Year 7 | Issue No. 26 Mar - Apr - May 2013 Year 7 | Issue No. 26 Mar - Apr - May 2013
Pope Francis:
SING & PROPHECY
Easter Camp 2013
Volunteers’ Meeting
The Salesian Family
In this Issue:
Editorial 3
Don Bosco Educator - Pascual Chavez RM 4
Be open to the newness of the Holy Spirit - Pope Francis 6
The Way Ahead after the VII Provincial Chapter 7
Salesian World: Local News 8
VII Provincial Chapter 9
Rundu: Youth Conference 10
Pope Francis: Sing & Prophecy 11
Educating Young People Today 12
Medications on Marian Prayer 13
Did you know that... 14
Salesian World: International News 15
Easter Camp 2013 16
Volunteers’ Meeting 17
Salesian Missions: Volunteers 18
The Salesian Family 20
Salesian Mission Day - Lufubu 22
Longing For Paradise: the reality of migration 23
ZMB Photo 24
Fr. Andrew Zdzieborski’s 50th Anniversaryof Religious Professsion
Salesian Newslink
ZMB Quarterlypublication
Year7/Nº26 Mar Apr May 2013
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, Joackim Mzanywa,
John Musonda, Faith Musabila.
E-mail: zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
Website: www.salesianszmb.org
Contribution from: Fr. George Chalissery, Dn. Jerome Bwalya,
Br. Walter Thyrniang, Fr. Jorge Ormeño,
Boniface Mbowo, Taonga Phiri.
Printed: Printing Press -ZMB Provincial House
2
ZMB Salesian Newslink
Like Jesusbecoming radicalin our love for the Father
Fr. Javier Antonio Barrientos
e read in the Gospels that to its rightful place: to the top of creation. In Jesus' view,
Jesus did many things which society, with its laws and customs was to be at the service
went in opposite direction to of man. His approach, controversial to society's standards
society's trends. For was radical in every way; he did so because he felt God
Wditorial
example, he touched and applied mud loved him like a Son; and therefore his love for others
into the blind's man eyes after he spat (especially the weak) was fruit of this love.
on the ground and mixed it with dust Society undergoes tremendous and continuous change;
(Jn 9:6); with this action –done on a generations succeed one another and although in many
Sabbath, he not only challenged the ways some similar patters remain, it is never the same.
Sabbath law but he also broke changed Nevertheless, society needs a positive change, too.
the understanding that sicknesses Progress not always means making the world a better
were God's punishment. He went even place for all. The rise of technology and scientific discovery
further, to his own disciples –who at averts the presence of God, and this cannot go without
first seemed to have grasped the consequences.
meaning of discipleship, he challenged We know that the core of Christianity is Jesus Christ; and
therefore the call of Christianity is to bring God back to
people's lives. The Church in many ways strives to be like
Jesus, a sign in this world of the things to come. The
Church, like Jesus- offers to society the opportunity to see
things differently; to see at our world with God's eyes.
The Salesian Congregation (which is part of the Catholic
Church and fully present in today's society) is now about to
th
celebrate its 27 General Chapter. The Rector Major invites
everyone “to become radical witness of the Gospel.” In
other words, the chapter invites us all to be for our world
like Jesus: signs of God's radical love for all, especially the
weak and unloved! Surely, every Salesian is motivated and
eager to take up the challenge.
their thirst for power and positions by
Our ZMB Vice-Province has just celebrated the 7th
telling that his kingdom is of a different
Provincial Chapter, a chapter that encouraged all to be
nature (Mt 20:23). His teaching and
radical in every way: in our relationships with each other
way doing things changed societal
and the people we minister; in our dealings, projects,
taboos and ways of thinking; he was
ministry, etc. The Provincial Chapter did not end with its
promoting a new culture. Jesus
last session, nor will it be kept as a beautiful document on a
created a culture where the weak and
shelf in our communities' library, but the Provincial
undesired were now seen as people
Chapter is a process that will help us become more like
loved by God, rather than cursed by
Jesus [radical like him in every way] and it will guide us
him. Jesus showed that authority is
through. It will remind us of God's love for all and our
given to some for the purpose of
response to this love will be our love for God and all his
service. With Jesus, women and
creation, after to the example Jesus gave us: radical in his
children were no longer “property”
love for the Father!
but “people”. Jesus restored humanity
W
ZMB Salesian Newslink
3
Don Bosco
EDUCATOR
Fr Pascual Chavez SDBRECTOR MAJOR
SALESIAN PEDAGOGY
IT'S ABOUT THE BAD GUYS
TREMBLING BEFORE THE GOOD
AND NOT THE GOOD
TREMBLING BEFORE THE BAD
DD
rector major
ON BOSCO RELATES little, I was able to get it
together; I could feel the
I was a lively and soles of my bare feet clinging
attentive boy who, to the rope; becoming one
w i t h m u m ' s with my footsteps and I then
permission went to the did as I wanted, glad to
various festivals where there repeat and to invent other
were acrobats and magicians. movements. That's why,
I always put myself in the when I spoke to the boys, I
front row, eyes fixed on their said to them: "Let's hold on to
movements with which they easy things, but let's do it
tried to distract the audience. with perseverance." There
Little by little I could see their you have it: my down-totricks;
returning home, I earth pedagogy, the result of
repeated them for hours. But so many victories and as
often the moves did not many defeats, with the
produce the desired effect. It stubbornness that was one of
wasn't easy to walk on that my most marked
blessèd rope between two characteristics.
trees. How many tumbles, That's how my style came
how many peeled knees! And into being, to educate without
how many times I was using big words, without any
wanted to throw everything great ideological schemes,
into the air ... Then I started without references to many
again, sweaty, tired, famous authors. That was
sometimes even how my pedagogy was born:
disappointed. Then, a little by I learned on the meadows of
4
ZMB Salesian Newslink
the Becchi, later on the streets of Chieri,
later still in prisons, in the streets, in the
alleys of Valdocco. A pedagogy built in a
courtyard.
I dared to prove it a few years later when I
went to Chieri to continue my studies and
was accepted by the teacher, in front of the
whole class, with a not very exciting
sentence: "This is a guy or a large mole or
a great talent". It made me feel awkward
in the extreme; I remember coping with
these words: "That's something beyond
the pale, Sir: I am a poor young man who
wants to do his duty and progress in
studies".
Then there was that blessed dream when I
was 9-10 years old (the dream which was
repeated many more times!) that I would
get hammered, and the desire to become a
priest for the boys became stronger ...
And then I did something that didn't make
a genius of me, but in fact, achieved a
beautiful victory in my character, a real
breakthrough; i.e., stretch out your hand
to ask for help, something just to realise
my dream. I would admit a little later to a
Salesian: "You don't know how much this
begging cost me". With my proud
temperament, it was certainly not easy to
be humble enough to ask. My courage was
empowered by a high level of trust in
Providence; and also what I had learned
from my mother. At her school I had
learned one rule that led me everywhere:
"When I encounter a problem, treat it as if
I found the road ahead blocked by a big
boulder; if I can't remove it, I just turn
around."
And I assure you: I found many large
boulders on my path. I shall briefly
mention some of them:
1860, for example, was a typically difficult
year. Fr Cafasso, my friend, confessor and
spiritual director had died,: how much I
missed his presence, his advice and his
help with finances.
Then, from the Government side, I
encountered serious difficulties, authentic
"boulders": targeted searches which were
disastrous to Valdocco, as if I were a
criminal! My boys were living in fear, while
armed guards entered every where. The
searches continued, creating a climate of
fear and uncertainty. I wrote to the
Minister of the Interior, Louis Farini, for an
interview. I had the guts to tell him with
humble determination: "For my kids I
demand justice and restoration of honour
so that they don't lack the bread of life". I
know that he took a great risk because
these men were an anticlerical
Government, but I didn't lack the
necessary courage. And so gradually the
searches stopped.
I never gave up! I said to the boys: "The
courage of the bad guys is not what makes
others afraid. Be brave and you'll see them
fold their wings". A French benefactor from
Lyon had sent me a holy picture with a
phrase I have never forgotten because it
served as a guide: "Be with God like the
sparrow that feels the branch shake but
still continues to sing, knowing that it has
wings". It wasn't just a poetic expression,
but an act of courageous confidence in the
Providence of the Lord, because He alone
"is the master of our hearts".
When they were about to leave for their
holidays, I used to say this to my kids: "Be
men and not branches! Lift your head high,
walk straight in the service of God, within
the family and outside, in the Church and
in the square. What is human respect? A
papermachè monster that does not bite.
What are the impertinent words of these
bad guys? Soap-bubbles that disappear in
an instant. We cannot cure adversaries
and their taunts. Remember that
knowledge without conscience is nothing
but the ruin of the soul.”
I never got tired of instilling into their little
heads: "Give glory to God with your
conduct, consolation to your relatives and
your superiors. Otherwise a young,
undisciplined 'lazybones', will be a
disgraceful youth, a burden to his parents,
a weight to his superiors, and a weight for
himself".
The future would arise from Valdocco,
"good citizens and honest Christians" of
which the world has much need.
ZMB Salesian Newslink
5
Church Today | Pope Francis
Be open
to the newness
of the
HOLY SPIRIT
Source: ZENIT.ORG
| Vatican City, May 20, 2013
By Junno Arocho Esteves
The Holy Father recalled the moment where the
Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples,
giving them the strength to spread the Gospel.
“Newness always makes us a bit fearful,
because we feel more secure if we have
everything under control, if we are the ones who
build, program, and plan our lives,” Pope
Francis said. “This is also the case when it
comes to God. It is hard to abandon ourselves to
him with complete trust, allowing the Holy
Spirit to be the soul and guide of our lives.”
We fear that God may force us to strike out on
new paths and leave behind our all too narrow,
closed and selfish horizons in order to become
open to his own. Yet throughout the history of
salvation, whenever God reveals himself, He
brings newness—God always brings
newness—and demands our complete trust.”
Drawing from the examples of Noah,
Abraham and Moses, Pope Francis said that
the “newness” of the Holy Spirit brought the
joy, serenity and courage to proclaim the
Gospel to the disciples of Christ. However, the
Holy Father called on the faithful to ask
themselves if they are “open to God's
surprises” or if we are “closed and fearful
before the newness of the Holy Spirit.”
“The Holy Spirit,” the 76 year old pontiff said,
“would appear to create disorder in the
Church, since he brings the diversity of
charisms and gifts; yet all this, by his working,
is a great source of wealth, for the Holy Spirit
is the Spirit of unity, which does not mean
uniformity, but which leads everything back
to harmony.”
“In the Church, it is the Holy Spirit who
creates harmony. Only the Spirit can awaken
diversity, plurality, and multiplicity, while at
the same time building unity. Here too, when
we are the ones who try to create diversity and
close ourselves up in what makes us different
and other, we bring division. When we are the
ones who want to build unity in accordance
with our human plans, we end up creating
uniformity, standardization. But if instead we
let ourselves be guided by the Spirit, richness,
variety and diversity never become a source of
conflict, because he impels us to experience
variety within the communion of the Church.”
Pope Francis reminded the members from all
the various movements and ecclesial realities
of the Catholic Church to always remain true
to the Church, warning that when one embarks
on a “parallel journey” that goes beyond the
Church's teaching, they “are not one with the
God of Jesus Christ.”
Concluding his homily, the Holy Father
emphasized the need for the Holy Spirit,
comparing to the wind which fills the sails of
the soul and drives it forward.
“The Holy Spirit,” the Pope concluded,
“draws us into the mystery of the living God
and saves us from the threat of a Church which
is gnostic and self-referential, closed in on
herself; He impels us to open the doors and go
forth to proclaim and bear witness to the
goodness of the Gospel.”
6
ZMB Salesian Newslink
The Way Ahead
After the PC VII
Fr. George Chalissery SDB
Provincial Superior of ZMB
T
TT
the Salesian Sisters and also one from the Salesian
Cooperators. This Provincial Chapter was in
preparation for the Coming 27th General Chapter
which will be held in Rome at our Generalate
during the months of February, March and the
beginning of April 2014. The Theme of the
Chapter was “Witnesses to the Radical Approach of
the Gospel – called to live in fidelity Don Bosco's
apostolic project 'Work and Temperance'”.
At the outset I must say that the moderator of the
Chapter, Fr Christopher Rychcik, did a very good
job in planning and organizing the Chapter. Our
communities in the Vice-Province and our
confreres who were in Nairobi and Moshi, took
active part in studying the theme of the Chapter.
Those others who were outside the province were
also eager to know what was going on in ZMB.
Besides, the main theme of the Chapter, we also
did an evaluation of our communities, revised the
Province Directory and the Organic Provincial
Plan.
All the confreres were involved in the preparation
of the Provincial Chapter, even though we started
the preparations rather late. We did not come up
with any so-called 'radical' ideas or suggestions as
one might have expected! But there were some
other values that came forth and which I believe are
a radical message for the province. There was a
very cordial and fraternal atmosphere during the
discussions and deliberations of the Chapter. We
also underlined the fact that whatever happens in
every community is of interest to all the confreres
of the Vice-Province. We were much more united
and we all felt the need to own the Province.
We are now 78 confreres from 15 nationalities… a
truly international community. We find ourselves
here as we all have the same aim of helping young
people following the example of St John Bosco and
in this process, becoming saints. Thus we challenge
the young to follow our example of holiness. In a
big group like ours, there is always the danger of
dividing ourselves into smaller groups according to
national, ethnic or other basis. But to see a group of
people from different places, all working together
he Seventh Provincial Chapter
for the same mission is perhaps the greatest gospel
which we had, from 10-18 April
message we can give to the people here.
2013, was a memorable event in
We have just celebrated the feast of Pentecost. The
the history of ZMB. There were 26
coming of the Holy Spirit made the apostles preach
Salesians, a representative from
to the people who had gathered together in
Jerusalem from different corners of the earth.
Those who accepted the message of Peter were all
baptized and became one single group of believers
in Jesus, though they came from different
backgrounds. The Holy Spirit made these different
people into one group of believers. In the world
today, we find so many divisions among different
groups of people. It is so easy to break up into
different groups. But I believe the Provincial
Chapter made us into one group of Brothers who
have the same aim to help young people in the
context of our 4 countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe,
Malawi and Namibia. I guess this feeling of unity is
the best fruit of the Provincial Chapter. I am sure
for us in ZMB, we have had a good past, but the best
is yet to come. The Provincial Chapter has given
birth to a new ZMB!
On 24th May the Church celebrates the feast of
Mary Help of Christians. Mary was the one who
united the scattered apostles, and was keeping
them together for the coming of the Spirit. She is
the patroness of our Vice-Province. May Mary
unite us all with that same desire to help young
people like our father Don Bosco! May she guide
and protect us every day of our life. Don Bosco was
anxious towards the end of his life, whether the
Salesians would stay together after his death. He
would say: “Love one another as brothers; love one
another, help one another and bear with one another as
brothers. God's help and that of Mary Help of Christians
will not be lacking. Promise me that you will love one
another as Brothers” (Don Bosco).
I am sure all of us in ZMB would take to heart this
exhortation that came from the heart of our father.
I wish you all dear friends a Very Happy Feast of
Mary Help of Christians.
May we all enjoy her maternal intercession and
guidance every day of our lives.
Thank you!
ZMB Salesian Newslink
7
S WSalesian Wdorl
,(Kenya)y ordeacon will work in Bauleni Parishduring his holidays .
:: PROVINCIAL VISITATION ::
(MALAWI) 16/05/2013.
The Provincial has conducted thecanonical visitation of the Salesian
:: MEETING OF MEMBERS OF
communities of Malawi: Lilongwe
and Nkhotakota. At the end of his Lusaka – Bauleni (ZAMBIA)visitation t
THE SALESIAN FAMILY ::
provincial council joined him ino both communities, the 27/04/2013.The Community of Bauleni was the
Lilongwe to hold the Councilmeeting of May 2013. venue for the meeting of theThe Provincial arranged that members of the Salesian Family inProvincial council would meet the
thethe the south cone. Daughters of Maryhouse council of both communities Help of Christians, Salesians of Donat Lilongwe an d Nkhokota Bosco and Salesian Cooperatorsrespectively. During the visit to gathered at Bauleni community toNkhotakota, the Provincial also study the Chart of the Salesianvisited Don Bosco SecondFamily helped by Fr. Jose PastorSchool. ary SDB, the World facilitator of the
Salesian Family. Fr. Pastor came toZambia accompanied by Sr. LesleyFMA and Fr. Giuseppe S. from theormation Team of the Salesian
Seven Salesians of ZMB studying atthe Salesian Theological College ofUtume (Nairobi– Kenya) receivedministries of Lector and Acolyte.The new Acolytes of ZMB Vice-Prov ince are Ap honc iousHamweete, Peter Nguyen and
:: NEW MINISTRIES ::
Nairobi (Kenya) 01/05/13.
:: DIACONATE ORDINATIONS :: :: ANNUAL RETREAT ZMB ::
Emmanuel M. Phiri. The new
Nairobi (Kenya) 19/05/13. Chawama -Lusaka (ZAMBIA)
Lectors are Simbarashe Muza,The Salesian Theological College of Christopher Mukuka, MartinUtume was graced with the Nguyen and John Musonda. The FaySahaamvSelr10-14/04/2013.-. SDB from AFEordination of 14 deacons. The Provincial Superior of AFE, Fr. Province directed the first annualdeacons were ordained by bishop Roland Gianni, spoke of the retreat of ZMB Vice-Province afterDiocese (Zambia). Among those importance of the Ministries in for all confreres taking part in theClement Mulenga of Kabwe Church more specifically as the
thethe VII Provincial Chapter.The retreatordained was Dn Macar ius t
ones vocation towards priesthood. in Lusaka. Fr. Selvam helped theSalesian Parish in Kabwe. The participants to get in touch withordination was held on the 18th of
Mpundu sdb who comes from the steps in discovering and deepening ook place at the provincial house
themselves and reality, with theMay2013 at Utume in Nairobi
help of the “seven-step-retreat”. In . The newldained
facilitator
some of his talks, theemphasized the idea of movingt
Goowards a closer relationship with
d in Jesus as the basis forpersonal renewal. 'Conversion isnot a personal achievement but thework of God's grace in us', headded.
8
ormation day organised y the St.F
FFamily. Mary’s Parish. At the end of the
Kabwe, Mansa, Mazabuka, NamibiaThe participants came from gathering all participants receiveda t-shirt donated by the Sternsingsand Lusaka. At the end of the
of St. Bern har d Par ish in
meeting, children performed some Badherrenalb (Germany).traditional dances.
ZMB Salesian Newslink
650 Children from Don BoscoMakululu participated in thefb
:: HOLY CHILDHOOD
FORMATION DAY - DON BOSCO
MAKULULU::
Kabwe (ZAMBIA) 06/04/2013.
SalesianZMB
“Witnesses
to the Radical Approach of the Gospel– called to live in fidelityto Don Bosco's apostolic project:
'Work and Temperance'”
VII PROVINCIAL CHAPTER OF ZMB VICE-PROVINCELusaka (ZAMBIA) 14/04/2013.-The provincial Superior of ZMB, Fr. George Chalissery officially inaugurated the VII Provincial Chapter on the morning of 13 April 2013. The Provincial Chapter was once again celebrated at the provincial house (Chawama) in th preparation for the 27 General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation that will take place in Rome from Februay to April 2014.Fr. Chalissery welcomed and thanked all participants to the provincial chapter the Moderator, Fr. Christopher Rychcik and most especially he expressed his gratitude towards Fr. Christopher o f t h e c o n t r i b u t i o n f r o m t h e Rychcik, the moderator of the chapter. communities resulted in a veryThe Chapter began with the Eucharistic celebration; it was presided by Right c o n d e n s e d y e t c o m p r e h e n s i v e Rev. Bishop Clement Mulenga SDB, who is invited to the chapter as one of the 5 document. external. In his homily, Bishop Clement emphasised the importance of the The second and third days were also chapter in the life of the province. Bishop Clement encouraged the members of spent in group work, this time dealing the Chapter to be united and to cherish the riches of the various cultural groups with the Organic Provincial Plan and the which make up the Vice-Province. revision of the Provincial Directory. During the Chapter sessions, the Provincial, Fr. George Chalissery read his Towards the end of the Chapter, the Moderator led the election of the Delegate of ZMB report, which was followed by that of the provincial economer. Vice-Province to the General Chapter. The lot fell on Fr. Michael Mbandama; his substitute The Chapter members spent a good deal of time, gathered in groups, studying is Fr. Norbert Lesa.the working paper. The group work was later on presented to the general On the last day, the Provincial Superior of ZMB officially concluded the VII Provincial assembly for the approval of their deliberations which was subsequently Chapter; and invited all participants to join the celebrations of the 2013 Provincial Day. recorded by the secretaries to be sent to Rome at the end of the Chapter. The th During the Eucharistic celebration there was a special mention of the 50 Anniversary of themes for the group work were: “Mystics in the Spirit”, “Prophets of th Religious Professino of Fr. Andrew Zdzieborski, 25 Anniversary of Religious Profession Fraternity” and “Servants of the Young”. There were two additional documents th of Fr. Slawomir Bartodziej and the 25 Anniversary of Priestly Ordination of Fr. Michalon the “Re-organisation of the Africa-Madagascar Region” and the possible Wzietek.modification of Constitutions Art. 172. The discussions proved to be very useful and enriching, the fruit of the work of
“Witnesses
to the Radical Approach of the Gospel– called to live in fidelityto Don Bosco's apostolic project:
'Work and Temperance'”
VII PROVINCIAL CHAPTER OF ZMB VICE-PROVINCELusaka (ZAMBIA) 14/04/2013.-The provincial Superior of ZMB, Fr. George Chalissery officially inaugurated the VII Provincial Chapter on the morning of 13 April 2013. The Provincial Chapter was once again celebrated at the provincial house (Chawama) in th preparation for the 27 General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation that will take place in Rome from Februay to April 2014.Fr. Chalissery welcomed and thanked all participants to the provincial chapter the Moderator, Fr. Christopher Rychcik and most especially he expressed his gratitude towards Fr. Christopher o f t h e c o n t r i b u t i o n f r o m t h e Rychcik, the moderator of the chapter. communities resulted in a veryThe Chapter began with the Eucharistic celebration; it was presided by Right c o n d e n s e d y e t c o m p r e h e n s i v e Rev. Bishop Clement Mulenga SDB, who is invited to the chapter as one of the 5 document. external. In his homily, Bishop Clement emphasised the importance of the The second and third days were also chapter in the life of the province. Bishop Clement encouraged the members of spent in group work, this time dealing the Chapter to be united and to cherish the riches of the various cultural groups with the Organic Provincial Plan and the which make up the Vice-Province. revision of the Provincial Directory. During the Chapter sessions, the Provincial, Fr. George Chalissery read his Towards the end of the Chapter, the Moderator led the election of the Delegate of ZMB report, which was followed by that of the provincial economer. Vice-Province to the General Chapter. The lot fell on Fr. Michael Mbandama; his substitute The Chapter members spent a good deal of time, gathered in groups, studying is Fr. Norbert Lesa.the working paper. The group work was later on presented to the general On the last day, the Provincial Superior of ZMB officially concluded the VII Provincial assembly for the approval of their deliberations which was subsequently Chapter; and invited all participants to join the celebrations of the 2013 Provincial Day. recorded by the secretaries to be sent to Rome at the end of the Chapter. The th During the Eucharistic celebration there was a special mention of the 50 Anniversary of themes for the group work were: “Mystics in the Spirit”, “Prophets of th Religious Professino of Fr. Andrew Zdzieborski, 25 Anniversary of Religious Profession Fraternity” and “Servants of the Young”. There were two additional documents th of Fr. Slawomir Bartodziej and the 25 Anniversary of Priestly Ordination of Fr. Michalon the “Re-organisation of the Africa-Madagascar Region” and the possible Wzietek.modification of Constitutions Art. 172. The discussions proved to be very useful and enriching, the fruit of the work of
YOUTHCONFERENCE RUNDU | NAMIBIA
Our trip to Rundu, Namibia was born from the Easter Camp
th st
that was held in Chawama from the 28 to the 31 of March2013 with the theme “CHRIST LIVES, he invites us to bemissionaries”. It was there that the young people fromNamibia invited us to attend their Youth Conference. Theysaid that they have attended youth rallies here in Zambia aswell as some of the Easter Camps hence they wanted at leastabout 5 youth from Zambia also to attend their youthprogram as a way of encouraging their fellow young peoplein Rundu to be active youths, and to experience how theyrun their youth programs. It was great for me to attend theconference together with Robert, unlike the other 3 whodid not make it. This invitation came at the right time andfor me it made the theme for Easter Camp even moremeaningful in the sense that we answered Christ's call ofbeing missionaries.
nd th
The conference ran from the 2 to the 5 of May 2013.
st
Robert and I started off on the morning of 1 of May. Thespecial advisor for the youth (Paulus Tchavu) picked us upfrom Katima Mulilo border and we reached Rundu at01:50hrs.The conference was in Kaguni at the premises of a primary
nd
school. We went to attend the conference on the 2 and itwas basically about introductions. We were privileged to begiven time to say a few words of which we did, it was anamazing moment.The second day of the conference was entirely a sports day:basketball, netball, football and many other mini sports.They also had a bible quiz on this very day. We also took thisopportunity to visit St Mary's Parish and we spent sometime there watching the holy childhood rehearse forfeast of Dominic Savio.The third day is the one I enjoyed the
thethemost. The young people started by showcasing theircultural dances. It was really beautiful and 5 different youthgroups took part. Later in the day there was a singingcompetition in which both senior and junior youths tookpart. This is a competition that attracted a lot of viewers.People from other places came to watch this competition.The performance of the choirs was amazing; the judges hadtough time in doing their job. The conference was closedwith mass on Sunday the 5thof May.
10
ZMB Salesian Newslink
By Taonga Phiri
taongaphiri54@gmail.com
MY OV ERA LL VIEW O F THECONFERENCERundiscovered that young people inI du are very energetic andvibrant. They are too much intoculture and singing. The spiritualpart needs more development.Theyneed programs that can build on totheir faith. They also need peoplewho can help them to implementtheir programs. I was impressedwith one youth who is married and isvery active at youth programs; sheeven had a misunderstanding withher husband conce rning heractiveness but she stood up for whatshe believes in. Another man alsoimpressed me; he married his fellowouth when they were both vibranty
yyoung people. The two of them nowhave a son who is also a vibrantyouth.The couple is always presentat almost all youth activities as a wayof keeping the youth ministry aliveand this proves that the spirit of DonBosco is alive in Rundu. Thisconference made me realize that it'salways important to stand for whatwe believe in if we want to be goodChristians; so many things come inour way on our Christian journey. Weare accused of doing so many thingsthat we have not done, we are judgedunjustly and many times we are hurtbut this should not hinder ourrelationship with God.
OUT SIDE THE CONFERENCEWe had a great time in Rundu; wevisited a few places such as the beachand the river that demarcatesNamibia and Angola. We left Rundu
th
on the 7 of May 13, 2013 around02hrs in the morning. We thank Godfor his travelling mercies andprotection to and from Namibia. Wealso thank God for having given usxperiencethis opportunity to eandlive another part of life.
Jorge Mario BERGOGLIOPope FRANCIS
Sign &
Prophecy
Jorge Mario BERGOGLIOPope FRANCIS
Sign &
Prophecy
was not the exception. I thinkeverybody was looking at thewindow and waiting who will
hour of hopeful expectation. I know it
I be the next Pope. It was a long
was not only Christians who were
interested in the new Pope because
choice would, in a way, determine the
thethe
way the Church is going to move. Then,
after that unusually long hour we had
the name of the new Pope being
mentioned. I guess most of the people
both in St. Peter's square and in the
whole world were left in awe as to who
is this new Pope. When I heard his name
I immediately knew the person they
were talking about. For a moment I
thank God to have such a man of God to
be our Pope.
Pope Francis, that is the way Cardinal
Jorge Bergoglio chose to call himself. I
think he did it purposely because, he,
before being a Pope, is a believer, a man
who has strived to live as a child of God, a
follower of Christ, a man of the Church, a
brother of many brothers. The first
impression to all of us who were waiting
was of a man who was more surprised of
his election than we were; his silent
looking at the crowd of people gather
there in Rome gave the impression of a
person who was afraid of the ministry
he was starting. However, when he
addressed the people of God, he gave a
completely different impression: he was
By Fr. Jorge E. Ormeño sdb
a humble man who wanted to transmit the love of God evenwith his presence. He greeted as somebody we know wouldgreet us: 'buona sera'.That night Pope Francis taught us that the Pope was notsupposed to be the most important. There, in our first fewminutes with him, we learnt that God is always the mostimportant and, because of that, we prayed to the Lord withhim, as the way we used to do with our parents when we werelittle children: the very simple prayers for pope Benedict andthen that prayer in silence for him and for the Church. Heproposed to the whole Church to walk together to theencounter of the Lord. Then, he encouraged all not to get tiredof going back to the Lord because He does not get tired offorgiving us.He, finally, reminded us that to be a Christian is to do exactlywhat God does: to give life, to take care! Christian life is morethan doing this or avoiding that; to be a Christian is to takecare of each other! Tenderness is a quality of God and also ofall his children. Then, we are no to be afraid of tenderness;that is the way to take care of each other, having an approachof tenderness to all the creatures that surround us. Maybe thevery first way to take care with tenderness to people aroundus is to respect them in their own diversity, giving witness of aGod that loves and respects all His creatures.Now we can know that the choosing of his name was not onlya matter of taste, but it is a program for a whole pontificate, aprogram for the whole Church. The first and foremost reformof a Church passes through every single Christian, passesthrough you and me. Everybody, from within and alsooutsiders, wants to see a rejuvenated Church. We alreadyhave a program to grow with God and then God who is everprwith His Church will also in this time be with Her to oducethe fruits of love and thus give witness to a living God.
ZMB Salesian Newslink
11
Education has always been a basic human experience; from the earliest civilizations to our
XXI century society expertise and knowledge have been transmitted from generation toEducation generation. Education is an ongoing process of interaction between educators and students.
By Gordon Chongo Mutale
EDUCATING
young people TODAY
Awhich a child was educated in the past is definitely not the same as young people are educated today.It must be remembered that where learning is concerned, there is an educator and the person “to be educated”. Classical pedagogy put the educator at the centre of the learning process, where the educator becomes the sole giver of knowledge and the “student” on the receiving and passive side of the process. It is a fact that today in the education of a child there are many other things that demand consideration. Youthhave developed or rather found themselves in their own culture where they have their own understanding; this understanding of the world, in a way differs from that of the adults'. This has become a threat to many adults as they think their traditional beliefs and understanding of the world is no longer meaningful to young people. I personally give it rather different interpretation. Maybe it is because am a youth myself and at the same time I am familiar with the Salesian Educative System. As such, I think Iview it as both a youth and educator.Today, it is difficult or even impossible toeducate young people if you cut yourself off from the 'youth culture'. The 'youth culture' reminds us that we cannot go on trying to solve new problems using old solutions. In youth ministry, we often find the young people inviting us to participate in their world. Yet again, there educators who refuse to enter this beautiful world.
understanding it. On top of that,education is dynamic; the way in
leaves a lot of gaps when it comes to
s often as this topic is discussed, it
12
ZMB Salesian Newslink
Y
oung people today are the leading protagonists in the so-called “Digital Continent”. They are exposed to many things that come from the Media, much more than most adults. However, astrange thing today is to verify that a good number of educators waste lots of time and energy trying to correct behavioural patterns among the young, not bothering to find out where the traits they want to correct are coming from. My appeal to all educators is to allow themselves to be challenged by their students and learn from them; to know what they know best and from there draw out the experience of life which will help them make a positive behavioural change. This attitudes calls for an extraordinary effort to leave one's comfort zone of structured values and acquired knowledge tomove to a zone where educator and student are both discovering the other side of the story and there the educator based on his experience helps the student to make his own choices and improve their knowledge; and even become 'educators' of their peers. Educating young people today, as it has always been, it a wonderful process: it is more like an adventure!
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
you have given the world it's true light,
Jesus your son – the Son of God.
You abandoned yourself completely
to God's call and thus became
a wellspring of the goodness
which flows forth from him.
Show us Jesus, Lead us to him.
Teach to know and love him,
so that we too can become
capable of true love
and be fountains of living water
in the midst of a thirsting world.
(Pope Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter,
“God is Love” Solemnity of the Nativity of the
Lord, 2005)
Holy Mary, Mother of God you have given the world
its true light, Jesus your son the Son of God.Jesus is the Light of the world (Jn 9:5). Jesus is our Light, our kindly Light leading us beyond the
encircling gloom. It was Mary who gave us Jesus, her Son, to be our Light and a lamp for our steps (Ps 119:105) as we struggle on our earthly pilgrimage towards our Father's house (Jn 14:2). That is why we honour Mary so much, and thank her too. And that is why we thank God for giving us Mary, the mother of Jesus our Light.
By Fr. Tony Geoghegan, sj.
MEDITATIONS ON
Holy Mary, Mother of God… show us Jesus
We ask Mary, the mother of Jesus, to show us Jesus, her Son. In the beautiful and ancient hymnof the church, the 'Salve Regina', the 'Hail Holy Queen”, there is a similar prayer: “and after this our exile, show unto us the fruit of your womb, Jesus”.Like those Greeks who came to Philip, we too“desire to see Jesus” (Jn 12:22). Like Zaccheus, we too “desire to see Jesus” and “catch a glimpse of him” (Lk 19:3.4). With the great St. Augustine we too pray: “Lord, let me know you”. And so we ask Mary, the mother of Jesus, to show us Jesus her Son.
Holy Mary, Mother of God… Lead us to Jesus. Teach
to know and love him
To know Jesus is a great grace, the grace that St Paul prayer that the early Christians at Ephesus would receive: “until knowing the love of Christ,which is above all knowledge, you are filled with the utter fullness of God” (Eph 3:19). To know Jesus is to have eternal life is this: to know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (Jn 17:3) St Ignatius of Loyola, in his spiritual exercises, encourages the retreat to pray for this grace while contemplating the mysteries of Christ's life in the
gospels: 'to ask for an interior knowledge of our Lord, who became human for me, that I may love him more intensely and follow him more closely.' We should pray daily for the grace to know and love Jesus more because the heart of our motivation as disciples and apostles of the Lord isour personal relationship with Jesus (Jn 15:14). And this was the source of St Paul's motivation as missionary and preacher of the Good News: “It is the love of Christ which urges us on” (2Co 5:14). To be capable of true love means that we love one another as Jesus loved us (Jn 13:34). His love forus was a sacrificial love (Jn15:13). His love for us was all embracing, universal, excluding no one, not even his enemies who crucified him (Lk 23:34). Often our loving is not true, not genuine, not faithful. Sometimes our loving is mixed with a lot of selfishness. It can be flawed and marred bydifferent forms of exclusivism – excluding either some individuals or groups from our so-called 'loving'. Sometimes our loving is possessive and enslaving instead of being liberating and life giving. And so we pray for the grace to become capable of true love. If our loving is true loving then we can become 'fountains of living water in the midst of a thirsting world.'
ZMB Salesian Newslink
13
DID YOU KNOWTHAT…
by Dn. Jerome Bwalya sdb
1. Bauleni has been the home heart for mostof the Salesians in ZMB Vice-Provincebecause of its being the formation house inthe past and also because most of theOrdinations, Renewals, First and FinalProfessions have taken place from there.Bauleni was the home was the firstFormation House in ZMB Vice Province.
2. That our father founder of ZMB Vice-Province Fr. Kaziemierz Cichecki diedpeacefully in his room in Baulenicommunity while we were having the firstInternational Youth Rally in Chingola in thejubilee year of the Lord-2000. He died on 9thSeptember 2000.
3. Fr. Peter Gozdalski was the first Salesianpriest to be ordained on the soil of ZMBVice-Province. He was ordained inNsakaluba (Luapula Province) in 1990while late on the same year Fr. JosephSkowron was also ordained in Luwingu.That was the beginning of all Salesianpriestly ordination in ZMB.
4. Bishop Clement Mulenga was the firstlocal vocation to be ordained priest in theZMB Vice-Province. He was ordained in
th
Luwingu on 26 April 1998, and he becamethe first of Kabwe Diocese and firstSalesian bishop
bishopbishop in ZMB vice province.
5. Next year we are celebrating the Silver
14
ZMB Salesian Newslink
Jubilee of the first local vocation to theSalesian Congregation in the ZMB Vice-Province – Br. Sylvester Makumba. He is theZambian Salesian and he made his
st
first
firstfirst profession on 1Lesotho and his final profession on 29Oc January 1989 inth
tober 1995 in Bauleni (ZAMBIA).Although Zambian, he belonged to theWarsaw Province.
6. The first Rectors of ZMB vice provinceLuwingu,rKazimierz Cichecki rector ofwere F. Fr. Jozef Bem rector of Chingolaand Fr. Piotr Boryczka rector of Kazembe.They were the first rectors when thesecommunities still belonged to the WarsawProvince (PLE) of which Zambia was adelegation.
7. The first Parish in ZMB Vice-Provincewas Luwingu mission and that Fr. JozefOjczyk was the first Salesians Parish Priest;hence he was the first Parish Priest of ZMB.
8. The First Provincial Chapter in ZMB Vice-Province was held in 1995 and Fr. JozefCzerwinski was its moderator. At the end ofthe Chapter, the first Provincial Directorywas produced.
9. “Luwingu” was the first SalesianHeadquarter for the Salesians in ZMB Vice-Province, since the Provincial Delegate, Fr.Kazimierz Cichecki resided there before hemoved to Lusaka in 1985. The house at “LuziRoad” became the second Headquarter, andthen “Makeni” being third, followed by“Chawama” being the four headquarter upto today.
10. Most of the Local Salesians vocations inZMB Vice-Province are from NorthernProvince of Zambia, Kasama Archdiocese tobe more specific! From that part of theworld, where we do not have any Salesiancommunity at present.
11. Among the Salesians presences that wehave handed back (closed), IPUSUKILOMission has been the place where we stayedthe shortest period of time. The Salesianswere there only for six years. We ran it afterthe White Fathers left in 1986, and we
th
handed it back to Kasama Archdiocese 20August 1992.
S WSalesian WdorlANS ANS
(ANS – Mendoza) 17/5/2013 -
Argentina -The hostel of the
oratory opens to the
homeless.
– For the second consecutive
year the hostel of the oratory
"Ceferino Namuncurá" in
Mendoza, opens its doors to all
adults who live on the street. A
little more than a week of its
initiation there are already 30
people who go there to sleep and
get something hot to start the
day. "This is the only place where
we are treated as people";
"because of the good folk like
you, clean, with a job, the study
... you take so much trouble to
spend time with us?"; "If this year
the hostel reopened I want to
stay as a volunteer, because I
want to return all the good that I
have received."
presented the annual report of
the Girls Shelter. Since the Girls
Shelter was opened, two years
ago, 521 crisis interventions
have been carried out including
follow-up care for girls and young
women who have experienced
violence.
The Shelter is open all day long
and staffed by professional
social and pastoral workers. In
comparison to last year, Brother
Lothar this time presented
shocking empirical findings. It is
not only the increasing brutality
of the perpetrators of violence
against the girls that is alarming,
but also the rising number of
rapes against girls and young
(ANS – Nairobi) – 17/5/2013 -
Kenya -Communications
Professionals at work.
Two important social
communications events took
place last week at Nairobi in
Kenya: the 12th Seminar for
Television Producers of SIGNIS
(the World Catholic Association
for Communications), and the
Catholic Media Festival,
organized by the Catholic Media
Houses of the Archdiocese of
Nairobi. Both events were
attended by the staff of the
Salesian Audiovisual Centre,
Bosco Eastern Africa Multimedia
(ANS – Lubumbashi) –
30/4/2013 -Democratic
Republic of Congo - Salesian
Games 2013
Young people from all the
Salesian centres in the province
of Katanga, as well as those from
parishes run by the Salesians,
are taking part in the 2013
tournament of the Salesian
Games at the playing fields of
Boys’ Town in Lubumbashi. The
programme started ten days ago
and will finish tomorrow.
Young people from the parishes
and oratories came together on
20-21 April, and then, the
following weekend 27-28 April,
young people from the Salesian
schools. On both occasions the
young people were highly
motivated and determined to
bring home a cup. They took part
in the different disciplines and
displayed a high standard of
sportsmanship and good
behavior. The officials for the
various competitions were the
students of the St Francis de
Sales Institute of Theology and
the St John Bosco Institute of
Philosophy of Kansebula and the
members of the St John Bosco
Football Academy.
(ANS – Freetown) – 30/4/2013 -
Sierra Leone -Don Bosco
Fambul: stop sexual abuse
and rape.
On the occasion of a press
conference, on 19 April, the
Salesian Brother Lothar Wagner
women under the age of 14.
“Some of the girls were kept like
slaves by their tormentors,
oftentimes for years,” Brother
Lothar told the journalists.
Among the perpetrators are
teachers and religious leaders
as well as complete strangers
who are active in child trafficking.
“The boldness that characterizes
the way the perpetrators act
against the girls and young
women bears testimony of the
perpetrators’ grave moral void;
oftentimes they do not even
regard themselves as criminals
but present themselves as
benefactors,” the director said.
For more news of the Salesian
World, visit www.infoans.org
ZMB Salesian Newslink
15
16 Salesian NewslinkZMB
HOLY WEEK AND EASTER CAMP the constant intervention of God in thehistory of salvation until its climax in theresurrection of Christ.On the Resurrection Sunday one of themain reflections dwelt on the possibilityof engaging in the Salesian VoluntaryService as a way to live out our Christiancall.The presence of the young people fromthe communities of the Salesian Sisterswas very strong and the Sistersthemselves participated fully in theprogramme giving lot of joy to the event. Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 28-31/03/2013.-
ZMB EASTER CAMP..46 Youngsters from the Salesian YouthMovement gathered at the provincialhouse to celebrate the Easter Festival. TheYouth Department of ZMB organised theannual Easter Camp 'Living Christ' to helpyoungsters from the Salesian YouthMovement grow in their spiritual life byliving the events of our salvation in ayouthful atmosphere.This year the event took place at theprovincial house of ZMB Vice-Province[Lusaka – Chawama], just as it was back in2009. The participants came from variousl o c a t i o n s w i t h i n Z M B : N a m i b i a ,Zimbabwe and Zambia; only Malawi wasnot represented. The event began on HolyThursday with the arrival of the variousdelegations; the first reflection of the daywas on the 'Joy of Service', in preparationfor the Celebration of the Washing of theFeet.Youngsters from the various communitiesmingled with their peers in groups for theliturgy, camping and various services. Theinteraction among them was remarkableand their participation in the liturgypraiseworthy. On Good Friday all eventsspin around the passion of Christ. Thegroup went to the streets to celebrate theWay of the Cross.On Saturday, the celebration of the EasterVigil helped all recognise all our good Goddoes for us. As the liturgy unfolded, thevarious readings showed all participants
:: ANNUAL MEETING OF VOLUNTEERS ::
Lusaka (ZAMBIA) 15-19/03/2013
Young volunteers from Austria, Czech Republic and Poland spend a few days of reflection at the provincial house of ZMB together with Fr. Antonio, the Provincial Youth Delegate and Mission Promotion. The main purpose of the meeting was to spend some time together,reflecting on the identity of the Salesian Volunteer and the Salesian Voluntary Service, the goals of the Salesian Voluntary Service and also to revise the various aspects of the voluntary service in this part of Africa.The meeting is a continuation of the formation programme volunteers undergo before coming to the province. During the meeting, the volunteers shared their community and working experiences.The meeting started on Friday evening through Monday morning when after the outing and evaluation of the meeting the volunteers returned to their communities.The experience of the Voluntary Service in ZMB is a phenomenon that is attracting many young people from Europe and other parts of the world as well as Africa to think of their Christian identity and avail themselves of a particular mission in the various sectors of the Salesian Mission here in Africa.
Volunteers’ Meeting 2013
ZMB
Salesian Newslink 17
Salesian Missions |
wide variety of educational and
VOLUNTEERS
recreational activities. Young
people are coming to train football,
I am Ulrike Ebner. I left my home in play Scrabble and do weight lifting.
southern Austria on the 26 th of They learn new dances or sing
August 2012. I came to Lilongwe together in the Music Club. All
(capital city of Malawi) to spend together there are 16 different clubs
one year in Lilongwe working as a at present, which welcome
volunteer at the Don Bosco Youth everyone who would like to join. In
Technical Institute. I “Computer the mornings I am working in the
Skills” and in 5 different classes I office of the Youth Centre to
have students who are learning the arrange registers, financial reports
most important things about or whatever occurs. In the
computers. I am responsible for the afternoon, I have to make sure that
First Year Students of the children and youth are assisted
Information and Communication with their materials and I help them
Technology to whom I teach the organise games, shows and
ICDL (International Computer tournaments. For children we offer
Driving License). On weekends I a playground, table games and
am working together with my co-since last year also what we call the
volunteer Elisabeth at the Don “Kids Corner”, where they can
Bosco Youth Centre. My main play untroubled and gain important
pursuit is to take care of the skills for life. In addition to this, Ulli
youngest members of the Youth and I are also working for the
Centre, the children who are not sponsorship organisation BOSCO,
old enough to join one of the which supports students in the
various clubs which are meeting college.
and training every day. At the
centre there is the so-called “Kids
Corner”, it gives them a place to
play, do some drawings and to
make music at their will. Apart
from the work at school and the
youth centre we are part of an
organisation called “BOSCO”,
founded by Austrian volunteers
together with members of staff that
supports students financially but
also in is a support group to cope
with the emotional challenges they
face in day-to-day life.
Voluntary service
has become
the practical expression
of an interior
attitude of service
and solidarity.
A volunteer
is a person
who is growing towards
a vision of life
as a gift.
I am Elisabeth Graf. On August I am David Krkoška. I am 24 years
th
17 , 2012, I arrived in Lilongwe, the old and I came from the Czech
capital city of Malawi to spend Republic. I've been in Africa since
exactly 361 days for a voluntary December, when I arrived with my
service with the Salesians of Don wife Nada to start our volunteering
Bosco. The Salesian project is huge mission in the Don Bosco
and is based in Area 23 and is made Technical College in Hwange,
up of a parish, a technical college Zimbabwe. Last year I finished my
and a youth centre. While my studies and since I'm a software
friend Ulli, is teaching at school, engineer I work in the college as a
I'm working at the Youth Centre. lecturer in a Computer
With more than 400 registered Department. I teach both basic and
members. The Oratory-Youth advanced courses there; my other
Centre is also very big and offers a big commitment is in the oratory,
18
ZMB Salesian Newslink
where we receive children and in the Technical College I teach children, age from 3 years to 9
youth to play with them, let them basics in those two fields. Although years. There are 2 groups and the
compete in games and sports and I'm not good in sports, with David third one is my group. I teach
also pray with them during the we organize sports and gaming Literacy, English, Maths and
assembly at the end of each day. I'm events and we run the oratory. I love singing. Back in the community I
in charge of some other duties as being with the children, playing or also have other duties, for example
well. making some drawings with them, painting and in the weekend I water
My volunteering service is a great teaching them to play guitar and the garden and do a bit of house
experience that lets me do some of different games and, what is the cleaning. I'll stay in Zambia up to
the things I like to do very much – most important for me, sharing August 2013. I like this country.
being a volunteer, working with Jesus' love with all the students and People here are very kind and I feel
children and youth, tasting new oratorians. I'm grateful for having like one of them.
food, listening to ethnical music, this chance to be a part of Salesian
travelling and meeting new cultures work.
with their customs and cultural
differences. All of that is combined
here in Hwange and I'm glad that I
can be a part of a wonderful world
of Salesian missions.
My name is Tomek Witkowski. I'm
26 years old. I am from Poland. In
My name is Anna Gordzijewska. September 2012 I came to Zambia
I'm 30 years old. I come from to work as a volunteer. I stay in
Poland. I stay in Zambia, in Kabwe Kabwe in place called: Don Bosco
in Don Bosco Youth Centre from Youth Cente. I live together with
September 2012. There in Kabwe three priests, one religious brother
To introduce myself I'll start by there is an Oratory for youth and and another volunteer. This is our
saying that, “my name is Nada for kids. The Oratory section for
community and because I live
Bartunková; I come from the kids we started this year.
together with priests in one place, I
Czech Republic, I'm 25 years old This oratory is mainly during the feel like I'm living in a convent, in
and since December I've been weekends, but also it sometimes the positive sense! It is an amazing
volunteering with my husband in runs during the week. I have charge and a very interesting experience.
Don Bosco Hwange, Zimbabwe.” of the girl's group. My group is As a volunteer I do many different
For me, to be part of mission is like made up of almost 50 girls. We play works: I teach computers, I water
a fulfilled desire. When I was 16 board games and some outdoor the garden in the weekends
years old, I got a prophecy about games too. We do some painting as together with Ana; I do
being a missionary in Africa. God well. Sometimes we do sport maintenance in the house and
was calling me later again, but I was competitions for girls and boys oratory. The work with the kids is
so afraid that I set a condition – I together. Kids very like it. what I like the most. I'm trying to be
will go only with a husband. Later I During the school holidays, I lead like a father to them and I want
met David and we both felt the special activities for children. We
them to feel at home any time they
desire to be volunteers for one year had also Christmas Party and come to Don Bosco Youth Centre.
of our lives. We got married after Easter Party. On the weekends I go I'm going to stay in Zambia up to
our university studies just before to Makululu, where I work in a August 2013. I like Zambians are
leaving to Zimbabwe. project that prepares children to
very friendly and I like them so
studied Environmental begin their schooling years. The much. Even the way they play
Simulations which is close both to name of the project is “Don Bosco makes me to feel so happy.
computers and mathematics, thus Preschool”. There are about 100
ZMB Salesian Newslink
19
R ight from the beginning Don Bosco was not alone in the mission God entrusted to him. There was a group of people that in different forms had the same Spirit and shared the same mission, though in different Christian vocations. As the youth apostolate matured, Don Bosco realized that there was a movement of people gathered around him carrying out the mission God entrusted to him. Along time, the followers of Don Bosco and the
By Fr. Jorge E. Ormeño sdb
movement of people around them have come tounderstand that their lives followed the same Spirit and shared the same mission. They understood they had a common Charismatic identity. It is from this vast movement of people that the Salesian Family was born.
The term 'family', in Salesian Family, describes the link that connects the different groups that compose it. Theties of spiritual relationship and of apostolic affinity link the different groups. These ties are an expression of communion that is interior, charismatic and
are united, as in a there are groups of diverse type they spiritual. Though family, by common baptism (united with God and with His Church–Christian Identity); by a common reference to Mary Help of Christians and toDon Bosco (Salesian history); by the same method Bosco (Salesian spirituality); by the spirit of Don (Salesian humanism); by the mission for the young
ZMB Salesian Newslink
The Salesian FamilyCharism and LegacyR
REFLECTION
Meeting of the members of the Salesian Familyin Bauleni - Lusaka (Zambia)
REFLECTION
and the poor (Salesian mission); by recognizing a centre of unity in Don Bosco and his successors (Salesian Rector Major). The term 'Salesian', onthe other hand, refers to a particular spirituality.Don Bosco took St. Francis de Sales as his patron and model in his humanism and his pastoral charity. St Francis looked at life with optimism: people are good because God loves them (Salesian humanism) and gave himselfcompletely to his people as Jesus the Good Shepherd (Pastoral charity).
The understanding on their common call,identity and mission of the Salesian Family has come to maturity in these last decades. The documents on the Salesian Family want tunderline this understanding. The latest of these odocuments is the Charter of the Charismatic
Identity of the Salesian Family. The Charter is the result of a long process of reflection and agreement of the World Consultative Committee
of the Salesian Family. This charter gathers the reflections and the experiences of the previous documents. It describes the characteristics and the distinguishing elements of the Salesian Family.
All the groups in the Salesian Family participate in the Salesian V
vocation, God's call ocation. They share the same
to Don Bosco. They, , a God Bosco, experience God in a particular waylike Don who calls them to be disciples and apostles. apostleslike Don Bosco, recognize themselves as They, to the young and/or the working classes. They share the Salesian mission and they carry it out in their different ways of life.
Moreover, the Salesian Family does not only have the same vocation and the same mission. They also share the same method to carry out their apostolate: the Salesian educative method. The Salesian educative method is a way of realising their mission inspired by the spiritual and pedagogical patrimony of Don Bosco. They collaborate with God the Father in his paternal concern for all his children, especially the most vulnerable. Through the sacraments, they enter in communion with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who gives his life for his brothers and sisters. They are part of a larger community, the Church, which makes God present among us and is his missionary. They are in contact with people in
their daily activities and with the approach proper to the sons and daughters of Don Bosco, approach that is characterized by lovingkindness.
The members of the Salesian Family live their salesianity in their concrete ways of life. Their way of life transpires a commitment. It is an evangelical life. Their commitment in their Christian lives is lived in active fraternity with other groups of the Salesian family. They worktogether with the other groups and they know
how to link forces to the betterment of the mission.
The Salesian Family is a living reality in the Church. It is the custodian of Don Bosco's spirituality and is called to have it alive in the larger Salesian movement by being precisely what they are: Salesians. Here we have tried topoint out the history, the meaning, the identity in its mean features, the vocation, the mission, the spirituality and the formation of the Salesian Family.
ZMB Salesian Newslink
21
2013 Salesian Mission Day Salesian Mission Day
The Salesian Community of St. Isidro faith, as good Catholics.(Lufubu) in co-operation with the The programme was based on series Delegate for Mission Promotion in of meetings and group work on the ZMB, Volunteers and Aspirants theme of the “Initial Proclamation of organised a series of conferences and Jesus.” The starting point was to get toother activities to commemorate the know Jesus more in depth as well as toSalesian Mission Day 2013, from 01- share the joy of being his followers. 06 May 2013. The meeting ended The participants were very happy towith the celebrations in honour of St. share their own experience andDominic Savio.suggested ways to let Jesus be known The Rector of the Community, Fr. more and more among their parents, Czeslaw Lenczuk invited the Mission siblings and other relatives.Delegate of ZMB to organise together Fr. Czeslaw organised a wonderful a “Mission-Week” for the children of programme that included a visit toLufubu village in the north of Zambia, Lake Mweru (70km from Lufubu) in where the community is located. The the border with Congo D.R. Allidea was to create awareness on the participants had the chance to attend sense of Mission in the Catholic mass by the lake and later on get a community of Lufubu and to get to splash on the lake. Fr. Jorge Ormeño know the various ways in the which SDB, presided over the eucharist and all can participate in the missionary stresse d the idea o f being activity of the Church and the Salesian missionaries by acknowledging the Congregation. Volunteers, Aspirants love of God and being witnesses of and some close collaborators came this love to all. together to organise the event in During the various sessions, the three which over 156 children, teenagers aspirants from Zambia, Adrian and adolescents took part. The event Matebesi, Andrew Phiri and I.is part of the formation programme of Katongo helped with the translations the community in its outreach plan from English into Bemba. Polishfor the children and adolescents of Volunteers Christopher and Ilona Lufubu village (ZAMBIA) in order to helped with the kitchen, movies and help them grow and mature in their recreation.
22
ZMB Salesian Newslink
the reality of youth migration
Youth Forum
By Boniface Mbowo
LONGING FOR PARADISE
S
S
o m e p e o p l e s a y : in migrations from the rural areas to the big cities. But as
“paradise is the place people go to the long desired areas, all face big challenges
where everyone longs to like a new language, discrimination, hard living conditions,
be.” Is paradise already with us or lack of proper sanitation, etc.
it will be in future? One might ask During one of the sessions we had, three people from different
this question. Of course, there are countries shared their experiences as migrants: one of them
all sorts of meanings to the word from Kenya living in Germany for 8 years now; another from
'paradise'. Nevertheless, we will America also married in Germany and a third one from
discover that somehow the idea of Germany who had gone to India as a volunteer. From these
an earthly paradise is already three experiences, we discovered that each person is a book
here with us but it depends on how in which you can read some of the challenges everyone faces
each one makes efforts to relate in life.
with God, humans beings and We did not look into migrations only, but as people who work
nature in order to experience it. with the young, we had to look into the things that can help
It was during my short visit to young people to become good Christians and citizens of the
German; from 22 to 27 of January society in which they live. Being the children of Don Bosco, we
2013, when young people from all shared our experiences from our youth centres and areas
continents gathered in Bonn to where our work is done to see the challenges our
share some ideas on the causes communities face on daily basis.
of migration. The meeting was an opportunity to learn from our
The topic helped us to look into unrecognized mistakes of our daily life. During one of the
how we can become self sessions, we had an exercise meant to give us an insight in
sustainable especially if we had to problem-solving. In the exercise, we were given to make a
remain in rural and bridge with 18 planks of the same size. We were not allowed
underdeveloped areas in order to to use nails but at the same time the bridge had to be strong
develop them. It is a common way enough to support a person. The exercise helped us to know
of thinking to say that “good life is all that it required to work as a group and to think outside the
only found in big cities”. This is box. If you don't have someone to guide the group, where
why we find many undeveloped each person has to listen to other people's ideas, and where
areas especially on the country also everyone who can contribute, then nothing good will be
side. People have lost the done.
essence of hard working, thinking The meeting ended with good resolutions; but above all, I
that when you sit in class believe that unless we start helping young people change
everything will be given on a silver their ways of thinking by showing them that through hard work
plate. Is it not the very thing which and self sacrifice we can develop our rural settings and make
has led to the increase in laziness it a better place to live, the migration from the rural settings to
hence leading to corruption? big cities will be and endless story. People in the rural settings
Many people have left their homes always hope that development will come from outside, as
in search of greener pastures. educators we ought to accompany the young to build up their
Today, as it was in the past, this communities, develop them and make it a wonderful place to
continues leading to the increase live.
ZMB Salesian Newslink
23
zmbsocialc@salesianszmb.org
ZMB PHOTO - Issue No 26
1. Castelgandolfo-Rome (Italy) Newly elected 7-8. Kabwe (ZAMBIA): Children of the Holy
Pope Francis pays a visit to Benedict XVI. Childhood from Don Bosco Makululu and St.
2. Chawama-Lusaka (ZAMBIA): Rectors’ Mary’s parish during a formation programme.
Meeting presided by the Provincial, Fr. 9. Mukalashi -Kabwei (ZAMBIA): Fr. Mariusz
George Chalissery. Skowron celebrating the Easter Sunday in one
3. Chawama -Lusaka: Bishop Clement Mulenga of the outstations.
celebrating mass during the VII Provincial 10. Lilongwe (MALAWI): Bro. Sylvester and the
Chapter. council while inspecting the ‘Girls Hostel’.
4. Lufubu (ZAMBIA): Fr. Chester Lenzcuk 11. Chawama-Lusaka (ZAMBIA): Confreres
explains to Fr. Jorge the new developments in while preparing for the group photo on the
Lufubu Mission. last day of the Provincial Chapter.
5. Lilongwe (MALAWI): Fr. George Chalissery 12. Bauleni - Lusaka (ZAMBIA): Salesian Cogiving
the morning talk to the students of Don operators, Volunteers, Daughters of Mary
Bosco Technical Institute. Help of Christians and Salesians of Don
6. Chawama-Lusaka (ZAMBIA) : Fr. Kim and Bosco on the day of formation and celebration
the Apostolic Nuncio to Zambia during the of the Salesian Family.
last night of the Chapter. 13. Design for the 2013 CampoBosco in Kabwe.
