N. 4 Oct - Nov - Dec 2007
ZMB Silver Jubilee
Ninth Successor of Don Bosco in ZMB
Cardinal Adam
2007 Mission Appeal
Editorial 3
A letter from Rome 4
Words of the Provincial 5
Don Pascual Cháves - Biography 6
Chronicles of Visit of the Rector Major 7
Jubilee Hymn 9
Silver Jubilee: Chingola 10
Silver Jubilee: Lilongwe 11
Salesian Family: New Co-operators 12
Local Celebrations Silver Jubilee: Kabwe 12
Our Silver Jubilee: D.R.C 14
USA: 2007 Mission Appeal 16
The Impossible becomes reality: Hwange 17
Cardinal Adam 19
News for all 20
Jubilee Book on sale 21
Death of Cardinal Rosalio Castillo 22
Year 1/Nº2 April - May - June 2007
Director: Fr Joseph Czerwinski
Editor: Fr Javier Barrientos
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
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Editorial
The Celebrations of the 25 Anniversary of the Salesian presence in Zambia are for each of us a powerful invitation to reflect on all these
years of Salesian missionary work in the ZMB
countries. The dreams and expectations of the first
missionaries are now reality, the Salesian charism
has taken roots and is now growing into a tree that
shelters young people under its branches.
The time of implantation has borne its fruits
and the local vocations are witness to it. God loves
the Congregation and because of that continues
sending new members to our family. We welcome
each vocation as God’s particular sign of his
everlasting love for life.
‘25 years have gone before us now’, says the Jubilee
Song and some more will come.
Jesus showed little Johnny Bosco his future mission
among the young people whom he had to win over
by means of humility, fortitude and loving-kindness;
followers of Don Bosco’s dream, we Salesians, have
an amazing project in our hands here and now and
not just a project ahead of us.
Don Pascual Chávez has reminded us to look
up to Christ more than to ourselves and our
shortcomings. We are here because of Christ, and he
is the source of our strength and courage. He gives us
the means to fulfil our mission and these 25 years are
witness to his faithfulness. The Rector Major also
told us to dream and think big, a challenge put
forward for his next visit is to have the meeting of the
Salesian Family not in the chapel of the community
of Bauleni, but in the National Stadium.
The young people have been our best
presentation card in this visitation. Don Pascual
Chávez did not come to see our buildings but the
young people we minister to.
In meeting the young people gathered for
the festivals, it was beautiful to see them so much
home with each of the Salesians, able not only to
greet us but to share experiences.
Some of the youngsters came overburdened with
their own struggles in life and went back quite
exultant, happy to be part of a big family, happy to
feel they are not alone in this world, but that the
Lord is there with them. The youth festivals have
been privileged moments of encounter with the
Lord.
May this time of jubilation and exultation
rebuild our strength and enthusiasm for our
vocation and for the mission the Lord entrusted to
Don Bosco.
We are the heirs of a precious treasure which the
Lord is inviting us to share with the young.
‘Do we dare to work in the wind and rain?,
for Christ to live, walking on the mission road.
The task is given to you and me.
Happy Silver Jubilee! And let’s already look
forward to the Golden one, it’s just around the
corner.
3
Fr Javier Barrientos.sdb
4
A Letter from Rome
The Pope greets the Vice Province on occasion
of the SILVER JUBILEE
5
F
priesthood Frs: Daniluk Andrew dedication and the positive
and Kozlowicz Wojtek who spent response.
most of their priestly ministry here or the past five days we were
in ZMB. Thank you very much for The dream and celebrations very privileged indeed to
your generosity and dedication. continue… This special event, rich have with us the 9th
My sincere words of thanks go to in so many elements and symbols successor of Don Bosco – The Very
young people who came in big should help us all to renew our Rev. Don Pascual Chavez. He has
numbers for that special occasion dedication to the young people and left our community in Lilongwe on
from all our SDB and FMA to our salesian charisma. Monday morning, 15th of October
presences in ZMB: Namibia, I do hope that those spiritual for Tete in Mozambique. It was
Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe. In thoughts presented to us by Rector without a doubt an important
a special way I would like to M a j o r w i l l n o t d i s a p p e a r historical moment because for the
congratulate the youths from immediately like the fireworks (the first time the Rector Major had
Zimbabwe who managed to words of comparison used by the visited the ZMB Vice Province.
overcome the colossal difficulties Rector Major) but be deeply Although he has gone his joy,
and be present with us during this imprinted in our minds and hearts so inexhaustible energy, special
unique and extraordinary time. that we all renewed, continue our charisma and love for the young
Thank you very much for your evangelizing work with the young. people stays behind and I do hope
positive respond. Together with the young people we and believe that all those special
You are all the greatest treasure of have to choose Christ and follow traits will remain with us for some
our province and you made Don him as much as we are able to. He is time.
Pascual happy and the ZMB Vice indeed our ultimate model and We were all very happy and
Province proud. definitely will not disappoint us. privileged to have him – Don Bosco
Special thanks and gratitude go to of today – among us.
the Central Jubilee Preparatory May Mary Help of Christians, our Rev. Don Pascual thank you most
Committee and the three SDB patroness and guide, to whom I have sincerely for being with us to
Communities that hosted the entrusted the Vice Province in celebrate the silver jubilee of our
meetings. A lot of planning and hard Chingola on 12th October ’07, help salesian presence in the ZMB Vice
work was done in order to have this us on this journey towards the Province of Mary Help of
celebration possible. Kingdom. Christians.
Big words of thanks I would like to We are very happy to have with us
pass to all the Confreres, All the In Don Bosco, during this special occasion the
Salesian Family Members, and Lay pioneers Frs: Boryczka Peter,
Collaborators who have helped us JosephDziatkiewicz Paul and Jagodzinski
with the preparation works and were Stan who commenced the mission
present during celebrations. Thank work in Zambia 25 years ago. Also
you All very much for your were present the silver jubilants in
Fr Joseph Czerwinski.sdb
The dream and the celebrations
continue...
6
r. Chavez, a Mexican, was born on international Salesian meeting
December 20, 1947 at Real de General Chapter 24, the Rector Major of FCatorce (San Luis de Potosì), a the time, Fr. Juan Vecchi, called him over
mining area in the centre of Northern the telephone and asked him to become a
Mexico. Some years later, his family Regional Councilor, even though he was
moved to Saltillo (in the state of Coahuila) not a member of that Chapter by right. He
where Pascual attended the Salesian accepted, and transferred to the Generalate
school, “Colegio Mexico”; this is where his in Rome where he presently resides. Apart
vocation began and he pursued his goal of from the General Chapter 25, Fr. Chavez
following Don Bosco. He made his first did also take part as a Chapter member in
profession at Coacalco in August 1964, and the General Chapter 23 of 1990, for which
became a perpetually professed Salesian at he worked as a member of the pre-capitular
Guadalajara in August 1970. He received commission.
the diaconal ministry on the 10th of March The new Rector Major’s mother tongue is
1973, again at Guadalajara, and was Spanish, but he is also fluent in English and
ordained a priest on the 8th of December Italian, and understands German, French
1973 at “Perla Tapatia”, the capital of the and Hebrew as well.
state of Jalisco. He spent the first years of In addition to his ecclesiastical degrees, Fr.
his ministry among the young Salesians of Chavez is also a qualified teacher in
of the oratories begun by his predecessor, the formation community of Chapalita scientific subjects. Both the types of
Fr. Humberto Meneses, at Tijuana (Guadalajara). From 1975 to 1977 he formation have made him a solidly spiritual
(Mexico) as a service to the poor and studied at the Biblical Institute in Rome person.
marginalized. Even if he has not had direct where he obtained his Licentiate in Sacred As an intelligent and mentally organized
pastoral responsibilities with young Scripture. person, and a man of dialogue who tackles
people, he has always had a strong Salesian The new Rector Major was the Rector of problems without delay. He gets to the heart
sensibility for contact with the young for the Theological Institute of San Pedro of a problem and tackles it at its roots, with
whose sake he directed the mission as the Tlaquepaque from 1980 to 1988 where he firmness and perseverance, involving the
one responsible for the province of taught Sacred Scripture. From 1986 to parties concerned and guiding them
Mexico-Guadalajara. The young people 1989 he was also a Provincial Councillor of towards a solution. He draws near to people
with whom he worked in a direct manner the Province of Mexico-Guadalajara. From without falling into paternalism. Because
were the Salesian students of theology at 1989 to 1994 he was Provincial of the same of his preparation, depth and practical
Tlaquepaque to whom he imparted not only Province, which comprises the whole approach, he was able to finish each of his
a scripturalnorthern part of Mexico right up to the study commitments within a narrow time-
formation but also his Salesian passion for border with the United States. In 1995 he frame between one post of responsibility
the young. As Regional Councilor for the began his Doctorate in Biblical Theology and another, still obtaining results that were
InterAmerica region, he animated a region and took up residence at Madrid- outstanding. A man of profound biblical
comprising 14 provinces, enormously Carabanchel where he stayed till he knowledge, he has a remarkable feel for
varied in culture, traditions, tenor of life, obtained his degree from the Pontifical situations, and this makes him at once
religious and Salesian life. In fact, the University of Salamanca (Spain). In 1996, practical and concrete; at
InterAmerica region takes in the countries d u r i n g t h e the same time, he has that
of North and Central America, the Latin American sensitivity
Caribbean, and the countries of the Andes that adopts a Christian
region of South America (Colombia, outlook when looking at
Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia). people and daily life. He
However, through his work of animation he has kept up to date with the
managed to forge a unity out of such a events of life and history,
diversity and made it a point to visit all the and this has made him
provinces at least once a year during his particularly responsive to
six-year term of office.the signs of the times. A
proof of all this is the
Sourceenthusiasm he put into
http://www.salesianym.org/rmconsolidating the work
Don Pascual Chávez
IX Successor of Don Bosco
Biography
1. Silver Jubilee
Celebrations in Lusaka
The convoy was headed by the van of the
provincial house followed by the mini
Lusaka (Zambia) 11/10/2007. - The
Rector Major Don Pascual Chávez
arrived at Lusaka International
Airport at 11:35 hrs. He was
welcomed in the V.I.P. Lounge by the
Provincial Fr Joseph Czerwinski, Fr
Bruno Zamberlan (Vice Provincial)
Fr Leszek Aksamit, the Secretary of
the Nuncio and a delegation of young
people from the various groups
participating in the youth gathering at
Bauleni. Outside the lounge a larger
group of members of the Salesian
Family, Yatsani Catholic Radio
Station and other people waited for buses and other vehicles of the Salesians
Fr Pascual. and FMA. The spectacle was worth seeing,
The ninth successor of Don Bosco was since young people from Kabwe sang for
greeted with joy and jubilation by the the Rector Major all the way from the
young who upon seeing him were filled Airport to Bauleni calling the
with deep joy. Exiting the arrivals area Don att
Pascual stopped for a while and asked
the youngsters who were holding the
flags of the four countries to sing the
Jubilee Song.
Moments later Fr Chávez joined the
young people from the community
school run by the Salesian Sisters of
Thorn Park who offered him a majestic
traditional dance.
Having completed the dancing, the
convoy left the Lusaka International
Airport for Bauleni where a larger group
of young people had gathered to welcome
en tFr Pascual.
lec sinorhC
7
8
ion and the admiration of all the people Apostolic Nuncio read the letter of
along Lusaka’s busy high ways. His Holiness Benedict XVI who
At Bauleni the delegations of young congratulated the Provincial for
people and the Lay groups of Bauleni the Silver Jubilee of the Vice
Parish came out to the streets to welcome Province.
Fr Chávez. The traffic was stopped due to After mass the Fr Pascual Chávez
the people who were singing and dancing was greeted with songs of his
as they welcomed Fr Pascual. native Mexico sung by the pre-
Soon after his arrival Fr Chávez was novices. Meanwhile the invited
briefly greeted by the various groups of the guests of the Salesian Family
parish and then proceeded to enter in the enjoyed the supper offered for th
house where he had a little moment of rest, e occasion.
before meeting the members of the When supper was ended the
Salesian Family and the solemn Eucharist. Rector Major rejoined the
At 3:00 pm the Rector Major met the young people for an open forum
members of the Salesian Family [SDB, where the youngsters put forward
FMA and Past Pupils] in the chapel of the interesting questions to him.
Bauleni community. After the forum the Rector
In his speech the Rector Major urged the Major addressed the young
members of the Salesian Family to work people with the traditional
together with a common goal for the ‘Good night’ in which he invited
benefit of the young people. He also young people to look beyond
challenged the Salesian Family to meet their problems and sufferings and
next time not in the small chapel of the start to become part of the
Salesian Community of Bauleni but at the solution. He encouraged young
National Stadium because by then the people from Zimbabwe to dream
forces ought to be more numerous than of Zimbabwe free and prosperous
they are now. to which the young people cheered
After addressing the members of the at unison.
Salesian Family the Rector Major After giving the ‘Good Night’ the Fr
answered some of the questions raised by Pascual Chávez left for the
some SDB and FMA. The Eucharistic provincial house in the Chawama.
celebration followed this meeting. The following day in the morning
For the Eucharistic celebration the the ninth successor of Don Bosco
Apostolic Nuncio for Zambia and Malawi presided the morning prayer at
Right Rev. Nicola Girasoli, emeritus Bauleni. Here once again he
Archbishop of Lusaka Most Rev. Medardo invited young people to nurture
Mazombwe, the Bishop from Kazama, hope in difficult times.
some religious superiors and the two After the morning prayer Fr
Salesian priests that this year celebrate Pascual posed with the different
their silver jubilee of priestly ordination delegations for the photographic
Frs. Wojtek Koslowicz and Andrew files.
Daniluk. The Eucharistic celebration was His presence in Bauleni was the
animated by the youth from Bauleni in delight of the people. From
cooperation with the lay organisations of Bauleni he proceeded to City of
the parish as well as some of the Hope (Lusaka) where the
youngsters from the various delegations Salesian sisters had prepared
present in the youth festival. programme for him.
Before the beginning of the mass the In the interim the Provincial and some of
the Salesians present
there accompanied the
Rector Major to visit and
bless the place of the
futur e notivitiate in
Zambia i n Maken i
(Lusaka).
After all the celebrations
in Lusaka Fr Pascual
Chávez left for Chingola
where he would meet the
second group of members
of the Salesian Family and
receive the promises of the
new Salesian Cooperators.
2.
9
25 years have gone before us now
Silver years we’ve never known before
Lived and shared by men who dared and hoped
Who gave their lives in constant search for truth.
They worked and toiled in the wind and rain
They preached the word and suffered pain
For Christ they lived walking on the Mission way
Because of them we are all proud today.
Passionate Salesians, Empowered Youth
With Don Bosco we march on the Kingdom’s Road
ZMB Salesians, raise the banners high
With love we work for the cause that will never die.
The seed of love is now a mighty tree
The work for youth has spread to four countries
Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi
The task is given to you and me.
Do we dare to work in the wind and rain?
To preach the word and suffer the pain
For Christ to live, walking the mission way
Because of us some one will be proud some day.
Passionate Salesians, Empowered Youth
With Don Bosco we march on the Kingdom’s Road
ZMB Salesians, raise the banners high
With love we work for the cause that will never die.
10
Silver Jubilee Celebrations
in Chingola
cipation of Bp of Ndola, Right
Rev. Noel O’Regan and Bp of
Mansa, Right Rev. Aaron
Chisha. After the homily RM
Chingola (Zambia) 12/10/2007.- In the received the promises of 18
afternoon of the Second day of the visit of Salesian Cooperators from
the Rector Major in ZMB he visited Chingola and 16 from
Chingola community. The presence Kabwe. The celebration
comprises of technical school, youth centre was very solemn with many
and orphans’ support project. dances. It lasted nearly 4 hours
The RM was welcomed at the airport by the and ended with the entrustment of
youth in a traditional way as it is done for ZMB Vice Province to Mary Help of
the king of Lunda People – Mwata Christians by the Provincial, Fr
Kazembe. He confessed that it was the most Joseph Czerwinski.
wonderful welcome he ever received in his At 2pm RM met with the Salesian
Salesian life. In the evening he addressed Family. He encouraged all Salesian
the young people gathered from Salesian Family members to work together in
presences of Northern Zambia. Fr Chavez this Apostolic-Spiritual-Movement
encouraged youngsters to choose Christ for for the benefit of the young people.
it is only Him who offers life everlasting. After lunch RM planted a Jubilee
3rd Day of the visit: The day started tree, had a photo session and gave
with the solemn Eucharist at the farewell address to the young.
9am with the Then he was escorted by the joyful
parti youth to the airport and
carried to the airplane,
which soon after left for
Lusaka.
The following day the
Silver Jubilee of ZMB will
continue in Malawi.
3. Silver Jubilee: Lilongwe
presenter.
On Sunday Don Bosco Stadium,
was decorated with pomp and
colours, the bright sun provided
the warmth and the wind carried
the singing and music to all the
d i r e c t i o n s . 1 5 P r i e s t s
concelebrated the high Mass
with The Rector Major and
There Bishops of Malawi. Fr.
Peter, Fr. Stan and Fr. Paul the
three Salesians pioneers were
recognised that day by the Rector
Major. The future of Salesian work is The expectation and eagerness turned into
in Malawi surely because two of the happiness expressed in the joyful shouts
three founding pillars are working and the smiles on the faces of those who
there now.were waiting for the arrival of the Rector
Major at Kamuzu International Airport at
A well prepared lunch gave all those 2:45 pm on 13th October.
who shared it enough strength to The long awaited moment had come. The
carry on with the rest of the program jubilee celebration is moving to its climax,
and I hope they left enough water for the the young people were delighted, the older
Jubilee tree that the Rector Major planted. people were amazed and the little children
The youth who come from were confused. The warm welcome for the
Nkhotakota, Deanery, Don Bosco 9th successor of Don Bosco and other
Centre, Parish out stations and Don quests showed how much the youth people
Bosco Technical Collage, did not of Malawi love Don Bosco and the
expect that the youth rally would be Salesians.
concluded so soon. The received the The Youth Mass was a spiritual event to be
blessing of the Rector Major with remembered and cherished in a special way
humility but unwillingly left Don by the youth. The singing was not special
Bosco Campus.but spontaneous of heartfelt thanks to God
It was time for the Salesians to gather Almighty for the 25 silver years. The
around the successor of Don Bosco and jubilee song, sung by Don Bosco Band was
it was a beautiful family gathering at the accompanied by the rapturous voices of the
evening prayer, supper and Morning youth and put them to the dancing floor
Mass on the 15th . Surely he had a leaving the other to reflect on the
lot to say to the Provincial and his powerful message
council when they gathered
around him for the final meeting.
The sadness could be noticed
easily on the faces of everyone
as the time the part came.
I was privileged to accompany the
Rector Major with others to Tete in
Mozambique. The Salesians there
too were waiting for Him and they
gave him a fitting welcome.
Now, those who attended the
celebration in different places are o f
comparing what was the most touching the song and the
event what the perfect function was or words of the Rector Major.
where was the best celebration. For those The Past Pupils of Don Bosco Youth
of us who attended the celebration in one lives as we wait for the golden Jubilee.Technical Institute, prove themselves
place, we should know that it was best worthy of the name when they came up
where we were. The fireworks are over but with a noble way of presenting a gift to the
let us remember the words Don Chavez Don Chavez with a smiling little girl (the
spoke to us and resolve to live legendary daughter of past pupils) carried to be the
I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to God your prayers and support. Now I enjoy a second
Almighty for the miracle he worked in my life. I chance to live. I promise to pray for you all.
have recovered again to a healthy life through the
prayers of so many people and the intersection of Br.
Artemide Zatti.
Thank you Fr. Provincial, Fr. Leszek, the Confreres
in Lilongwe, all the Salesians and Salesian family for Br. Walter Thyrniang sdb
11
12
Kabwe (Zambia) 29/09/2007. - The ‘Give me souls, take the rest’.
Jubilee celebrations in Kabwe started at The banners were many and very
7:30 am when people arrived at the parish colourful; some of them expressed not only
in order to begin the march pass. The the topic chosen for the celebration but also
parishioners came in groups according aspects of the Salesian Spirituality, such as
their Small Christian Communities (SCC). the devotion to Mary Help of Christians,
The leaders of each community was given the Eucharist and the work among the
the task of coordinating the making of a young. Among the lay groups of the parish
banner with the theme of the it was only the Holy Childhood that
celebration: prepared a beautiful banner on occasion of
the Jubilee.
The march pass was scheduled for 8:00 am
and it got started when Fr Antonio rang the
bell of the parish. Each Small Christian
community sang the song of the jubilee and
it was a powerful choir. The route of the
march was from the premises of the parish
to the youth centre, passing through Steven
Luwisha High School. The enthusiasm of
the people made of the whole parade a
Silver Jubilee:
Local Celebrations
SDB Ka
bwe
By Javier Barrientos.sdb
he Silver Jubilee, marking 25 us was full of wisdom and an
years of the Salesian Presence encouragement as we endeavour to Ti n Z a m b i a w a s q u i t e a work to improve the life of the young
remarkab le exper ience, more people.
especially to our group as Kabwe – Co- As Kabwe based Co-operators at St
operators who had gone there for our Mary’s Parish in Kabwe, the promises
p r o m i s e s we made were an inspiration to carry
having gone out the burning touch of Don Bosco to
an intensive higher heights, to support the young
f o r m a t i o n grow up right, spiritually, morally and
period of 3 physically so that they become better
years. people of the world. The enthusiasm by
T h e all the participants was a clear
atmosphere testimony that the Salesian Spirit is
from the very growing and making a great impact
day of the celebrations was a complete among the youth.
life changing, which called upon all of As Salesian Co-operators of Kabwe in D o n
us, co-operators, to dedicate our lives Zambia the ceremony marked the Bosco, the youth is the reason we exist.
to serving the youth. The Salesian beginning of greater tasks to try to
charisma could be felt more so, with the transform the lives of our young ones in By Mr. Charles Mwila
inspiring and fatherly encouragement our parish. We shall endeavour to Salesian Co-operator, secretary – St
we received from the Rector Major, Fr collaborate with our local priests to Mary’s, Kabwe, Zambia.
Pascual Chávez. His address to all of realise the dream of our great saint,
ZMB Silver Celebrations
at Don Bosco Youth Center - Chingola
13
sharing on the Salesian identity and he
also gave a brief history of the Salesian
presence in Zambia. The preaching
was the delight of the people who
congregated for the celebration.
After mass, there was a moment of
break before the entertainment and the
time in which each Small Christian
Community had to present their item
on occasion of the jubilee. Meanwhile
the Salesian Cooperators were
making all the necessary arrangements
for the distribution of the munkoyo
to all the participants and success. Passers-by expressed their joy and
finalizing the cooking of the admiration by stopping and contemplating
meal offered to the first three the march. The parade entered the youth
hundred people who showed centre through the main gate and continued
up in the parish, as it was through the main inner road toward the tent
offered earlier on by the where the Eucharist would follow. The
Salesian Community.cross led the march and it was carried by
one of the altar boys. Fr Andrew and Fr
At 11:15 am the entertainment Antonio accompanied the procession from
began with the display of the St Mary’s to Don Bosco Youth Centre.
banners prepared by
the different Small
C h r i s t i a n
Communities. It was
p e oa wonderful thing to
ple was triggered by see; colours, images,
the gifts offered on the ruffle. None left the famous slogans and Sales
place until the last number was drawn.ian motives. Once all the
During the ruffle the chairman of the banners were set in place the
Salesian Cooperators gave his speech to the time for the presentations
congregation thanking them for their came. The parishioners were
participation and the Salesians for the given a choice of ways to make
constant work on behalf of the young their presentation on the theme
people and the parish at large.of the jubilee: sketches, songs,
Also during the ruffle the Rector of the dance or poems. It’s worth
community addressed the people gathered noticing that the various
for the event expressing the gratitude of the groups were very creative in
Salesian community to God for all these After the march pass all the people presenting their items. St Peter and Paul
years of work in Zambia and especially in congregated for the celebration gathered in Small Christian Community came up with
Kabwe. He also thanked the people’s the tent where at 9:10 am we began the a short play that showed how people first
participation and constant support in the Eucharist. Fr Andrew presided the received the Salesians and how slowly they
mission among the young.Eucharistic celebration while Frs. Antonio have come to understand our lifestyle and
Having addressed the parishioners Fr and Pontiano concelebrated. apostolate among the young people. This
Andrew continued drawing the numbers of progress in the understanding and
the ruffle in wait of the winner of the colour During mass Fr Pontiano gave a clear acceptance of the Salesian charisma has
TV.been a long process and is not yet
The whole event ended with the final completed. But slowly it is bearing fruits.
blessing and the distribution of the Some other groups came up with songs
souvenirs of the Silver Jubilee of the which they have composed on the
Salesian presence in Zambia which Fr occasion. They spoke in their lyrics of the
Slawek kindly gave to the community.Salesians they have come to meet in all
The participation of the young people was these years of Salesian presence in Kabwe.
remarkable and it was very helpful in The songs were the delight of those
maintaining order during the celebration. present.
The young people together with the church The presentation of the items went up to
council members remained behind in order 1:00pm time in which those who got their
to clear the premises of the centre, and put ticket for lunch were called. The rest joined
things back in place.with their packed lunch which they have
The organisation of the jubilee celebration brought from home. The Salesian
at the local level (Kabwe) was led by the Cooperators were in charge of the feeding
Rector of the community Fr Andrew Reut of the crowds and they did a good job.
and it bore fruits because the whole event After lunch, around 3:00 pm the people
went on smoothly and those who took part were ready to gather again in the tent in
in it were very delighted with what was order to begin the Jubilee Ruffle that has a
offered them.colour TV as the first prize. The emotion of
14
The challenge remains now to continue building trust among
people and bonding them together in the service of the young,
especially those poorer and most abandoned of our society.
God has been great and bountiful in this years of presence in
Kabwe, a sign of it is the almost completed youth centre and
the on-going church construction which is the main project at
the moment, and it will be a monument in honour of Mary
Help of Christians here in Kabwe.<
Confreres in For
mation
Letters to the Editor
By Christopher Kunda.SDB
Lubumbashi Community
Celebrating
our Silver Jubilee
What comes to your mind when three elevens match together without you hear of DRC? I guess you further explanation.say it aloud, with wide opened Not only the maturity of the
eyes: “War!!!” and you are right. Salesian mission seems visible in the
However, there is something more in gorgeous structures, but it is also seen in
DRC. When I first came to this great the different projects of youth animation.
country, I was taken up by the Salesian Some of them, perhaps the most famous
work achieved during these years. among all is the so-called “jeux
Everything I saw was big. Yes, almost 100 salesiens”, alongside “plaine des jeux”.
years of Salesian presence could easily be “Jeux salesiens” are simple “salesian
seen from the old buildings that still look games,” were youngsters compete for no
valuable and usefully Salesian. Eleven material prize, but for talent; the best win
Salesians [11] first touched the soils of the and that feels great. “Plaine des jeux,”
th literary means “open for games.” During then Zaire, on the 11 November 1911,
school holidays, the youths are around 11 o’clock am. Interesting, right?
mobilized, to participate in different Just a coincidence I suppose because all
A thought for life
Woke up this morning.... lying in bed, I was
asking myself.... what are some of the secrets of
success in life? I found the answers right there, in
my very room. The fan said : be cool. The roof
said : aim high. The window said : see the world.
The clock said : every minute is precious. The
mirror said : reflect before you act. The calendar
said : be updated. The door said : push hard for
your goals. "If you do, you will, but if you don't,
you won't. If you're not able, you don't have to....
dancing and singing. But more l i k e a f t e r 7 5 y e a r s ? W h a t a
importantly, these games are responsibility!!! Well 2082, looks very far
accompanied with catecheses, masses from us; lets bring it to 2032 and ask,
and confessions. “What kind of youth traditions would we
Another interesting youth have enjoyed, in another 25 years from? A
project is what is known as “Tujenge.” certain wise man once said, “A life not
“Tujenge” simply means “let’s build”. thought about is not worthy living”.
During these programs, youth I Wish Don Bosco had added,
animators undergo one week “Plan! Plan! Plan!” to “Work! Work!
“animation training,” once every year, Work!” Let us not disfigure the legacy that
as a guide to help youth animators and our loving father, Don Bosco has left us.
leaders in their respective youth
centers and parishes. In all these HAPPY FEAST!
projects, Salesians and Salesian sisters
and cooperators work hand in hand.
We can go on and on enumerating the
interesting happenings in the D.R.C
S a l e s i a n w o r l d … b u t n o
space….sorry!!
And so, Imagine three
ZMB confreres, Bwalya Jerome,
Mbandama Michael and Kunda
Chris, found themselves in such a
gigantic province of A.F.C. It’s
indeed a pleasure to be associated
to it. Not only have we benefited
from the theological studies, in a
new language, but we have also
enjoyed the fruit of great youth
culture and animation traditions
that are the result of a long
reflected experience that has
activities accordi ng to their own given birth to a province with a
creativity directed by the salesian presence. profound Salesian identity and
“Plaine des jeux” are therefore, characterized originality.
by animation songs, drums, name it, and ZMB is only 25 years
marches from one centre to another; you just old today. What kind of youth
need to come to D.R.C and see how the city of traditions have we created so
Lubumbashi is packed with youths of all ages, far? How will our lovely province look
15
Mr. F. Chilekwa
Mr. D. Mutale
Mr. N. Emmanuel
Mr. C. Mwila
Mr. J. Lubumbe
Mr. A. Mukamanga
Mrs. B. Kangombe
Mrs. B. Mubanga
Mrs. M. Chilekwa
Mrs. C. Kunda
Mrs. F. Mwela
Mrs. N. Mutale
Mrs. E. M. Njobvu
Mrs. Monica Chilubi
Mrs. Vera Kabwe
Mrs. S. Shinondo
Brand New Kabwe Center
God’s collaboratos
in the mission
to the young!
USA: 2007 Mission Appeal
16
experience was fruitful. selecting the
I was assigned to visit parishes in Neosho food items it
(MO), Aransas Pass (TX), Napa (CA), was enough
Ventura (CA), Hermosa Beach (CA), Los to go the
Angeles (CA), Goodland (KA), Kolby counter show the card, slide in the machine
(KA) among others. In some cases the and that was it, done at once, no need for
nearest airport from the appeal was 300 cash no need for change. It was good and
km or 190 miles as the Americans simple! The same was with the trains and
measure distances. Every week I had to all other tickets, just with the card.
fly from one appeal to the next, getting I was surprised to have the Americans more
to know different people and adjusting interested in the stuff I was sharing with
n to the demands of the parish. It was quite them that the Latinos (hispanics) to whom I
interesting to compare the Sunday O collection of some of the parishes with St
the 26th June 2007 together with Fr Slawek Mary’s parish in Kabwe. For instance in
I left for the USA. The invitation from the Napa the Sunday collection on an ordinary
Mission Procure of New Rochelle required Sunday reaches the equivalent of 41
two priest for the 2007 Mission Appeal: million kwacha. I remember Fr Joseph
one mainly for the English speaking Alzugaray after the 5 masses, having
community and the other for the Spanish counted the money offered me to exchange
speaking community. As such we left bags since the collection for the mission
Lusaka with the excitement of going to had been bigger than the first collection;
America. and he was happy that his parishioners
I was greatly surprised that I did not have were generous towards the missions.
any complication at the immigration as it The modality for the collection was quite
normally happens to me due to my clever, no money should be given to us
Peruvian passport. At the airport of Newark because we were supposed always to travel
there were some people waiting for us, and to different states, so the pastor (parish
this made it all easier. We arrived in the priest) would forward the money to the
hottest day of the year, as we were told by mission office of the diocese and they in
Fr David Moreno who welcomed us in the their turn would hand it to the Salesian
Salesian Community of Orange, NJ. Missions office in New Rochelle. I guess
The day after our arrival we were brief that was very wise because travelling with
about the 2007 Mission Appeal and given a so much money could have been a big
one-day seminar on how to conduct problem.
ourselves in the USA since the case of child An interesting feature of the appeal was
abuse by clergy was still very hot. In fact that we were given Credit Cards from the
when visiting California the diocese of Los Bank of America with the Visa system,
Angeles had recently paid the sum of 630 because in the USA people say, life takes
million dollars compensation for the child VISA, meaning that if you use cash you
abuse of clergy of the diocese. This was belong to the past.
already giving us an idea of what the life in I was quite happy to do shopping on-line
the USA looks like for a priest to the extent for instance I recharged my skype and was
that wearing the clerical collar gave the able to call home a very affordable rates, I
impression of being some sort of potential bought a bag, and a flash drive in the
child abuser. Nevertheless internet, then in the supermar
t h e k e t a f t e r
thought I would impress. I was wrong. I felt and Kolby as well as the beautiful In New York we also met with some priests
that best listeners were the Americans who landscape of Denver in Colorado. who used to live and work here in Zambia
would listen to my poor English than the Something else that made deep impression and they keep warm memories of their stay
Latinos to whom I was talking in mother on me was the fact that despite the scandals here in Africa.
tongue, Spanish. Anyway it was fun to in which the Church is involved the faith of Winding up I can say that the 2007 Mission
express my mind in just 7 minutes or 10 at the people is strong, and young people take Appeal has been a wonderful experience, a
most. active part in the Sunday Eucharist, young grace from God.•
I am grateful to the people I met because couples come along with their children and
they were so kind to me and also for their all sing and praise the Lord. The churches
generosity towards the Salesian Missions. were full unlike those in Europe. The music
During the mission appeal I had the in all the places was so well taken care of
opportunity to visit New York, it was on the and it seemed that each mass was a concert
way to New Rochelle from the salesian as we see in the Christian channels.
community in Orange where we were I still keep in touch with some people out
based. It takes nearly 2 hours by train. there and they are all interested in what
I also visited Los Angeles and there I was happens here, it seems that visiting them
shown Hollywood, which did not impress and talking to them about Zambia has
me as I thought it would. Instead when I opened their eyes to see this side of the
was invited to visit St Francisco and the world that is not just as the news normally
Golden Gate I was greatly impressed present but that here in Zambia and in
because of the beauty of the place and its Africa at large there is so much beauty to
gorgeous landscape. In Kansas I was see and that people life and share the same
overwhelmed to see the plains of Goodland hopes and joy of people everywhere.
17
hat good can come the situation in realizing
from the ‘desert’ of Salesian project in WHwange?” is a Hwange has eased. It
question asked by many seems as if a river of
people. And yet… after the blessing found its spring 2007 the center was blessed by
powerful novena to Mary Help here. The impossible, with the Bishop Albert Serrano and on
of Christians in March 2006 H e a v e n s h e l p , b e c a m e 10 June the Don Bosco
poss ible . We Technical College had its first
strongly believe induction day. The Computer
that Mary guides S c i e n c e a n d C l o t h i n g
our endeavors Technology are the first
and protects our courses offered at the college.
presence here. The two trainers , Mrs.
Ruramai Maeresera and Mr.
Today we are Clement Nlovu, are very
happy to share committed and lovely persons.
w i t h y o u They have adopted easily the
wonderful news Salesian way of education. The
that on 24 May Mama “clicks the mouse” with
By Fr Chester Lenczuk.sdb
The Impossible becomes
Reality
18
15
(Sima Musa
and Emmanuel
Phiri). They
boosted the
ora tory and
contributed so
much to the life
of the college
t h a t t h e i r
absence is felt
till now.
Hwange though not 31 students and the Baba “cuts
agrarian area has given material” with 21 trainees.
growth to three vocations in From the next calendar year
the Society of Don Bosco. the college is planning to
These are John Mzanywa – introduce the third course –
rd3 year philosophy in Building Construction.
Moshi, and Irvin Lumano
and Joachim Mzanywa – The Salesian Community
prenovices in Bauleni. comprises three confreres
As you can see with God all is
possible. When things seem
difficult or impossible for
you entrust yourself into the
hands of Mary Help of
Christians and you will
(Tresford Chota, Chester know the wonders she can
Lenczuk, Peter Malec) and perform.
apart from the daily running of
the college it is involved in the
pastoral work in two parishes
(St. Teresa and Holy Family).
During the months of June and
July the community welcomed
two seminarians from Moshi
Come and see
what the Lord
has done!!!
After retirement Arch. A. Kozlowiecki moved to one
of the most difficult and challenging mission –
Chingombe. He stayed there for over 15 years being
actively involved in the evangelizing work of the
mission.
His last years were spent in Mpunde Mission near
Kabwe were he was still actively involved in the
pastoral work in the Parish of the Holy Cross. e was born in Poland in 1911 and jointed the
In 1998, he was proclaimed a Cardinal of the Holy Society of Jesus in 1929. He was ordained
Church by the Holy Father John Paul II. HPriest in 1937. During the Second World
War he was imprisoned in the concentration camps in
thHe died in Lusaka (28 Sept) in Ninar Center Clinic Auschwitz and Dachau.
where he was admitted a few weeks before suffering After the war he came to Northern Rhodesia
from the kidneys failure. (Zambia) and worked as a very dedicated,
committed, missionary in different parts of the large
Adam Cardinal Kozlowiecki was indeed an Lusaka Vicariate. In 1950 Fr Kozlowiecki was
exemplary missionary, totally dedicated to the appointed as an Administrator of the Apostolic
service of the people of Zambia. Humble and simple Vicariate of Lusaka succeeding Mgr Wolnik Bruno
in his way of living, always serene and joyful, he is an SJ.
example to all priests, religious and missionaries - the He was consecrated as the first Archbishop of Lusaka
model to imitate. in 1959. Archbishop Adam Kozlowiecki was heading
I am sure that the merciful Lord received his faithful the Archdiocese wisely during the independence
servant Adam into his Kingdom.<struggle form the colonial powers and ten years later
in 1969 he retired and was succeeded by Archbishop
E. Milingo.
By Fr Joseph Czerwinski.sdb
19
All rof sweN
July - Aug -Sept
Aransas Pass, TX (USA) - Jberg – (South Africa) 20/08/2007
Warsaw (Poland) 28/08/2007 –
Napa Valley, CA (USA) 09/07/2007 -
L u s a k a ( Z a m b i a ) 04/09/2007 –
Kasavasa – KABWE (Zambia) 04/08/2007
The 2007 Mission Appeal is - Improvement in the
already on its way and Frs. Slawek and Antonio have health of Bro. Walter Thyrniang. After nearly five weeks of
started they work visiting the parishes in the assigned suspense the doctors looking after Bro Walter have given
dioceses in the USA. We’ve got some postcards from Texas sign of progress in his recovery although they always keep
where at this moment Fr Antonio is visiting the parish of St an eye on him. The operations have been successful and
Mary Star of the Sea. He’s now left alone in that parish since soon Bro. Walter will be able to come back to the province
the pastor (parish priest) is being called to join the forces and continue his mission in Malawi.
fighting in Afghanistan.
The Printing of the Jubilee
Fr Antonio is now in Book. Fr Leszek has left for Poland in order to print the
California on the West Coast. He is visiting St Apollinaris Jubilee Book. The book will be offered to the Rector Major
Parish as part of the mission appeal. The parish is 60 km during his visit to the Province on the second week of
from the nearest airport in Oakland, California. The Napa October.
Valley is famous in the USA for its abundant wine
production that caters for the whole country. Napa is also
called the County Wine.
2007 Mission Appeal.
Today at hours 11:30
- A seminar for am Frs. Slawek and
the young people of the outstations. Fr Andrew Reut and a Antonio returned from
group young leaders from the youth centre of Kabwe the USA where they
conducted a seminar for the youth of Kasavasa. The spent two months for
seminar had the theme of the ‘The Caring Family in God’s the mission appeal. The
Plan’. The seminar was the delight of those present since it came with nearly 13
was animated by young people and it was in Bemba. Fr pieces of luggage and
Andrew took with him the generator which allowed him to as they report they did
play the TV and DVD with a movie prepared by the youth of not have even a single
the centre. problem at the check-in
desk, airplane or the
customs here in Zambia. They have many stories to tell. Fr
Joseph Czerwinski went to fetch them from the airport.
Welcome back!
Ica, Peru 15/08/2007 -
involved in the distribution of food relief and other supplies
to the people affected by the natural disaster. The families
of our two confreres working in ZMB province did not suffer
any damage apart from the psychological impact of such
event.
A devastating earthquake has
struck the southern part of Peru. The cities of Pisco and Ica
have been razed to the ground, in the latter the 80% of the
buildings have been destroyed. Around 500 hundred
people perished in the
e a r t h q u a k e t h a t
registered 7.9 in the
R y c h t e r s c a l e .
Fortunately none of the
Salesian presences in
the country have been
a f f e c t e d b y t h e
earthquake. Salesians
working in Peru are not
July
August
September
20
Lusaka (Zambia) 11/10/2007
Lusaka (Zambia) 12/10/2007
– Visit
of the Rector Major to Zambia. The
ninth successor of Don Bosco, Fr
Pascual Chávez arrived at Lusaka
International Airport at 11:30 am and
was welcomed by the Provincial of
ZMB Vice Province Fr Joseph
Czerwinski together with some other
priests and sisters who were allowed
in the VIP lounge. The Rector Major
will spend 5 days in the Vice Province
and will visit the Salesian communities
of Lusaka both SDB and FMA as well
as the Salesian Community of
Chingola and from there he will fly to
Lilongwe (Malawi) where he will
conclude his visit on occasion of the
25th anniversary of the Salesian
Presence in Zambia.
– Silver
Jubilee of the Salesian Presence in
Zambia. Today October 12 the
Salesians of Don Bosco in Zambia
commemorate the 25 anniversary of
the arrival of the first group of Salesian
Missionaries coming from Poland. The
event was cheered by the young
people gathered in Bauleni and
Chingola (Zambia) as well as those in
Lilongwe (Malawi). The Radio and TV
of Zambia also acknowledged the
event and congratulated the provincial
superior for the fruitful work of the
Salesians in the country.
Jubilee
Book
NOW IN STORESOctober
ZMB
going through the different
stages of development and
expansion of the Salesian
presence in the four countries
that make up the Vice
Province, namely Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Malawi and
Namibia to the period of
consolidation.
Fr Francis Alencherry.sdb
General Councilor for the
Missions and Regional for the
Africa-Madagascar Region has
g i v e n a w o n d e r f u l
introduction that enhances
the already high worth of the
book. He also encourages the
Salesians of the ZMB Vice
Province to continue the hard
work started by the first
n occasion of the 25 missionaries.
ann i ve r s a r y o f t he
Salesian presence in O The artwork shows in its Photo
Zambia, the Provincial of ZMB Vice Gallery a superb collection of
Province Mary Help of Christians, historic photos which speak of the
Fr Joseph Czerwinski has beginnings of the mission in
published a brief history book. In Zambia. The gallery has among
the book Fr Peter Boryczka others dozens of photos of the
recounts the most important various activities of the Salesian
moments of the life of the Vice presence in recent times.
Province from the time the first
group of Salesian missionaries The book will be available at
arrived to our days. various points for sale SOON.
The book contains important data
from the origins of the mission,
21
CHINGOLA 2007
OCTOBER
28TH - 2ND CIVAM - ETHIOPIA
NOVEMBER
6TH – 8TH YOUTH COMMISSION - LUSAKA
24TH NOVENA TO MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
20TH - 26TH SECOND ZMB RETREAT (MONZE)
27TH – 30ST PC - HWANGE
DECEMBER
3RD - 5TH PROV. VISITATION - NKHOTAKOTA
6TH - 11TH PROV. VISITAION - LILONGWE
25TH CHRISTMAS
r
E
M
I
N
D
E
R
On Tuesday morning in the Congregation.
16th October Cardinal
Rosalio José Castillo He was appointed coadjutor with the right of succession in
Lara, Salesian has the diocese of Trujillo. He was ordained bishop on 24 May
departed to heaven. 1973 with the title auxiliary bishop of Precausa.
He was the emeritus
c h a i r m a n o f t h e In 1975 he was appointed Secretary for the Commission for
Pontifical Commission the Revision of the Code of the Canon Law, and from 1985
for the Vatican States. to 1989, he was the Chairman of the same commission,
For a week now he was nowadays called Pontifical Council for the Interpretation of
suffering from serious the Legal Texts.
health problems.
On 25 May 1985 he was created cardinal by Pope John
Cardinal Castillo was Paul II, receiving the title of our Lady of Coromoto in St John
b o r n o n t h e 4 of God.
September 1922 at St
C a s i m i r , i n t h e From 1989 to 1995 he took up again the post of Chairman
Venezuelan state of for the Administration of the Holy See (APSA) and from
Aragua. He became Salesian, after one year of novitiate at 1990 to 1997 he was the Chairman for the Commission for
Usaque, on 18 January 1942. Three years later he made his the Vatican States.
final profession. He was ordained to the priesthood on 4 The Salesians in Venezuela who assisted him to his last
September 1949 in Caracas. illness have announced that the bier of the Cardinal will be
exposed in the parish of St John Bosco of Altamira in
Apart from the various responsibilities in the Salesian Caracas (Venezuela).
province of Venezuela, he was a lecturer of Canon Law at
the Pontificio Ateneo Salesiano (PAS) in Turin. In 1967 he The funeral arrangements will be announced later.
became councilor for the Pacific-Caribbean Region, and in
1971 he was chosen general councilor for the youth ministry
ANS Salesian News Agency
