AMARE ET
SERVIRE
Provincial Events:
Provincial Council
Hwange - Youth Festival
Year 6 | Issue No. 21 Dec - Jan - Feb 2012
Editorial 3
Knowing Don Bosco - Pascual Chavez RM 4
Church today: Conformity with God’s will 6
Words of the Provincial 7
Hwange Youth Festival Tell the Story of Jesus 8
New Salesian Bishop 9
A Bishop for the Young 10
A New Diocese with a New Bishop 11
Becoming like Don Bosco 12
Relics & Catholic Church 13
Salesian World - International News 16
Walking the talk 17
Availability for Service 18
Signs of our Time - Thinking Point 19
2011 Graduation Ceremony - Lufubu 20
Salesian World - Local News 21
New Vice Provincial 22
A Family Visit 23
ZMB Photo 24
SalesianNewslink
ZMB Quarterlypublication
Year6/Nº21 Dec- Jan- Feb2012
2 ZMB Salesian Newslink
Director & Editor: Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Redaction Board: Fr. Dennis Higgins, Walter Thyrniang
Graphic Design: Fr. Javier A. Barrientos
Photos: Br. Walter Thyrniang, Sylvester Makumba,
Fr. Javier Barrientos, John Musonda,
Alexio Mesi, Fr Ignatius Musenge.

E-mail: zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
Website: www.salesianszmb.org
Contribution from: Fr. George Chalissery, Fr. Andrew Reut,
Walter Thyrniang, Clement Mutamba SDB,
David Njolo SDB, Christopher Mukuka
SDB, John Musonda SDB.

Printed: Printing Press - ZMB Provincial House
In this Issue:
2011 Graduation Ceremony - Kazembe
ZMB Salesian Newslink 3
Fr. Javier Antonio Barrientos sdb
zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.og
he year we have just begun seems to be quite offer to haveamong them the Friend promising, especially in the area of faith journey. The and Father of Youth. Surely lots of scheduled visit of Don Bosco’s relics is making good works could be done with the communities, young people and adults around them money that will be spent, yet the get ready for the big event. It looks as if the reports spiritual benefit of this visit is fromthe visit of Don Bosco’s relics toother countries is definitelypriceless.

challenging each person in the province tomakeof this This is a unique opportunity for visitaspecial momentof grace. Thecommission forthe young people of Africa tocomeclose visit of Don Bosco’s relics has comeupwith the final draft of the journey of to Don Bosco; and since not Don Bosco in our vice-province and it is now the moment for each everyone can afford travelling to community to prepare the programme of the celebrations. The entire Turin to visit the Basilica of Mary Salesian Family in ZMB is already fully involved in the preparations, Help of Christians and thus see Don Salesians of Don Bosco, Salesian Cooperators, Daughters of MaryHelp of Bosco; it is nowthe same Don Bosco Christians as well as some Past Pupils are all taking full ownership of the coming to meet the people of Africa, visit of Don Bosco to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. It is quite all of themyoung and old.

unfortunate that Namibia will not be part of the journey of Don Bosco’s Besides the financial challenges it relics; distance and some other questionable situations are making it poses, there is also another point to impossible. consider: the African Culture. In Thevisit of DonBosco’s relics will involve lots of coordination between the someplaces, there is a strong feeling communities and the provincial commission, and between the provincial that the presence of Don Bosco’s commission and the Mission Procure of Turin, most especially with Fr relics may not be fully accepted. Yet Pier-Luigi Zuffetti and his collaborators. Withineachcountry therewill be the communities are accepting the lots of movements of people and most especially deals with government challenge to explain to people the offices: Customs and immigration; yet all of it is heading towards making religious natureof thisvisit.

this journeyof DonBoscoasuccessful event. Let’s therefore make efforts to pave Certainly Don Bosco never thought of physically travelling to the various the way to Don Bosco’s visit by African countries; although he had the desire to go to Sudan with Daniel encouraging young people and Comboni. Nevertheless, he dreamt of a line crossing Africa; a line that adults alike to deepen their went all the way from Valparaiso (Chile) to Beijing (China). This time his knowledge of Don Bosco as well as remains will travel long distances in Africa. In ZMB alone, the remains of the Catholic doctrine on the Don Bosco will cover a distance of nearly 6,000 km, blessing on itsway all veneration of relics which is the key thosewhowill comeclose tohim. To haveDonBoscovisiting ZMB will cost to this wondrous event; making of us a fortune but big things do not come cheap. The visit of Don Bosco is Don Bosco’s visit toZMB in this year quiteadramaticevent becausemostpeople believeAfrica tobeacontinent 2012 ayearof Grace.

of need, yet thecelebrationswill notspareeven the littlemoneypeoplecan T EDITORIAL A Year of GRACE 2012 4 ZMB Salesian Newslink ne thing only do I remember, and it’ s my earliest memory. We were all going out from the room where he had died, and I insisted on staying behind.

«My grieving mother addressed me, ‘Come John, come with me.’» «If papa’s not coming , I don’t want to come,’ I answered. » «My poor son, » my mother replied, «come with me; you no longer have a father. » Having said this, she broke down and started crying as she took me by the hand and led me away. I began crying because she was crying. » Don Bosco’s first memory is his mother’s hand.

When he gets to know the boys in the Turin prisons he will say: «If they find a helping hand and someone to take care of them … they set themselves to live a good life, they forget the past, and become good Christians and upright citizens.

This is the origin of our Oratory.» Reflecting on his boyhood experiences and the process that led to him setting up his Work, Don Bosco, in the Memoirs of the Oratory, highlighted the determining role of the educators and of the surroundings in which his formation took place: his family, the Morialdo parish community, the school at Chieri, the Seminary, the Turin Ecclesiastical College (Convitto); the caring attention of Mamma Margaret and of Don Calosso, the support of his teachers at Chieri, the The importance of the circumstances of life and of the people in the formation of the young Don Bosco rector major A home, a Family, a Father OO KNOWING DON BOSCO Fr Pascual Chavez SDB RECTOR MAJOR became a point of reference and a model of spirituality, of the choice of life, of paternal relationships, of care and of assistance, of dedication… which gave him an effective model on which to base his preventive system and his way of working. Years later, looking back at these people and their approach, Don Bosco drew out important consequences for his own system.

The surroundings in which he was formed The circumstances of life in which his education welcoming approach and the advice of his confessor, took place were also very influential in the drawing his good friends, the stimulating example of Luigi up of his model of formation: a poor and hard- Comollo, the disciplined structure provided by the working family, the supportive peasant community Superiors in the seminary, the pastoral and spiritual at Morialdo, the atmosphere of the school in Chieri example and the teaching of Don Cafasso and Don (where “religion was a fundamental part of the Guala. education”), the serious spirit of discipline and spiritual atmosphere of the Seminary, the fervent The roots of his strength climate at the Turin Ecclesiastical College (Convitto). All these experiences made a real Also the circumstances of poverty and the hard contribution to forming in him an idea and the peasant’s life in which he grew up played an important practical realisation of an educational community, role in encouraging in him attitudes of trust in God, a spirit of hard work and determination, of sober living and of creativity. The conflict with Anthony was not entirely negative, since it increased his desire and stimulated his inventiveness in finding, in not very favourable circumstances, possibilities, alternative means for turning the dream into reality. So too, the problems encountered in the first years of the Oratory arising from the Prefect of the City, the parish priests, the Marchioness of Barolo, or even the lack of economic resources, of space, of collaborators were not only obstacles but challenges which stimulated his creative charity and led him to formulate a strategy for action that was all his own. He developed a proactive adaptation mentality in doing good, a trusting attitude of a religious community, of human relationships, of which came from his confidence in God and led him to the various educational roles, a sense of belonging do whatever could be done, while waiting for the and of collaboration.

opening up of further opportunities in the future; an openness to change or to quick adaptation when faced Anetwork for growing up by the unexpected or by obstacles which he knew how to get around with cheerfulness and intelligence. He In the thought and practice of Don Bosco there can also developed a style, based on relationhips and be no education unless it takes place within a wellcommunication aimed at keeping people informed organised/regulated and hard working community, and aware of what was happening, and involving peaceful and friendly, and within a close network of them, which was to be decisive in the future. human relationships established by affectionate and attentive educators, who are present with the young The people who loved him in an active and stimulating way which is capable of opening up horizons, appreciating talents and Above all, the people who had formed him, their putting them to good use, shaping characters and educational dedication, their care, assistance and leading them along the paths of the interior life, with accompaniment, their example and encouragement, reason, religion and loving kindness.

were for him a important resource. In fact they shaped his process of formation, and at the same time they ZMB Salesian Newslink 5 RECTOR MAJOR 6 ZMB Salesian Newslink us, so that he may give us hope, VATICAN CITY, FEB. 1, 2012 (Zenit.org).- that he may make us feel his Benedict XVI says that earth can become a place of love, closeness and give us a little light goodness, truth and beauty if the will of God is done here, as on the path of life." it is in heaven. The Holy Father reflected on The Pope made this reflection as he spoke today at the Jesus' own struggle, as he -- general audience about Christ's prayer in Gethsemane, unlike Adam and Eve -- "draws saying that "nowhere else in sacred Scripture do we gain so the human will back to its full deep an insight into the inner mystery of Jesus as in the 'yes' to God. [...] His human will prayer on the Mount of Olives." is drawn into the 'I' of the Son, "In Jesus' prayer to the Father on that terrible and wondrous who abandons himself totally to night of Gethsemane, 'earth' became 'heaven'; the 'earth' of the Father." his human will, shaken by fear and anguish, was assumed “Thus," the Pope said, "Jesus tells by the divine will, so that the will of God might be us that it is only in conforming accomplished on earth," the Holy Father said. one's own will to the divine will He added that this is "important for our prayer as well." that the human being attains his "We must learn to entrust ourselves more and more to true greatness, that he becomes divine Providence, to ask God to conform our wills to his," 'divine'; it is only by going out of the Pontiff stated. "It is a prayer that we must make daily, himself -- only in his 'yes' to God - because it is not always easy to entrust ourselves to God's - that the desire of Adam and of will, to repeat the 'yes' of Jesus, the 'yes' of Mary.” us all is fulfilled -- that of being completely free. This is what True man J e s u s a c c omp l i s h e s i n The Holy Father explained the stages of Christ's prayer in Gethsemane: by placing the the garden, noting how "Jesus 'alone' turns to the Father." human will within the divine will "The Evangelist Mark tells us that, 'going a little farther, he the true man is born, and we are fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the redeemed.” hour might pass from him' (14:35). Jesus falls face to the ground: It is the prayer posture that expresses obedience to By Kathleen Naab the Father's will -- a total, trusting abandonment to him.

[...] "Jesus continues by asking the Father that, if it were possible, this hour might pass from him. This is not only the fear and anguish of a man faced with death; it is the inner turmoil of the Son of God, who sees the terrible flood of evil that he must take upon himself in order to overcome it, to deprive it of its power." Benedict XVI said this is a lesson for our prayer: "[W]e too must be capable of bringing before God our struggles, the suffering of certain situations, of certain days, the daily undertaking of following him, of being Christians, and also the weight of evil that we see within ourselves and around From Christ's Prayer in Gethsemane Source http://www.zenit.org/article-34227?l=english Conformity to POPE SHARES VISION OF A BETTER EARTH Pope BENEDICT XVI CHURCH TODAY GOD’S WILL ZMB Salesian Newslink 7 My Dear Friends, ur minds are fresh with the marvellous feat of the Zambian Football team that they accomplished in Gabon, by winning the African Cup of Nations for the first time in history. The Chipolopolo did Zambia proud. They played with a determination the young to be dreamers, like Don Bosco. Don Bosco did and enthusiasm that could not be equalled. In not stay with his dreams, he worked very hard to make his their way to the cup, they demolished football dreams come to reality. The Rector Major put the words giants like Senegal, Ghana and Ivory Coast. It is into the mouth of Don Bosco Himself – as if Don Bosco is also important to remember that they dedicated writing to the young, from heaven.

this game to the memory of the 18 members of the Don Bosco is challenging youngsters to live their faith to Zambian Football Team that was wiped out due to the full carrying out God’s plan for their lives, making their an air crash in Gabon 19 years ago. This win has lives a life of sacrifice for others and thus to be brought Zambia together. Everyone is rejoicing. announcers of the Gospel message to their peers – Congratulations to them and to all Zambians. “young saving the young”. This is the secret of true In December 2011, we were all so happy at the happiness. This can be a reality if only young people Episcopal Consecration of our Salesian, Fr work with determination and passion spurred on by a Clement Mulenga. He was appointed by the Holy noble ideal – to bring the love of God they have Father, Pope Benedict XVI, as the first Bishop of experienced in their lives (through the moments of Kabwe. This was a blessing from the Lord, as now contact with God in prayer, meditation, reading of the the Salesian Charism is going to be spread all Word of God, reception of the Sacraments especially the over Kabwe diocese. Bishop Clement is a deeply Eucharist and experiencing the compassionate love of committed Salesian and I am sure that the God through the Sacrament of Reconciliation), to their diocese of Kabwe will be a youth-oriented fellow companions who may be indifferent, or prediocese.

occupied to waste their lives running after hungers and thirsts that do not satisfy the human heart at depth and Bishop Clement is a very simple and humble make one feel empty and deceived, chasing after them.

person without any air of superiority about him. I In this, the Chipolopolo Boys give us a good example of had the opportunity to come to know him several how to succeed in reaching our goals, however difficult years ago in Nairobi. Again, we worked in the they might be. They had a single aim and they gave their same community, at Don Bosco Seminary, Moshi, all to attain it.

Tanzania. He was always very joyful and was Don Bosco helped thousands of youngsters while he was very regular taking part in sports with the Brothers, alive on this earth. After his death he continues to help especially in playing Volleyball. In the evening, millions of youngsters all over the world. He is interested after supper, it was a game of dominos!! Before in us, loves us very much and prays to the Lord for us his appointment as bishop, he was working as constantly. Let us stay close to him and I am sure we will Youth Coordinator in the Archdiocese of Lusaka. experience his loving concern and care for us and will Hearty Congratulations to Bishop Clement help us to transform ourselves into new prophets, Mulenga and to the Priests, Religious and Faithful apostles for our companions. May God bless you all of Kabwe diocese, as they are blessed with a very abundantly! good shepherd.

The New Year 2012 is slipping by. Our Rector Fr George Chalissery SDB Major, in a message to young people on the Provincial - ZMB occasion of the feast of Don Bosco, challenged O 2012: Hopes & CHALLENGES MESSAGE FROM THE PROVINCIAL Fr George Chalissery SDB PROVINCIAL OF ZMB 8 ZMB Salesian Newslink Hwange (Zimbabwe) 29/12/2011 – 02/01/2012.- conference and party games.

The following day, the group went to Victoria Falls for a short visit and a picnic. In the evening, the youth held a penitential service and a thanksgiving mass for the year 2011; this was followed by a music fest which continued 'till late at night.’ On Monday, the last full day of The Salesian community activities, the youngsters went on a of Hwange has conducted a 5-day youth On Sunday, the youth programme pilgrimage to a Marian Shrine, 10km festival to reflect on the Strenna of the contemplated the youth mass of the away from Hwange. The procession Rector Major: “Tell the Story of Jesus” Solemnity of Mary Mother of God that was well organised but unfortunately it which the young people received with was presided by Fr. Treshpord Chota. In was delayed because the police escort joy and enthusiasm. The youngsters the afternoon, the groups held some came late. By the time they arrived, the who took part in the festival came from sports competitions which involved t emp e r a t u r e wa s q u i t e h i g h .

places as far away as Bulawayo (320km everyone and helped the youngsters from Hwange). The programme was held at the premises of Don Bosco Technical College along Bulawayo Road in Hwange (Zimbabwe).The festival began with the registration of the various delegations that came from Victoria Falls, Hwange and Bulawayo.

Fr Eustace Siame gave the words of from various groups to come together Nevertheless the young people walked welcome to all delegations and the and to get to know each other better. praying and singing in honour of Mary.

festival started with the opening prayer Some of the youngsters took turns in and the explanation of the timetable and carrying the statue of Mary Help of the way the activities would run. Christians, others carried the Don Bosco flags and banner. During the On the first day, the youngsters listened pilgrimage, Fr Philani and a religious to the fist talk that was given by Sister sister shared their vocation stories with Consolata who spoke on the vocation the youth, while taking a little rest from experience that tells of the Jesus' Story. the heat. Upon arrival, the parish priest After the talk, all youngsters went into and the youth executives of the Marian group work and in the afternoon, after Shrine welcomed the youth groups and lunch, they returned to give the mass was later on celebrated. All feedback of their reflection. participants returned to Don Bosco Centre by truck. The social evening In The evening programme all the celebrated after mass, officially youngsters gathered for a second concluded the event.

Tell the story of JESUS JESUS YOUTH MINISTRY By Fr Javier A. Barrientos SDB Clement Mulenga SDB Salesian Newslink 9 BISHOP NSaleEsiaWn 10 ZMB Salesian Newslink A Bishop for the YOUNG A young Bishop Rome, Vatican City. 29/10/2011.- NEW SALESIAN BISHOP.

His holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Fr Clement MULENGA SDB bishop of the new diocese of Kabwe (Zambia). Fr Clement Mulenga SDB, age 47, at moment of his appointment as bishop was a member of the salesian community of Bauleni and Archdiocesan coordinator for Youth Ministry in Lusaka Archdiocese. He is the first Salesian priest from Zambia. Fr. Clement made his first vows on the Solemnity of St John Bosco on 31 January 1991. Fr Mulenga born in Kasama on 15 August 1965, joined the Congregation in Lusaka (Zambia) and completed his initial formation in South Africa and Kenya. In the year 2002 he went to Rome to the Pontificial Salesian University (UPS) to study Catechetics and Youth Ministry, which he completed in 2004. After completing his studies at UPS, Fr Clement joined the Salesian Theologate in Nairobi (Kenya) as staff member. After two years of service in Nairobi he was appointed Rector of the Salesian Community of Chingola and a year later made councillor of ZMB Vice Province. In the year 2007 Fr Clement was transferred to Moshi joining the Salesian Community of Formation (Post-Novitiate) there he worked for three years and in 2010 he returned to Zambia as Youth Coordinator for the Archdiocese of Lusaka where the appointment as bishop came to him.

Kabwe until now part of the Archdiocese of Lusaka is being made a diocese with Fr Clement as its first bishop.

ZMB Salesian Newslink 11 Kabwe (Zambia) 17/12/2011.- Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Clement Mulenga SDB – Archbishop of Lusaka Telesphord George Mpunde has ordained Fr Clement Mulenga to the Order of Bishops. In a ceremony that took place at Kabwe Warriors' Stadium, a decree from the Holy See was read in which Kabwe was created as Diocese, including some regions of Lusaka and Mpika Dioceses. After the reading of the Bull from the Holy See, Consecrating Bishop George Mpundu invited Bishop Mulenga to profess the Creed and take up the commitment as a bishop in the presence of all the priests, religious and faithful congregated for the occasion.

To this big event, other bishops from Zambia Episcopal Conference were present as well as some emeritus bishops and bishops from other dioceses outside Zambia. The outgoing Papal Nuncio to Zambia, Mgrs. Nicola Girasoli was also present and addressed all the participants in works of thanksgiving and encouragement; during this speech the nuncio encouraged Bishop Clement Mulenga to take care of the clergy.

Archbishop Nicola also thanked the Salesians for the generosity in giving one of their members to the church.

The homily was given by Card. Medardo Mazombe who spoke on the history of Kabwe (also called Broken Hill) as a prominent place of the Catholic Church especially for the quality of vocations and its important role in the history of the Catholic Church in Zambia. Card Mazombe, reminded Bishop Clement of his duties as pastor of souls and head of the local church, who must be ready to give his life for this sheep, after the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd. During the homily the Cardinal addressing Bishop Clement encouraged him to look after the laity, priests and religious of his diocese, who are the three pillars of the local church. After the homily, Archbishop Mpundu invited all present to recollect themselves in prayer and recite the Litany of the Saints imploring God's Spirit upon Bishop Clement Mulenga.

The Eucharistic celebration proceeded after the rite of consecration and it ended with the speeches of the President of the Episcopal Conference Bishop Lungu, of Archbishop Telesphord Mpundu, Archbishop Nicola Girasoli and the Minister of Agriculture who represented the President of Zambia, Michael Chilufya Sata. The Minister offered Bishop Clement full cooperation with the local church, especially in the development of programmes to benefit the community.

Before the final blessing, during his address as bishop of the local church, Bishop Clement, explained the reason of his motto: “amare et servire”. He said that he chose that motto because he feels the need to be Christ-like in his ministry, who came to love and to serve. Bishop Clement said that his programme of his pastoral ministry in Kabwe will be youth oriented. The total of participants nearly reached 10,000 people, a record in the history of Kabwe; priests present were above 140 and the sisters were twice as many.

Kabwe deanery has now become a Diocese and the first Zambian Salesian Priest has become its first bishop! Laus Deo! NEW SALESIAN BISHOP A NEW DIOCESE WITH A NEW BISHOP 12 ZMB Salesian Newslink dreams for the young people. He used only his head, heart, legs, and hands to put all his dreams to reality. It was not easy and neither did it happen in a blink of an eye. It took him all his life to understand his dream at 9. With God beside him he managed to do it in his life and today we remember him through the congregation called Salesians of Don Bosco. This congregation works mostly with and for the young.

Don Bosco was a man who loved the young people such that he died for them. This aim was to bring them closer to God. The love that he had for the young people is called “Predilection for Youth”, meaning special love for the youth.

Don Bosco lived for the young people because at that time young people were exploited. Don Bosco well understood the right of the young people. It really touched his heart to see how they suffered and how they were treated. His aim was to make them happy, to put a smile on their faces and to bring harmony, love and peace among them. So that he could eradicate cruelty and violence among them. He well understood that they were lacking basic needs e.g. food, shelter, protection, love, attention, clothing, spiritual guidance, entertainment, education, but all this that they were lacking were given to them by Don Bosco. He lived for them, played, worked and prayed with them and also he loved each one of them.

Don Bosco was a hero, Teacher, a leader, a Guide and icon. A father and friend of youth who won many souls and was a friend of many. Don Bosco was such a Dolphin, one that lived a friendlier life to the youth of his time. Therefore, like Don Bosco let us be Dolphins to each other; in short let us be Don Bosco to each other, a friend and sister/brother to our fellow youths.

ow I wish we could be like friendly Dolphins. Dolphins are friendly animals. They live in groups called pods. They make some kinds of sounds like; squawks, whistles, moans, grunts and clicks and use these sounds to talk to each other.

If only we could be friendlier to each other like Dolphins, we could win more souls of the young people. God is using you and me to bring our fellow youths closer to him. He knows that we could be the best instruments he can use.

For that matter he wants you and I to take his request and be friends of many. Don Bosco the great achiever, as he lived a humble life he had great Becoming like DON BOSCO RETURN TO DON BOSCO By Mercy Chisanga HH R C C elics & atholic hurch ABiblical, Theological and Historical Foundation of the Veneration of the Relics of the Saints in the Catholic Church written by Doctor Christopher Owczarek, Salesian of Don Bosco from AFE Province on occasion of the visit of the relics of Don Bosco to his province.

God fittingly does honour to such relics by performing miracles in their presence W Has then the Catholic Church “baptized” and theologically justified those pagan or, we can say, purely human hat are the relics? practices and even developed them? Or, as Reformer Relics are the material remains of the saints which Martin Luther maintained, was the worship of relics a are venerated as signs of their continued presence in the money-making invention of the worldly Church that world. The word relic comes from the Latin reliquiae, deserved and deserves a condemnation? meaning "remains" or "something left behind". They may We need to state this right away: the Church has not be the physical remains of a saint (a bone, a hair, skull, a invented the veneration of relics, as she has not invented limb, etc.), an item that the saint wore (a shirt, a glove, etc.) the Incarnation of Christ nor his Resurrection. As in the or an item that the saint owned or frequently used (a case of the Incarnation and Resurrection of Jesus, those crucifix, rosary, a prayer book etc.) or even e piece of cloth who came to believe in him did so because of the that touched remains of a particular saint. overwhelming evidence of his supernatural power and presence even after his death. Similarly, in case of relics, Is the Veneration of the Relics peculiar to the Catholic i.e., the material remains of saints, believers simply Church? witnessed some extraordinary events associated with The veneration of relics is to some extent a primitive them.

instinct, and it is associated with many other religious Regarding Christ's Incarnation and Resurrection we read systems besides Christianity. At ancient Athens the in 1 John 1:1-3: supposed remains of ancient heroes, Oedipus and Theseus “That which was from the beginning, which we have enjoyed an honour which is very difficult to distinguish heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we from a religious cult. Miracles and healing were only rarely have looked upon and touched with our hands, attributed to them; their presence protected the city, as the concerning the word of life — the life was made tomb of Oedipus was said to protect Athens. The tomb of manifest, and we saw it, and testify to it, and Theseus, instead, became a sanctuary and a place of refuge for runaway slaves and all men of low estate who were afraid of men in power.

As for the Far East, the famous story of the distribution of the relics of Buddha, an incident which is believed to have taken place proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the immediately after his death, seems to have found Father and was made manifest to us — that which we remarkable confirmation in certain modern archaeological have seen and heard we proclaim also to you…”.

discoveries. In any case the extreme development of relic- John clearly stresses the materiality of his experience of worship amongst the Buddhists of every sect is a fact Christ.

beyond dispute. What the early Christians proclaimed was not a fruit of their imagination, reflection or prolonged studies but of an ZMB Salesian Newslink 13 RELICS OF DON BOSCO experience that could be verified by Peter came by at least his the senses. shadow might fall on some of Already during his ministry on earth, them. The people also gathered Jesus displayed his divine power from the towns around through his word and deeds. The Jerusalem, bringing the sick clothes he wore when approached with and those afflicted with unclean faith could transmit his healing power. spirits, and they were all We read in the Gospel according to healed.” Luke 8:43-48: 43 Then in 19:11-12: “And a woman who had had a flow of “And God did extraordinary blood for twelve years and could not miracles by the hands of Paul, be healed by anyone, came up behind so that handkerchiefs or aprons him, and touched the fringe of his were carried away from his garment; and immediately her flow of body to the sick, and diseases blood ceased. left them and the evil spirits What happened to that woman came out of them”.

was not just an isolated event, If just a shadow cast by Peter's body for as the Gospel according to or a handkerchief that touched the Mark (6:56) tells us: body of Paul were bringing healing, “...wherever he came, in this was a clear indication that their villages, cities, or country, they bodies were the dwelling place of laid the sick in the market the Holy Spirit and the divine places, and besought him that power emanated from them. (Cf. 1 Cor they might touch even the fringe 6:19). Christians expected that even refined gold, and laid them in a of his garment; and as many as after their death, the time would come suitable place, where the Lord will touched it were made well.” when their bodies would rise to permit us to gather ourselves together, Jesus promised his disciples that those everlasting life, transformed and as we are able, in gladness and joy, and who believe in him would do the glorified but still their bodies (cf. 1 Cor to celebrate the birthday of his works he was doing and even greater 15:35-57); that is why, right from the martyrdom.” This is the keynote b e g i n n i n g , which is echoed in a multitude of t h e y similar passages found a little later in venerated the the Christian writers of both East and bodies of their West. Other accounts attest that the great apostles faithful visited the burial places of the and martyrs saints and miracles occurred. After the and wished to legalisation of Christianity in 313, the b e b u r i e d tombs of saints were opened and the close to them actual relics were venerated by the in order to be faithful. A bone or other bodily part r a i s e d was placed in a reliquary — a box, together with locket, and later a glass case — for then these (John 14:12). This prophecy them. veneration. Wherever the relics of came true after the ascension of Jesus. In this regard, a really touching story is great saints were known to exist, In the New Testament we find the the letter written by the inhabitants of Christians confidently expected description of such great works in the Smyrna, about 156 A.D., describing miracles to take place. In 415 AD the life of the apostles Peter and Paul. We the martyrdom of St. Polycarp, their disinterred body of St Stephen read in Acts 5:14-16 bishop. After he had been burnt at the wrought miraculous cures and “... they even carried out the stake, as the Smyrnaeans say, “we took pilgrims flocked to his shrine in sick into the streets, and laid up his bones, which are more valuable Jerusalem.

them on beds and pallets, that as than precious stones and finer than St. Ambrose (ca. 337-397), bishop of we took up his bones, which are more valuable than precious stones and finer than refined gold, and laid them in a suitable place, where the Lord will permit us to gather ourselves together, as we are able, in gladness and joy, and to celebrate the birthday of his martyrdom 14 ZMB Salesian Newslink RELICS OF DON BOSCO Milan in northern Italy, and St. Augustine (354-430), rather than to the Creator, but we venerate the relics of the bishop of Hippo in northern Africa, declared in their martyrs in order the better to adore Him whose martyrs they writings that they had not merely heard and read about the are.” St. Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) added: “We by no marvels witnessed at the tombs of the martyrs, where “the means consider the holy martyrs to be gods, nor are we blind and cripples are restored to health, the dead recalled wont to bow down before them adoringly, but only to life, and devils expelled from the bodies of men”; they relatively and reverentially”.

did not only hear about such miracles as many did but saw The great medieval theologian, St. Thomas, had this to say them with their own eyes. regarding the relics: “Those who have an affection to any The early Fathers often quoted the event linked to Elisha's person hold in honour all that was intimately connected bones in order to demonstrate the efficacy of the relics. We with him. Hence, while we love and venerate the saints who read in 2 Kings 13:20-21.20 were so dear to God, we also venerate all that belonged to “So Elisha died, and they buried him. Now bands of them, and particularly their bodies, which were once the Moabites used to invade the land in the spring of the temples of the Holy Spirit, and which are some day to be year. And as a man was being buried, lo, a marauding conformed to the glorious body of Jesus Christ. Whence band was seen and the man was cast into the grave of also”, adds St. Thomas, “God fittingly does honour to such Elisha; and as soon as the man touched the bones of relics by performing miracles in their presence”.

Elisha, he revived, and stood on his feet”. The teaching of the Catholic Church with regard to the St. Cyril, bishop of Jerusalem (313-386), after referring to veneration of relics is summed up in a decree of the Council the miracle worked by the body of Elisha, declares that the of Trent, which enjoins on bishops and other pastors to restoration to life of the corpse with which it was in contact instruct their flocks that “the holy bodies of holy martyrs took place: “shows that even though the soul is not present and of others now living with Christ—which bodies were a virtue resides in the body of the saints, because of the the living members of Christ and 'the temple of the Holy righteous soul which has for so many years inhabited it and Spirit' (1 Cor 6:19) and which are by Him to be raised to used it as its minister". And he adds, "Let us not be foolishly eternal life and to be glorified are to be venerated by the incredulous as though the thing had not happened, for if faithful, for through these [bodies] many benefits are handkerchiefs and aprons which are from without, bestowed by God on men […].

touching the body of the diseased, have raised up the sick, As we can see, the argument in favour of the veneration of how much more should the body itself of the Prophet raise the relics is not a fruit of some complicated theological the dead?” doctrine but it is based on the facts on the ground, namely, Later on in the Middle Ages, after various barbarian the miracles occurring when the relics of saints are invasions, the conquests of the Crusades, the lack of means approached with faith. In this way, the Incarnation aspect of for verifying all relics, and less than reputable individuals Christian faith is manifested, that is, God continues to who in their greed preyed on the ignorant and superstitious, manifest his power through the agency of the material abuses did occur. Eventually, these abuses prompted the body.

Protestant leaders to attack the idea of relics totally. Many a times their reaction was grossly exaggerated. For example, since pieces of the True Cross of Christ were one of the most highly sought after relics; many churches claimed to possess a piece of it, so many that John Calvin famously remarked that there were enough pieces of the True Cross to build a ship from. However, a study carried out in 1870 found that put together the claimed relics weighed less than 1.7 kg.

What is the Catholic doctrine regarding the veneration of relics of the saints? In fact, right from the beginning the Church strived to keep the use of relics in perspective. In his Letter to Riparius, St.

Jerome (d. 420) wrote: “We do not worship, we do not adore, for fear that we should bow down to the creature Don Bosco’s casket ZMB Salesian Newslink 15 RELICS OF DON BOSCO S W Salesian W d orl International SW NE 16 ZMB Salesian Newslink The Rector Major has approved a new group in the Salesian Family: the “Visitation Sisters of Don Bosco” (VSDB). The official approval of the VSDB was given on 24 January, feast of Saint Francis of Sales. The Institute of the “Visitation Sisters Of Don Bosco” is a Religious Congregation of diocesan right, founded on 31 May 1983 by Archbishop Hubert D'Rosario SDB.

On the day of the Foundation, there were 8 Sisters : at present the Congregation has 106 professed, 16 novices and 9 aspirants and 18 houses in the north east of India.

The General Council has approved the creation of a new Province in India. From the division of the Guwahati Province dedicated to “Mary Help of Christians” , that of Silchar has come into existence and will begin officially on 24 May. In the new Province of Silchar there will be 210 Salesians, of whom 24 are students of Theology, 32 postnovices and students, 9 outside the Province and 11 novices. There will be 26 canonically erected communities and 8 foundations non- erected. For initial formation there will be the prenovitiate, the novitiate and the theologate.

The Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Adriano Bregolin, is visiting Vietnam just now. With his secretary Fr Saimy Ezhanikatt, Fr Bregolin arrived on Saturday evening, 28 January at the “Tan Son Nhat” airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Awaiting them were several Salesians, led by the Provincial Fr Giuseppe Tran Hoa Hung, Sr Teresa Uong Thi Doan Trang, Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and some Salesians- Cooperators and past pupils.

3. Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - 28 January 2012 (ANS) 2. Rome (Italy) - 24 February 2011 (ANS) 1. Rome, Italy - (ANS – Rome) (ANS) The Salesians in the world number 15,560. The total is made up of 15,439 professed, to which are added 414 novices and 123 Bishops. Among the perpetually professed there are 1609 Salesian Brothers and 10,433 Salesian priests, while the temporary professed number 3397.

There are 1823 canonically erected Salesian houses in the world, to which can be added a further 142 non-erected foundations.

Countries in which the Sons of Don Bosco are now 131i n 2011.

4. RMG Salesian numbers the statistics for 2010 (ANS) and plans of youth in their various youth groups, the exhortations and pronouncements of our political leaders one striking and common n my experiences of teaching Mathematics, I element is that all want to be better discovered that many students are at home with whatever the case. There are a lot of calculations involving even numbers in contrast to good talks. At face value the world calculations involving other types of numbers. This seems amicable. People seem maysound weird but I think there is some logicon it. The human resolute and peaceful. However, I situation reveals to us that reality is bipolar. Many things are tend to think that the beginnings of conceived of as “either or”, we talk of reality being in two the past years in the past decade had dimensions. Reality portrays either: male or female, positive or similar sentiments. The question to negative, good or bad, virtue or vice etc. And the human mind is ask now is; where have things gone well attuned to this “either or”- this bipolar mode of being does wrong? Havewe diluted the spirit of influence our thinking. I think that even numbers assume such a goodness? This is becausethere isan mode since the number ‘2’ is their baseline; there is neither undeniable retrogression in life.

middle term nor the so called ‘remainder’. In such a reality, Many young people wander on the decision making is highly facilitated: indifference is absurd. s t r e e t s w i t h h a r d l y a n y People become more reflective. As such, their thoughts become accommodation; there is little moreresolutewhenpresented witharealityof “eitheror” because access to quality education due to it carries the nuances of either life or death. I therefore then lack of funds or scarcity of places in summon the Even Mind to reign in our world that is highly colleges/universities. Many youth assailed by doubts, confusion and disbelief. Nevertheless, we have ended up losing their sense of should not replace the Even Mind with a Reflex Mind. The latter God and Church thereby trailing the proposes the reflex actions; I press the switchand I get power on, life of loose morals for convenience the “press and get” mentality where things seem automatic. The sake! former rejects such a robotic life and proposes contemplation, Th i s r e t r o g r e s s i o n I going beyond the expected with the purpose of achieving attribute to: the failure to walk the integrity which could be construed in Mathematics as a whole Talk, failure to translate our love for number. Even Numbers into life, and failure This year, the month of January had given me a wakeup to live with an Even Mind. We have call. Having listened to people’s petitions in churches, the talks preferred to talk the Talk than Clement Mutamba SDB better LIVING FOOD FOR THOUGHT The need for an ‘Even Mind’ for a Walking the TTAALLKK I ZMB Salesian Newslink 17 Continues on P.22 hear that the apostles wanted to send the great crowd away. But Jesus’ decision was to do the opposite – he let the crowd stay. He even fed them with five loaves and two fish. He made himself available to them.

The second gospel passage is also from Mark (1:35- 38). We hear that in the morning, long before dawn, Jesus got up and left the house and went off to a lonely place and prayed there. Simon and his friends set off in search of him, and when they found him they said: “Everybody is looking for you”. Jesus answered: “Let us go elsewhere to the neighbouring country towns so e make ourselves available for that I can preach there too, because that is why I service in response to God calling came”. Jesus’ decision was to do the exact opposite of us to this service as the boy Samuel W what his disciples requested. He wanted to make his responded, as prophet Elijah responded, and message available to everybody and not just to a few.

as the Apostles and disciples of Jesus responded. The Father’s Will Being called to service is a great grace; and it is Jesus’ availability for the service of others was always only by grace that human being can respond to regulated by his Father’s will. He came to do his that call to availability for service. It is the love Father’s will, and that was his criterion for of Christ that urges us on, to use the discernment. Every single action and activity of Jesus expression of St. Paul (2Co 5:14) – it is the was the result of his discerning what the Father Lord who gives us the spirit of Love to dedicate wanted him to do in every particular circumstance. “I our lives to the service of the people. have come from heaven not do my own will, but to do But what does availability mean? I am the will of the one who sent me”. (John 6:38). All our available, if and only if I am present. availability, like that of Jesus, must be regulated by the Availability means being present. But that is same criterion, namely, the Father’s will. Hence, we not enough. It means also being ready to should pray, not only for the grace to be generous in serve; availability then means being present making ourselves available for the service of God and and ready to serve. It is possible, as we know, His holy people, but also for the spirit of wisdom and to be physically present, but not ready to discernment so that all our activities are regulated, serve. not by our own wills, but by conforming our wills to the will of God.

Jesus our model Our model of availability is Jesus himself. Limits to availability There are two incidents in his public life that There are some lessons we learn through very painful should help us to understand what availability experience. One of these lessons is that there are for service is, and what availability for service limits to availability. These limits arise from our real is not. The first gospel passage is from Mark situation as human beings. Sometimes it may be God’s (6:30-44): “When Jesus saw the large crowd, will that we say a polite but firm ‘no’ to requests for he took pity on them because they were like our services. Each of us is limited in our talents, our sheep without a shepherd”. In verse 34, we abilities, our strengths and our skills. We need the Availability for SERVICE at the heart of the Christian vocation Fr. Tony Goeghegan, SJ 18 ZMB Salesian Newslink BIBLICAL REFLECTION humility to admit and accept this truth about ourselves. Our availability is limited by the humbling fact that we are not gifted in every way, but only in some ways. We have all different gifts.

Another limitation on our availability is the God-willed priorities in our life programme.

Each one of us has been given a task to do. A mother’s task is to look after her children. That is her priority task. That is the task she must do first. A doctor’s task is to heal patients. A priest’s task is to minister to God’s people. If they neglect their God-given tasks and instead spend their time on other activities, they are not doing God’s will.

A further limitation on our availability is the time factor. We cannot be available to everyone at the same time. Human beings cannot give full attention to more than one thing or person at the same time. Individuals deserve our full attention such as, for example, Jesus gave to Zacchaeus, to the Samaritan woman, to the penitent thief, and to Peter. By that very fact of making ourselves available to one particular person, we are making ourselves unavailable to all other at that particular time.

We have to accept with humility the truth that we human beings are effective for only a limited number of hours every day. Human beings spend at least one third of their lives asleep, that is, in a state where they are simply unavailable to others. Some tasks can be so fatiguing that we are left completely tired after a usual day’s work. Beyond that point, we are not really available. Our energy and stamina have a limit.

However, we are consoled by the fact that Jesus himself needed sleep when he was tired out – and Jesus was also sensitive to the fact that the disciples also needed rest: “The apostles rejoined Jesus and told him all they had done and taught. Then he said to them: ‘You must come aside to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’.” ello thinking people! I missed the last issue of news link because I was too busy thinking about my examinations. It's another new year and we need to think about new things.

2011 was a very good year for ZMB vice province; it began with a new provincial and ended with a new vice provincial and a new Salesian bishop of the new Kabwe diocese. While the provincial was unexpectedly from outside the ZMB territory, the bishop was supposed to be a farmer in Lufubu as speculated by some but emerged from an apostolate that was supposed to be stopped two years ago.

Think – they are signs of ZMB times.

I am sure the freshness of the past year will carry on and thing will keep happening in 2012 but I think we are well balanced as the vice provincial comes from our short tradition scenario. I am sure that with the three highest hierarchy positions now under one roof, the planning and animation of the Vice Province will be better and more effective.

I have just returned from Lilongwe - my first visit since I left last year. I was very impressed by the way the Salesians are working and the many projects and programmes going on. I hear the same from Hwange and Lufubu; I believe it is the same in all our presences.

What lessons have we learnt from 2011? What signs will we leave in 2012? What changes and development could we implement? It would be good to think more positively about our own vice province, to be more daring in our undertakings, to believe in our personal abilities and appreciate the contribution of others.

To lessens the discord among us; within our communities! That's the point.

TIME Signs of our Bro. Walter Thyrniang SDB Thinking Point ZMB Salesian Newslink 19 for SALESIANS only...! Lufubu (Zambia) 14/12/2011.- The Salesian Agricultural Training College 'Don Bosco' in Lufubu has celebrated the 2011 Graduation Ceremony for the second year students of Craft Certificate in Agriculture. The ceremony was well attended by parents of the graduates and especially Fr. Michael Merizzi, Apostolic Administrator of Mansa Diocese who was the guest of honour.

Fr Czeslaw Lenczuk, Rector and Principal of the Technical College thanked all those present for their support and constant help in making the event a success. The graduation ceremony started with the Eucharistic celebration that was presided by Fr Michael Merizzi, apostolic administrator of Mansa. In After the speeches the graduates were presented with their his homily, Fr Michael reminded the graduates certificates that bore the logo of TEVETA, a government of the importance of setting up their goals in institution that recognises the studies done at Don Bosco life and most especially of putting all their trust Lufubu.

in God who never lets down anyone who trust in him. Towards the end of the ceremony, a group of students of the first year performed a sketch in which they showed the After the eucharistic celebration all importance of moving from fishing to farming, especially in participants moved to the graduation hall a context like Luapula province where the fishing industry where the graduates entered in a solemn has slowly declined.

procession dressed with their colourful green gowns. The guest of honour addressed those A representative of the graduates also expressed his present and after him, the authorities of thanksgiving to the Salesian Community, and most Lufubu and Kazembe town also greeted those especially to Fr Czeslaw who made possible the TEVETA present and most especially the graduates for certification. The students also thanked all teachers and staff their efforts in reaching this particular member for their efforts in educating them to become Good moment. Christians and Honest Citizens as was Don Bosco's desire.

echnical Education offers young people the possibility of acquiring skills needed to Topen up new roads in their lives, but it also gives them the sense of purpose in life, especially in a society that marginalises people without necessary qualifications and technical knowledge needed in the world of work. Education and Evangelisation ought to work hand in hand to offer young people the tools to construct a better society, but also a better society with God.

20 Salesian Newslink ZMB Youth Ministry 2011 Graduation CEREMONY Don Bosco Agricultural College - LUFUBU Fr. Tony Goeghegan, SJ S W Salesian W d orl Bauleni-Lusaka (Zambia) 28/01/12. Celebration of the Solemnity of St John Bosco at Bauleni.

Mansa (Zambia) 10/12/2011.

Rector of the Community, a Karate Master.

Bauleni-Lusaka (Zambia) Kitwe (Zambia) 21/12/2011. Tri- 2 9 / 0 1 / 1 2 . New Sa l e s i an monthly Recollection in Kitwe.

Cooperators Mansa (Zambia) 08/12/2011.

Chimese celebrated in style the birth of the Oratory.- Chingola (Zambia) 23/12/2011.- Chingola (Zambia) 20/12/2011.

Salesian Employees Celebrate Evaluation and Planning for the Christmas. year 2012.

principal. The participants of the meeting were the Head of Departments, namely Mr. Mbao, - Young people of Mr. Musa, Mr. Chinkonkolo, Mr.

Bauleni anticipated the feast day Chanda, Mr. Mutale, and the of St John Bosco to the 28 Salesian community members.

January. The day was filled with jubilations marked by a variety of Christmas reflection which was act ivi t ies. A mul t i tude of animated by Fr Mariusz Skowron y o u n g s t e r s f r om Ba u l e n i and Fr. Slawek Bartodziej - Fr Oswald community turned up for the respectively. After the reflection, Mulenga SDB, rector of the event. The program began at 7:00 everyone was invited to dine Salesian Community of Mansa hrs with Mass presided by the which included a Tombola game spending time with the young Rector of the community, Fr. and a lucky pick competition people of the Karate Club. Kids Chisanga and ended at 19:00 hrs which was animated by Br. David from the neighbouring townships with Football Finals. Other Njolo. In this way, the community of Mansa gather at Don Bosco activities included were: Don celebrated the Festivities of the Youth Centre to learn the Martial Bosco Quiz, Netball and a variety Nativity of the Lord Jesus in a Arts with Fr Oswald who also of social games. Viva Don Bosco! family atmosphere. takes the occasion to talk to them about God and this love for humanity.

- – On the day of the All confreres from the Salesian Thanksgiving mass of Bishop c ommu n i t y o f C h i n g o l a Clement Mulenga sdb, the participated in the tri-monthly salesian Family of ZMB grew in recollection organized by the numbers by 6. Five women and rector of the community and one man made their promises as guided by Fr. John Lesa, a Salesian Cooperators before Fr. Franciscan Friar, Guardian of the George Chalissery, provincial of Franciscan Community in Kitwe.

ZMB. Th e n ew Sa l e s i a n In his Reflections Fr. Lesa Cooperators are adding zeal to highlighted the ‘Kenosis’ (Self the already existing nucleus of emptying) of a religious in trying to Cooperators at Bauleni. do the will of God. He encouraged Young each Salesian confrere present to people of the Oratory enjoyed a embrace the spirit of humility and day of celebrations on occasion of acceptance of God’s will so as to the foundation of the Oratory of create a genuine loving and Valdocco. The day started with the f raternal communi t y. The eucharist and ended with a prize recollection ended with a short giving ceremony. The joyful outing in Kitwe which summarized atmosphere kept everyone on all the Community’s major their toes racing towards the spiritual exercises in the year prize. The day of the Immaculate 2011. Conception lighted the hearts of many with the joys that can be found only in a heart that loves God.

- Employees of Don - Chingola staff Bosco Youth Centre Chingola members spent a full day at the gathered at the community school premises to evaluate and premises to celebrate the Nativity plan school activities for the 2012 of our Lord. The whole event school academic year. The staff began at 12:00 hrs with some meeting was chaired by Fr.

Ch r i s tma s Ca r o l s a n d a Mariusz Skowron, the school ZMB Salesian Newslink 21 22 ZMB Salesian Newslink walking the Talk. We have opted for an ‘Odd Mind’ instead of an ‘Even Mind’. We have chosen to live irresolutely. We have shunned away fromasking ourselves the ‘why’ questions.

Weare inclined to‘what is in it forme?’- Areflex mind which I compare to the so called pay-asyou- earn. The year 2012, should begin to bring somepositivedifferences inourlives.

Thank God, 2012 is an even number, mind you I don’t mean to say that before there were no years that were even as numbers. The opposite is trueand yet the difference lies in the fact that we did not live with an ‘Even Mind; mentality, a mentality that seeks and works towards wholeness. It is a great privilege that 2012 is also a leap year making it meaningful for friendsbornon29th February.

The year 2012 for us Salesians and all members of the Salesian Family invites us to renewal. In the 2012 Strenna, Fr. Pascal Chavez- Rector Major invites us to re-ask ourselves the ‘why’ question that perhaps Don Bosco asked himself all through his life. Why being Salesian? In the 2012 Strenna: “LET US MAKE THE YOUNG OUR LIFE’S MISSION: BY COMING TO KNOW AND IMITATE DON BOSCO”. The Rector Major has put before us the core of our vocation and Salesian spirituality. If you mark his words well, the RectorMajor does not ask us to talk about Don Bosco instead he asks us to knowand to imitate him as prerequisites for making the young our mission. We need to renew the zeal and resoluteness, to be that Shepherd we promised God to be to the youth. To live with a contemplative mind, amind that brings a smile even in the midst of the greatest pain ever possible. Walking the Talk is a clear indication of living with an Even Mind, a mind that does not offer ‘remainders’. It is a mind that propels integrity and happiness. All these can be and will be found in the mind of Don Bosco, who throughout his life was wholly occupied by the young. Thisthen is notonly limited toSDBsand FMAsbuttoall membersof the Salesian Family.

It could be in your home as a lay Cooperator or on the playground as a youth. We are all invited to seekand work for personal wholeness aswell as that of the youthwho are the beneficiaries of ourlove.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Lusaka (Zambia) 07/12/2011.- New Vice- Provincial. The Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Fr Pascual Chavez, has appointed Fr. Leszek Aksamit as the new Vice-Provincial of ZMB. Fr Leszek A. takes over the office from Fr.

CzeslawLenczukwhoserved as Vice-Provincial for aperiod of threeyears.

Fr Leszek is at the moment the Rector of the Salesian Community of Chawama, the provincial house of ZMB, and he hold the post of Director of the Development Office. The new appointment of Fr Leszek will now imply a re-shuffle in the province and someone will eventually have to take over his office as he will now dedicate most of his timetotheconfreresof initial formation.

Fr. Leszek made his profession of faith and then he was welcomed as the new Vice-Provincial of ZMB.

Salesians from communities in Lusaka, Salesian Sisters and Cooperators joined together to celebrate the eve of the Feast of Mary Immaculate, whichwas the occasion the provincial of ZMB took toannouncethenewsof this recentappointment.

FR LESZEK AKSAMIT SDB New Vice-Provincial of ZMB ZMB Salesian Newslink 23 Thorn Park – Lusaka (Zambia) 2/12/2011.- Novices from ZMB and AFM Provinces visited the FMACommunity of Thorn Park on occasion of a get together as Salesian Family. Fr Christopher Rychcik, Br Sylvester Makumba and the 8 novices of ZMB and AFM (Flavious, Luciano, Solomon, Boniface, Don, Faith, Diwani and Moses) visited the Salesian Sister of Thorn Park on Saturday 2 December 2011. The gathering fostered the family spirit and the sharing of experiences of Salesian Spirit. The Sisters welcomed the novices and their Master in a very friendly manner, making them feel at home. The celebration began with a moment of prayer that was followed by some singing and outdoor activities, some dancing and exchanging of gifts. The novices performed some traditional dances to the delight of the sisters who in turn also sang and danced for the novices. They all joined together for lunch and towards the end of the celebrations, novices and sisters helped with the dishes. The traditional Well of Mother Mazzerello was the occasion to a group photo and thus the novices said goodbye to the sisters and returned to the novitiate.

A Family Visit to the FMA Easter Camp 2012 Live the Mysteries of Holy Week in a youthful way with the Easter Camp ‘Christ Lives’.

Young people from various corners of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Malawi will gather at the Salesian Novitiate in Makeni from 5-9 April 2012. All communities are invited.

Don’t miss it out! For more information contact us: International +260 963 752 104 Zambia 0963 752 104 Kazembe (Zambia) 08/12/2011. 2011 Graduation Ceremony- Fr Eugene Wnek poses together with twelve of the students of Don Bosco Carpentry School in Kazembe who graduated with flying colours on the Feast of Mary Immaculate.

The graduation ceremony had Fr Waldemar Molenda as the guest of honour. All graduates after the eucharistic celebration expressed their joy and gratitude to the Salesian Community for having helped them to reach such an important goal in their lives. Some of them will return to their villages to help the development of their communities while others will remain in town.

zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9
10 11 12
1
13 ZMB PHOTO - Issue No 21
1. Hwange: Group photo of the Provincial Council performance of Christmas Day.

during the first PC of the year 2012. 8. Kabwe: Fr Javier A. Barrientos greeting
2. Bauleni: Fr Geoge Chalissery welcomes the children after the 9:00 am mass in Makululu.

new Salesian Cooperators into the Salesian 9. Lusaka: Novice Moses Chilambe together with
Family. children of Kalemba Hall.

3. Chawama: Fr Leszek Aksamit makes the 10. Kazembe: Fr Piotr Malec together with young
profession of faith as he takes up the office of people from the Carpentry School on a
Vice-Provincial. relaxation day at the Falls.

4. Chawama: ZMB Band during a performance on 11. Hwange: Fr Tresphord Chota during the
occasion of the Feast of St John Bosco. moment of catechesis at the Youth Festival.

5. Harare: Fr Pontiano together with John 12. Kabwe: Youngsters from the youth group
Musonda SDB and Willem Mukuve SDB in prepare themselves for the performance of a
front of the Cathedral during a community Christmas play.

outing.. 13. Bauleni: Bp Clement Mulenga during the
6. Harare: Youth animators of Harare Oratory thanksgiving mass offered at Bauleni. During
during a session of evaluation and planning. . mass a group of 5 new Cooperators made
7. Makeni: Girls of City of Hope during a their promises.