s a l e s i an new s
B R I E F L Y Rector Major`S Visit Mark Series Of Releases
Youth Rally on Human
Rights in Madurai
There were 1000 youngsters
from the 27 presences and
neighbourhood who took
part in the youth rally held
on January 24. 2009 to
give a thrust to ``Human
Rights`` especially that are
concerning the young. The
thundering and analytical
talks of the eminent
speakers made the young
to reflect on their role in
shaping a society of equity
and equality by respecting
the rights of each other.
In the evening for the
concluding celebration,
the talks of the provincial
and the Mayor of Madurai
Corporation and the
Coordinator of People`s
Watch - Madurai made the
young to be courageous
citizens by knowing ones
own rights and respecting
the rights of others
Vatican – Appointment of
Vicar Apostolic of Petén
On 10 February, the Holy
Father Pope Benedict XVI
appointed as Vicar apostolic
of Petén, Guatemala, Fr
Mario Fiandri, up until now
the principal of Theologate
in Guatemala City. He has
been assigned the titular
See of Madarsuma. Bishop
Fiandri will take up the See
left vacant in 2007, after
Bishop Oscar Julio Vian
Morales SDB was appointed
archbishop of Los Altos
Quetzaltenango-Totonicapán.
(ANS)
26
Province Of Trichy
On the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebrations
of Jnanodaya college of Philosophy in the
province of Trichy (INT), the Rector Major
released the productions of `alaihal MIDEA`
the Production wing of the communication
centre in the Province of Trichy.
The Rector Major released video DVD
named `DANSING` with 60 action songs in
English, Hindi and Tamil. The Second video
DVD `Kalai Mozhi` (Beauty of language) is
an album of folk songs and dances that are
extinguishing. `Irai Sayal` is a Video DVD
of songs. The occasion also marked the
acknowledgment and re-release of the book
``From the Gospels at a tangent` written by
Rev. Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga sdb, the
Regional Superior of South Asia. The Rector
National Seminar on Childcare opens in Kolkata
A two-day national seminar on Emerging
Trends in Childcare was held at Don Bosco
Nitika in Kolkata on 21st and 22nd Febru-
ary. The seminar was organized by Ashalaya
Poland – Generously building for the future
The Polish Ministry for Foreign Affairs the
Salesian Missionary Volunteer Service in
Krakow “Youth for the World” has been
able to undertake several projects in Africa,
putting up buildings and providing training
opportunities.
At Biharamulo, in northern Tanzania, close
to Lake Victoria, some class-rooms for an
elementary school have been built. Some
training courses were also held for educational
Don bosco march 2009
Major also launched a video DVD named
``Watch and Pray`` (25 Visual Prayers for
all occasions) to commemorate 150th year of
foundation of the congregation.
of the Forum for the Young at Risk (YaR)
in Kolkata, the seminar was attended by 75
Salesians and lay collaborators from 51YaR
centres from all over India. (BIS)
coordinators in the area. In Zambia, in the
Salesian mission at Kabwe, about 150 km
from the capital, some months ago a sports
complex was set up for the children and
youngsters of one of the poorest areas. At
present this is the only sports centre in the
city. It has a volley-ball court, two basket-
ball courts and a health centre. With these the
Salesian centre in Kabwe has new facilities
for its pastoral work and to provide the
children and youngsters with a better future.
The third project was in the Chimese district
of Mansa, a city 900 km from Lusaka
in Zambia. Here at the Salesian “Saint
Dominic Savio” centre some rooms have
been built for a nursery school. In addition
to the three fully-furnished rooms and a play-
ground, the volunteer have also run training
courses for teachers and parents to help
them to be more aware of and to combat the
HIV/AIDS virus. (ANS)

Italy – The Message of the Rector Major to the young
people of the Salesian Youth Movement
As is traditional, this year too on the Feast
of Don Bosco the Rector Major has given
the young people of the Salesian Youth
Movement a message. It was read by himon
31 January, in the Basilica of Mary Help of
Christians in Turin.
International Affiliation for Don Bosco Tech,
Vaduthala
Bosco Vaduthala is the second institution
to receive the IIW-ATB(Indian Institute
of Welding - Approved Training Body)
status in the country. By this certification
the institution is authorized to conduct the
RMG – Presentation of the “Project for Europe”
The Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, with
a letter dated 31 January, presents to the
Salesians of the Congregation the “Project
for Europe.” The drawing up of the “Project
for Europe,” begun immediately after the
General Chapter, followed a very precise
programme. In summer 2008 Fr Chávez co-
involved the Provincials of Europe and their
Councils in an enquiry in which starting from
their own circumstances, they were asked to
reflect on how to revive the Salesian witness
and mission on the continent. The European
Provincials suggested priorities, proposals for
forms of collaboration and ways in which to
coordinate the Project.
At the end of the winter plenary session the
General Council approved the “Project for
Europe” which is now being consigned to
all the Salesians so that it may be shared by
the whole Congregation.Quoting the Pope’s
appeal, in his message for the opening of the
GC26, the Rector Major makes an appeal
s a l e s i an new s
B R I E F L Y
RMG – Two publications
The Rector Major invites the young people to for the Salesian Family
think about the event of the founding of the During the Spirituality
Salesian Congregation on 18 December 1859 Days of the Salesian
in Don Bosco’s room. A group of young man Family, which ended
on 25 January, two
decided to stay with Don Bosco, in this way
publications for the
beginning “a story far greater than him, far benefit of the 26 groups
greater than those poor but generous young which belong to it were
men,”, “a story that has reached even us mentioned and presented.
because that seed has become a great tree: The first is a new edition,
the Salesian Family.” He has suggested to the in a unified form, of the
“Carta della Comunione”
young people the attitudes and the practical
[Identity Card] and the
commitments to ensure that the Salesian
“Carta della Missione”
Youth Movement becomes stronger and [Mission Statement], texts
positive sign in the world of youth. which were used as the
(ANS) foundation of the reflection
and discussions of the
Spirituality Days. This is
aimed at facilitating the
creation of that “culture of
the Salesian Family,” the
`International Welder Diploma` and the Rector Major hopes for
trainee on successful completion of the course in his commentary on the
will be certified as `International Welder` Strenna for 2009.
which is currently approved in 40 industrial The Mission Statement, on
nations of the world. (BIS) its part is “an inspirational
and demanding text which
invites each member of
the Groups in the Family
to undertake a real Salesian
process of discernment
with regard to the choice
of those for whom to
work, the way it carries
out this work of promotion
and evangelisation, the
to the Salesians: “This then is the time for deeper study of the great
missionary generosity; I therefore appeal to insights of the Preventive
all of you, dear confreres, also those who are System, the involvement
in initial formation, to respond with eagerness of everyone, emphasising
and enthusiasm to the needs of evangelisation, the role of lay people, the
following the example of the great apostle and cultural implementation of
missionary Saint Paul, the two thousandth the Salesian charism and
anniversary of whose birth the whole Church mission.”
is remembering this year.” (ANS) (ANS)
Don bosco march 2009 27
 sa l es i an
BRIEFLY Myanmar Archbishops Visit Cyclone-damaged Parishes
50% Students well placed
in DB Tech Kottiyam
Fifty per cent of the
trained youth are offered
jobs and are well placed
as they complete their
training programme in Don
Bosco Technical Institute,
Kottiyam on 10th May 2008.
Thirty two young people
passed out from the institute
with training in skills such
as Carpentry, Electrician,
Electronics and Computer.
As part of the integral
approach all students have
had basic exposure to
computer course as well as
life skills through sessions
in such topics as personality,
leadership, teamwork etc.
The event has become a
great news as the institution
enrolled many from the
Tsunami affected regions
and particularly Azhekal
for various trades so that
they could become earning
members of their families.
The salesians rejoice at the
success as their commitment
to such deserving youth paid
good results.
Foundation Stone laid at
Ongole for Street Children
Work
The blessing of the
Foundation Stone for the Don
Bosco Navajeevan, Ongole
Shelter Building for the
street Children and working
children was laid on May
13, 2008. At the invitation
of Fr K.P. Mathew, Rector
of Don Bosco, Ongole,
Fr Maddhichetty Noel,
Provincial of Hyderabad
blessed and laid the
foundation stone. Mr Hara
Prasad RPF-CI of Ongole
Railway station was the Chief
guest of the occasion.
28
news
Archbishops Charles Bo of
Yangon and Paul Zinghtung
Grawng of Mandalay went
with Father Noel Naw Aye,
Yangon archdiocesan proj-
ects coordinator, and St.
Francis Xavier Sister Leonie
Marie to several parishes.
They visited Kyaiklat, Mau-
bin, Pyapon and Bogale, be-
tween 80 and 150 kilometers
southwest of Yangon, on May
11, Pentecost Sunday. About
200 worshippers attended the
mass at St. Theresa Catholic
Church in Pyapon.
Media now report the Inter-
national Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Soci-
eties as saying Nargis, which
caused massive destruction
Living beyond the Tsunami
New air of relief has come
for the students of Don Bosco
Monvila as 18 of them have
done very well in the recent
SSLC Examinations and all
of whom were affected by
tsunami. They have started
living beyond the trauma of
tsunami days.
After the Tsunami disaster,
the Don Bosco institution
at Monvila responded by
admitting the children from
affected areas. About 100 boys
reside in the boarding school
and attend the school nearby.
On 13th May, 2008, those who
did the SSLC examinations
Don bosco june 2008
in the Irrawaddy River delta
and Yangon area on the night
of May 2, killed between
69,000 and 128,000 people.
The Myanmar government
confirms close to 39,000 dead
and 28,000 missing. Hun-
dreds of thousands of survi-
vors are living in the ruins
of their homes, or have taken
shelter in Buddhist monaster-
ies and temples, churches or
other sturdy buildings that
still have roofs. Most build-
ings in this town are dam-
aged. The cyclone`s winds,
repeatedly as high as 250 ki-
lometres an hour, tore off half
the Catholic church`s roof and
knocked down all the trees in
the church compound.
``The pope has offered a mes-
sage of condolence for the
people who have been affected
by the cyclone, and his dele-
gate has also visited Yangon,``
Archbishop Bo said in his
homily. ``As today is the feast
day of the Holy Spirit, we get
strength from the Holy Spirit``
and hope for better times.
After Mass, the two archbish-
ops met the affected people.
got the results of this public
board exam. There was just
jubilation as all the 18 boys
passed the exam and most of
them with good grades.
The inmates of this boarding
home at Monvila are from
dysfunctional families and
The group moved on at about
1 p.m. to Bogale, about 30
kilometers further on, but
still in the parish of Pyapon.
As the church there was seri-
ously damaged, the visitors
went to the home of a Catho-
lic woman, where about 40
worshippers had gathered.
During Mass, Archbishop
Charles Bo encouraged them
to consider that every crisis or
difficulty offers an ``opportu-
nity.`` He encouraged them to
``keep all people united and
show your love, and try to
reach out to all people.``
Reflecting on his visit, Arch-
bishop Grawng told UCA
News on May 13 that the
people have strong faith, be-
cause despite the difficulties,
they came to Sunday Mass.
He said some of the people he
saw faced extreme difficulty
including lack of food and
drinking water. Besides see-
ing people begging at the side
of the road, he recalled oth-
ers wandering around, seem-
ingly in a daze.
(BIS)
many are semi-orphans
as well. But they have
shown much courage and
determination to leave these
realities behind as they
pursued their education.
Of course the great support
given by the project and
the ambient created for this
application and behavioural
enhancement has brought
about his success.
Now all of them plan to
continue their education or
take up a vocational course
leading to employment.
(BIS)

Child Labourers Score High in Public Exams
Results are a time for cel-
ebration. But this result calls
for more than a celebration.
Child Labourers seem to
show the way to obtain good
results and to keep dreaming
higher for a good future.
Don Bosco Child Labour
Mission at Davangere rescues
child labourers and gets them
back to mainstream educa-
tion. In the last 10 years the
project has placed back 1176
children back to mainstream
education. Of this 1064 are
continuing education and 43
passed SSLC (Class X). This
year four such children scored
above 60% in the SSLC ex-
aminations. Two of them also
secured above 60% for the
Pre University Education.
Hanumantha, who was a
bonded labourer, secured 389
marks (62.24 per cent), Mani-
kanta scored 411 marks (65.76
per cent), Somakka scored
381 marks (60.96 percent)
and Annappanaika secured
383 marks (61.28per cent) in
Training in Psychological Assessment of Candidates
to Religious Life
Salesian Psychological Asso-
ciation ( SPA) of India orga-
nized a three day seminar cum
workshop for its members and
others interested in training
for assessing candidates to re-
ligious life. The seminar cum
workshop was organized at
BIRDY, Hyderabad, under the
leadership of Fr.T.D.JOHN,
the secretary of SPA.
The participants were from
different parts of India,
mostly Salesians trained in
Psychology and Counselling
along with a few others of the
same discipline. The work-
shop aimed at techniques of
psychological testing. It of-
fered modules to train Sale-
the SSLC examination. M.
Mahantesh secured 405 marks
(64.8 per cent) and H. Nagaraj
got 400 marks (64 per cent) in
the PU examination.
We are proud of these children
and about their achievement
considering their situation.
Hanumantha for instance
was rescued from bonded la-
bour and had not seen what
a school looks like until he
was sent to the school to join
straight to class VIII after
one and half year of training
with the salesians.
sian Psychologists in using
tools of psychological testing
in the assessment of candi-
dates to religious life. It was
a wonderful learning experi-
ence for the 16 people who
were involved in learning -
learning by doing.
Fr. Jose Parapully, Ph.D and
Fr. Ajoy Fernandes, Ph.D, the
resource persons with their
expert knowledge of testing
tools and techniques assisted
the participants in learning
some of the most adminis-
tered testing tools. The themes
and topics were: Overview of
the Assessment Process, the
Assessment Interview, the
Bender Visual Motor Gestalt
Test Projective Drawings in
Don bosco june 2008
sa l es i an
The project at Davangere,
rescues such children and
gives them `bridge course`
programme for one year af-
ter which they are placed in
mainstream education sys-
tem. They are monitored and
followed up in their studies
as well as the challenges they
face in continuing education.
Of the 45 children from Don
Bosco who wrote the SSLC
examinations this year 40
of them have passed. This is
surely a matter of joy partic-
ularly in a surrounding like
Davangere and their success
is surely to be celebrated con-
sidering the poor results in
the state and in the district this
year. But we celebrate for rea-
sons more important - the par-
ents of these children and oth-
ers in our rehabilitation centre
have taken this as an example
to be emulated. And they are
keen to ``make our children
study`` and some were heard
to say ``All children should go
to school``. (BIS)
general, the House-Tree-Per-
son Test, Clinical Use of the
Draw-A-Person Test, Sen-
tence Completion Tests, Es-
sentials and Use of MIPS and
the Psychological Report of
the Candidate.
At the end of the three-day
seminar on testing and as-
sessing, the participants were
made to understand that Vo-
cation Guidance is a very
challenging and a responsible
job, which demands a well
rooted knowledge in psy-
chology and human nature
and equally an attitude of
discerning God`s will with
the help of formators and the
candidates themselves.
(BIS)
news
BRIEFLY
25th Death Anniversary of
Fr.Ephisius Usai observed
A special
prayer
meeting
(jingia-
seng) was
organized
at Divine
Saviour Parish, Nogth-
ymmai, the parish that
was started by Fr. Usai.
on 11th May 2008 in
remembrance of the
25th death anniversary
of Rev.Fr.Ephisius Usai,
a pioneer missionary in
the Northeast. His grace
Most Rev Dominic Jala
presided over the prayer
meeting. After the initial
prayers Kong Flora
Ranee, a Retd Magis-
trate gave a short Rev.
Fr.Nicholas Tuligi sdb a
friend and co-worker of
Fr. Usai spoke
about him.
I am close to the people of
Myanmar: RM
Fr Pascual Chávez,
Rector Major of the
Salesians, replying to
the Superior Fr Joachim
Ye Maung, expressed
his appreciation for
the the work the
Salesians are doing
for the victims of the
Nargis cyclone which
on 2 May struck
Myanmar and his
closeness to the people
who are suffering
the consequences.
The Rector Major
has promised that
the Department for
the Missions and the
Mission Offices of the
Congregation will play
their part. (ANS)
29
 sa l es i an news
BRIEFLY SALESIANS LOOK FORWARD TO OPEN A HOUSE
The Salesian Bulletin now
in Japan
With the first issue
published in May, Japan
becomes the latest addition
to the list of worldwide
editions of the Salesian Bul-
letin, a magazine founded
by Don Bosco to make his
work and the Salesian mis-
sion known.
The magazine “Catho-
lic Life”, published by
the Salesian Province of
“St Francis Xavier” in
Japan (GIA), for a num-
ber of years has now been
renewed and entitled
“Salesian Bulletin”. This
new publishing enterprise is
being promoted especially
by the Japanese Salesians-
Cooperators; editorial
direction is in the hands
of Sr Marisa Gambato,
Delegate of the Daughters
of Mary Help of Christians
for the Association of the
Salesians-Cooperators.
(ANS)
Midlife Wanderings in
East Africa
A group of midlife
wanderers from the
Salesian Province of East
Africa gathered together at
the Don Bosco theological
study house at Utume,
Nairobi from 7th to 11th
June, to reflect on their
experiences and make
midway modifications
to their life journey
and especially to the
maps (attitudes and past
imperatives) they were
using to guide them on that
journey. (BIS)
28
IN BANGLADESH
On 12 April 2008, in the homily
of the concluding Eucharist
of the 26th General Chapter
of the Salesians, the Rector
Major, Fr Pascual Chavez,
had mentioned Bangladesh as
a new frontier of apostolate
for the Congregation. Before
concluding the Mass he also
announced the appointment of
Fr. Francis Alencherry, who
had just relinquished office as
the General Councillor for the
Salesian Missions, as the first
pioneer for the first Salesian
presence in that country.
From 15th May to 7th June
Fr. Alencherry visited the
Archdiocese of Dhaka and
BOSCO Joins Hands with Haryana
Government in Mewat
Shri. A.H. Ahalawat. IAS,
CEO of M.D.A. (Mewat
Devlepmnet Agency)
inaugurated the Don Bosco
Centre for Training and career
guidance in Nuh for the youth
of the area. Mr. J.D. Sharma,
MDA Satffs, Fr. A.M. Jose the
Director of BOSCO, Fr. Noble
George, the Asst. Director
of BOSCO, were among
the dignitaries who graced
the occasion.
The government of Haryana,
through His Excellency Dr.
A.R. Kidwai , Governor of
Haryana, had invited Don
Bosco to establish a centre
for youth development. The
authorities have provided all
those requirements requested
by Don Bosco for the
execution of the project.
Don bosco july 2008
the Dioceses of Khulna,
Mymensingh and Rajshahi,
in an attempt to assess the
needs and the possibilities
in different places. On his
return he said, “The need is
indeed enormous. What was
remarkable was the eagerness
and cordiality with which
Bishops, clergy, religious
and laity welcomed me and
expressed their fervent wish
that the Salesians of Don
Bosco would join their ranks
soon to work in Bangladesh. It
is as if they have been waiting
eagerly all these years, hoping
against hope.”
After a three week tour of
Bangladesh Fr. Alencherry
reports that there are three
The second half of the day
was the interview for the
students who wished to enrol
in the centre for training. It was
good to see over fifty students
who turned up for the interview
“I feel happy that Don Bosco
has come to help us, now I am
sure of an earning after my
training” said Mr. Huassain
Khan when asked about
basic expectations of the
existing Bangladesh Church
from the Salesians, which
in turn could be seen as
three Challenges for the
Congregation - to invest in
Education, Evangelization
and Youth Animation. The
Province of Kolkata too
feels with Fr. Alencherry
that the time is ripe for the
Salesians to take up the great
challenges the Project places
before them in keeping with
the call of GC26 and to start
once again with Don Bosco,
educating and proclaiming the
Good News the way he did,
focusing more on the needs of
the poorest youth. (BIS)
his feelings after the
interview.
“Our dream is to reach out to
as many youth as possible, and
we hope with the support of
the people around we would
be able to work wonders
in the lives of the young
people,” assured Fr. A. M.
Jose, Director of BOSCO.
(BIS)
 sa l es i an news

The New Appointments – Provincial, BRIEFLY

Superior and Rector
The Salesian Province of
Kolkata began another chapter
of its 86 year old chronicles
with the installation of its 15th
Provincial Superior on 31st
May, 2008, at the Salesian
Provincial House, Kolkata.
At a very solemn function
held in the Salesian Provincial
House premises at Tengra,
Kolkata, and in the presence
of about 300 persons, Fr.
Thomas Ellicherail, the new
provincial made the public
profession of Faith as well as
took a solemn Oath of Fidelity
as it is customary by a person
on assuming an Office to
be exercised in the name of
the Church.
Fr. Joaquim D`Souza has
been appointed Superior
of the Vice Province of the
Salesian Pontifical University
(UPS) in Rome. He succeeds
Fr. Giuseppe Nicolussi. Fr.
D`Souza had been a member
of the General Council and in
charge of the Region of Asia-
The 12 newly ordained Deacons like
Australia from 1996 to 2002
and of South Asia from 2002
to 2008. Earlier he had been
the Provincial of the Salesian
Province of Mumbai.
Returning from a summer
camp for street children
at Bongaon on the Indo-
Bangladesh border, the former
vice-provincial of Calcutta
province, Fr Jose Chunkapura
received the news of his
appointment as Rector of Don
Rua, one of three International
student communities at the
Salesian Pontifical University
(UPS) Rome. He succeeds
Fr. Juan Luquero of Madrid
province who has been Rector for
7 years. (BIS)
Salesian Sisters receive
UN accreditation
On 6 June the Salesian Sisters
(FMA) received accredita-
tion from the United Nation’s
Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC) which allows
them to be present as an
Institution at meetings called
by the UNO and opens the
way for new opportunities of
involvement by the Office for
Human Rights in Geneva.
(BIS)
Balprafulta’s Rescue
Mission
World Anti Child Labour
Day instituted by the
International Labour
Organisation, to remind
people of the atrocities
against children, 12 children
all below the age of 18 were
rescued from Sakinaka,
Chandivali Mhada, Yadav
Nagar near Kherani Road in
the Andheri area, Bombay.
The rescues operation was
spearheaded by Balprafulta,
a Don Bosco Organisation,
with the assistance of the
Labour Department, Police
and the BMC. (BIS)

the 12 Apostles Northeast India’s Oldest

Missionary Dies
The Salesian Theological Community of Ratis- under the care Salesian missionary and
bonne is blessed with the 12 newly ordained of the Com- priest Laarhuis Herman
deacons by His Grace Fouad Twal of Jerusa- munity of the passed away in Shillong, June
lem, on the 8th of June, The Archbishop Fouad White Fa- 6. He was 94. His mortal
Twal will take over as the patriarch of Jeru- thers or better
remains were laid to rest on
salem within two weeks time, from Partriach known as the
June 8, after a requiem Mass
Michael Shaba. Missionaries
presided over by Archbishop
of Africa.
These 12 young men come from different parts Dominic Jala of Shilliong,
of the world. Four of them are from India, two The celebration was well-organized, there at the Divine Saviour Parish.
from Sri Lanka, three from Ethopia, one from were about 45 priests who con-celebrated at Salesian Provincial Fr.
Poland, one from Tanzania and one from Indo- the Mass. The Ambassodor of Sri Lanka, who Joseph Almeida, during his
nesia. The celebration took place at the histori- is located in Israel, was also present. Though a funeral oration, described
cal Church of St. Anna, the birth place of the Buddhist, he was present throughout the cel-
Fr. Herman as a missionary
Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the tradi- ebration.
who gave his very best
tion, under the Basilica there is a beautiful grot- The newly ordained deacons will be dispersed, and endeared himself to all
to dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and for their three-month summer apostolate, to people during his long and
where Jesus healed the man who was sick for different regions of the world for their Diacon- dedicated years of priestly
the period of 38 years (Jh.5). This Basilica is ate Ministry. (BIS) and religious life. (BIS)
Don bosco july 2008 29
 sa l es i an news

BRIEFLY DBIHMCT INAUGURATED AT MUMBAI

Faith Educators’ Training at
Pastoral Centre
A short training programme
for the faith educators
of Northeast India was
organised at Pastoral Centre,
Shillong from 11th to 14th
August 2008. There were
29 participants hailing from
different dioceses of NE
India. They were all equipped
with essential knowledge
of the principles of faith
It was a grey Monday morning that 11th of
August, with sheets of rain lashing Kurla.
However come rain or high water, nothing
seemed to dissuade the enthusiastic band of
young students assembled at the Don Bosco
Institute of Hotel Management and Catering
Technology (DBIHMCT) to inaugurate their
institute and begin their professional training.
In the pressure of Salesians, Mr. Andrew
Alphonso the principal, other principals of the
campus, staff members and a representation of
students from other Institutes, the academic year
was inaugurated with a prayer service invoking
This new Institute will be a boon for many a
God’s blessings on this new venture. The Rector,
youngster - graduate or not - who will be able
Fr. Mario Vaz then blessed the premises and
to earn a livelihood in this fast growing service
addressed the gathering.
industry. The presence of eminent professionals
The Salesian community has been focusing and facilities on the campus provides a strong
on vocational and professional training with base for this fledgling institute to develop itself
secure job placements at the end of training. The into an excellent one. Several Hotels and other
Hotel Management and Catering Institute is the allied service industries have evinced keen
fourth Institute on the Kurla campus. This full interest in the Hotel Management and Catering
time 3 year degree programme earns a B.Sc in Technology training offered by Don Bosco’s
Hospitality Studies from Mumbai University. Kurla and have promised support. (BIS)

formation, with a practical

approach to scripture-
based catechesis and with
practical skills in classroom
management and knowledge
transmission. The participants
expressed a great satisfaction
for having got the chance to
attend the programme and
wish that such programmes be
organised regularly. (BIS)
MSW Programme with 3
Specialisations at Jorhat
The Bosco Institute, Jorhat
(Assam), is offering a two
year Masters degree course
in Social Work. The College
is affiliated to Dibrugarh
University. Classes are
starting from 25th August
2008. The three areas of
specialisations include:
Community Development;
Family and Child Welfare;
and Medical & Psychiatric
Social Work. The prospectus
as well as application form
and other details can be had
from www.boscoinstitute.org.
(BIS)
28
Catechists’ Training Programme, Ponnur
Hyderabad, Aug. 5. The Bosco
Ashram at Ponnur came alive
today with the commencing
of the Catechists` Training
Programme at 9 am. Riding
on the success of the previous
camp held last year and the
enthusiastic response and
fruit it bore, the Salesian
Community at Ponnur has
its expectations big and
clear for this round. This
10-day programme is aimed
at providing the lay faithful,
especially the catechists of the
various dioceses of Andhra
Pradesh, a renewed vigour
by way of depth and style, in
their faith proclamation.
The inaugural session was
officiated by Fr Maddhichetty
Noel, the Salesian Provincial.
He stressed the growing
need for this programme
and welcomed all the 49
participants hailing from all
over Andhra Pradesh. He
exhorted them all to make the
most of this opportunity for
Don bosco SEPTEMBER 2008
sharpening our skills in aiding
God spread His Kingdom.
Fr Jose K, the director of
the centre and Rector of the
Salesian community, based his
inaugural talk on the Gospel
and citing examples from real
life, called the participants to
become like Jesus, the sower.
The chief resource person
for the day was Fr Leeno
Reddy, the Diocesan Priest
well known for his valuable
contribution in the field of
catechetics on Telugu soil. He
began sharing with the group
the methodology of teaching
catechism for different
age groups innovatively.
The training programme is
spearheaded by the Rector of
Salesian community, Fr Jose
Kollithanathu and able assisted
by Fr Shantha Murthy, the
assistant Parish Priest.
Eminent persons have been
roped in to provide the
participants the best. Various
themes like, catechism, verbal
preaching, use of mass media
for evangelisation, techniques of
evangelisation in rural contexts
and many more form part of
this 10-day programme. The
centre plans to have this training
programme more often as to
ensure regular updating and
greater reach. It is important to
note that Bosco Ashram, Ponnur
has to its credit being the only
centre in Andhra established
explicitly for catechetical
training in telugu. Initially
established in the year 1993,
the main vision and scope of the
centre was to aid in the efforts of
catechesis and evangelisation in
the local context. (BIS)
 sa l es i an news

PARISH ENTRUSTED TO SALESIANS IN KUWAIT BRIEFLY

On August 3, 2008, Bishop blessings on their new pastors, Book on Charles De
Camillo Ballin of the the Salesians. Foucauld by Dr Fr. Nirmol
Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait After the Eucharistic Gomes sdb
officially entrusted the Parish celebration, the Bishop thanked An edited version of the
of St. Therese (Little Flower the Carmelites for their many doctoral thesis on Charles de
of Jesus) to the pastoral years of dedicated service in Foucauld by Fr (Dr) Nirmol
care of the Salesians and this parish and expressed the Gomes sdb, was released
appointed Fr. Tony D’Souza hope that the Salesians will be on 31 July 2008 by Fr Jose
as the Parish Priest. “Good Shepherds” by living Pampadiyil sdb, the Vice
The multi-cultural community out the charism of Don Bosco Provincial of the Province of
of parishioners, mainly among the youth and people thanked the Bishop for bringing Kolkata, in the presence of Dr
hailing from India (especially of Salmiya Parish and the in the Salesian community Mrs. Nupur Das, Secretary,
Goans, Mangaloreans, Vicariate of Kuwait. more actively into the pastoral Undergraduate Council
Malayalees, Tamilians), There was brief farewell and ministry of the Vicariate and University of North Bengal
Phillipines and Sri Lankans felicitation program after Holy assured him the cooperation and and College Principals of
attended in large numbers, to Mass. Speaking on behalf commitment of the Salesians, Darjeeling-Kurseong and other
offer their prayerful gratitude of the Salesians presently now called to be “Pastors and invited dignitaries, staff and
to Fr. Berchman and Fr. involved in education ministry Educators” both in the parish students. The book release took
Thomas, and to invoke God’s since the last 7 years, Fr. Tony and in the school. (BIS) place at the inaugural session
of the Three Day Seminar held
SAFFRON ROBES AND WHITE CASSOCKS at Salesian College, Sonada.
A brilliant example of Christian charity came to religious dialogue and practical charity. “This
offering”, Fr Pinto said, “is not something purely
“america with christ:
life with the donation of a Sangwasaya (hostel)
personal but a donation from my Congregation. listen,learn and proclaim”
by the Salesians of Don Bosco for novice
monks of the Buddha Sasana studying at Sri We are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the With the slogan: “America
Gnanissara Pirivena (education centre) at the presence of our Congregation in Sri Lanka. This with Christ: Listen, Learn and
Sri Priyadharshanaramaya Temple in a remote is one way of extending our fraternal love towards Proclaim” the third American
village in Sri Lanka’s north central province. the other religions. Converting the Buddhists Missionary Congress (CAM3),
The handing over ceremony of the hostel does not motivate us but we are keen to see that opened on 12 August in Quito,
occurred on Sunday 27th July. Fr Anthony they live a better life as Buddhists”. Ecuador, becoming thus an
Pinto, Superior of the Sri Lankan Vice Province, important appointment for
“Sri Lanka belongs to all and all can adhere reflection on mission and
declared the new hostel open. The cost of the to the religions and faith of their choice. The
Sanwasaya was borne by the Salesians of Sri missionary service. It was
State respects freedom of worship and this is concluded on 17 August.
Lanka, adding a golden page to the record of guaranteed by our Constitution. Catholic clergy
services extended by the Congregation to the and the Salesians of Don Bosco have set an The event, which is also
Buddha Sasana. example for us to follow. We are grateful for the Eighth Latin American
Religious dignitaries, politicians and lay people their outstanding contribution”, the former Chief Missionary Congress
present witnessed a rare occasion of inter- Minister said. (BIS) (COMLA8), sees a
gathering of bishops, priests,
Bishop Adrian Van Luyn Honored For Commitment To religious and laity involved
in missionary activity,
Social Justice especially “ad gentes”, in
Bishop Adrian van Luyn tion into societal choices for the the American continent and
sdb has received this year’s poor and people on the fringes beyond, given participants
‘Adriaan Borst for Christian of society. The jury also point- also from Europe, Asia and
commitment’. The Dutch ed to Van Luyn`s commitment Africa. There were Salesian
Christian-Social Congress to experimentation with new Family representatives too,
Foundation, which grants the in the likes of Cardinal Oscar
forms of social commitment of
award, praised the Rotterdam Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga,
young people, from the convic-
bishop for “his continued archbishop of Tegucigalpa,
tion that they are not deprived
commitment to social justice, Fr Vaclav Klement and Sr
in word and deed”. of idealism and motivation, but
that the forms in which earlier Ciri Hernández, General
The jury indicated that Van Councillors for the Salesians
generations were active in this
Luyn in countless articles, and Salesian Sisters
field are less accessible and ap-
books and speeches links a respectively, were also
proachable to them.
living faith and the transla- present. (ANS)
Don bosco SEPTEMBER 2008 29
 sa l es i an news
BRIEFLY Focus on the child, not on the act of the juvenile
10.09.08, the CHILDLINE DAY
CHILDLINE had dual
celebrations, CHILDLINE
DAY 10.09.08 and the 10th
anniversary of CHENNAI
CHILDLINE.
Beach road was filled with
college boys and girls joining
the celebration with the
CHILD FOUNDATION
INDIA. It celebrated its
CHILDLINE DAY on
10.09.08 and CHENNAI
CHILDLINE its 10th
anniversary. Ms. Manorama,
Director of Child Welfare
Committee (CWC) presided
over the function. She, in
her keynote address, insisted
that college students and the
public in general, should
take it as their personal
responsibility to understand
the importance of CHILD
RIGHTS and the availability
of Free Phone line for child
related cases (1098). It was
then followed by a Human
Chain to insist the same
cause. (BIS)
NE PASTORAL
CONFERENCE 2008
On 8th September, the annual
Pastoral Conference of the
bishops of NE India and
of all the major superiors
of religious congregations
working in the region was
inaugurated. The function
started at 6.00 pm with
the keynote address by the
President of the NE Bishops’
Conference, Archbishop
Thomas Menamparampil.
Some lay catechists were also
invited to this conference.
This year’s theme for the
Conference was “Challenges
of Faith Formation in NE
India Today”. There were
about 176 participants who
came from different parts
of NE India. The event took
place at the Cathedral Hall in
Laitumkhrah Parish. (BIS)
28
Zealous child right activists risk with the intention of intention of having a good
from across the country gathered
consolidating an open and mixture of input sessions, group
at Don Bosco Rehabilitation progressive platform to discussions, presentations, timely
Centre, Ramanthapur, Hyder- review the Juvenile Justice recapitulations and lively round
abad for two days, September Act of the country and the of floor discussions. The group
20 and 21, 2008 for a national emerging policies. The finally arrived at a consensus to
consultation on Juvenile Justice
chief guest for the inaugural commit itself to forming into a
(JJ) in India. Organised by theceremony on September 20, wider lobbying body which would
Juvenile Justice National Net- 2008 was Justice Rohini, make a conscious effort to share
work, which has its operationalthe Judge at the High Court, and receive information related
desk at Don Bosco Navajeevan, Andhra Pradesh. She began to child rights interventions.
Vijayawada the two day con- her inspiring keynote address Facilitating this would be the
sultation conclusively decided saying, “Children are the Juvenile Justice website www.
upon evolving into a more com- most important national jjindia.net The regional and
mitted and involved knowledge asset and the country’s future interest area group discussions too
and information sharing body. depends upon their proper led to the formulation of several
Eventually this body would alsodevelopment, both physical specific action plans: powerpack
exercise its enormous potentialand mental.” She later clearly to spread awareness about the JJ
in positively effecting national
listed down eight suggestions Act, better monitoring of Juvenile
policies through lobbying in or-
for the group to discuss and homes, training of Child Welfare
der to make the nation a child reflect upon, most important Committee members, sharing of
friendly place. among them: to focus on the best practices, media sensitivity
The consultation brought child and not on the criminal towards child issues and facilitate
together over a 110 government act of the juvenile. operational structures, all of this
officials and NGOs working Adding variety and bring in the best interest of the child.
in the sector of the young at out the best was the (BIS)
Don Bosco Veedu - Nodal Agency for Missing Child Search
Bangalore, Sep. 19. As per the order from
Government of Kerala, the Don Bosco Veedu
project for the ‘young at risk’ at Trivandrum now
has been made the nodal agency for Missing Child
Search and Child Protection Homelink Network.
Trivandrum Don Bosco Veedu Society is
the nodal agency for the Government project
“Missing Child Search and Child Protection
Home Link Network” in the state of Kerala as
well as the implementing organisation in the
district of Trivandrum. The Government has also
allocated funds for the district implementation • To develop an effective and strong network
for this programme. system for MCS with stakeholders at all levels
The objectives of the Missing Children’s of operation
Network that is proposed is as follows: • To improve the System of collecting the data of
• Data Collection and tracing of missing children unaccompanied children and complaints on missing
and restoring/rehabilitating them by using children in order to make an early repatriation
effective tools and strategies • Cent percent reporting of the complaints on
• To build up networking between Department of missing children
Social Welfare, Police Department, NGOs and This is surely yet another success model in being
likeminded personnel and to develop a holistic able to convince the government of taking steps
approach regarding the problem of Missing towards implementation of the Juvenile Justice
children and their repatriation Act. At present the Don Bosco Projects have
• To create awareness among parents, sensitize been appointed as nodal agencies both in the
the public on Missing Child Search (MCS) states of Karnataka and Kerala. (BIS)
Don bosco october 2008
 sa l es i an news

South-Asia Formation Commission Meet, Hyderabad BRIEFLY

Fresh with the ideas and inspirations of the A noteworthy point of the meet was the presence DIVYADAAN HOSTS SEMINAR
General Chapter 26, the South-Asia Formation of all the delegates of formation of the South-Asia ON HUMAN RIGHTS
meet sought to remould the formation modules region. The presence of Fr Francesco Cereda, the The province of Mumbai
in order to rekindle the passion of the da mihi Councillor for formation and Fr Maria Arokiam organised a two days
animas. In this sense, the GC 26 document along Kanaga, the Regional Councillor of South Asia informative, analytical and
with the six-year plan of the Congregation servedcompleted the whole team. The presence of Fr Jose action-oriented seminar on
as a launching pad for discussion and reflection.Kuttianimattathil, the SPCSA delegate Provincial ‘Human Rights in the Indian
It was agreed that each formation commission too added depth to the emerging thoughts. The Context’ on September 9
four day meeting took a closer look at all the and 10, at Divyadaan. The
stages of formation, especially the pre-novitiate participants also included
stage. Networking among the various provincial all the students and novices
commissions with a sharp interest in identifying of the campus, the Salesian
areas of intersection which would facilitate the Sisters around the campus
enrichment of the formation process was another and diocesan youth directors
area explored. from the MP region.
Given the openness of the members, there was a Fr. Savio Silveira, at the
great amount of acceptance of the out of the box outset, welcomed the
thinking with the sincere intention of rejuvenating participants and speakers.
our own Salesian life. There was consensus to He called these two days a
would draw up the profile of a Salesian from the address identity issues that are becoming more journey into the world of
inspirations of the GC and the grounded reality and more vocal in the various parts of the country human rights in response to
of each Province. This would be complemented and take on these challenging factors rather than the call of the Rector Major
by the six year formation plan of each Province. hush up matters in the name of formation. All Fr. Pascual Chavez to be a
In this context there was greater eagerness to along the meeting, the focus was on creating an ‘defender’, ‘promoter’ and
relook at the contextualization process and ambience which would favour personalization of ‘activist’ of human rights in
its benefits. formation. (ANS) his Strenna 2008 and in his
Newsletter Acts 400. (BIS)
COURSE ON ACCOUNTS, FINANCE AND LAWS The first Catholic Dance Exhibition to Promote
The Course on Accounts, Television Local Culture
Finance and Laws and Man- A Cultural Dance Exhibition
agement began on 9 Septem-
Station was held in the auditorium
ber, at Don Bosco Provincial established of Salesian College Sonada
House, Dimapur (IND), with (SCS), Darjeeling on Sunday
In the early afternoon of Monday
a solemn inaugural ceremony 7 September, 2008. This is
15 September, at the Salesian
in which Fr. Nestor Guria, an annual feature and was
house in Sastin, an agreement
Vice Provincial, lighted the organised by the Youth
of collaboration was signed
lamp and gave the introduc- Department Ministry of the
between the Slovak Bishops’
tory talk. Fr. Trevor D`Souza, a qualified College led by the Youth
Conference, the Salesians and
Fr. Joseph Pamapackal, Pro- Charter Accountant, has been Animator Rev.Fr Francis
“Lux Communication” for the
vincial Economor of the involved in the line for almost management of TV LUX, the
Gomes sdb.
Province of Dimapur and the thirty three years and has been first Catholic Television Station This was attended by around 700
Chief Organiser, welcomed giving training on accountancy in Slovakia. youngters from 24 youth centers.
for various religious groups for
Fr. Trevor D’Souza, (OFM), Rev Fr Tomy Augustine sdb,
almost ten years. In the course The signing of the agreement
the Resource Person and the Rector of SCS along with the
of the six days the participants came at the end of discussions
59 participants, who include Chief Guest handed over the
will delve into the matters of and a trial period lasting four
Salesians, Diocesans, Sisters trophies and prizes. The Chief
Society and Trust, Income Tax months. The signatories were
and lay people. There were 38 Act and Foreign Contribution Guest Mr Prahlad Chettri,
Fr Karol Manik, Provincial
Salesians from the Provinces Regulation Act. It will also pro- Principal Blue Bird School,
of the Salesians in Slovakia,
of Guwahati and Dimapur. vide information on topics like Sonada hailed the efforts of the
Archbishop Stanislav Zvolensky
While explaining to the par- Accounts, Banking, Auditing, Brothers and the Youths and
of Bratislava, representing the
ticipants the dynamics of the Business letter writing, Role and lauded Salesian College for the
Slovak Bishops’ Conference
programme, he exhorted them Function of Treasurer, Provision initiative taken to preserve and
and Mr Tomáš Straka, from
to take maximum advantage from Cannon Law and Financial promote the Nepali culture and
“LUX Communication”. (ANS)
of the opportunity. Calendar. (BIS) tradition in his message. (BIS)
Don bosco october 2008 29