GOSPEL

Transcription

GOSPEL

ZAMBIA - ZIMBABWE - MALAWI - NAMIBIA
Year 4 | Issue No. 15 Jun - Jul - Aug 2010
Youth Ministry:
Volunteers’ Meeting - Chawama
Formation:
Priestly Ordination of Michael Mbandama SDB
Provincial Events:
VI Provincial Chapter
Woe to me
if I don’t preach the
GOSPEL
100 Anniversary
of the death of Blessed Michael Rua
Chawama: Young Salesians on their way to Bauleni
for the First Mass of Fr. Michael Mbamdama
Bauleni: Young people process in traditional outfit
during the First Mass of Fr. Michael M.
Editorial
Words of the Provincial
Benedict’s burden
Volunteers’ meeting 2010
Young
XVI Gradutaion Ceremony - Moshi`
News from ZMB - April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
Salesians Zimbabwe - Hwange
Tu est Petrus
St. Joseph Cafasso
Salesians Malawi - Lilongwe
Salesian Family - In Memoriam
Salesians Namibia - Rundu
Kabwe in pictures
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Photo cover:
Archbishop Telesphord Mpundu laying on of hands on deacon Michael
Mbandama during the Ordination ceremony in Lusaka.
Makeni: Mr. Casimir while opens the containers
to check on the roof that arrived from Italy
Salesian Newslink | ZMB Quarterly publication
Year 4/Nº15 Jun - Jul - Aug 2010
Director:
Editor:
Redaction Board:
Graphic Design:
Photos:
E-mail:
Website:
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ZMB Salesian Newslink
Fr. Joseph Czerwinski sdb
Fr. Javier Barrientos
Fr. Dennis HigginsJoseph Czerwinski,
Fr. Leszek Aksamit, Fr Antonio Barrientos,
Moshi SDBs
zmbsocialc@zmb.co.zm
www.salesianszmb.org
Year 2010, 100 anniversary of the Death of don Rua
Fr Javier Antonio Barrientos SDB
Editorial
zmbyouthd@zmb.co.zm
The Glory of
God is the man
fully ALIVE!
and the glory of man is to see GOD!
(St. Ireneus)
T
he ancient father St. Ireneus said, ‘the
glory of God is man fully alive, and the
glory of man is to see God.’ God’s
glory here is defined in terms of man’s full
development and exaltation over all creation.
The glory of the Creator thus can be compared
to the happiness and joy a parent finds in his
child’s achievement, where every little thing is
enough reason for a big celebration. In this
context, I believe, the ordination to the
priesthood of our confrere Michael
Mbandama was also to the greater glory of
God, who works in each of us in mysterious
ways. Michael’s journey to the priesthood in
the Salesian life has been a very interesting
one. It started as we would say ‘in the normal
way’ and it developed later on into ‘a unique
way’. He did his studies of philosophy in two
Salesian centres, his theology also in two
different centres until he has at last been
ordained to the priesthood. Many saw his
journey in the Salesian life as an impossible
one, or at least a difficult one. Yet, through
God’s intervention and man’s response it has
come to what we have recently witnessed: a
ceremony in which the mystery of God leaves
the person in a humble attitude of total of
admiration of the divine and worship of God
whose wisdom none can fathom.
To my understanding, the second part of St.
Ireneus’ axiom was accomplished during the
recitation of the Litany of the saints where the
deacons to be ordained priests prostrated
themselves in front of the mystery of God and
vow in adoration in front of the One who lives,
in total surrender. Surely none of us physically
saw God on that day, but the glory of His
presence was an undeniable reality; and this is
perhaps what will guide Michael in his life and
ministry.
Michael’s ordination was also the best way to
end the celebration of the Year of the Priest.
The occasion of the ordination brought
together people from various walks of life,
confreres from various countries and showed
how much we are all linked and also united.
Prior to the ordination the unity had been
mirrored by the cordial spirit during the
Provincial Chapter VI.
June 2009 - June 2010 Year of Priests
The ancient Greek thinker Aristotle would say,
“an unreflected life is not worth living.”
Following this, the province gathered to
reflect on its life during the chapter. The VI
Provincial Chapter which congregated 26
confreres from the various communities at the
provincial house was a providential moment
in the history of the province. We gathered to
spend some days of intense reflection,
evaluation and planning for the future. It was
truly a moment of grace for all. I must say that
the Vice-Province is being privileged with
such events which are constant reminders of
fidelity and of the reality that despite the big
challenges we face, we are not alone. And that
the hustles are not stumbling blocks but
stepping stones. The PC6 served to reawaken
our apostolic zeal and enthusiasm; it was a
Pentecost experience in which we all came out
fired up with Don Bosco and afire with the
gospel.
The feast of Mary Help of Christians was also
celebrated in different ways in the various
communities of our province. This shows us
how Mary is always with us on our way. In
many of our schools, parishes, centres and
communities, the celebration of Mary Help of
Christians was preceded by a well prepared
novena. And on the actual day different
activities were held apart from the Eucharist:
Marian walks, quizzes, dramas and other
activities were done in honour of our Lady the
Help of Christians.
In conclusion the words of St Ireneus, “the
glory of man is to see God” are in keeping with
the strenna for this year, “Sir we want to see
Jesus.” A strenna which reminds us that ours is
not mere human development or just social
work, but is rather the involvement in the
integral growth of young people, considering
their spiritual, emotional, physical, and
intellectual growth. And above all the most
important being the spiritual, considering that
this “society (i.e. the Salesian Family) started
with a simple catechism lesson.”
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Words of the Provincial
Fr Jozef Czerwinski sdb
The Priest:
a person with the pierced
HEART
A Reflection on priesthood
W
e are still under the spell of the
well organized ordination and
the first mass of Fr Mbandama
Michael sdb., which took place in Lusaka
on 12th and 13th June’10, respectively. It
has already been 5 years since we had a
priestly ordination (Fr Oswald in
Chingola) so this is definitely a good and
encouraging sign as well as a promising
development in the province. Fr. Chota in
his charismatic homily spoke of the
holiness and witness-martyrdom of the
priest. If the salesian – priest, has a real
desire to become holy, some of the
problems that we now face, would simply
disappear and they will no longer be valid.
The desire for true holiness will help him to
grow and follow the path of Don Bosco. It
will help him to get rid of selfishness, greed
and all other vices. On the other hand
through the true desire for holiness his
‘evangelising energy’ will not be directed
towards himself but towards his brothers,
and the young people.
However, together with the desire for
holiness, comes suffering. It is a mystery
that, in this life, we will never understand,
but at the some time we must realise that it
is a daily reality.
The words that Mamma Margarita said to
Don Bosco after his Ordination came true
indeed.
Karl Rahner, the German Theologian, just
repeated in more flowery words, what
Mamma Margarita knew - through her
deep faith. He introduced the term – priest,
the person of the ‘pierced heart’.
What does it mean?
It means that sooner or later the priest
would have to realise that his priestly
ministry is inseparable from suffering. In
his elaborated speech given at
‘Canisianum’ in Innsbruck in 1966, he
described the role and qualities of the priest
in the modern world. Let me summarise
this to you.
The Priest in a modern secular world,
cannot be only the social or religious office
worker. Neither because of his position
and education can he claim the social
privileges. On the contrary, he has to be a
religious servant of all with a deep faith
commitment. He has to be, first of all, a
person of deep faith, hope and charity,
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lived through and practised.
Living as a servant of all, with a deep
personal faith, the priest is a person able to
listen to everyone, regardless of the social
status and position of the people that come
to him for counselling. He is a person that
is not concerned with money, titles and
privileges. On the contrary, through his
deep love for the crucified and risen Lord,
believing and trusting that the real life
comes from an earthly death and the power
of the cross, he becomes the true and free
disciple of the Lord, able to serve and not
to be served and able to forgive.
Forgiveness and mercy are very important
pillars of his ministry. He himself, has to
be able to forgive in order to grant
forgiveness to the people. Here, Rahner
stresses very much that if the priest is not
able to forgive, he should seriously
examine his function as a priest. The priest
would have to realise that sometimes he
will be rejected by the community.
Sometime his words would have no power
to disperse the darkness of this world. He
nevertheless, through his faith and
commitment, will be faithful and would
trust in the final victory of God. He will
not measure the success of his mission,
using statistics and numbers.
zmbprovincial@gmail.com
strength and power comes from his
wounded, but at the same time, deeply
believing heart.
Here Karl Rahner writes: “… The person
of the pierced heart – the heart that is
pierced with the rejection of God in the
world, pierced by failures, pierced by
personal experience of his own weakness
and the inability to do good… but at the
same time, the heart pierced with the deep
desire of love, pierced with deep trust as a
needed tool in the hand of the omnipotent
God.
The priest should be a person of a pierced
heart because he has to lead the people to
the very beginning of their ontological
existence – to the bottom of their own
hearts. The priest cannot do this if he does
not know his own heart, - because one can
only know his or her own heart if he or she
is ready to accept the injury of his or her
own heart, - the injury with the spear of
an infinite love which conquers death and
brings life everlasting.
Only then,
through the injury of your own heart, can
one be able to get to know somebody’s else
heart…
We can say that these
characteristics of the priesthood, are
timeless and everlasting.
I can say
however, that these features are even more
important today than they there were in the
past…”
My dear, neo-presbyter Fr Michael and
three jubilarians, why do I write this ‘sad’
reflection? First of all, I do not want, either
to frighten or to discourage you. On the
contrary, I have chosen this as an
encouragement to you and to us all, when
we encounter difficulties in our Ministry,
especially now when the ministerial
Woe to me
if I don’t preach
the Gospel
Fr. Michael Mbandama imparting his first blessings to the faithful.
Realising that he is doing the
Lord’s service, he will first of all, trust in
God’s mercy and be aware that the
salvation and conversion of the faithful, is
through God’s grace and not by his own
efforts.
Therefore, the priest should be a ‘person of
the pierced heart’ - the person whose
priesthood is under severe attack form the
mass-media. For you soon the celebrations
and good times will be over. The normal,
daily life will begin with its good and bad
times. I am sure you will enjoy your
ministry and I wish you all the best, many
graces and successes in your evangelising
work. You have to remember however, that
Church Today
sooner or later you will encounter difficulties
and suffering in your priestly ministry. What to
do then???
Run away – no, certainly not!!!
This is not a solution. Remember that you are ‘a
priest forever’, running away will not solve any
problems.
Rahner ends his article with the following
words: “…When the priest, sad and lonely,
realises that he has been rejected and laughed at,
abandoned by his friends, he has to remember
that this is exactly what had happen to Jesus. On
the cross of Jesus, is our victory, not in the
worldly success. In time of trouble and distress
let us turn to our master, to Him whose heart was
pierced with the lance, and ask Him for the grace
of strength and perseverance…”
Here I would add more. We as Salesians, we
have powerful helpers on our journey: Our
Lady, Don Bosco and our Salesian Saints. Let
us not forget this.
Dear Fr Michael,
You were ordained on Saturday the day dedicated to
our Lady and in June, the month dedicated to the
Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. I do not think that
this is a mere coincidence. On the contrary, this day
was chosen ‘by the Lord’ and is rich in significance
and symbolism, provided that we properly interpret it.
Whatever the outcome you have a powerful help and
guide – Our Lady Help of Christians.
She, the Help of Christians, with the pierced heart, the
heart full of suffering and at the same time, full of
compassion and love, carried her mission faithfully to
the end. She was also the inspiration and teacher of
Don Bosco. Let us turn to her and entrust our mission
to her. When we do this, we have the promise from
Don Bosco, that she will guide us, because she is the
faithful one, full of grace, always ready to help and
intercede for us.
May God Bless You.
J. C.
By Keith A. Fournier
downloaded from www.catholic.org
BENEDICT’S
BURDEN
What the Catechism calls the "…charism of infallibility in matters of faith
and morals" is entrusted to the Church when she speaks on matters of
faith and morals.
P
ope Benedict XVI is trying to lead
the Church through this time of
purification. There is much that
remains to be done. However, in
addition to the understandable outrage
and concern so many are feeling, he is
also undergoing a terrible onslaught
perpetrated by some who simply hate
the Office he holds and the Catholic
Church.Let us hear and respond to his
request for prayer: "Pray for me, that I
may not flee for fear of the wolves." His
is a burden he cannot - he must not - bear
alone.
I awakened Easter Monday morning
fatigued. After serving the wonderful
Liturgies of the Easter Triduum and
hosting a houseful of family to celebrate
the Resurrection, it was hard to get
started, even with strong coffee. Just
before Morning Prayer, I checked
"Morning Joe", in order to catch the
headlines.
The reporting concerning the sexual
abuse crisis in the Church
predominated, as it had throughout the
entire Easter weekend. Two of the
personalities on this show annoyed me
with their ill informed comments. First,
there was the derision spewed by Mike
Barnacle from my own birthplace,
Boston, Massachusetts. He continued
his tired rant against those whom he has
taken to disparagingly calling the "Old
Men in Rome."
His simplistic assessment of this tragic
situation - suggesting that the "old men
in Rome" are somehow the cause of the
"problem" - is agenda driven. His
positions on vital matters of Catholic
faith, such as his failure to recognize the
fundamental human right to life, reveal
he is a dissenting Catholic. The first
thing that went through my mind after
hearing his comment was that Mike
himself was looking, to use an
expression from my dear departed
Bostonian Father´s lexicon, a little
"down in the tooth" himself.
Then there were the remarks of Joe
Scarborough, the former Florida
Congressman and host of the show. He
intimated that he had been reluctant to
address the issue because he is a
Southern Baptist. But then he did just
that, addressed the issue. He revealed
what was at best a woefully
misinformed view of Catholic teaching
on the role of the Pope or at worst, a
serious anti-Catholic streak. He went on
a rant referring to the Pope and saying
"no man is infallible." These comments
from Scarborough are reminiscent of an
old anti-Catholic canard.
No one claims the Pope is infallible in
everything he says or does. Catholic
teaching is that the Lord meant what He
said when He promised to send the Holy
Spirit to guide His Church in all truth.
(See, e.g. John 16:13) Infallibility is a
protection for the Church which
recognizes that the Risen Lord
continues His work through His
Church, which is His Body.
What the Catechism calls the
"…charism of infallibility in matters of
faith and morals" is entrusted to the
Church when she speaks on matters of
faith and morals. (CCC #889 - 892) This
occurs when the Pope, the successor of
Peter, in union with the Bishops
addresses a matter pertaining to faith
and morals as the teaching office
(Magisterium). Pope´s can and do make
mistakes in prudential matters.
However, we can count on the teaching
office which they head, as the successor
of Peter, because the Church is the
Lord's plan and continues His
redemptive mission.
My heart breaks for the victims of such
evil committed at the hands of clergy. So
too does the heart of this Pope. That is
clear in both his words and his actions.
How quickly the Press has forgotten his
moving comments when he visited the
Continues on page. 14
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Youth Ministry
Fr. Javier Antonio Barrientos
zmbyouthd@zmb.co.zm
Meeting of
The CHALLENGE of living and working
TOGETHER
working conditions, strong weather
conditions, wild animals (especially snakes
and scorpions), language and cultural
differences, as well as the life in the
community, yet none of them gives me
more problems that I can stand.
Testimonies
*****
The Youth Department organised a meeting for Volunteers who are
working in ZMB. All volunteers from ZMB gathered at the Provincial
house in Lusaka from the 26 - 29 March 2010.
The meeting provided a warm atmosphere to help with the reflection
and ongoing formation of the young volunteers who annually come to
the province. During those days of sharing, the volunteers were able to
share their experiences in the various communities of ZMB, as well as
evaluating the work they carry out.
Some of the testimonies are now shared in the following lines with the
purpose of hearing first hand what are the views and feelings of these
young people who generously come to help in our mission among the
young. Names and places have been purposely omitted.
Testimonies
1).- This is my first experience in voluntary
service. In Salesian Voluntary Service I
have been here since October 2009 so this
means I am a fresh volunteer who still has a
lot to learn. I have chosen to participate in
the meeting on Salesian Voluntary Service
because I wanted help others and challenge
myself. My contract is very clear and I don’t
see any problems so I think that the contract
is still good and I hope it will continue like
this, and I hope it brings more benefits for th
community. In the community we have
some problems and challenges but with
these problems we still can live...
*****
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* Generally I am very happy with my
experience of Voluntary Service. I like the
place where I stay and work. People there
are very friendly, nice and interesting. My
workmates are also my friends and my
work gives me a lot of happiness, especially
since my field of work goes in line with my
specialisation. It is my first time to stay in a
community which is not my family, so it is
also a new experience for me. Fortunately
there have been no major problems so far
and I hope there won’t be any. With regard
to my contract, there is no reason for me to
complain about it because I can say that it is
being implemented well. During my
formation back home I was told by many
people (especially by volunteers who came
back from Africa) to be prepared for
anything, so I was. And I still am ;-)
Some of the challenges I face are: hard
* Since I have been in the country, I have
had many Ups and Downs. The place is
great and I am very happy to be here. The
first 5 months I was just working in the
Oratory, it is open from 2.00-5.30 PM, but
in the morning there was nothing to do
except for a few small jobs in the office; this
means in the morning I was most of the time
just staying indoors, learning a bit of the
language and chatting. However, because
of that I didn’t feel very helpful.
In January things changed when we got new
members in the community. They were
inserted into the whole structure of the
mission and so were we. We liked it, and
since then we are teaching some subjects in
various classes, when the teachers are not
present. I personally enjoy it a lot and it is a
good challenge for me!
I also help with a scholarship program. On
Fridays I am in a nearby a private primary
school, where I teach English in Standard 3
and 5. In this job, my colleague and I found
our feet. It’s just wonderful! In the
afternoon I am in the Oratory. I like it, but
sometimes I just stay there, without doing
anything; it feels awful. Surely I do
something, but it is not satisfying. But I
realized, that it is also important just to be
with the young people, to hear their stories
and to laugh with them. We also try to do
something on our free Monday. So we go to
visit past students in their villages, go to
town and experience life in this wonderful
African country.
With regard to my contract, I can say that it
is written quite clearly what my duties are
and what my involvement in the centre is
supposed to be. I have no problems.
However, at times I find that I have nothing
to do, so then I try to engage in things that
are beyond my contract.
Youth Ministry
Challenges
In the first 6 month sometimes I had the feeling, that I am not
needed, because I hardly did anything. I was present in the Oratory,
helped to handle the Youth and played with kids, but if I hadn’t
been there, it wouldn’t make a difference either.
Sometimes I feel, that it is hard for the community to understand us
(because of the language and also just to understand our views).
In my communication with the Salesians: it would be good, if they
would freely and frankly tell me their expectations concerning
what we should do, how we
should participate in the
community life, etc... and also
when we are doing something
wrong, not forgetting also
when they enjoy what we are
doing.
On the personal level, I feel
that I am alone with my
colleague and nobody
else, all my friends are
far away back home.
Communication with
home is based on the
internet (we are happy,
it is working well!!!)
Sometimes I am so
tired of being a
foreigner because
everyone points it out
as I walk on the streets,
when I go to the market
and all the children are shouting at me, but I simply just wanted to
be not seen, so as to feel ‘normal’.
Suggestions for the future
We would like to have the house for volunteers; if possible!
Because it gives us a bit of freedom, and we can participate in the
community life but we would like also to have our own place. We
like to cook for ourselves (we get some money to buy food), but
sometimes we also enjoy to go for supper to the Salesians.
Visa and work permit cost a lot of money and takes lots of time;
maybe it is possible to do this in advance.
Young
Young they are but to be men and women of
tomorrow.
Uncertainty fills them with sorrow.
Without much hope for a better morrow.
Access to justice denied.
We must decide.
Who must provide?
Tomorrow’s future.
In which the young will feature.
Who must be teacher?
We seem to think.
Fashion they like.
Church they dislike.
The Church must ask them questions.
And they should ask questions.
And that way we will bring the young to
Church.
And the Church to the young.
Guides of young minds and characters.
With truth to illumine.
Light of the human intellect.
“It’s enough that you are young
for me to love you...”
(don Bosco)
Youth is a treasure.
To be loved without measure.
With no strings attached.
Save a heart detached.
There is nowhere perfect love.
In every young person there is potential.
We must pass on the torch.
Faith as the treasure.
That is ever ancient and ever new.
That they may not yield to the seduction.
Of egoistic or hedonistic philosophies.
To build a better world than their elders.
The strength and charm of youth.
A tomorrow for the history of today.
A joy of high quality.
And a fruitful promise.
Like a red rose.
Newly sprung in June.
Like a melody.
Sweetly played in tune.
From the violin of God.
Without breaking a string.
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Thinking Point
Cl. Chifundo Lihoma
chifundolihoma@yahoo.com
Young people have nowadays easier access to
the Media; there is less control by the parents
but at the same time they are most vulnerable
to its influence.
I
t is a reality in today’s world that the media is creating a new
culture. Media has great influence over our behaviour
particularly on young people. It is unbelievable to know how
much effort and resources are involved, not counting the
people behind. We ought to say, ‘well done!’ to those who are
exploring the technology and its theories so that we can have the
best quality of media today. Unfortunately, the media and its
technology can also be a source of harm to our morals especially
among the youth whose character and conscience is quite fragile.
Media in some of its forms such as music, films and pornographic
literature are in a great demand and surely have a big impact on
people’s minds. Some programs offered on television and video
cassettes showing violence, horror or permissiveness have a strong
influence on the youth today. Whether we like it or not
pornography and violence lure and pollute our minds. We should
be aware that what we watch frequently enters our subconscious
and takes the cues and tells us to act out what we see. It’s all about,
“garbage in and garbage out.” I wonder sometimes with the
adverts on the television why should companies pay millions of
dollars? I don’t know whether today’s people assess the media
critically. Indeed media and youth are at the cross roads.
Confreres in East Africa
XVI GRADUATION CEREMONY
Don Bosco College
T
he 22nd of May 2010 was a memorable day for the third
years at Don Bosco Seminary Moshi after three years of
serious study. Moshi is a town in the Kilimanjaro region, it
is at the foot of the great snow capped mountain: Kilimanjaro. It s
there that three clerics from ZMB, John Musonda, Christopher
Mukuka and Immanuel Nkukumila, spent three years studying
Philosophy and Education. And the day they graduated, it was all
smiles. On this day I remembered the words of the psalmist:
They go out they go out, full of tears,
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Unfortunately young people innocently have taken the media as
authoritative without realizing that the same can be employed to
peddle unwholesome issues. We have involved ourselves too
much in entertainment up to the point of losing contact with our
reality and our fact of life. Today we are witnessing more and more
social violence and promiscuity, yet we are unwillingly exalting
them. And then we harvest what we have sown.
The government, parents and teachers need to come in and educate
the youth on how to use the Media and help them become aware of
the negative influence it might have on them. Parents should not
shy away from discussing these matters with their children. It is
risky to leave things to chance. Other forces are on standby to seize
such an opportunity. The more we counsel the youth the more I
become convinced that there is no greater force that can influence
society than the parents, that is if they take their responsibility
seriously. It is the duty of everyone, young and old, black and
white, to see that the youth of today are using the media with
critical minds.
Cl. Joackim Mzanywa
mzanywasdb@yahoo.com
carrying their sheaves,
they come back, they come back full of joy...
It was indeed after many a sleepless night spent in studying
Philosophy and Education that the three managed to complete their
education with flying colours.
The graduation ceremony started with Mass. The main celebrant,
who was also the master of ceremonies was Fr. Eustace Siame,
former Dean of the same College. In both his speech and homily he
urged the students to keep on updating themselves. Of course he
has a good rhetoric, however it is not to flatter anyone nor an empty
rhetoric what he was saying made a great deal of sense. And he was
speaking from experience since he has spent a good part of his life
in formation circles, both as a student (cleric) and as a priest.
All who gave speeches on this day had words to congratulate and
thank those who made it possible for them to achieve their goal.
Many thanks went to the Rector, Dean of Studies and lecturers, the
graduates and their fellow students, the non-teaching stuff, the
litany of gratitude went on and on. Above all, through the Eucharist
(thanksgiving), gratitude was shown most especially to God. The
brothers and sisters who graduated on this day, were, no doubt,
ready to test the theory they had learnt, and this is being done in the
laboratory of life, I mean in their various apostolates in different
places.
In a nutshell this day, it was a wonderful day, an opportunity for
people to say, hongera (congratulations) to the graduates. And a
platform for the graduates to say asante (thank you) to all who had
helped them reach where they are. Since the 90s Moshi has
produced great Salesians and is still producing them. This legacy is
enshrined in our motto, “The truth will set you free.”
News from ZMB
April 2010
LUFUBU 2010 EASTER CELEBRATIONS
Lufubu (Zambia) 1-5 April 2010.- Young people from various
parts of Zambia & Zimbabwe gathered at the annual youth camp
which is organised by the department of youth ministry of ZMB.
The occasion of the youth gathering was to prepare (through
catechesis) young people to celebrate in a deeper way the
mysteries of Holy Week and Easter. Youngsters from Zambia and
Zimbabwe were also accompanied in the journey of faith by a team
of Polish Volunteers from Warsaw mission procure. The
participants came from the communities of Chawama (SDB), City
of Hope (FMA), Thorn Park (FMA), Kabwe (SDB), Mansa
(FMA), Kazembe (SDB) and Lufubu (SDB). The organisation of
the event was facilitated by the provincial youth delegates of both
Salesians of Don Bosco and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
Last year’s festival was hosted at the provincial house in Lusaka;
this year’s festival took place in Lufubu, approximately 1000 km
north of the capital city Lusaka in Zambia. The first delegations to
arrive were those of City of Hope, Chawama and Kabwe in a
combined effort. Their arrival was on Wednesday 1 April, while
the rest of delegations arrived the following day in the afternoon.
The first catechesis was facilitated by Sister Godelive FMA of
Mansa community, who spoke on the mystery of the Eucharist. On
Friday, Deacon Christopher Kunda spoke on the ‘Death of Christ’
while Fr Javier A. Barrientos had the catechesis of Saturday on
‘Created on God’s image’. On the Easter Vigil, Fr Czeslaw
Lenczuk gave the last catechesis on the ‘Resurrection of Christ.’
The participation of the youngsters in the Paschal Triduum was
remarkable; their interventions during the catechesis were very
encouraging and showed their interest in learning more about their
faith. In the liturgy of Holy Thursday, which was followed by the
exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, young people showed their
deep convictions and respect for the presence of Jesus in the
Blessed Sacrament.
VI PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
Lusaka (Zambia) 14/04/2010.- The VI Provincial Chapter of
ZMB which started on 7 April 2010 has come to an end. The
Salesians of the Vice Province of ZMB who took part in the
meeting expressed their joy and optimism for the outcome of the
provincial chapter.
26 Confreres coming from the 13 communities of ZMB took part
in this important meeting for the animation of the province. The
participants arrived a day before the beginning of the meeting. The
preparatory commission offered to all the participants the working
document which was a very powerful tool for the evaluation of the
implementation of the General Chapter 26 to the reality of Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi.
From the 7 to the 13 in the evening all the chapter members
committed themselves to prayers and the reflection on the working
document and the pressing matters of the province. The chapter
members updated the Provincial Directory in some points
concerning Initial Formation, Finances and Youth Ministry.
The provincial chapter ended with the solemn Eucharist which was
presided by the Provincial of ZMB Fr. Jozef Czerwinski; he was
accompanied by Fr Bruno Zamberlan who celebrates 50 years of
religious life and Fr. Andrzej Reut and Fr. Czeslaw Lenczuk who
celebrate 25 years of religious life respectively.
After mass, the provincial thanked the moderator of the chapter Fr.
Eustace Siame for his splendid work as well as the secretaries Cl.
Simbarashe Muza and Cl.Clement Mutamba who showed
dedication and hard work in recording the matters and issues
brought during the chapter.
MEETING OF THE PROVINCIAL ECONOMER WITH
ZMB ADMINISTRATORS
On Friday, the programme ran through a more mournful mood and
the young participants were amazing in their capacity to keep
silence and desire to join themselves spiritually to the sorrows of
the Lord Jesus.
The Easter Camp ended on a very joyful note with the celebration
of the Easter Vigil and the mass on Easter Sunday. After all the
celebrations, the team of animators gathered the young people for a
general evaluation, after which the delegation from Mansa left for
Chimese. The following day the rest of delegations travelled back
to their communities.
Lusaka (Zambia) 11-12/05/2010.- The meeting of economers
and administrators of ZMB communities was facilitated by Fr.
Dennis Higgins, provincial economer of ZMB. The meeting was
held at the provincial house in Lusaka. Economers from most
ZMB communities turned up for the event, which aimed at coming
up with a common understanding of finances and reporting in the
province. Fr. Dennis who co-ordinated the meeting expressed his
wish of managing the accounts in the province in a more consistent
and systematic manner, which will eventually enable the province
to report to the General House with a unified system.
Fr. Joseph Czerwinski, the provincial of ZMB, in his opening
speech mentioned that ‘there have been many attempts to unify the
way accounts are presented, even to the extent of trying to use a
9
ZMB News
common accounting software, but so far the efforts have not paid
off, nevertheless there is the will to work it out and try to use
common categories that will ease the process of presenting the
monthly and annual reports.’
Brazaville. The meeting of secretaries was last celebrated in
Kenya in the year 2004.
At the end of the meeting, Fr. Marian travelled to the south to visit
Victoria Falls and one of the game parks of Zambia.
May 2010
GRADUATION OF FR. TRESPHORD CHISANGA
Part of the meeting was also dedicated to study the articles of the
Constitutions that deal with the vow of poverty as well as what is
laid down in the Provincial Directory and the Organic Provincial
Plan.
Towards the end of the day, Fr. Leszek Aksamit, the director of the
Provincial Development Office (PDO) briefed the participants on
issues concerning the office of the PDO and its networking with
the provincial economer.
Economers and administrators of the communities expressed their
satisfaction on the presentation of Fr. Dennis as well as the
approach given to the financial matters in the province.
MEETING OF PROVINCIAL SECRETARIES OF AFRICA
(CIVAM)
Berkeley (USA) 22/05/2010.F r. Tr e s p h o r d C h i s a n g a h a s
successfully completed his studies at
Berkeley University in California. Fr.
Tresphord graduated on Saturday 22
along with many other students. He
has done a two year course on
Counselling and Psychology.
FEAST OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS – 2010
Lilongwe (Malawi) 24/5/2010.On the 24 of May millions of people worldwide come together to
celebrate the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. The Salesian
Family, Staff and Students of Don Bosco Youth Technical College
– Lilongwe-Malawi celebrated this feast. The celebration started
with Mass led by the Provincial (Fr. Joseph Czerwinski) alongside
Fr. Kim and Fr. Paul and later on students and staff led by their
Principal (Bro. Walter) had a dancing competition, cultural
activities and sports.
Lusaka (Zambia) 26-30/04/2010.- The Secretary of the General
Council Fr Marian Stempel SDB facilitated the meeting of
Provincial Secretaries of Africa at the provincial house of ZMB
Province. The meeting started on Monday 26 April and ended on
Friday 30.
Fr Marian annually conducts such meetings in order to help
provincial secretaries worldwide to get acquainted with their job
in order to pass on important information on the issues of the
Congregation. Twelve of the thirteen provincial secretaries of
Africa managed to come to Lusaka to attend the meeting. They
arrived from Angola, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, South Africa,
Mozambique, Tchad, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Congo D.R and Congo
MEETING OF CONFRERES FROM MOSHI WITH THE
PROVINCIAL VICAR
Lusaka (Zambia) 27/05/2010.- The Provincial Vicar of ZMB Fr.
Czeslaw Lenczuk met with the confreres of ZMB in initial
formation who had just arrived from Moshi after completing their
year of studies in Tanzania.
10
News from ZMB
graduation ceremony) and in the end one could see the satisfaction
of the sisters who learnt a new skill for the youth ministry. It was
also amusing to see how in the whole process of learning and
exercising the four sisters also got stains of paint in their habits...
perhaps this is something to remember the of the two-dayworkshop.
PRIESTLY ORDINATION
The meeting was scheduled well in advance by the formation
commission, and Fr Czeslaw travelled 1000 kilometres from his
community in Lufubu in order to meet with the confreres as they
prepare themselves for their holidays and their community
experience in the four ZMB countries.
The confreres in initial formation arrived at the provincial house
on Wednesday 26 May at 9:00 pm after a successful two-day trip
from Moshi to Lusaka. Their journey started in Moshi (Tanzania).
After a stopover at Mafinga (Tanzania) the confreres arrived safe
and sound at the provincial house where Fr. Leszek Aksamit had
welcomed them with a nice meal which refreshed them after their
two-day-journey.
June 2010
SCREEN PRINT WORKSHOP IN LUSAKA
Chawama – Lusaka (Zambia) 08/06/2010.- A workshop on the
basics of Screen Printing was conducted at the provincial house for
some Salesian Sisters (FMA) who are preparing the youth rally in
Mansa for the month of August. The workshop aimed at helping
the Salesian Sisters to prepare souvenirs for the young people that
will attend the August youth gathering.
Sr. Chanda FMA together with Sr. Modesta from Thorn Park
community, Sr. Annet from Mansa and Sr. Caroline from City of
Hope (Lusaka) met with Fr. Antonio SDB who prepared a quick
course on screen printing. The workshop started at 9:00 am and
ended in the evening at 5:30 pm. The workshop went through the
different steps in the industry of screen printing, from the
Lusaka (Zambia) 12/06/2010.- Michael Mbandama, a Salesian
from Zambia, has been ordained to the priesthood along with 7
other deacons in a ceremony which took place at the Cathedral of
the Child Jesus in Lusaka. The Archbishop of Lusaka Telephord
Mpundu ordained the 8 young men (7 from the diocese and 1 from
the Salesians of Don Bosco) in a religious ceremony which was
well attended by priests, religious sisters and people from various
parishes of Lusaka as well as young people from Bauleni parish
where Michael spent most of his ministry as deacon.
The ordination ceremony started at 9am and it lasted until
12:45pm, although long, the ceremony was well prepared and
those who conducted it took care of every possible detail. The
music, decoration, organisation of choirs and various people’s
interventions were all well prepared.
During his homily Archbishop Telesphord reminded the deacons
(now newly ordained priests) of their duties towards God and the
people of God, which now they are to minister. The 8 deacons knelt
while listening to the Archbishop’s homily; it was a very peculiar
way to paying attention to the Shepherd of the archdiocese of
Lusaka.
Towards the end of the ceremony the newly ordained priests were
told of their new obediences and the parishes where they will have
to report to after their short holidays.
In the case of Fr. Michael Mbandama SDB, it will be the provincial
of ZMB who will communicate his new obedience.
FIRST MASS OF FR. MICHAEL MBANDAMA SDB
preparation of the templates to the actual printing.
The morning sessions proved to be fruitful when in the afternoon
the sisters were able to develop the templates and eventually
started printing some t-shirts for the forthcoming youth gathering
in Mansa. The t-shirts had the face of Jesus and the slogan: ‘Sir, we
want so see Jesus’.
The conclusion of the workshop was quite simple (there was no
Bauleni – Lusaka (Zambia) 13/06/2010.- On the 13th of June
2010 there was rejoicing as we gathered to celebrate the first mass
of Fr Michael Mbandama. It was indeed a great feast because on
the same occasion Frs Tresphord Chisanga; Vincent Tembo; John
Bosco Mulenga (in absentia); and Waldermar Molenda were also
celebrating their 10thanniversary of priesthood. As if this is not
enough reason to celebrate, we also celebrated the feast of St
Mathias Mulumba (Ugandan martyr) the patron saint of the
Bauleni parish. All who were present would agree with me that it
was a great feast and we had many reasons to rejoice and be glad.
The mass started at 8:30am with a beautiful procession, comprised
of the flower girls (stellas), Babuomba (traditional dancers), altar
servers, and priests. The Babuomba did not seem to check their
clocks as they danced, but no one seemed to mind; all the people
were there to celebrate. Before the mass there was a beautiful and
meaningful drama on the Uganda martyrs performed by the
11
ZMB News
DEMOLITION OF THE LAST STANDING BUILDING
OF THE OLD MAKENI - FORMATION HOUSE
Makeni - Lusaka (Zambia) 12/06/2010.- The last building of the
old Makeni Formation House has been demolished on the early
hours of Saturda 12 June 2010.
The building which used to be the sitting room of the community as
well as the guest house for the province, after many years of service
has been knocked down by a bulldozer from MEL Company.
The place of the old building will be utilised for the construction of
the new church for the formation community, according to the
drawings of the new complex.
parishioners of Bauleni. It left all of us in stitches but one cannot
but remember the message(s) in the play. Following the play were
the warm words of welcome from the parish priest Fr Bruno who
then invited the main celebrant the newly ordained Fr Mbandama,
to begin the mass.
Fr Michael begun his first mass accompanied by ululation and
shouts of joy. To brighten up an already bright day, the singing was
so beautiful, indeed “twice a prayer”. The Bible procession was
done in the Kuomboka style. The Bible was brought in a boat with
people peddling the air on both sides of the boat. One could draw a
lot of meanings from this procession. Still in the liturgy of the
word, the homily given by Fr Tresford Chota, was good and just the
right one for the occasion, he really elaborated on the meaning of
being a martyr and what the vocation of a priest means.
After the homily all the different groups came forward bringing
their offerings to the newly ordained priest. People in their
traditional attires brought various kinds of gifts for Fr Michael who
gladly welcomed all.
When mass was over, all the participants were invited to join in for
lunch.
ARRIVAL OF THE ROOF FOR THE NEW NOVITIATE
Makeni - Lusaka (Zambia) 25/06/2010.- Four of the six
containers which are carrying the roof of the new novitiate are now
lying on the grounds of the Salesian novitiate in Makeni. The roof
which came all the way from Italy was donated by Missioni Don
Bosco Turin, under the care of Fr. Pier Luigi Zuffetti SDB. The roof
TOMB STONES FOR DECEASED SALESIANS OF ZMB
Kasisi – Lusaka (Zambia) 20/06/2010.- The province has
recently finished setting up the tomb stones for our late confreres
Fr. Joseph Ojcziech, Fr. Joseph Gotter and Fr. Oscar Zamora who
are buried in Kasisi. The tomb stones were designed according to
what most confreres in the province suggested and will remain the
pattern for the future.They are monuments of gratitude to those
who lived and worked in ZMB making the Salesian Charism a
reality on this side of Africa.
is pre-fabricated and contains already insulation and ceiling.
The Mission procure of Turin has, thus, shown once again their
care and generosity towards the ZMB province in its efforts to put
up a new structure for this important phase of initial formation.
This is a substantial help towards what concerns the construction
of the novitiate which is already in its third year.
The province thanks wholeheartedly Fr. Pier Luigi and all the
generous benefactors of Missioni Don Bosco for their great help
and generosity.
For more photos and stories on ZMB log on to:
http://www.salesianszmb.org/
12
Cl. Simbarashe Muza SDB
Salesians - Zimbabwe
simbasdb@yahoo.com
Blessing of the New Classrooms
The Salesian Community of Hwange continues to
develop the premises of Don Bosco College in
Hwange. Despite the difficult situation which the
country goes through, no efforts are spared to offer
young people quality education in a suitable
environment.
D
on Bosco Hwange has continued to receive God’s
blessings through the intercession of Mary Help of
Christians. As honor and respect to our lady, the
community of Hwange kept the traditional feast of our lady. This
year, the 24th of May, the day of commemorating the patroness
saint of the ZMB province; Mary help of Christians was a
marvelous and joyful day as the Salesian family of Hwange
witnessed a step forward in the growth of the institution. It all
began with a solemn Holy Eucharistic celebration presided over by
His Lordship Bishop Albert Serrano at the Technical College with
Fr. Chota co-celebrating. In his homily he emphasized the
importance of Mary in the Catholic Church as she is the mother of
all races and nations. The college students led the singing with their
melodious voices.
The highlight of the day was the blessing of the new classroom
block adjacent to the multi-purpose hall. The students continued
the singing as the Bishop went about blessing the classrooms. A
total of five classrooms were blessed. One of the classrooms was
later handed over to the oratory team led by Br. Simba. The room
has been decorated to their specifications and needs. The students
could not hold back their ecstatic joy of being the first intake to
make use of the “brand new” classrooms.
The procession then procceded to the new volunteers’ house, an
apartment with four en-suite bedrooms, which was also blessed by
the Bishop, with the students continuing with their superb singing
in the background. The Bishop and the nuns accompanying him
also sang a similar song in their native Spanish much to the delight
of the students and the Rector.
A bounty meal there followed as a wide ranging and appetizing
assortment of foods was served for lunch with all present having
plenty to eat and there was more than enough as witnessed by the
amount of food left untouched.
In a show of their appreciation of the knowledge they are
gathering, the Clothing Technology students paraded their self
designed outfits much to the liking of the visiting guests. They later
presented the Bishop with an exclusive DBTC designed shirt,
which would leave even the Pierre Cardin designers green with
envy.
It is unfortunate that all good things come to an end and such was
the case with this marvelous day as it came to an end with the final
blessing from the bishop and wise words from the Rector. The
students are more than grateful for the work being done by the
Salesian community in our beloved Hwange community.
Greetings from HWANGE...
13
Church Today
By Keith A. Fournier
from www.catholic.org
Continues from page. 5
United States concerning clergy abuse.
The handling of such matters in the United
States under his watch has led to major
overhaul in every Diocese, every seminary
and every religious house.
His recent summoning of all of the Bishops
of Ireland to Rome to render an account for
the abuse which occurred years ago in that
country similarly demonstrated his
determination to root out this evil. His
pastoral letter to all of the faithful of
Ireland concerning this evil was
straightforward and strong .
It was Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, serving
as the Prefect of the Congregation for the
Doctrine of the Faith who took such a
strong stance in response to the allegations
against the now deceased founder of the
Legion of Christ. Since assuming the Chair
of Peter he has implemented a series of
actions exposing the Rev. Marcial Maciel.
A Commission just concluded their
thorough investigation of the now proven
perverse lifestyle, sins and evil acts of the
founder. Strong remedial action is soon to
be announced.
Attempts to associate Pope Benedict XVI
with the current crisis - or to intimate that
he knowingly failed to act – have all been
rebutted. Yet, efforts to use this horrid
crisis to attack him and the Catholic
Church continue. I remember his first
sermon at the first Mass of his pontificate.
His request for our prayer now seems
almost prophetic:
"My dear friends – at this moment I can
only say: pray for me, that I may learn to
love the Lord more and more. Pray for me,
that I may learn to love his flock more and
more – in other words, you, the holy
Church, each one of you and all of you
together. Pray for me, that I may not flee
for fear of the wolves. Let us pray for one
another, that the Lord will carry us and that
we will learn to carry one another. [Pope
Benedict XVI, 24 April, 2005] "
The words were reminiscent of the words
of John Paul II on April 23, 2002 when he
addressed this crisis: "We must be
confident that this time of trial will bring a
purification of the entire Catholic
community, a purification that is urgently
needed if the Church is to preach more
effectively the Gospel of Jesus Christ in all
its liberating force. Now you must ensure
that where sin increased, grace will all the
more abound (cf. Rom 5:20). So much
pain, so much sorrow must lead to a holier
priesthood, a holier episcopate, and a
holier Church"
Truth is the greatest antidote to the poison
of sin. Light is the way to expose the
darkness. The evidence concerning clergy
who have committed egregious sins and
criminal acts against children demand a
strong response. They also call for an
honest assessment of the condition of our
beloved Church. The "culture of death" has
crept into the sanctuary. At the foundation
of the "culture of death" is a failure to
respect the dignity of every human person
created in the Image of God. People are
becoming commodities to be used and
abused.
Finally, there is the "third rail" of the crisis.
Many of the incidents being reported
among the small minority of clergy who
have sinned against their vowed celibacy,
committed evil and criminal acts and
caused the current crisis, involve
homosexual acts. In many instances, the
activities in which they engaged constitute
"pederasty", a term derived from an
ancient Greek word that referred to sexual
relationships between men and boys.
The teaching of the Catholic Church on
homosexuality is clear, compassionate,
and true. Homosexual "orientation" is
"disordered". However, homosexual
temptation, like every other sexual
temptation, is not, of itself, sin. How one
responds to temptation is what matters.
Grace is available to overcome temptation.
Authentic outreaches to people with
homosexual temptations, like "Courage"
are reaching out to help.
Homosexual sexual acts are always sinful.
They amount to a disordered "use" of the
body of another for disordered, self
centered "gratification." They also
perpetuate the "culture of death". Such
sinful sexual activity, when forced on a
child by one in a position of power, and in
particular by a member of the Clergy, is
particularly evil and constitutes a physical
and spiritual plundering.
There have been other times in the history
of the Church when the clergy have been
corrupted. God seems to begin His Spring
cleaning in His own house. Perhaps, as the
Apostle Peter wrote to the Church of the
first millennium during another great
missionary age: "… the time has come for
judgment to begin with the House of God."
(1 Peter 4:17) The perpetrators of these
abuses must be stopped. They must face
the consequences of their acts. The victims
must be helped with healing and
restitution.
After all, we believe that every man,
woman and child ever created is called to
live in the Church. She is to be the home of
the whole human race. We need to make
the Church a place of safety where all men,
women and children can truly find
redemption and discover the fullness of
their destiny in Jesus Christ. The Church
must be purified so that she can more
effectively rise to the challenge of her
missionary task in this Third Christian
Millennium.
That means that her clergy (Priests,
Bishops and Deacons) must all be "holy"
as the Lord Himself is holy. If the Church is
going to lead this contemporary age out of
this contemporary "Culture of Death", she
must truly be a "Culture of Life" and a
civilization of love. Nothing less will do.
Pope Benedict XVI is trying to lead the
Church through this time of purification.
There is much that remains to be done.
However, in addition to the understandable
outrage and concern so many are feeling,
he is now undergoing a terrible onslaught
perpetrated by some who simply hate the
Office he holds and the Catholic Church.
Let us hear and respond to his request for
prayer: "Pray for me, that I may not flee for
fear of the wolves." His is a burden he
cannot - he must not - bear alone. Together,
let us show him that we have learned the
meaning of his request that we "carry one
another.”
A Purification of the Church is
Underway. Pray for our Pope.
Tu es Petrus ...
Jesus’ words to Peter
resound today in the Church reaffirming all
that the powers of the underworld
will not hold out against it...
14
Union with God amidst so much business. – June 2010
Ongoing Formation -
St Joseph Cafasso
Newsletter as an aid for the animation of Communities and Confreres.
Feastday: June 23
This year the feast day of St Joseph Cafasso happens to be the
150th anniversary of his death. That means he died just six
months after the foundation of the Salesian Congregation. It
was an undertaking which Don Bosco must surely have
discussed at length with him, not only on the practicalities of
the project, but more importantly on discerning God’s will in
the foundation of a new Congregation.
It was Joseph Cafasso who was initially instrumental in
directing Don Bosco in working with youth in difficulty, who
continued to direct him in his weekly confession, who
advised him to take up lodgings with Don Borel at the Refuge,
who worked closely with him in the foundation of the
Oratory, giving him financial support and convincing others
to fund his charitable foundation and, when necessary, to
defend him from critics even from the clergy.
There is no doubt that the three years that Don Bosco
spent at the Convitto were crucial. As Don Ceria testifies, they
‘contributed powerfully to mould his spirit in a definitive
manner’. After six years of speculative theology isolated from
reality in a seminary, insertion into the active apostolate was
not easy. Cafasso exposed the young priests to the pastoral
realities of a city fast becoming industrialized, and then
helped them in their theological reflection on their
experience in a way that this becomes for them the crucial
element in their discernment. In reading the Memoirs one
can see the impact that Don Bosco’s visit to the prisons left
on him and the very important conclusion this led him to:
"Who knows?" I thought to myself, "if these youngsters had
a friend outside who would take care of them, help them,
teach them religion on feast days. Who knows but they
could be steered away from ruin?" With Fr Cafasso’s encouragement and inspiration I began to work out in my mind
how to put the idea into practice… This was the seed that
germinated into the Oratory and eventually into the
Congregation and Salesian Family.
Knowing the positive impact that the Convitto has had on
don Bosco, it does make one reflect on whether we offer a
similar opportunity to our young Salesians. Perhaps this is the
missing link in our formation process: a year specifically
designed for our Deacons and Young Priests in which they
have a practical pastoral experience on which they are helped
to reflect in the light of Pastoral Theology and the insights
gained from human sciences.
Seminary director
Joseph Cafasso was born in Castelnuovo d'Asti in
1811. Son of small land owners, he was the third
of four children. From when he was very young he
was regarded him as a young saint. He completed
his theological studies at the seminary in Chieri
and in 1833 was ordained priest. Four months
later he went to the Convitto Ecclesiastico, a
residential Pastoral Institute for putting the
finishing touches to his priestly and pastoral
formation. He would remain involved there for the
rest of his life, eventually becoming its Rector.
Spiritual director
At the Convitto the spirituality of St. Ignatius
reigned supreme as well as the theological and
pastoral orientations of St. Alphonsus Maria
Liguori. Teaching was given much attention and
was aimed at forming good confessors and
capable preachers. Joseph studied and gained a
deeper understanding of the spirituality of St
Francis de Sales, which he then passed on to one
student in particular: John Bosco. Cafasso, his
spiritual director from 1841 to 1860, contributed
to forming and guiding Don Bosco's spirituality.
Typical of his teaching was his appreciation of daily
duty as a way to holiness. As the Founder of the
Salesian also testified: "the extraordinary virtue of
Cafasso was his marvelously faithful and
consistent practice of ordinary virtues"
Apostolate to the poor:
Having the poor at heart, he visited and also
financially supported those who were poorest,
bringing them the consolation that came from his
priestly ministry. His apostolate also consisted in
spiritual accompaniment of prisoners and those
condemned to death, to the point where he was
defined as the prisoners' priest. Prudent and
It would be worthwhile to invest in such an initiative.
15
Ongoing formation
reserved, a spiritual master, he was spiritual director of priests, lay people,
politicians, founders.
Pearl of the Italian clergy
Pio XI called him the pearl of the Italian clergy. Fr Cafasso also supported
Don Bosco and the Salesian Congregation in material ways from its very
beginnings. After a short illness he died at just 49 years of age on 23 June
1860. He was beatified in 1925 and canonised by Pius XII in 1947, who
recognised him as a "model of priestly life, father of the poor, consoler of
the sick, support for prisoners, saviour of the condemned". The same Pope,
in his encyclical Menti Nostrae proposed him as a model for priests.
At the School of Cafasso
This extract from the book of Don Ceria Don Bosco Con Dio,
[Chapters 4&7] shows the crucial role that Don Cafasso played in
the discernment of Don Bosco’s vocation and in recognizing the true
spiritual dimension of his initiatives.
Don Bosco could not have had a better preparation for his
mission as a zealous apostle of the young. The three years
that he spent there contributed powerfully to mould his spirit in
a definitive manner. Providence placed him in the hands of that
saintly teacher of priestly souls, and the graces he received
there bore much fruit.
At the school of Cafasso he eagerly imbibed that spirit
of prayer which he had already acquired intuitively in spite of
the prevailing fashion of the times he lived in, prayer based on
“unlimited trust in the goodness and loving-kindness of God
towards us”. From Cafasso’s conferences on theology and his
spiritual direction, he learnt how to hear confessions “with
prayerfulness, knowledge and prudence”. In the lessons on
sacred eloquence he heard emphasized that a priest does not
go into the pulpit to show off, but “to preach on observance of
the divine commandments, prayer, devotion to Our Lady,
frequent reception of the sacraments, avoidance of idleness,
fleeing from bad companions and occasions of sin, charity
towards one’s neighbour, patience in affliction, and he learned
never to end a sermon without reference to the eternal truths.”
He accompanied Cafasso in offering religious
assistance to prisoners and took part with him in retreats,
growing in fervour as he prepared for his apostolic work. Even
in their daily conversations, he heard and took on board wise
recommendations on “how to live in society, to deal with the
world without becoming a slave of the world, to become true
priests armed with the necessary virtues, ministers capable of
giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what
belongs to God.”
…We have a statement made by Don Cafasso in 1853 to
clarify things for some learned clerics who were a bit hesitant
in regard to Don Bosco, but its value goes far beyond the petty
scope for which it was first given. In it Don Cafasso said:
“ How well do you know Don Bosco? For me, the
more I study him, the less I understand him. I see
him as both simple and extraordinary, humble and
great, poor and yet undertaking huge projects that
seem impossible. I have seen obstacles in his way
and his situation impossible, and yet he succeeds
splendidly in whatever he undertakes. For me, Don
Bosco is a mystery! I am certain, however, that he is
working for the glory of God, that God alone is his
guide, that God alone is the motive for all his
actions.”
16
A Pope ’s Appreciation
68. Satisfaction with Spiritual
Directors We desire likewise, in
this paternal exhortation of Ours,
to give special mention to those
priests who, in humility and
burning charity, labor prudently
for the sanctification of their
brother-priests
as
counselors,
confessors, or spiritual directors.
The incalculable good they render
the Church remains hidden for the
greater part, but it will one day be
revealed in the glory of God's
kingdom.
69.
The
Example
of
St.
Giuseppe Cafasso
Not many
years ago, with great satisfaction,
We decreed the honors of the
altar to the Turinese priest,
Giuseppe Cafasso who, as you
know, in a most difficult period,
was the wise and holy spiritual
guide of not a few priests whom
he helped to progress in virtue
and whose sacred ministry he
rendered particularly fruitful. We
are fully confident that, through
his powerful patronage, our Divine
Redeemer will raise up many
priests of like sanctity who will
bring
themselves
and
their
brethren in the ministry to such a
height of perfection in their lives
that the faithful, admiring their
example, will feel themselves
moved spontaneously to imitate it.
Menti Nostrae – Pius XII - 1950
Salesians - Malawi
News
from the Warm heart of
AFRICA
MICROSOFT CERTIFIED
PROFESSIONAL 2010
Lilongwe (Malawi) 25/06/2010.The Church was growing after the
Ascension of the Messiah, in our case we
could say the number of believers has
increased the number of MCPs has
increased, Thomas the Messiah “Domain
controller” said to the first MCPs “The
hard working Sprit shall descend and You
will understand the term certification, You
shall then spread the Good news to all
parts of Malawi”. As of now we already
have a lot in the industry serving the world
spreading the good news about Don
Boaco’s given chances that different
people choose.
The 2010 MCP Olympic started on
January 11th with Mr. Precious Chilupysa,
the Domain controller and the 17 of us
members of the domain. It was not easy for
us to adapt to the changes, everything was
new to us. Since we joined IT at Don
Bosco we never had such an idea of fully
achieving what we now talk of all in all
Team work was the best Ideal to reach the
top where we are.
At the college campus is now like the
popular songs that even those who don’t
like music sings thinking that it is an easy
go exam. All has been so by putting God’s
name first and following the schools’
Motto “hard work and vision”, attendance
and determination. Indeed when you need
something all the universe conspires in
helping you to achieve it and to realize
one’s destiny it is person’s real obligation.
To my fellow students let’s obey the rules
and regulations wherever we are doing so
we shall one day be called somebody. On
our own we could not do it we therefore
would like to express our sincere gratitude
to the school, Don Bosco IT-department
specifically, Mr. Precious Chilupysa, Mr.
Peter Lungu, Mr. Ethian Harneck, Mr.
Pacifique Niyibizi for material support,
Parents for financial and other presents we
do not take it for granted.
AIMS OF MISTER AND MISS DON
BOSCO CONTEST
1. To promote culture
2. To expose the students to leadership,
organization and participation
3. To work hand in hand with the
management and organizing committee in
the organization of the yearly graduation
ceremony and other activities
4. Entertainment.
MCP, Yes We Are!!!
Our Way To The Top!!!
The recreational and cultural activities at
DBYTI help staff and students come
together to grow as a family and develop
for the betterment of the Institution and the
pupils.
HISTORY OF DBYTI BEAUTY
CONTEST
The first Miss and Mr Don Bosco Contest
was held in 2002. it was Father Chester
who was the Principal then, who took the
initiative to organize the event. The first
Miss Don Bosco was Ruth Chambukira
and Mr Don Bosco was Denis Magombo.
In 2003 Ruth handed the crown to Felistas
Lozo and Gregory Mkhoma Succeeded
Denis. The competition was getting better
and stronger. In 2004 Tawene Nyirenda
proudly carried the golden crown in the
company of Elwin Kambani, who later
preceded Cecilia Limbani and Kent
Chihana. In 2006 Idah Lewanika carried
the crown in the company of Lonjezo
Daudi. In 2007 Kumvana Hola and
Emmanuel Chongo were Miss and Mr
Don Bosco. In 2009 Mphatso Chalendewa
and Ellen Kadango took the crown. Today
history is still being written, and on 14th
May, 2010 Catherine Chindiwo proudly
carried the golden crown in the company
of Patrick Chisale.
Bro. Walter in traditional outfit
during the MALAWI/SCOTTISH
NIGHT–DON BOSCO/
JAMES WATT
For more information visit
the official website of Don
Bosco College - Malawi
http://www.dbc-malawi.org
17
Salesian Family
Mr. Charles Mwila
In Memoriam
Whether we live or die we belong to the Lord,
neither life nor death can separate us from Him
THE PASSING OF MR. JOHN LUBUMBE
A SALESIAN CO –OPERATOR
I
ndeed it is a blow to St. Marys Salesian Co-operators who in a
short time have lost three co-operators. Mrs. Shinondo died in
2006, Mr. faustino Chilekwa died late 2008 and the recent one
was the death of Mr. John Lubumbe who died on 3rd April, 2010.
These three people, from the time of their commitment as
Cooperators, had dedicated most of their time serving young
persons in their parish. God has his own ways, in our little thinking
as human persons we may not interpret why things would happen
like this. We just pray that God be with them so that their souls rest
in eternal peace.
Mr. Lubumbe was a unique gentleman, a teacher and a parent
whose interest was focused most especially in kids and the young
teenagers. He spent most of time with the Holy Childhood
Movement. He also taught catechesis to these young ones. Mr.
Lubumbe participated much in the enculturation programme,
Mr. GINO ZAMBERLAN R.I.P
Venezia (Italy) 27/05/2010.-
Novitiate
Construction
Mr. Gino Zamberlan, the late brother fo
Fr. Bruno Zamberlan (Baba Bruno) has
left this world and gone to the Father.
The Zamberlan family and the Salesian
Family of ZMB province mourn the
death of Mr. Gino who in early hours of
18
initiating the young people in traditional and cultural values of our
society. His death came as quite a shock because it was very
sudden.
Long live the co-operators, long live the Salesian charism.
Mwila Charles
Secretary – Kabwe Co - operators
Thursday gave his spirit to the Lord. Mr Gino passed on at 2am in
the morning leaving behind wife, children and brothers and sisters
whom he loved dearly. For the funeral mass in Italy Fr. Bruno was
represented by the Salesians of the Venetian province.
The Salesian Family in Lusaka gathered on Friday 28, 7am at St
Matthias Mulumba parish for the funeral mass which was
presided by Fr. Bruno.
May he rest in peace!
Thanks to the efforts of
many and the
generosity of various
donors worldwide, the
construction of the
new novitiate in ZMB
is slowly becoming a
reality. There is still
some way to go, but
with the Lord’s help,
the novitiate will soon
be a reality...
Cl. Raphael Lungu SDB
Salesians - Namibia
lunguraph@yahoo.co.uk
Celebrating the first
CENTENARY
of the arrival of Missionaries in the
Kavango Region
O
n the feast of Pentecost we celebrated 100 years since the
arrival of the missionaries in the Kavango Region
Nyangana (Namibia). The celebration was well organized
by Fr. Charles, a Malawian missionary working in the parish of
Nyangana. As usual I, Br. Raphael, went there to witness the event
with a group of young people.
One thing that captured my attention is the statistics, the impact the
missionaries have had on society. To my utter surprise the region
has only produced one priest, Fr. Maurus, an Oblate who is now my
confessor. And there is no sign of someone coming after him.
There are of course 12 sisters and a few deacons.
The region is in need of religious men and women. As I was sitting
1
4
2
among the young people, my Salesian assistance lost visibility
owing to the fact that there were many young people. A dog
sympathized with me and came to offer me some company. Where
I was it was calm but where the dog there wasn’t any. Another
difference is that we had joy and yet where the dog was there was a
repressive system and a few injuries.
The truth is that the harvest is rich but the laborers are few so let us
ask the owner of the harvest to send more workers. Thanks to the
province that soon we will receive young confreres into the
community, they may inspire one or two of these young people to
join the fight for winning souls.
The crisis in Shambyu that rocked the place some eight months ago
(some dispute between the local people and the missionaries who
ran the place) still affects us here in Rundu. Hundreds of people
still flock to our parish for sacraments, baptism certificates,
marriage certificates and things the like. Hence Fr. Henry Juszczyk
SDB took some time to see the situation in Shambyu. He consoled
the sisters for not having daily communion, as they come to our
parish on Sundays. The place is in need of a priest; perhaps this
helps people to appreciate the role of a priest, which somewhat was
misunderstood.
3
KABWE - in pictures
1. Kasavasa: Recollection Day at Mr. Wills’ Farm (20 km from Kabwe town).
2. Kabwe-Youth Centre: New team of animators of YES retreats (Youth
Encounter the Saviour) which is animated by Fr. Andrew Reut SDB.
3. Kabwe-Youth Centre: Birthday celebration of Novice Chongo Lupupa.
4. Kabwe-Youth Centre: Young people who gathered in the community chapel to
pray for vocations together with the Salesian community.
19
zmbsocialc@zmb.co.zm
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
10
11
12
13
LEGEND
1. Chawama: Bro. Walter Thyrniang in one of his
interventions during the VI Provincial Chapter
2. Chawama: Fr. Andrew, Fr. Joseph and Cl. Simba
during the recreation time (PCVI).
3. Chawama: All the participants of the PC VI
after the official closing of the Chapter.
4. Lufubu: Danka, Mrs. Mutale and Kuba having
some rest after cooking lunch for the
participants to the Holy Week Camp.
5. Lufubu: Fr. Czeslaw in the ceremony of the
washing of the feet during Holy Thursday.
6. Lilongwe: Fr. Alex Kim with a group of
volunteers and animators of the youth centre.
7. Chawama: Fr. John Coleman sitting with the
bowl (dish) of popcorn on the day of this
arrival to the community.
8. Makeni: Fr. Leszek and all the administrators
of ZMB communities visiting the new
novitiate.
9. Hwange: Children of the oratory.
10. Lusaka: Fr. Oswald Mulenga and Fr. Joseph
Cz. while dressing up the new priest.
11. Bauleni: Fr. Michael during the lunch
offered on the day of his first mass.
12. Chawama: First mass of Fr. Michael in th e
provincial house.
13. Lufubu: Oratorians come to the community
for a print of Don Bosco’s face.
Printed in Lusaka - Provincial House | P.O.BOX 31148 | All rights reserved
For more information
visit our website:
www.salesianszmb.org

GOSPEL

Transcription

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