare our lives for Dthe constant coming of Jesus
Christ. Therefore we are advised to take our
whole life as an advent – a period of waiting
Chilando. After getting familiar with the the Parish Catechist Mr Kabamba had time for Christ.
program the youngsters had time to dance to prepare the participants for the
to the accompaniment of their own songs Confession. After lunch Madam Exilda For the Xaverian Movement on Don Bosco
and cheered each other. It was really a also taught the Xaverians about desirable Parish Kazembe, the time of Advent was
spectacular manifestation of youthfulness personal conduct and advised them to stay very practical and fruitful, because the
and joy. chaste in their young age until the right time Parish Priest – Fr Andrew Daniluk
for marriage. After the Confession the organized a four-day seminar for them.
On Friday after morning Eucharist and young people had time to evaluate their Despite the unfavourable weather, about
breakfast, the Xaverians were very movement at parish level.130 Xaverian boys and girls managed to
attentive in listening to the first session report for the seminar. The event started on
about satanism which was presented by Finally on Sunday – 13th, the seminar came the 10th December 2009, and ended on
Boyd Chipili. Later on, after a short break, to an end after the Holy Mass presided by Fr 13th. It was Thursday evening when Fr
Chilando gave a lesson on sin in which they Casimir with Fr Andrew’s homily. The Andrew welcomed the young people who
fully participated as well. After lunch the Parish Priest also thanked all who just arrived from different out-stations of
Parish Priest taught about the importance of contributed to the successful running of the our parish and introduced to them two
the human conscience and the Sacrament of seminar and wished safe journey to the facilitators of the seminar: Chipili and
Reconciliation. In late evening all of them, young boys and girls who were to travel to
as a way of relaxing, their respective villages.
were watching the
videos with Christian Written By
songs. Boyd Chipili
On Saturday 11th Dec.
the Xaverians were
taught about good
behaviours and right
morals. Both Chilando
and Chipili facilitated
that session later on
assisted by two Sisters
of Mercy: Florence and
Elisabeth. Before lunch
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Xaverian Seminar
Kazembe
11Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
THAT YOU ARE YOUNG,
IS ENOUGH FOR ME TO that you exist as a human being full of
LOVE YOU possibilities. Don Bosco looked for these
aying that dreams come true may possibilities in the young people and the
sometime seem to be metaphorical rest counted as nothing. His motto “Give Slanguage. Most of the times it is me souls, take away the rest” made him
used to give hope either to the self or the focus only at the metaphysical good of each
other. It was at the age of nine when Don young person and the accidental behaviour
Bosco had this strange dream that almost mattered less to him.
sent him bananas , it made him try what Don Bosco lured the young with different
seemed impossible at that epoch , what entertainments with the end view of
seemed to be a mere dream and unrealistic. educating them, it is for this reason that
However people laughed at him, the Father Salesian presences are characterized by
of Youth never gave up because he was different activities that make young people
convinced of the vision of the truth that he flock to the premises. Therefore, any feast
received through the Virgin Mary and he devoid of any sort of entertainment can not
was never afraid to share it with whoever be Salesian. Don Bosco himself used to say
had taken great interest in the welfare of the a Salesian house without music is like a
youth. body without a Soul. The feast of Don
Don Bosco realized the great potential Bosco on 29th January, 2010 was
embedded in the young people yet so characterized by various activities like
dejected, neglected, objectified and left at Quiz, cultural activities and games like
the mercy of the streets of Turin, later netball, volleyball and football between
Europe, Asia, America, Australia and staff members and the first years of the
Africa in this particular case Malawi, college. It ended with prize presentation at
Lilongwe Area 23. Ideally, the young the end of all the activities. The staff as
people have a special place in almost in usual carried the day winning all the games.
every culture. We find in some languages The festivity mode continued until Sunday
sayings like “growing trees make a future the 31st when Don Bosco Parish celebrated
forest”. However, quite a few in human its feast day. All the out stations came and
history have taken a pragmatic step to come Sunday afternoon was full of activities
to the help of the poor young. Don Bosco’s ranging from drama, dancing and games.
idea of helping the poor youth spiritually The feast was graced by the Member of
and socially through education never Parliament, the Ambassador of Japan to
remained in the mind as some ideas we Malawi among many others. The feast is
have known might have done. It was a not the end but the dream still leaves on
pragmatic idea that has been burning like unfolding in new frontiers.
fire from one person to a city, country and By Clement Mutamba SDB
later to the ends of the earth.
This idea is being enhanced all over the
world through Parishes, Schools and Youth
Centers. Don Bosco Youth Technical
Institute glooming the young in various
skills and above all moral values celebrated
the feast of their father and founder who
loved them so dearly for the sole reason that
they are young. There is no greater love
than this of loving someone for the sole
reason that they are, it is metaphysical in its
nature. The only condition for this love is
Malawi on the Focus
Don Bosco’s
FEASTHospital of TREVISO Italy
Saturday 27th February 2010
Dear friends,
I would like to write these few words in
order to introduce myself and to
express all my affection and my faith,
which is so great.
Even I am sick I know that I am lucky
because here in Italy the hospitals are
very good and we have the occasion
to be well attended, while sometimes,
unfortunately, you don’t have all this
opportunities. My dearest brother
Bruno told me that.
I am very grateful that you deprived
yourselves of him for some days. I
can understand how much his
presence and help should be
important for you: I will be ever
grateful for this gesture of yours.
I cannot tell you the great joy I
experienced at his arrival: he brought
me his faith, which reinforced mine
together with a great strength and
hope of recovery.
My brothers and sisters, together with
the prayers you did for me this is the
best gift you gave to me.
Again many thanks.
Gino Zamberlan
CELEBRATING...
Family News
Mr Gino Zamberlan, brother to Fr
Bruno, writes a thanksgiving letter
for his brother’s visit to him while in
hospital.
12 Salesian NewslinkZMB
enten season that starts with Ash Lord for you. If this is the way you fast,
Wednesday is a time Christians God will be pleased with your sacrifice”.Lremember the journey to Calvary. Today before the Lenten season,
The success of the celebration of Easter religious communities meet in order to
depends on how well it is prepared. About come up with a community penance as a
200 years after Christ’s death, Christians kind of gesture in which we contribute to
wanted to harvest the best fruits of Easter the poor. In Bauleni apart from the
and therefore introduced a practice of community penance, the community
having three days of prayer, reflection and decided to join thousands of Christians
fasting only to express their sorrow for the who participate devotedly on this journey
death of Jesus Christ. Looking at the of suffering. Realizing in which
spiritual meaning it brought on the lives of geographical season we are, makes it even Interesting are also the children who
the people, around AD 350, which is more challenging for the faithful would follow devotedly in this sorrowful path.
roughly 150 years later, Christians realized not even mind the rains, but that the way of Despite the group of the catholic action
that three days of preparation for the great the cross be done in the arena which is who are the police reserves to keep order,
feast were not enough and so they partly the fruit of their work. the children go side by side with the
increased them to forty. Popular devotions like the way of leading minister. Some of the young ones
the cross make a difference in the lives of take part as well in the animation of the
different people. We may be reluctant and way of the cross. It is seen to be devotion
ignore the whole journey because perhaps also of non catholic. The question still is: Is
we are mechanically motivated, but the the way of the cross also popular in other
challenge still is these thousands that we parishes of the archdiocese of Lusaka as in
are to lead, and who are ready to kneel Bauleni parish? What moves the people to
before God and take this event as a this beautiful arena?
participation of their preparation to the One of the possible answers
glorious resurrection of Christ on Easter. would be the marbled way of the cross with
At St Mathias Mulumba parish, enough open places which makes it more
the interesting way of the cross starts with beautiful and colorful. This could be a time
a reflection in the main church before to pray for our Salesian brothers who These forty days of personal and
setting on a march to Calvary in which the passed in Bauleni and did this piece of art.community renewal is taken seriously by
fourteen stations are organized by the The church is asking us to Christians every where. In the first place
different small Christian communities on concentrate on these few things, Arms Christians were taught to pray, to beg from
duty. We have always one Salesian giving, prayer and fasting. For us religious God for the gift of conversion and believe
leading, be it one of the priests, deacon or it’s almost a joke if this temp fort is not in the Gospel. Secondly they were taught
the acolyte Br Jerome. During this time taken seriously at a personal level. Our to fight against evil in order to keep
when the faithful are moving from one communities may propose, but the issue passions and selfishness under control and
station to the other, the priests are in the still remains to different individuals to take finally to fast. Although it’s difficult to find
confession box in order to attend to many their personal resolutions. It could be a meaning in the fast that is recommended
others who want to make this moment a perhaps a time for those of us who are because it’s not the fasting that pleases
favorable time to be reconciled with God. enclosed to open up and look ahead to see God but love for our brothers and sisters in
many of our faithful who are in deplorable need.
situations. What is Lenten season if I’m “This is how you should fast:
just the way I live my life everyday? What during fasting days you will feed only on
is Lenten season if I don’t look at the bread and water; you will then calculate
brother in pain? What is Lenten season if what you will have spent for food on that
my journey to celebrating Easter is still of day and you will give that money to a
the dominant Ego? I wish all the young widow, an orphan or a poor person. You
people of Bauleni Parish a fruitful will deprive yourself of something, and
preparation for this greatest feast in the your self-denial will thus satisfy
church.somebody else’s hunger. He will pray the
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Spirituality
Dk Michael Mbandama
usajime@yahoo.com
People’s Devotion at
St Matthias Mulumba Parish
He will pray the Lord for you!
If this is the way you fast,
the Lord will be pleased
with your sacrifice!
I am Gordon Chongo Mutale. I was born on I met the Salesians of Don Bosco in Kabwe His will be done. Pray for me and vice-
the 10th of September in 1988 and I come at St Mary’s parish. I joined the oratory in versa.
from a family of three boys, where I happen 2007 and Fr Antonio was the oratory
to be the first born. I completed my director by then. I talked to him about my *****
Secondary Education in 2006, at Mansa vocation and what inspired me the most is
High School. My brothers are Brian Mutale, the way the Salesians help, educate and
who completed his Secondary Education in evangelize the youth. The oratory was my
2008 and Jacob Mwape, our half brother dwelling place. My dream is to become a
who is doing his initial Secondary Salesian. I tried to burn the candle at both
Education at St. Clements High School, in ends in order to join the Salesian.
Mansa.
I am originally Bemba by ethnic group from *****
the Northern Province nevertheless, I was
brought up in the Luapula Province of
Zambia, specifically in Mansa. Our father,
Mr. Mutale Bernard passed on in 1994 and
left us with Ms. Chitalu Elizabeth Mwenge,
our mother under whose bosom we grew.
I have felt drawn to Religious Life since
I am Mkumbira Charles Peter . I originally Childhood but was hanging in a balance on
come from Khuzumba village Machinga which Religious Congregation to follow
district in the southern region of Malawi. I until I met the Salesians of Don Bosco in
was born on 10th July 1987 in Machinga 2001, under whose guidance and
district. I was brought up in a family of five spirituality I grew. It was then that I saw the
children; two brothers and three sisters and need of saving my own soul and those of the
I’m the first born. All my parents are alive. I young people as a Salesian. My prayer is
started primary school in 1995 at Mkotamo that with God’s grace, I may nail my colours
I am Amon L. Mwale originally from full primary school, Wataka primary school to the must.
Malawi, Kasungu district. I am from the and then I went to Holy Cross Junior
family of seven chi ldren , three Seminary. I did my secondary school in *****
boys(Postan, Wellings and myself) and three schools; Mlomba, Nsanama and St
four girls(Theresa, Margaret, Christina and Charles Lwanga Secondary school in
Anastasia.) I was born on 9th October, 1990 Balaka district
and I’m the last gift of the family. My father I started hearing this call when I was very
died in the year I was born before my first young. That’s why I joined this junior
fresh air on the earth. I see my father in me seminary at a very early stage. It was like
because I was told that I took after him. I I’m left at loose ends when I left the
grew up with my mother who is illiterate seminary because of some reasons not
but still keeps the prayers by heart as a knowing that I had a different call.
devout Catholic and she used to teach me I never lost hope; I went back to the
Catechism when I was young. She did not drawing board after completing my
want her children be like her but she moved secondary education where I applied to
heaven and earth for our Education and I become a Salesian in the Society of St
completed school in 2007. Francis de Sales (Salesians) which are
My vocation story is something beyond my found in Lilongwe(Area 23). I was called to
My name is Leo Tika Kaluba , I was born in ken. I had mere chances to meet the priest go and start my Aspirantate stage on 31st
1990 on 25th May and I am the second born for the religious congregations were so January 2008 and I finished this on 8th
of the family of three boys . I was brought up scarce. It was when I was at Kasungu October 2009. I’m now in prenoviciate.
by my mother. I am fully Zambian and Secondary School when I started seeking I’m interested in this congregation because
originally from kabwe. I started school in for advices about religious life and it was I like young people and I don’t take this
1997 and finished in 2008 at Jasmine boys through the Jesuit Priests that I met the with grain of salt for I want to follow Christ
high school. I moved heaven and earth to Salesians of Don Bosco. My prayer is that in the footsteps of Don Bosco.
join the Salesians. God may help me fulfill this desire and may
13Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
Initial Formation
Pre-novices
Bauleni
14 Salesian NewslinkZMB
Youth Ministry in the African Region
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
15Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
16 Salesian NewslinkZMB Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Youth Ministry - Kabwe
t was a wonderful and marvellous day I am very happy today to celebrate youth to the oratory they are able to find that true
on 12th March where young people day here at the oratory. The day has been and complete joy more especially through
celebrated their day worldwide. For the fantastic for me and I congratulate the the salesians who impart in young people I
young people of Kabwe, they had a Salesians for making it live for the young the love that is sourced from Jesus Christ
great chance to celebrate it at Don Bosco people who have enjoyed to their maximum the fountain of pastoral Charity.
Youth Centre where the Salesians had best. Personally, oratory has changed my life
organized some activities for them in I joined oratory last year after being now I am a new person in Christ all this is
embracing the fourth vow which states inspired by the work of the Salesians in because of the presence of the salesians
about the predilection for the young people helping young people to grow holistically who have contributed to my gradual
in which the essence according to our upright, from that time I’ve achieved a lot transformation of my heart.
founder Don Bosco was to make young of things more especially in my spiritual My message to my fellow youth is that, they
people happy. “What I want is to see you life through the prayers which we often should allow God to perfect their lives and
happy in this life and the life to come” (MB have, like recollections, rosary, etc. have faith in him, since faith is more
XVI, 235). This is how the Salesians of precious than any earthly goods, precious
Kabwe made this day, a festive one for With sports activities which we have, I’ve than the life of the body.
young people. learnt some games like basketball,
volleyball and netball which make me to be *****
physically strong and to avoid idle mind
that can lead me to think or do immoral My name is Ruth Mumba I am 17 years old.
things that can distance me from God hence I completed my secondary school last year.
I regard oratory as my home. My message Today being the youth day I have enjoyed
to my fellow youths is that, they should being with my friends here at the oratory
rejoice in the Lord always and avoid being and it has brightened my day. I joined the
in bad company that can divert their hearts oratory in 2007 after being inspired by my
in following Our good master Jesus Christ. friends who were already oratorians by that
time. Without beating the bush let me
***** harmer the nail on the head that the oratory
has done great things for me and it is where Young people started arriving at 9:00 am
My name is Damiano Chilekwa one of the I find my happiness, hope and even and the program started with opening
oratorian here at the Salesians youth centre consolation whenever I am worried. I can prayer and remarks by Fr Gilbert the youth
(Kabwe) I would like to comment on boast about one thing that I always give director, after that young people enjoyed
today’s event where we are celebrating the sincere thanks to the Salesians of Don themselves with sports activities. Our
youth day. Bosco is the intuitions program which Rector Major says, “A true salesian never
To say the fact the day has been so great to helped me during my final exams of Grade deserts in the playing field of young
me and my fellow oratorians more 12 (form 4) that I have hope of doing better people.” It was really impressing to see the
especially to see all oratorians from and come up with flying colours that will salesians among young people to help and
outstations of Salesian Parish coming help me to fulfil my ambitions of becoming guide them which make them to have
together to enjoy as one family of our father the journalist. My message to my fellow authentic trust and confidence in them
Don Bosco. I would like also to appreciate youths especially those who are in the which is also the real salesianity that is
the work which the Salesians are doing in Salesian Centres is that, they should be supposes to be practiced in our
upbringing the life of young people proud and contented with what the communities.
especially those who are poor and Salesians are doing for them and they At the end of the event I talked to some
abandoned. There are some who cannot should be responsible in small things which oratorians who commented on the day’s
find joy in their homes but when they come they have in their centres. Finally, they celebration and how they feel to be at the
should never cease to save their souls by Salesian oratory.
serving others and to take two sanctity
wings of Don Bosco which are: confession *****
and Eucharist.
My name is Clare Kunda I am 16 years old,
Collection by Novice Vincent GonzangaThis year I am doing my grade 10 (form 2).
17Salesian NewslinkZMBJune 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
Thinking Point
o leave idle is the greatest waste of talent. The talent given
man by God is to be fruitful in everything that we do such as
the gift that God has given us. “Why did you not put my T
money in a bank, so that I on my return might have gotten it
with interest...cast him forth into the darkness outside” (Luke
19;23; Mtt 25;30).
No sin of the heart, of speech or of action is possible without the
mind, without knowledge. For example, no sin is committed in
sleep. Neither is any merit possible without the mind, without
knowledge. A sleepwalker saying the rosary would gain no merit.
Therefore evil (sin) and good (merit) cannot exist without the
knowledge of the mind.
minds in trifles, extremely busy doing nothing. It makes you think
of trees with foliage and flowers in abundance but no fruit; or of
broken tanks that can hold no pure, healthy water. In life there are
so many things that we are capable of doing but we are blinded
with on infirmities. This also leads us to be people of idle mind and
therefore we are wasting our talents. As we are in this Lenten
season let us search our hearts deeply and have a true conversion of
heart that we will be able to see the gift, talents that God has given
us.
As Don Bosco gave has a recommendation to strive for holiness
and saving souls so as to save your own, therefore we must give to
our utmost. To us especially come the command and the invitation
that is ineffably sweet and persuasive: be perfect!
Our good young people will not be good Christians unless they
agree to become virtuous. Sanctity is virtue at the high tension
level! It is the upward drive of goodness! Good done unwillingly,
skimpily, out of necessity ….is not sanctity. There are some people who know all kinds of news, a
A saint is not one who is worn-out, an irresponsible person who hundred anecdotes and jokes, a hundred and one gossip items and
cannot make up his mind to do his share in life. For St. Paul faults of others; they are always ready to give advice and to correct
sanctity is the full maturity of man: “perfect manhood” (Ep.4:13). everyone in sight-young and old, government officials, the clergy,
The saint does not wrap himself up in himself; he opens himself up the pope and…..almost God himself! They have seen so much,
to development. He does not stay still; rather his motto is growth heard so much, and read so many scraps of news here and there!
and progress. Sanctity is life, movement, nobility, dynamic,
enthusiasm and doing ordinary to extra-ordinary thing—not the These are people who often do not know themselves or God.
kind that falls off but the good kind that keeps rising upward! But They are always distracted when it comes to their duties of piety,
sanctity will be only and always in proportion to the spirit of faith study and apostolate; they stumble into every ditch because they
and to will power. God is with us! We cooperate with Him. are too busy looking to see if somebody else is falling in. Of such
However a person of deep piety, of wise piety, will readily utilize souls our Lord could complain thus; the son knows his Father, the
his talents, be they few or many. Knowledge or apostolate alone ox knows his stable, the dog knows his master’s voice, but these
without piety sheds neither light nor warmth. Piety is the soul of people do not know the voice of their heavenly father. While they
every apostolate. This is a truth to reflect on during our Lenten are praying, studying or listening to a sermon, their mind is far, far
season in following Christ Jesus the perfect man.away…..
By Novice Chongo LupupaSometimes such people are very intelligent, but they waste their
Wasted
Talents
All I want is to see you happy,
in this life and the next...
Printed in Lusaka - Provincial House | P.O.BOX 31148 | All rights reserved
LEGEND would-be Salesian Media Centre in Harare.
7. Kariba: Stop over of the councillors on their
1. Moshi: Group photo with Fr Basanes during return from Harare.
the curatorium meeting. 8. Bauleni: Austrian Volunteers Uli and Hellen
2. Nkhotakota: Children from St Paul parish before completing their voluntary service.
duiring a picnic by the lake. 9. Lufubu: Young people during the rally.
3. Nkhotakota: Salesian community with group 10. Chawama: Fr Joseph’s Birthday celebration.
of leaders of the parish. 11. Chingola: Graduation ceremony.
4. Lufubu: Students with the bull offered to help 12. Kabwe: Visit of Fr Roman Wortolec SDB
the confreres in Haiti. 13. Makeni: Construction works at novitiate
5. Harare: Provincial council meeting in the site. Finishing of second floor.
library of the youth centre.
6. Harare: Provincial and his council visiting the
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