AFW Monthly Newsletter

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

April - June 2011

AFW Ghana Liberia Nigeria Sierra Leone

Don Bosco Good night 13.5.1887 “It is particularly during the novena of the Holy Spirit that I usually urge you to consider you vocation, for it is the best time to learn what the Lord asks of us. Put your mind to it, then, all of you, especially those who now wear the cassock…

These need perseverance. Let them seriously consider their spiritual condition.

During this novena let them reflect upon their conduct – what they must do or correct- and let them seek God’s grace to carry out their well pondered resolutions. The Lord will hear them.

In the last general Chapter, the Rector Major urged us Salesians to have a new Pentecost, and the feast of Pentecost we are celebrating is surely the day to pray for this particular grace for us all especially in AFW. During the novena of the Holy Spirit we had the Post Chapter Assembly in Ghana; I was struck by the reflection used during prayers which was a good night which Don Bosco gave on the 13th of May 1877, and which I would like to share with you. In it I noticed how Don Bosco linked the feast of the Holy Spirit with discernment for one’s vocation, not just for those who were already aspiring to religious life, but for all the young people. In his message for this

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“Not only the clerics are to consider their vocation, but all students, especially the seniors, for theirs is a year of decision. Juniors too and even some lower classmen should begin to think about their future so as to assure themselves success in life. An early decision, based on good counseling, will help them end the year with a sense of content and self confidence.

“Ask for this grace whole heartedly.

The Lord will grant your request, and He will bless and strengthen your good resolve.”

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

year’s Strenna, the Rector Major is challenging us to create a vocation culture within our schools, oratories and youth centres. It is a Challenge which is made explicit in the invitation Come and See. This is one of the key examples which Fr Roy has left us: that we as Salesians are to make explicit that invitation which the Lord extends to the young. In this edition of the Newsletter we give tribute to Fr Roy for what he has been in the life of the province. In his own personal vocational journey he wanted to make something ‘worthwhile’ out of his life.

In the words of the Rector Major, Fr Roy lived his life as a vocation, and he sought that this basic value that he himself lived, he tried to pass on to the young. The testimony of one young Salesian confrere who owes his vocation to Fr Roy is indeed a most fitting tribute. To make this vocational invitation explicit to the young is exactly what the Rector Major is urging us to do, especially during this year.

Vocation Animation week in May has been a source of blessing in many of our communities, and there were many initiatives undertaken with the young people. I was fortunate to be present for one of them when at the Brothers’ Meeting held in Ibadan; the Hostel students had the opportunity to ask so many questions of the Brothers about themselves and about vocation. Making our vocation visible, as the Brothers did that day, is the first step to inspire the young so that they also make a basic life commitment.

In our last Chapter, one of the explicit proposals was to have a missionary group in all of our communities (AFW PC3 Evangelization Document 3.10.) The feast of Pentecost is an opportune moment to remind ourselves for this is when the Church went out to preach the good news. But we first have to disciples before we can be apostles. Let us promote groups ( Missionary Group, Friends of Blessed Zatti, Alter servers) in which young people can experience a basic Christian community and in which they can explore the call which God is making them in Life.

Fr George shares and discusses with young people of the hostel the meaning of a vocation.

Fr George at the Brothers’ Meeting reflecting with them on the significance of the Brother vocation..

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Homily at Memorial Mass Ashaiman [extracts]

“Vocation is the name a person gives to his life when it is perceived as a gift and a call.”

The Rector Major with this year‟s Strenna is inviting us to see our life as a vocation by reflecting on the words of Jesus „Come and See‟; he is inviting us Salesians and members of the Salesian Family to share our vocation story with the young. And I think this is what Fr Roy would love to do: to share his vocation story as a Salesian with the young people gathered here; and he would be particularly happy to be doing this on the feast of Dominic Savio who represents all youth.

The words of Pope Benedict XVI to young people on the occasion of World Youth Day are very appropriate:

[...] There is a moment, when we are young, when each of us wonders: what meaning does my life have? What purpose and direction should I give to it? This is a very important moment, and it can worry us, perhaps for some time. We start wondering about the kind of work we should take up, the kind of relationships we should establish, the friendships we should cultivate...

This is exactly what was happening in Fr Roy‟s life; He returned home from the army in October 1946. His Father had just died -3-

Fr Roy Bernard Fosker was born on the 25 October 1922 in Ipswich Suffolk England and was an Anglican by birth. He was received into the Catholic Church on his 19th birthday, 25 th October 1941. After his mother died in April 1948, he went to Shrigley as a 'Son of Mary' since he was a late vocation. He made his novitiate at Beckford and was professed on 8th September 1950. He volunteered for the missions in Africa and on 31 January 1952, the feast of Don Bosco, he arrived in Cape town South Africa.

In 1956 he returned to Europe to do his theological studies in Bollengo and Benediktbeuern. He was ordained in Munich on 4th August 1960. He returned to Africa as Headmaster in Daleside.

In 1965 he was asked to be Parish Priest in Lansdowne and was parish priest in various parts of South Africa and Swaziland until 1996 when he went to Nairobi as confessor for the students of theology. In 2001 he moved on to Gabon and then Cameroon until 2004 when he joined the AFW Province in west Africa, when he first went to Nigeria and then to Ashaiman in Ghana as Provincial Secretary. He continued in this post until 2009. He was of invaluable help to confreres in the Province and beyond with his voluminous amount of proof-reading and translations. He helped many young people and confreres in their vocation or education, many of whom appreciate him as a father and benefactor. Last August he celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his Ordination and the 60th anniversary of his Salesian Profession. He had a special love for Africa where he spent fifty five years of his life. He never forgot his humble roots and he had a very special love for the virtue of poverty. He was always frugal himself and lead a very simple lifestyle; he tried to encourage others and to pass on his love for this virtue.

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

and he saw it his duty as the youngest son to look after his mother who was grievously ill. She passed away in February 1948 and after some months of „hesitation and misgivings‟ he made up his mind and committed himself to following his religious vocation. He wrote in his letter: “I want to make my life worthwhile. I have seen enough to know that we must be wholeheartedly for Christ or against Him. I can think of no greater way of serving him than in winning souls for Him. God has been good to me – now I want to show my gratitude to Him. I have not much to offer, but if you can use me, with God’s help I will try to be a good Salesian.” (letter 14 May 1948) So after applying he was sent to Shrigley as an aspirant. He joined the 'Son of Mary' programme since at 23 years he was a late vocation. He made his novitiate at Beckford where he professed as a Salesian on 8th September 1950.

He was to make another big decision in his life which would again require of him commitment and sacrifice: He volunteered for the missions in Africa after the Provincial had made an appeal for volunteers and on 31 January 1952, the feast of Don Bosco, he arrived in Cape town South Africa. He has been in Africa ever since, except for a break of four years for his theological studies, which means that he has been in Africa for 55 years! Indeed in his won words: Africa is my true home.

Again the Pope‟s own word‟s addressed to the young people apply to Fr Roy‟s own story.

I think that, to some extent, this urge to break out of the ordinary is present in every generation. Part of being young is desiring something beyond everyday life and a secure job, a yearning for something really truly greater. Is this simply an empty dream that fades away as we become older? No! Men and women were created for something great, for infinity. Nothing else will ever be enough. Saint Augustine was right when he said “our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you”. [...]

Fr Roy helped many young people in their schooling and education, many of whom appreciate him as a father and benefactor. He also helped many confreres in their vocation, some of whom he was instrumental in making the initial proposal to them:

Fr Roy celebrating 50 years of ordination and 60 years of Salesian Life.

Roy when he first became a Salesian.

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Maximus Okoro is a young practical trainee in Ondo. When he heard that Fr Roy had passed away he made it a point to be present at the funeral. This is the least he could to pay back for the most precious gift he had ever received. Here he explains why.

communicating with them: Fr Chuks, Fr Ambrose and Fr Cyril, all students of theology in Tangaza College at that moment. He also introduced me to Fr Riccardo.

Whenever I visited him, he would tell me about his experience as a Salesian having worked in various countries in Africa. It was really amazing listening to him.

Saint Francis de Sales‟ and animated by the passion of „Da mihi animas, caetara tolle‟.

In the year 2004, I left Cameroun for One evening, during his usual walk in Nigeria... Although, I didn‟t know much about the parish premises, Fr. Roy approached me the Salesian work in Nigeria, through the and said: „Come with me, I have a present for assistance of Roy I came in contact with Fr you!‟ So happy and eager to know what this Silvio in Ondo and Fr Charles in Onitsha. present was all about, I rushed to his office. On In 2005, I received a mail from Roy; I entering his office, I was struck by his had been invited for 3 months aspirantate simplicity. I found only books and a calendar of programme in Ibadan, After which Fr Vincenzo our lady and Saint John Bosco on his table. He Marone, SDB asked me to apply for the preopened his desk and brought out an envelope novitiate programme in Ondo, Nigeria. which he presented to me. I opened it immediately and discover Roy explicitly it was a translation of an proposed to me the extract of Don Bosco‟s life I trace my vocation to this Salesian life. I trace my in English.

I was great meeting with him... I vocation to this great overwhelmed with joy meeting with him in describe this meeting as a Ebolowa, Cameroun. I because all the books I had read about Don Bosco providential one, a meeting describe this meeting as a were all written in French. one, a through which Christ would providential Roy said to me: „Max read meeting through which unfold his loving kindness to me. it carefully and come back Christ would unfold his to me for discussion and loving kindness to me. question!‟ From that day, we became good Roy to me, was a Father and Friend, a Salesian friends… who was propelled by the „Loving Kindness of

Definitely, Roy was never an angel. He was a mortal being who was weak and fragile like any other man. He had his own limitations as well. But one could sense a Salesian who throughout his life time, created the awareness of a „vocational culture‟. He would spend long hours listening to my stories, hearing confessions, correcting my essays, etc. Through him, I learnt creative listening, I learnt simplicity and humility.

One evening during our normal walk, Roy asked me a question: „Max, don‟t you think you would make a good Salesian?‟ This question opened another chapter in my life.

Although I was very young, I began thinking about it seriously. However, I was scared of my dad‟s reaction towards that because he had always wanted me to study Law. Nonetheless, with Roy‟s assistance I was able to tell my dad… to

For me, Roy went beyond the correction of papers. „He corrected my life‟, and helped me to understand a lot of things.

Through the internet, he introduced me Salesians in West Africa. I began

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AFW Newsletter

Prayer of Faith: We trust that beyond absence there is a presence.

That beyond the pain there can be healing.

That beyond the brokenness there can be wholeness.

That beyond the anger there may be peace.

That beyond the hurting there may be forgiveness.

That beyond the silence there may be the word.

That beyond the word there may be understanding.

That through understanding there is love.

We Love Fr. Roy and we will miss you REST IN PEACE SUNG K. ROBERTSON

April – May 2011

Fr Roy would come across to confreres as fatherly and austere at the same time. He always gave you the impression that he had no time to waste, he was a man of few words, but was ever ready to listen to somebody who wanted to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation or talk about his spiritual life. His love for the community was evident, especially through the hard work and care that he put in whatever he did, particularly in keeping in order community belongings. Fr Gianni Rolandi

      

Fidelity till the end Purified by sickness and old age they remained serene following Christ steady and in a Salesian way.

Love for their follow confreres.

Not in a haste to judge and lay blames on the other confrere in order to feel themselves justified. (cioé …scaricare un mucchio di culpa sugli altri per sentirsi qualcuno).

Extreme care for their fellow confreres not only for those in Pakistan, but those very close by.

Patient and interested in understanding what a confrere is going through before any easy and handy fire fighter approach.

Deep friendship that is not exclusive. Trying to avoid amici particolare is not an excuse for living in superficiality, isolation and lonely, for ours is a family and not a group of intellectual experts of -6- we see clearly that we are not business counterparts love. In them but confreres with a bond stronger to set us in motion and highly motivated.

Fr Chuks

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Rev Fr Anthony Ekezie was ordained on the 21st May by Rt. Rev. Valerian Okeke, Archbishop of Onitsha at the Holy Trinity Cathedral. Concelebrating with the Archbishop was the Provincial Fr George Crisafulli.

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AFW Newsletter

Each Salesian Vocation is a sign of God’s love for the young! 

April – May 2011

Jerusalem

Utume Nairobi

Rome -8-

2 May 2011 Nairobi: Seven of our AFW confrere received the ministry of Acolyte and six others the ministry of readers at the hands of Fr. Joseph the provincial of AFE, at Utume in Nairobi. It was a solemn ceremony with seven priests present.

13 May Rome: Damien and Albert received the ministry of Lectorate from the Provincial Fr Joaquim D'Souza, 15 May Jerusalem: On the fourth Sunday of Easter, Good Shepherd Sunday, Paul and Emmanuel received the ministry of Acolyte. Fr. Maurizio Spreafico the Provincial of MOR during his homily urged the students respectively to have a deep reverence for the Blessed Sacrament.

21 May Utume Nairobi: Deacon Peter Morba was ordained deacon together with six of his companions

by Rt Rev. Bishop Angelo Moreschi SDB 2 July Yaoundé: Deacon Nicholas Gerald Umoh will be ordained in the Basilica Mary Queen of the Apostles by Rt. Rev Victor Tonye Bakot, archbishop of Yaoundé.

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

St John Bosco was sent by God to reach out to young people; here in West Africa we Salesians seek to continue Don Bosco’s work for the benefit of deprived African youth and children, since the problems that the young face today are even more urgent.

For this mission to continue and grow, Jesus continues to call generous young people to dedicate their whole life to God for the benefit of poor youth. Whether as a Priest or as a Brother, every Salesian works to bring God's love to the young, just as Don Bosco did.

Yet there are many expenses involved in the formation of our young Salesian confreres; it takes up to ten years of study and pastoral work for a young Salesian Confrere to complete his formation and education before he becomes a Salesian Priest or Salesian Brother.

"I always relied on God's providence and the generosity of so many benefactors" Don Bosco used to say. Like him we also appeal to you to support us in preparing this fine young man by making a donation of a study bursary.

You can donate this Bursary as an individual, as a family or else as a Church group. Our students always remember their benefactors at Mass and in the daily rosary. For more information contact the Rector of the Salesian Community near you.

A Salesian vocation is a sign that God loves young people.

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

the prophecy communion Religious life Africa.

The Brothers of the AFW Province in west Africa, had the opportunity to have a three day meeting in the Provincial house. Most of them arrived on the evening of the 13th of May in time to celebrate of the feast of St Mary Mazzarello with the Sisters and students. In all fifteen Brothers participated in the meeting.

The following morning was animated by Fr G Basañes who spoke to the Brothers about the Synod for Africa and what was of particular significance for the Brother vocation.

He shared his experience at the Synod and highlighted the importance of

of of in

The Brothers then had an opportunity to look closely at the ration and the changes that are being proposed so as to make the Brother vocation more visible and catered for in the formation process. They had the opportunity to make suggestions and to discuss the situation of the Brother vocation in the province.

The Sunday morning Liturgy was presided by Fr George Crisafulli , the Provincial, which was held with the students of the Hostel. Since it was vocation Sunday, Fr George spoke about the call in the life of the young and then at the end of the Mass presented the Brothers to the students. Afterwards all the students were invited to a

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„vocation breakfast‟.

This involved having a kind of treasure hunt in which the students to answer a set of questions about the Brothers present, before they got their breakfast.

This was an excellent opportunity to promote the vocation of the Brother amongst the student, giving them the opportunity to clarify any questions.

Later that morning, Fr George gave a talk to the Brothers on the situation of the province and the important role that the brothers have in the life of the province. “If only I had sixty Brothers, we would be able to really radicalize our work.” His talk left a deep impressions on the Brothers, and all felt a renewed commitment to make the vocation of the Brother known and appreciated.

It is significant that the patron of the Province is Bl Br. Atremide Zatti. 

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Anthony Odior has n ow been on the missions in Sudan for his PT this last nine months.

Here he writes to Fr George to congratulate him for his birthday; he also shares his experiences in Sudan, which is a wonderful insight into the life on the missions.

…the best gift you have given me so far is to send me to Sudan for my Practical Training!!!

Hello Fr Jorge, what a fabulous day to write you.

that one is already purgatory – smiles.

It‟s quite a long time we correspondenced; however the ball is still rolling. It‟s a new year with so many resolves which I hope personally will see me through as I continue to persevere in this wonderful yet challenging mission. God has been good to me, my community is blessed with confreres who understand, cooperate and always there for each other. The mission is new therefore hard work is needed for a solid, ensuring and sustaining foundation. We are doing our best, God is blessing us and fruits are yielding, which serves as a boost for us especially me.

However, I am not saying all these as a way of lamentation, but just to explain the harsh situation we are facing here and I must tell you I am happy to be here. I am happy you suggested to me to come to Sudan. I am happy I accepted the proposal because I have found my experiences to be practical school of life and despite the cruel challenges, it offer to me the best opportunities to learn and to contribute my little self to the people of South Sudan.

Fr Ferrington is very particular about having good health and at such he never hesitate to proffer the best possible medical treatment to me whenever I‟m down. He is such a wonderful person.

Today is your birthday and also the 25th anniversary of your first profession. My wish for you is that God may continue to strengthen you in mind and heart; may He enrich you with His wisdom and grant you health of mind and body.

I am happy with you and I want you to know that.

In March, we had the delegation assembly. I was there and it was wonderful opportunity to understand fully the delegation, its successes and challenges and it was also a time to come to know the confreres of the delegation.

From January to March is a challenging period in South Sudan because of the heat. It is so much horrible because it is still hot. Sometime it gets to 55 C. –what a horrible situation.

Everything is hot! Water, cloths, bed ….

Anything that is exposed and when you are in a house where generator is not working properly as it is in my situation now, then one can admit

doing

ones

time

in

So I say to you, the best gift you have given me so far is to send me to Sudan for my Practical Training!!!

May Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians continue to intercede for you. Amen: N.B Presently we just began the new academic year and the community is working hard to introduce the Salesian system in the school. The community has entrusted the school to the practical trainees and I was made the vice-principal. Always in need of your prayers!!!

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

The Missionary Group of Don Bosco Technical Institute Sunyani is a religious association formed with self voluntarily students in the institution, performing different functions to uplift the work of God. It was formed in the year 1999 with 25 members. During that time, Rev. Father George Crisafulli was the Principal of the school. At present the group has 60 active members. The following are the activities we undertake: MISSIONARY FORMATION; APOSTOLATE; RETREAT Missionary Formation is done during our weekly meetings every Monday at 3 p.m. in the school. Generally, there are three points in our agenda, namely sharing about the situation in the villages, an input from one of the Salesians and A.O.B. We always start and close the meetings with a prayer.

Regarding the Apostolate we are divided into 8 small groups and every Saturday and Sunday we go to different places. Each group has 2 animators. Some help in the parish as leaders of Sunday school, some go with the Salesians to the villages belonging to the parish Mary Help of Christians where they speak with the people and invite them to come to the church.

Some help in the Oratory in Don Bosco Boys Home or in Adantia. 2 years ago a group has started going to Sunyani Prison on Sundays morning in order to pray with the inmates. One group is a prayer group and its task is to pray for all the activities of others. Every term we use to change the place of apostolate for the groups in order to expose them to a bigger

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

The following sayings were found scribbled on a piece of note paper on Fr Roy‟s desk. Don Bosco firmly believed in making the good that he did well know by means of the Bulletin and the printing press. Let us Pass On this newsletter to family, friends and Benefactors so that the good that is being done in our province can be known far and wide.

Make Good Deeds Good News Make well done, well known Don’t hide the good you see – spread it abroad.

Make Good deeds become good news for others If you see good, make it news Good Deeds Deserve to be known; The good that is done deserves to be news.

experience in different settings. Besides we try to animate the students of our school. Every Thursday during the big break we pray the Rosary in front of the statue of Mary and in Lenten season we animate the way of the cross on Fridays. Once every term we have a retreat for all the members of Don Bosco Missionary Group in the school.

[Missionary Group Continued]

Every two, three years in August, there is a camp organized in one of the villages. We join some volunteers coming from Germany, Poland or Italy in order to build church or school. We built a school in Sereso in 2003 and a Mulitpurpose Hall in Adantia in 2005.

Last year some members of the Missionary group took part in Holidays Camps organized for young people in Odumase, Adentia and Sunyani.

We had almost 100 animators from Italy, Poland, Argentina and Ghana and we run 4 different 2-weeks camps for almost 1200 children. It was a great experience of the Universal Church. Looking at the above mentioned activities, we can notice that young people are ready to take up the responsibility of Evangelisation if only an opportunity is given to them.  Fr. Peter

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

VISIT OF THE REGIONAL FR GUILLERMO BASANES sdb TO SUNYANI COMMUNITIES. The Regional of Africa and Madagascar, Fr Guillermo Basañes arrived at the Novitiate community at about 8pm on the 15th of May from Ashaiman with Fr, Silvio Roggia the Novice Master of the Novitiate community. The novices, gave him a warm welcome, had dinner, community Rosary together.

Fr Basañes gave the Goodnight to the Novitiate community.

The following day Monday 16th, Fr Basañes celebrated Mass with the Novitiate community. The Novices then had the opportunity of a lengthy interactive session with the Regional at midmorning. He spoke extensively about his responsibilities as the Regional and Representative of the Rector Major in Africa, he spoke about his vocation, his family and his two decade long experience of Missionary activity in Africa. Since there was so much to say and so little time to say it, Fr Basañes had to summarize. Before lunch, the Novices presented the origins of the Society through a dance drama. The Regional was very pleased with the presentation, and asked that it should be filmed.

In the evening, after returning from a visit to the Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani Campus, Fr. Basañes had an hour of sharing with the Novices before proceeding to our sister community for dinner. He was back at the Novitiate community for Rosary and the Good-night talk.

On the third Tuesday the 17th of May, after the celebration of the Eucharist and breakfast with the Novitiate community, our Regional departed for Ashaiman with the Novice master and a few companions at about 8:30am.

The presence of the Regional Fr Basañes at the Novitiate in the final months of the Novitiate year was indeed a great blessing and grace, as attested by all the Novices.

We were glad to have him in our community for these few days, and promised him our prayers and closeness, wishing him all the best in the coming months and years.

He confessed that he had so much to say to us but there was no time. He equally promised to be close to us in his prayers.  GERALD OSHIOBUGIE SIMON SRUGI NOVITIATE

Other visitors to the Novitiate: Fr Anthony Oche when he was last in Ghana at the end of April, met the Novices when they were in Capecoast for their Easter break; in the first week of May Fr Richard was in Sunyani to conduct a seminar to the Novices and while they celebrated with him his birthday; Fr Taisali, a Salesian from Fiji Island is spending a month at the novitiate as a help for his future role as novice master in Fiji.

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Convinced and respectful witnesses in the digital age Extract from message of Fr F Filiberto Gonzalez General Councillor for Social Communication for 45th World Day of Social Communications

I am offering a brief reflection for the 45th World Day of Social Communications, bearing in mind as a Salesian, our young people and their needs. For us Salesians “Returning to Don Bosco” means “being in the playground”, that is, being with young people especially the poorest, to discover the presence of God in them and invite them to be open to the mystery of his love (GC26, 2 ).

Where are the young? Where is the playground for us to live out the Preventive System and Assistance? In more and more interactivity on the Web! In the second half of the last century, Marshal McLuhan said: “The medium is the message”...

I believe that we must change our idea of the Web. Let us not see it as a simple, usable tool for serving our needs and personal goals, but try to think of it and experience it as social and cultural space, with its own kinds of relationships and socialisation. It is an area where images, symbols, writing genres all interact and they in turn interact with people of different ages, social class, traditions and nationality, all together, regardless of space and time (where space and time indeed seem to hardly exist). This intercultural structural feature of the Web

becomes part of its apparent technological and sometimes linguistic homogeneity. So now we have to learn not only to “use” but also to live in this digital space and these social networks with others, without leaving aside many other forms of communication which are also disseminated and valued via the Web. Pope Benedict XVI`s Message for the 45th World Communications Day emphasises the positive side of social networks as a meeting space and place for communication so long as you look for and accept truth as its meaning and content, if it involves convinced and respectful witnesses, if those who surf and interact seek to be transparent, open to dialogue, without trying to hide something. This means that new technologies call for new and better relationships. For this reason, the Pope broadens the church community and its mission to include the digital area.

Many bishops, priests and religious, many Catholics, already do this. Many of our Salesians and young people in our works also do it. Life is changing in such unexpected ways, ways not understood and perhaps not previously thought of.

The playgrounds and youth centres are in new areas of virtual interactivity for educational and evangelising relationships. 

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

On the 21st of May, the Salesian Parish Church of Mary Help of Christians was consecrated by Rev. Dr. George Biguzzi SX, Bishop of Makeni Present for the occasion were the two communities and all the parishioners and youth. Fr Sergei oversaw the completion of the work.

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Friday 1 April 2011 marked the 25th Anniversary of the first profession of Fr Blamoh Harris. The celebration of the Anniversary started on the evening of Thursday 31 March with thanksgiving Mass which was presided over by the celebrant Fr Blamoh. Present at the occasion were Mrs Patricia Edghill, the mother of Fr Blamoh and her friend, invited guests from our various sectors, Salesian sisters and hostellers (boys and girls). On Friday, the programme continued in the school. There was Mass by 12:00pm followed by lunch and then football competition for boys and girls.

In his homily, during the Mass, Fr Blamoh shared with us his vocational journey.

As an alter server, he said, he was attracted to priesthood by two things. First, he admired the devout life of his then parish priest Rev. Fr Michael Kpakala Francis (now the Archbishop of Monrovia Archdiocese). Secondly, he was attracted by the left over wine which they usually share among themselves after Mass. He dreamt of the day when he will be taken the wine, not the

left over but as a priest. Today, even without wine, Fr Blamoh remains a happy Salesian, a priest of the Lord. Today he remembers 25 years ago when he said the first yes. He prayed for all those who made it possible for him to achieve his dreams, his vocation. We thank God for his life, his parents and his well-wishers. I will now join my voice with the voices of the staff and students of DBTI, Ashaiman, to say: Fr Blamoh, we love you!

Happy 25th Anniversary!

Ephraim C. Onwuzuru

Ashaiman, Ghana – 13th to 15th May.

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

The Ondo Diocese, Parish, Youth Centre, DBTI, Health Centre and all Salesians in Akure rejoice with Rev Fr Italo Spagnolo who celebrates his 70th birthday and still finds it easy to work like a twenty years old boy despite his age as the Parish Priest and Rector of Akure community and this secret is revealed in an interview with Abiodun Sunday.

NAME IN FULL. My name is Spagnolo Italo [in addition- Franco Germano].

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Italy and I was born in Trivero [Vercelu].

WHAT DOES TODAY MEANS TO YOU? Today is a day of big thanks to God & to all WE HEAR THE GREAT THINGS YOU ARE DOING IN MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS PARISH, AKURE. WITH YOUR AGE, HOW DO YOU FIND IT EASY TO DO ALL THESE? Hm! I do it with joy and determination.

HOW MANY YEARS DO YOU PRAY TO LIVE ON EARTH? [Laugh]. Any one God pleases to give me. We are not owners of our lives.

WHEN DID YOU COME TO AFRICA AND YOUR FIRST COUNTRY, STATE AND TOWN? AND YEARS SPENT? I came to Africa on 27th September 1982. My first country was Nigeria, Ondo state and Ondo town. About the years spent, if you calculate by yourself you will know.

That will be 29years. My friend! God bless you.

WHEN WAS THE EXACT TIME OF THE CLOCK WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR FIRST CHASIBLE? 9:50 am on 21th December 1968 in Rome Salesian University, at 12:00noon pope Paul VI received us in a special audience. We were 39 in number with our parents, uncles but my Father was late before then.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU GIVEN A GOODNIGHT TALK? Uncountable! My friend I cannot count. I regret` not been able to come to the youth Centre since parish busy time at 6:00pm.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE? MESSAGE. Firstly, for grown up youth- serious ones. Ask the youth director to give you copies of pope‟s and rector major„s addresses to the youth. Take time to read them, they are wonderful sources of inspirations.

Second, Children- Ask for Don Bosco and Dominic savio childhood and youth story books, imitate their examples.

And to everybody – Be holy! Love Jesus because Jesus is walking with you even through you are not aware like the disciples of Emmaus.

Read and meditate on LK 24:13-35.

By Sunday Abiodun Lawrence For DBYCAK

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Feast of Mary Help of Christians in Ashaiman t has been part of our history that whenever a King is elected his mother will be killed for fear that she would influence her son. However, this mentality changed completely when King Amazu II was elected as the king of the town. Instead of killing his mother, King Amazu II hid his mother for fear that his cabinets would kill her. When he was asked for a reason for his action he said: “If you love and respect me as your king, you must love and respect the one who gave birth to your king.”

I

This was the introductory thought as Fr Richard Ebejer presided over the Eucharistic celebration in honour of Mary Help of Christians. The whole celebration was quite dynamic and very interesting. All members of the Salesian family in Ashaiman: the cooperators, students, staff members, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, SDBs and workers of the two communities were present. After the Eucharistic celebration followed series of activities, games, cultural dance, drama and may others. In the evening we also gathered together to crown the pick of the celebration. We ate and drank together and then called it a day.

Elizabeth filled with the Holy Spirit said of Mary: “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” This prophecy fulfils the promise made of old, when Adam fell into sin, that the liberator of mankind will be born of a woman. So when we invoke Mary with the title “Help of Christians” we actually refer to her as the mother of the Saviour of all mankind. Therefore, anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Saviour is left with no option than to accept Mary as the mother of the Lord and Saviour.

May she who brought salvation to the world intercede for us all who have recourse to her.

Amen.

Ephraim C. Onwuzuru

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

PROVINCIAL VISITATION 2011 The provincial, Rev Fr Jorge Crisafulli, made a week long canonical visitation to our community here in Monrovia Liberia, from 21st to the 28th of March 2011 and he was warmly welcomed as a father and a brother. In the evening of that same day, he gave a conference in which he officially opened his visitation.

In his opening remarks, the provincial spoke on four key points: The community, our mission, our vocation and our home work. He highlighted the major factors that can lead to division in community and admonished us to be very cautious of them. He said: “These are vices that can destroy community life.” He added that our mission here in Liberia needs expansion and development, and so we should create more ways doing so. Also, the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) must be strengthened.

The provincial‟s visitation covered all the sectors of our mission: Parishes, High schools Youth centre, both at Matadi and 8th Street. He also visited the Don Bosco Homes at Virginal. In addition to this, he had series of meetings with various groups: the Parish Pastoral Council, the Salesian cooperators, the school staff, the youth director with the youth of Matadi, and the Golden Jubilee committee of St Joseph‟s parish. Certainly, he had personal talks with individual confrere. His visitation coincided with the visit of the representatives of MISERIO who came to see and assess our projects here.

During his visitation, Fr Jorge officially installed Fr Lionel Xavier SDB as the rector of the community. Fr Lionel is now canonically recognized as rector of St Joseph‟s community here in Liberia. He also helped in solving the major problems facing our mission here and putting certain matters in order.

At the end of the visitation, the provincial made the following recommendations: As educators, we must always ensure discipline in our schools for better education. Also, the youth of today are less enthusiastic about their faith. We, therefore, need to motivate them and help improve their knowledge in the catholic faith. He went further to say that our Catholic schools were built to evangelize youngsters. For this reason, proper catechetical formation must be giving to the students. Speaking further, he appealed for the promotion of Salesian vocation among the young people we are working with. He said there are fewer Salesian vocations from Liberia, so we need to work harder and to carefully promote our vocation among these young people. He suggested that we organize various vocational animation programmes for them. He also realized and supported the need of creating new frontiers outside Monrovia and so, we should work towards it.

The provincial visitation was very important for two reasons: First, it challenges us to initiate new ideas and to work harder to spread the Salesian mission in Liberia.

Secondly, it also encourages and motivated us to be optimistic and courageous in carrying out our work with perseverance.

This is reflected in his last statement, I quote: “Thank you very much my brothers, never feel discouraged in your mission. May God be your strength.” Augustine Koroma -20-

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

ST JOSEPH’S PARISH ALTAR SERVERS HOST A DAY OLYMPIC GAMES On the 19th of March 2011, the solemnity of St Joseph, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Altar Servers, with the co-operation of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of St Joseph‟s Parish, organized a day of Olympic Games. The aim of organizing the games was to create familiarity and friendships with other alter servers within the deanery.

Altar servers from four different parishes within the denary were also invited to take part in the games. Participants included both boys and girls.

them of good conduct as children of God. He supported his talk by quoting Don Bosco thus: “shout, jump, play, sing but do not sin.”

The event took place at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Matadi. Before the games started, all the participants gathered in the Mary Help of Christian‟s church in the same compound to pray and gain some general spiritual and moral messages. The talk was giving by Jonathan diocesan seminarian on the topic: What are we expected to do as young Christians during the season of Lent? It was a short but enriching message which I believe they all understood very well. In addition to this, Fomba Koroma sdb., reminded

The games played were football, kick ball and central flag. All the groups came together to play the games in a joyful and cheerful atmosphere. These nullified the competitive idea they young people first had when they arrived Since it was a whole day activity, lunch was provided for all the participants. Thanks to generous parishioners who supported them financially and materially in providing all the necessary things they needed for event. The presence and participation of the Salesians gave the event a meaningful Salesian picture. It was indeed a successful activity. The whole event ended around Five O‟clock pm and they all went singing and shouting with joy.

STUDENTS VISIT THE CHARITY HOME Some students of Don Bosco Technical High School, who are members of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom group, paid a memorable visit to the charity home, run by the Sisters of Charity at 20th street, Monrovia. The visitation took place in the morning of 20th April 2011, the Wednesday of Holy week. They went with some items, such as used clothes, shoes, money, donated by various students

from the school for charity.

On arrival on arrival at the centre, we were welcomed by the sisters and some of the

workers. After stating the purpose of our visit, one of the sisters explained to us work

they are doing at the centre.

She told us that they take care of patients suffering from AIDS and other sicknesses and also and orphans. Sister was so patient to answer all the questions the students asked.

After the discussion, we were only allowed to play with the kids, but did not visit the HIV patient, because they were resting as said by sister.

The purpose of the visitation was not only to observe the Lenten practices, but it was also to experience the reality -21-

of the difficulties and sufferings other people are going through. This gave some the opportunity of understanding the apostolate of the Sisters of Charity. For majority of the students, it was their first time of visiting such place. No wonder they were so much moved with compassion for the poor and sick children they met.

Although the bigger children were quite cheerful, yet, it was hard for the students to leave the home, because they felt so much pity to see the babies lonely and crying.

The idea was welcomed and supported by the school administration and the Salesian community.

Everyone was impressed by the idea and wish of these students. This activity undertaking by the students show a great sign of their generosity and concern for the sick and the underprivileged.

Augustine Koroma

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

The feast of Mary Help of Christians is celebrated every year in all Salesian institutions, either in a simple way or in a grand style. The reason is that Salesians, like their founder, firmly believed that without the intervention of Mary, the life and mission of the congregation is meaningless. This year‟s celebration in Liberia aimed at making young people to realize that Mary is also present among them and continue to influence their lives as a loving mother and guardian. The celebration began on the 21st May and ended on the 31 May. Before the feast day, students in our schools were encouraged to recite the Rosary and to learn something about Mary. This was to help them get clear insight into why we Catholics give great honour to Mary and make devotions to her.

Various events were organized to mark this great feast.

On the 21st of May, students from Don Bosco Technical High School and Mary Help of Christians School and other interested individuals, made a day pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine at Virginia, some kilometers away from central Monrovia. It was a spiritual event which made a lot of impact in the spiritual life of the young people present for the event.

The 24th was the feast of Mary Help of Christians. The feast was well celebrated. Here in Don Bosco Technical High School, we began with a prayer service, conducted by Br Victor Chambers. During the service, he spoke about devotion to Mary and the necessity of making devotion to Mary. It was a 40 minutes service and was well attended by all the students and some teachers. At the end of the service, Mr Harry Tarr, the out-gone Finance officer of the school, was prayed for and appreciated by the entire school for his service he rendered to the school.

After the service, different games were organized for the students in the school campus.

Some were competitive, while others were free games. The lively atmosphere of the games attracted the interest of all present on campus that day, including visitors. There was cheering and shouting all over the compound. The finance office provided lunch for the entire school that day and no student went hungry.

It rained heavily that morning while the service was going on, but there was sun shine later in the day which made it possible to have the games played. The day ended at the normal closing hour, 1:20pm and the children went home feeling fulfilled. It was indeed a great day.

The celebration came to its climax on the 31st of May, the feast of our Lady of Visitation at around 11 am. The brothers, together with some students and few teachers, gathered in front of the Marian grotto to honour Mary in a simple, but meaningful way. Hymns were song, candles were lighted, flowers were placed at the foot of Mary‟s statue and prayers were offered through Mary‟s intercession. At the end of the ceremony, Rosaries were distributed among all students gathered there. Their joys of receiving the Rosaries show their willingness to accept Mary Help of Christians. So it was. -22-

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

WITH OUR LADY HELP OF CHRISTIAN FOREVER – Ondo. with the youth of the center and on the morning of the departure, an hour of Sacramental exposition and adoration with the pilgrims at the parish church. Departure was made by around ten o clock in the morning.

It is not by chance that Christ at the end of his life gave his mother to the disciple John to be his mother and for John to be a son to the sorrowful mother. The motherhood of Mary reaches beyond the disciples and transcends into our own time and space, since we are the disciples of the new dispensation.

In keeping faith with this child to mother relationship, the Don Bosco Centre Ondo, embarks on her annual walking pilgrimage to the shrine of Mary Help of Christians Akure. The event for this year 2011 was earmarked for the 27th and 28th of May. A total of about three hundred pilgrims with contingents from Akure and a few neighboring villages made up the entourage that took leave of the Don Bosco Youth Center Ondo. Events for the pilgrimage began the previous day with the Rosary prayed

During the pilgrimage, brief stops were made at some designated points like Stanmark, Oboto and Owena, where there was supper and night rest. All these were to enable participants regain strength. As early as 3 am on the 28th, the entourage was again on its way. By the time it was 9 am, the entourage were already in Akure, with a brief stop at the NTA for the breakfast after which the next target was the bishop‟s house. The Bishop was not around but the Vicar of the Diocese, Very Rev Fr Adewale Ojo received and blessed the pilgrims after which they all aimed for the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.

At the shrine, there was a celebration of the Holy Mass presided over by Rev Fr Italo Spagnolo.After this was lunch and the pilgrims took time for the departure.Of all, the experience was one of prayer and rumination; it was a beautiful thing to see young people gathered in a prayerful mood and with all sincerity at that. The event was a great success, thanks to the intercession of our Lady Help of Christians

DELES PHASE 2 A popular adage acclaims that knowledge is power.

The program for development and leadership services, popularly known as DELES whose phase 2 was slated for 30th May till 3rd June has come and gone. The program which is solely to promote participants skills and knowledge of life‟s situations was attended by Novices and Prenovices of several male and female religious congregations in Nigeria.

The Prenovices of the Salesians of Don Bosco were in attendance and with their presence; there came color and gaiety because of the special Salesian spirituality and charisma of joy and optimism which they showed at every instance. The program soon became an avenue for fun and knowledge as the prenovices were wont to introduce ice breakers, group dynamics games and different clapping styles in order to create a lively environment fit for learning and acquisition of knowledge.

At the program, knowledge about self, self management, listening skills and group dynamics were distinctively taught. The program was also an avenue to meet and make new friends with fellow pilgrims on the journey to the religious life. The program came to a good end on Friday 3rd June 2011, after which the participants departed.

Joseph Oraegbuman -23-

AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

In his book Responding to the Divine Call, Fr Ambrose C. Agu said: “A healthy and well-organized society is an asset to young people who are still searching for their respective vocations in life,” It was on this accord that the community of St Francis De Sales in collaboration with the SYM Ashaiman organized a twoday programme/vocation rally in honour of St Dominic Savio. The programme was for young boys and girls between the ages of 12-18 years. It began on Friday evening 27 May and ended on the afternoon of 28 May 2011 at St Dominic Savio Centre Tema Newtown.

The programme was very interesting. About 7080 young people participated and were very happy to be part of the programme. It was well planned. All the members of the community participated actively. We engaged them with a lot of activities: like spiritual talks, hagiographical PowerPoint, Mass and games. Our aim was to prepare them to listen to the voice of God and make a rightful decision in life.

Catching them young was our sole plan.

Ephraim C. Onwuzuru

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AFW Newsletter

April – May 2011

Birthdays May: 03/54 Riccardo Racca 05/64 Günter Mayer 06/60 Richard Ebejer 09/87 Cornelius Okon 11/83 Okoronkwo Sylvester 11/88 John Paul Aneke 13/82 James Ailen 16/81 Denis Ugwu 16/41 Italo Spagnolo 23/78 Raphael Airoboman 29/89 BOADI I. Ofosu 27/78 Tobias Mba 30/78 Eric Akinboboye 30/84 Vincent Mogaji 31/88 Felix Olamide

June: 03/88 05/87 05/82 09/83 11/82 18/88 20/71 22/73 23/63 27/78 28/69

Benedict Ibolekwu Josephat Nwugo George Takyi Thaddeus Nwaru Philip Gbao John Bosco Okolie Peace Ike Samuel Job Jose Valiplackel Albert Gibson Joseph Gyamfi

July: 03/87 James Acheampong 04/63 Silvio Roggia 06/87 Maximus Okoro 07/79 Nathaniel Akortsaha 11/72 Samuel Obu 19/79 Nichodemus Nebigwe 23/49 Riccardo Castellino 24/87 ANOKYE A. Addai 23/88 Gregory Echegwo 24/80 Anthony Okonkwo 24/28 Giovanni Patrucco 25/79 Peter Okeke 26/81 Ephraim Onwuzuru 27/73 Augustine Njoku

Calendar June PT meeting (national Level) 23 Corpus Christi 24 June -1st July Preparation Course & retreat for PP July 1-3 PC meeting – Admissions (Ashaiman, Ghana) 2 Deacon Ordination Nicholas Umoh (Yaoundé, Cameroon) 8 Post Novitiate Graduation Day 7-8 Quinquenium priests and PP brothers meeting (Ibadan, Nigeria) 9 Perpetual Professions (Akure, Nigeria) 10-16 Annual retreat for Post Novices and other confreres (Ibadan, Nigeria) Child Protection Policy Commission (Ashaiman, Ghana) 24 Perpetual Professions (Lungi, Sierra Leone) 29-31 National Congress Salesian Family of Nigeria (Ibadan)

The greatest of all is that he has shown me my littleness and how, of myself, I am incapable of anything good.

St. Therese, the Little Flower

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AFW Newsletter

Salesian Publication Provincial House Ashaiman - GHANA

Official Newsletter of AFW Vice-Province to serve as a means of animation & exchange of information between the different Salesian houses.

Director Fr George Crisafulli Editor Fr Richard Ebejer

A special word of thanks to the following who have contributed in this edition.

Ephraim Onwuzuru Joseph Oraegbuman Augustine Koroma Maximus Okoro Chikezie Ekugbah Silvio Roggia Gerald Oshiobugie Toni Odior Sunday Abiodun Michał Król Studio 43 afw.zatti@gmail.com