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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

Youth Rally on Human Rights in MaduraiThere 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

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)

RECToR MAJoR`S VISIT MARK SERIES oF RELEASES PRoVInCE oF TRICHY

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.

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

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)

Vatican – Appointment of Vicar Apostolic of Petén

Coordinator of People`s Watch - Madurai made the young to be courageous citizens by knowing ones own rights and respecting the rights of others

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

nATIonAL SEMInAR on CHILDCARE oPEnS In KoLKATA

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)

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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.

The Rector Major invites the young people to think about the event of the founding of the Salesian Congregation on 18 December 1859 in Don Bosco’s room. A group of young man decided to stay with Don Bosco, in this way beginning “a story far greater than him, far greater than those poor but generous young men,”, “a story that has reached even us because that seed has become a great tree: the Salesian Family.” He has suggested to the young people the attitudes and the practical commitments to ensure that the Salesian Youth Movement becomes stronger and positive sign in the world of youth.

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

RMG – Two publications for the Salesian Family During the Spirituality Days of the Salesian Family, which ended on 25 January, two publications for the benefit of the 26 groups which belong to it were mentioned and presented. The first is a new edition, in a unified form, of the “Carta della Comunione” [Identity Card] and the “Carta della Missione” [Mission Statement], texts which were used as the 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 Rector Major hopes for in his commentary on the Strenna for 2009.

The Mission Statement, on its part is “an inspirational and demanding text which invites each member of the Groups in the Family

(ANS)

to the Salesians: “This then is the time for missionary generosity; I therefore appeal to all of you, dear confreres, also those who are in initial formation, to respond with eagerness and enthusiasm to the needs of evangelisation, following the example of the great apostle and missionary Saint Paul, the two thousandth anniversary of whose birth the whole Church is remembering this year.”

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 deeper study of the great insights of the Preventive System, the involvement of everyone, emphasising the role of lay people, the cultural implementation of the Salesian charism and mission.”

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

InTERnATIonAL AFFILIATIon FoR Don BoSCo TECH, VADUTHALA

`International Welder Diploma` and the trainee on successful completion of the course will be certified as `International Welder` which is currently approved in 40 industrial nations of the world.

(ANS)

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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

MYANMAR ARCHBISHoPS VISIT CYCLoNE-DAMAGED PARISHESin 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.

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)

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

LIVING BEYoND THE TSUNAMI

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

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.

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.

50% Students well placed in DB Tech Kottiyam

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.

Foundation Stone laid at ongole for Street Children Work

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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-

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

CHILD LABoURERS SCoRE HIGH IN PUBLIC EXAMS

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.

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` .

TRAINING IN PSYCHoLoGICAL ASSESSMENT oF CANDIDATES To RELIGIoUS LIFE

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

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.

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.

25th Death Anniversary of Fr.Ephisius Usai observed

(BIS)

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)

I am close to the people of Myanmar: RM

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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

SALESIANS LOOK FORWARD TO OPEN A HOUSE IN BANGLADESH

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

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.

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.

BOSCO JOINS HANDS WITH HARYANA GOVERNMENT IN MEWAT

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

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.

The Salesian Bulletin now in JapanWith 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)

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.

Midlife Wanderings in East Africa

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The Salesian Theological Community of Ratis-bonne is blessed with the 12 newly ordained deacons by His Grace Fouad Twal of Jerusa-lem, on the 8th of June, The Archbishop Fouad Twal will take over as the patriarch of Jeru-salem within two weeks time, from Partriach Michael Shaba.

These 12 young men come from different parts of the world. Four of them are from India, two from Sri Lanka, three from Ethopia, one from Poland, one from Tanzania and one from Indo-nesia. The celebration took place at the histori-cal Church of St. Anna, the birth place of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the tradi-tion, under the Basilica there is a beautiful grot-to dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and where Jesus healed the man who was sick for the period of 38 years (Jh.5). This Basilica is

THE 12 NEWLY ORDAINED DEACONS LIKE THE 12 APOSTLES

under the care of the Com-munity of the White Fa-thers or better known as the Missionaries of Africa.

The celebration was well-organized, there were about 45 priests who con-celebrated at the Mass. The Ambassodor of Sri Lanka, who is located in Israel, was also present. Though a Buddhist, he was present throughout the cel-ebration.

The newly ordained deacons will be dispersed, for their three-month summer apostolate, to different regions of the world for their Diacon-ate Ministry.

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.

Balprafulta’s Rescue MissionWorld 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)

Salesian Sisters receive UN accreditation

Salesian missionary and priest Laarhuis Herman passed away in Shillong, June 6. He was 94. His mortal remains were laid to rest on June 8, after a requiem Mass presided over by Archbishop Dominic Jala of Shilliong, at the Divine Saviour Parish. Salesian Provincial Fr. Joseph Almeida, during his funeral oration, described Fr. Herman as a missionary who gave his very best and endeared himself to all people during his long and dedicated years of priestly and religious life. (BIS)

Northeast India’s Oldest Missionary Dies

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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 NEW APPOINTMENTS – PROVINCIAL, SUPERIOR AND RECTOR

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)

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Faith Educators’ Training at Pastoral CentreA 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

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)

DBIHMCT INAUGURATED AT MUMBAIIt 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 God’s blessings on this new venture. The Rector, Fr. Mario Vaz then blessed the premises and addressed the gathering.

The Salesian community has been focusing on vocational and professional training with secure job placements at the end of training. The Hotel Management and Catering Institute is the fourth Institute on the Kurla campus. This full time 3 year degree programme earns a B.Sc in Hospitality Studies from Mumbai University.

This new Institute will be a boon for many a youngster - graduate or not - who will be able to earn a livelihood in this fast growing service industry. The presence of eminent professionals and facilities on the campus provides a strong base for this fledgling institute to develop itself into an excellent one. Several Hotels and other allied service industries have evinced keen interest in the Hotel Management and Catering Technology training offered by Don Bosco’s Kurla and have promised support. (BIS)

CATECHISTS’ TRAINING PROGRAMME, PONNURHyderabad, 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

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)

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)

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BRIEFLY Book on Charles De Foucauld by Dr Fr. Nirmol Gomes sdbAn edited version of the doctoral thesis on Charles de Foucauld by Fr (Dr) Nirmol Gomes sdb, was released on 31 July 2008 by Fr Jose Pampadiyil sdb, the Vice Provincial of the Province of Kolkata, in the presence of Dr Mrs. Nupur Das, Secretary, Undergraduate Council University of North Bengal and College Principals of Darjeeling-Kurseong and other invited dignitaries, staff and students. The book release took place at the inaugural session of the Three Day Seminar held at Salesian College, Sonada.

PARISH ENTRUSTED TO SALESIANS IN KUWAITOn August 3, 2008, Bishop Camillo Ballin of the Apostolic Vicariate of Kuwait officially entrusted the Parish of St. Therese (Little Flower of Jesus) to the pastoral care of the Salesians and appointed Fr. Tony D’Souza as the Parish Priest. The multi-cultural community of parishioners, mainly hailing from India (especially Goans, Mangaloreans, Malayalees, Tamilians), Phillipines and Sri Lankans attended in large numbers, to offer their prayerful gratitude to Fr. Berchman and Fr. Thomas, and to invoke God’s

blessings on their new pastors, the Salesians. After the Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop thanked the Carmelites for their many years of dedicated service in this parish and expressed the hope that the Salesians will be “Good Shepherds” by living out the charism of Don Bosco among the youth and people of Salmiya Parish and the Vicariate of Kuwait. There was brief farewell and felicitation program after Holy Mass. Speaking on behalf of the Salesians presently involved in education ministry since the last 7 years, Fr. Tony

thanked the Bishop for bringing in the Salesian community more actively into the pastoral ministry of the Vicariate and assured him the cooperation and commitment of the Salesians, now called to be “Pastors and Educators” both in the parish and in the school. (BIS)

SAFFRON ROBES AND WHITE CASSOCKSA brilliant example of Christian charity came to life with the donation of a Sangwasaya (hostel) by the Salesians of Don Bosco for novice monks of the Buddha Sasana studying at Sri Gnanissara Pirivena (education centre) at the Sri Priyadharshanaramaya Temple in a remote village in Sri Lanka’s north central province. The handing over ceremony of the hostel occurred on Sunday 27th July. Fr Anthony Pinto, Superior of the Sri Lankan Vice Province, declared the new hostel open. The cost of the Sanwasaya was borne by the Salesians of Sri Lanka, adding a golden page to the record of services extended by the Congregation to the Buddha Sasana. Religious dignitaries, politicians and lay people present witnessed a rare occasion of inter-

religious dialogue and practical charity. “This offering”, Fr Pinto said, “is not something purely personal but a donation from my Congregation. We are celebrating the Golden Jubilee of the presence of our Congregation in Sri Lanka. This is one way of extending our fraternal love towards the other religions. Converting the Buddhists does not motivate us but we are keen to see that they live a better life as Buddhists”. “Sri Lanka belongs to all and all can adhere to the religions and faith of their choice. The State respects freedom of worship and this is guaranteed by our Constitution. Catholic clergy and the Salesians of Don Bosco have set an example for us to follow. We are grateful for their outstanding contribution”, the former Chief Minister said. (BIS)

Bishop Adrian van Luyn sdb has received this year’s ‘Adriaan Borst for Christian commitment’. The Dutch Christian-Social Congress Foundation, which grants the award, praised the Rotterdam bishop for “his continued commitment to social justice, in word and deed”. The jury indicated that Van Luyn in countless articles, books and speeches links a living faith and the transla-

BISHOP ADRIAN VAN LUYN HONORED FOR COMMITMENT TO SOCIAL JUSTICE

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tion into societal choices for the poor and people on the fringes of society. The jury also point-ed to Van Luyn s commitment to experimentation with new forms of social commitment of young people, from the convic-tion that they are not deprived of idealism and motivation, but that the forms in which earlier generations were active in this field are less accessible and ap-proachable to them.

With the slogan: “America with Christ: Listen, Learn and Proclaim” the third American Missionary Congress (CAM3), opened on 12 August in Quito, Ecuador, becoming thus an important appointment for reflection on mission and missionary service. It was concluded on 17 August.

The event, which is also the Eighth Latin American Missionary Congress (COMLA8), sees a gathering of bishops, priests, religious and laity involved in missionary activity, especially “ad gentes”, in the American continent and beyond, given participants also from Europe, Asia and Africa. There were Salesian Family representatives too, in the likes of Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Fr Vaclav Klement and Sr Ciri Hernández, General Councillors for the Salesians and Salesian Sisters respectively, were also present. (ANS)

“America with christ: listen,learn and proclaim”

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Zealous child right activists from across the country gathered at Don Bosco Rehabilitation Centre, Ramanthapur, Hyder-abad for two days, September 20 and 21, 2008 for a national consultation on Juvenile Justice (JJ) in India. Organised by the Juvenile Justice National Net-work, which has its operational desk at Don Bosco Navajeevan, Vijayawada the two day con-sultation conclusively decided upon evolving into a more com-mitted and involved knowledge and information sharing body. Eventually this body would also exercise its enormous potential in positively effecting national policies through lobbying in or-der to make the nation a child friendly place.The consultation brought together over a 110 government officials and NGOs working in the sector of the young at

FOCUS ON THE CHILD, NOT ON THE ACT OF THE JUVENILErisk with the intention of consolidating an open and progressive platform to review the Juvenile Justice Act of the country and the emerging policies. The chief guest for the inaugural ceremony on September 20, 2008 was Justice Rohini, the Judge at the High Court, Andhra Pradesh. She began her inspiring keynote address saying, “Children are the most important national asset and the country’s future depends upon their proper development, both physical and mental.” She later clearly listed down eight suggestions for the group to discuss and reflect upon, most important among them: to focus on the child and not on the criminal act of the juvenile.Adding variety and bring out the best was the

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 for this programme. The objectives of the Missing Children’s Network that is proposed is as follows: • Data Collection and tracing of missing children and restoring/rehabilitating them by using effective tools and strategies • To build up networking between Department of Social Welfare, Police Department, NGOs and likeminded personnel and to develop a holistic approach regarding the problem of Missing children and their repatriation • To create awareness among parents, sensitize the public on Missing Child Search (MCS)

DON BOSCO VEEDU - NODAL AGENCY FOR MISSING CHILD SEARCH

• To develop an effective and strong network system for MCS with stakeholders at all levels of operation • To improve the System of collecting the data of unaccompanied children and complaints on missing children in order to make an early repatriation • Cent percent reporting of the complaints on missing children This is surely yet another success model in being able to convince the government of taking steps towards implementation of the Juvenile Justice Act. At present the Don Bosco Projects have been appointed as nodal agencies both in the states of Karnataka and Kerala. (BIS)

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)

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)

intention of having a good mixture of input sessions, group discussions, presentations, timely recapitulations and lively round of floor discussions. The group finally arrived at a consensus to commit itself to forming into a wider lobbying body which would make a conscious effort to share and receive information related to child rights interventions. Facilitating this would be the Juvenile Justice website www.jjindia.net The regional and interest area group discussions too led to the formulation of several specific action plans: powerpack to spread awareness about the JJ Act, better monitoring of Juvenile homes, training of Child Welfare Committee members, sharing of best practices, media sensitivity towards child issues and facilitate operational structures, all of this in the best interest of the child. (BIS)

10.09.08, the CHILDLINE DAY

NE PASTORAL CONFERENCE 2008

Don bosco october 2008 Don bosco october 2008 2�

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BRiEFLY Fresh with the ideas and inspirations of the General Chapter 26, the South-Asia Formation meet sought to remould the formation modules in order to rekindle the passion of the da mihi animas. In this sense, the GC 26 document along with the six-year plan of the Congregation served as a launching pad for discussion and reflection. It was agreed that each formation commission

SOUTH-ASIA FORMATION COMMISSION MEET, HYDERABADA noteworthy point of the meet was the presence of all the delegates of formation of the South-Asia region. The presence of Fr Francesco Cereda, the Councillor for formation and Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Regional Councillor of South Asia completed the whole team. The presence of Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil, the SPCSA delegate Provincial too added depth to the emerging thoughts. The four day meeting took a closer look at all the stages of formation, especially the pre-novitiate stage. Networking among the various provincial commissions with a sharp interest in identifying areas of intersection which would facilitate the enrichment of the formation process was another area explored. Given the openness of the members, there was a great amount of acceptance of the out of the box thinking with the sincere intention of rejuvenating our own Salesian life. There was consensus to address identity issues that are becoming more and more vocal in the various parts of the country and take on these challenging factors rather than hush up matters in the name of formation. All along the meeting, the focus was on creating an ambience which would favour personalization of formation. (ANS)

would draw up the profile of a Salesian from the inspirations of the GC and the grounded reality of each Province. This would be complemented by the six year formation plan of each Province. In this context there was greater eagerness to relook at the contextualization process and its benefits.

The Course on Accounts, Finance and Laws and Man-agement began on 9 Septem-ber, at Don Bosco Provincial House, Dimapur (IND), with a solemn inaugural ceremony in which Fr. Nestor Guria, Vice Provincial, lighted the lamp and gave the introduc-tory talk.Fr. Joseph Pamapackal, Pro-vincial Economor of the Province of Dimapur and the Chief Organiser, welcomed Fr. Trevor D’Souza, (OFM), the Resource Person and the 59 participants, who include Salesians, Diocesans, Sisters and lay people. There were 38 Salesians from the Provinces of Guwahati and Dimapur. While explaining to the par-ticipants the dynamics of the programme, he exhorted them to take maximum advantage of the opportunity.

COURSE ON ACCOUNTS, FINANCE AND LAWS

Fr. Trevor D`Souza, a qualified Charter Accountant, has been involved in the line for almost thirty three years and has been giving training on accountancy for various religious groups for almost ten years. In the course of the six days the participants will delve into the matters of Society and Trust, Income Tax Act and Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. It will also pro-vide information on topics like Accounts, Banking, Auditing, Business letter writing, Role and Function of Treasurer, Provision from Cannon Law and Financial Calendar. (BIS)

In the early afternoon of Monday 15 September, at the Salesian house in Sastin, an agreement of collaboration was signed between the Slovak Bishops’ Conference, the Salesians and “Lux Communication” for the management of TV LUX, the first Catholic Television Station in Slovakia. The signing of the agreement came at the end of discussions and a trial period lasting four months. The signatories were Fr Karol Manik, Provincial of the Salesians in Slovakia, Archbishop Stanislav Zvolensky of Bratislava, representing the Slovak Bishops’ Conference and Mr Tomáš Straka, from “LUX Communication”. (ANS)

THE FIRST CATHOLIC TELEVISION STATION ESTABLISHED

The province of Mumbai organised a two days informative, analytical and action-oriented seminar on ‘Human Rights in the Indian Context’ on September 9 and 10, at Divyadaan. The participants also included all the students and novices of the campus, the Salesian Sisters around the campus and diocesan youth directors from the MP region.Fr. Savio Silveira, at the outset, welcomed the participants and speakers. He called these two days a journey into the world of human rights in response to the call of the Rector Major Fr. Pascual Chavez to be a ‘defender’, ‘promoter’ and ‘activist’ of human rights in his Strenna 2008 and in his Newsletter Acts 400. (BIS)Dance Exhibition to Promote Local CultureA Cultural Dance Exhibition was held in the auditorium of Salesian College Sonada (SCS), Darjeeling on Sunday 7 September, 2008. This is an annual feature and was organised by the Youth Department Ministry of the College led by the Youth Animator Rev.Fr Francis Gomes sdb.This was attended by around 700 youngters from 24 youth centers.Rev Fr Tomy Augustine sdb, Rector of SCS along with the Chief Guest handed over the trophies and prizes. The Chief Guest Mr Prahlad Chettri, Principal Blue Bird School, Sonada hailed the efforts of the Brothers and the Youths and lauded Salesian College for the initiative taken to preserve and promote the Nepali culture and tradition in his message. (BIS)

DIVYADAAN HOSTS SEMINAR ON HUMAN RIGHTS