AFW Monthly Newsletter Jan 2012

Jan-Feb-Mar

2012 AFW Ghana Liberia Nigeria Sierra Leone

The Relic of Don Bosco, as it gradually is going around the world on pilgrimage in preparation of the bicentenary of Don Bosco, has just completed its visit to AFW Province. Here Fr George as Provincial, gives us his thoughts and reflections which he shared with confreres at the start of the relic’s pilgrimage.

We have been blessed with the visit of Don Bosco’s relic to AFW. Even though his physical presence was limited to Ghana and Nigeria, his mystical hand reaches out also to Liberia and Sierra Leone, to each community, Salesian, lay collaborator, child and youngster of our houses.

The Relic of Don Bosco has just finished a two weeks programme in AFW. It has been a wonderful experience and we can already see the spiritual blessings that the Relic has brought to so many people. We were able to follow the “breaking news” of pictures and reports sent out by the different houses and the short videos of Michael Kroł –our talented “Media Man”- though the link to Vimeo.

Salesians and the Salesian Family as a whole I may say that we need the following graces that we have to present to Jesus through the hands of Don Bosco:

What are the graces we have asked God through the intercession of DB? This is what I asked the Salesians when we gathered together for morning prayer on the first morning of the Relic’s stay amongst us. What I shared with them I now share with all the communities; looking at the situation of the

The grace of making young people our life’s mission by knowing and imitating Don Bosco. The miracle of passing from a stage of admiration for Don Bosco to a stage of an active imitation. We have to become Don Bosco day by day by knowing him through LOVE more than through a theoretical knowledge of his history and spirituality.

The grace of the witness of our communities to unity, peace and reconciliation. Don Bosco’s dream is that in our Communities nobody is known or called black or white, local or missionary, GhanaianNigerian-Liberian or Sierra Leonean, Igbo or Yoruba, Ashanti or Ewe, Mende or Timni... communities where we are all SALESIANS of DON BOSCO, people who share the same faith and the same vocation, the same spirit and mission of Don Bosco.

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The grace of a deeper renewal of our consecrated life by living with fidelity our vows in our daily life, with joy, without any kind of compromises. A consecrated life that witness to the primacy of God by making our lives a living memory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A special edition of the AFW Newsletter will be issued to mark the visit of the Relic of Don Bosco to AFW Province.

The grace of overcoming pastoral stagnation and moving towards young people and the poorest of the poor with renovated creativity and innovative ways of answering to the real needs of young people in West Africa.

personal accompaniment of the Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The presence of the Relic of Don Bosco is an opportunity to make him known and to propose the Salesian Vocation.

The grace of a rapid multiplication of vocations of Salesian Brothers, molded on the footsteps of Bld Artemide Zatti our Patron Saint. Again the Relic can be an opportunity to promote this vocation amongst the young and all the people.

The grace of a deep faith –like that of Don Bosco- that believes that with the help of God all things are possible, beyond our weaknesses, limitations and sins because we know that this adventure is HIS not ours. The grace of a humility that acknowledges that everything is a gift of God because we are “humble instruments in the Vineyard of the Lord”.

Don Bosco’s dream would be of reaching out to a bigger number of young people through the Media: radio, TV, books, magazines, internet with virtual education and evangelization.

The grace of a Salesian Family filled with missionary zeal, with SDBs and Salesians who don’t feel comfortable by remaining in-doors but seek to reach out to the frontier-places of our mission: the protection of “unborn children, unwanted children, orphans, albinos, street children, abandoned children, child soldiers and prisoners, children forced to labour, children ill-treated due to their physical and mental handicaps, children said to be witches ,warlocks or serpents, children sold as sex slaves, children without future prospects” (II Synod for Africa - prepositions) The grace of vocations which grow in our own environments, fruit of the witness of our consecrated communities, the fruit of prayer, vocational discernment and the zealous and

Fr George Crisafulli SDB

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Ibadan – Nigeria 4th February.

Nigeria is now a Delegation; during the homily at the Mass of the inauguration of the new Delegate, Fr George shared his vision for the Salesians in Nigeria, basing himself on the famous speech of Martin Luther King.

During the celebration of Holy Eucharist on the 4th of February, the Provincial, Fr George Crisafulli inaugurated the new Delegation of the AFW Vice-Province for the Salesian Houses in Nigeria, as he installed Fr Michael Karikunnel as the Provincial Delegate.

Let me share my personal Nigerian “I have a dream”. I am not a poet, I am not Martin Luther King, I don’t have his rhetorical skills but I am also a dreamer, like Don Bosco. I have a dream upon Nigeria that I now share with you.

“I entrust you Fr Michael and the entire Nigerian Delegation to Mary Help of Christians. May she always be for the Nigerian Delegation what she was for Don Bosco: a Mother, a teacher and a guide!“ These were the concluding words of Fr George’s homily as he spoke to the assembly of nearly seventy Salesians who had gathered especially for the occasion from the five different houses in Nigeria.

I dream of a Salesian Nigeria, with Salesian Houses present in all 52 archdioceses and Dioceses of this Great Nation. I dream of a network of Salesian presences in the northern part of Nigeria, where Christian and Muslim young people will grow up as honest citizens and God fearing people under the umbrella of Don Bosco.

The confreres had arrived the evening before and met in small groups to share and discuss on different topics (Youth Ministry, Economers, Formation, Education and Evangelisation.) A cultural evening followed during which there were songs, drama and traditional dance. In the morning a general Assembly was held in which the topic of Salesian Identity was explored and reflected upon. The Statutes of the new Delegation were then explained by the Provincial and handed out to each confrere by the new Provincial Delegate.

I dream of a Salesian Nigeria made of Salesians who are not called black or white, local or missionary, Liberian, Ghanaian, Sierra Leonean or Nigerian; Igbo or Yoruba, Hausa or Tiv. Yes, a Salesian Nigeria where we all feel ONE because we all share the same faith, the same Salesian vocation and love for Don Bosco, the same spirit and passion for the young.

I dream of a Salesian Nigeria where all Salesians “seek souls and nothing else”, Salesians who are not “after money, honours, prestige, positions or dignities”. A Salesian Nigeria formed by Salesians whose eyes are fixes on Jesus, Don Bosco and the young.

Nothing else! (continued p. 2)

The Confreres then proceeded to the Chapel for the Eucharist; it was a moment of faith and entrustment into the Providence of God. 3

Yes, I have a dream. I dream of a Salesian Nigeria that is crazily in love with the poor, with orphans and abandoned children, with children and young people who are in most danger. I dream of Salesians who are not afraid to smell poverty, to love poverty, to live in poverty because they know that when “the desire for ease and comfort grows up among us – our pious society will have run its course” I dream of a Salesian Nigeria “flooded” with Salesian Schools, with many Secondary Schools with attached aspirantates, where many youngsters will find and follow the call of Jesus to the consecrated life, to the ministerial priesthood and the missionary life.

I dream of a Salesian Nigeria that is not only capable of organizing massive events for young people but above all of accompanying each individual youngster in a personal process of growth in faith.

I dream about a Salesian Nigeria made of Salesians who are not mere administrators and managers of works but true evangelizers and catechists of the young, true educators of the young who evangelize more through the witness of their lives than through the speeches they give.

I dream of a Salesian Nigeria which believes in, and cherishes the Preventive System of Don Bosco; I dream of Salesian Houses where children and young people feel safe, loved and wanted; where they know and feel that they are and therefore they feel at home. I dream of a Salesian Nigeria marked by the Preventive System, where nobody ever experience what physical and humiliating punishments or reproaches are.

I dream of a Salesian Nigeria which trusts unconditionally in Mary Help of Christians; with Salesians who are convinced that she will continue most certainly to protect our Congregation and Salesian Houses, if we persevere in our trust in her and continue promoting her devotion.

Fr Michael made his profession of faith before the Provincial as he was entrusted with his new responsibility.

In the homily Fr George reminded him and all present that “… Jesus gives us a counter cultural understanding of authority and power that may shock the common Nigerian mentality. He teaches us openly that the first has to be last and the last first; that the one who longs for power has to make himself weaker, the one who is in authority must not make his power felt on those he govern; on the contrary, he has to make himself a “servant”, like becoming a slave of others.

That is the logic of the Gospel, the logic of Bethlehem, of Nazareth, the logic of the Cross. We pray that service will be the hallmark of this Nigerian Delegation!”

The Salesians first came to Nigeria in 1982 when they opened the twin foundations of Ondo and Akure in Ondo State, while in 1989 a third house was opened in Onitsha, Anambra State. In January 2004, the AFW Province was established by the Rector Major for English speaking West Africa, which included the houses in Nigeria. In 2005 a Post-novitiate was opened in Ibadan in 2005 and in 2008 a new Salesian presence was opened in Abuja, the political Capital of Nigeria. After the Provincial Chapter in 2011, the time was ripe to consolidate the Salesian presence in Nigeria and a process of consultation and discernment was set in motion. A new

I dream of a true Salesian Nigeria, whose face is the black face of Don Bosco, the true face of Don Bosco, always smiling, always welcoming, always kind and inviting everybody to be part of this wonderful adventure of becoming holy.

Looking at you, I know that the dream is already in fruition. It is becoming a reality. As we start this period of three years in preparation for the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco let us all contribute our little grain of sand in order to make this “Nigerian dream” true, above all through our a true spiritual, missionary, educational and charismatic renewal. I entrust you Fr Michael and the entire Nigerian Delegation to Mary Help of Christians.

May she always be for the Nigerian Delegation what she was for Don Bosco: a Mother, a Teacher and a Guide! Amen.

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Salesian presence was set up in Lagos, the commercial capital, in September 2011 and now in February 2012 the New Nigerian Delegation has been officially inaugurated, with Fr Michael Karikunnel as the first Provincial Delegate. Nigeria has a population of over 140 million, the largest country on the African Continent.

Fr Michael is a missionary from India who first came to Ghana in 1992 where he was a pioneer of the Salesian presence in that country in Sunyani. In Ghana he was also involved in the setting up of a second school in Ashaiman. In 2005 he moved to Nigeria where he was Rector and Principal in Ondo, and last September he moved to Lagos to start our new foundation there.

The Provincial presented his vision for the new Delegation: “I dream of a true Salesian Nigeria, whose face is the black face of Don Bosco, the true face of Don Bosco, always smiling, always welcoming, always kind and inviting everybody to be part of this wonderful adventure of becoming holy.”

The Team Visit to the AfricaMadagascar Region took place in Nairobi from the 20th to the 25th of February 2012. The members of the General Council met with the Councils of the Provinces and Vice Provinces of the Region and examined together the application of the 26th General Chapter and provided some guidelines for the future.

The Councillors who accompanied Fr Pascual Chávez are, in addition to his Vicar Fr Adriano Bregolin: Fr Francesco Cereda, Councillor for Formation, Fr Fabio Attard, Councillor for Youth Ministry, Fr Vaclav Klement, Councillor for the Missions, Bro. Jean Paul Muller, Economer General, Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga, Councillor for the South Asia Region and Fr Guillermo Basañes, Councillor for the Africa Madagascar Region. Fr George Crisafuli headed the

Salesian group from AFW Province. One of the very first announcements at the Team Visit was that AFW and AFE have been elevated to the status of Province.

After their joyful welcome from the young Kenyans on Monday 20, those taking part began their work on Tuesday morning 21. Fr Guillermo Basañes, the Regional Councillor for Africa-Madagascar gave the practical working arrangements, while the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez spoke about the significance and the purpose of the Team Visit. This was followed by a video on the situation in the Region and Fr Jean Claude Ngoy, Superior of the Central Africa Province gave an account of the implementation of the directives of the General Chapter in the Region. In the evening Rector Major spoke about

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the experience of the Seminar on Consecrated Life held in Rome in February 2011.

On the second day, Ash Wednesday, Fr Basañes gave a presentation of some of the keys to reading the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation “Africae Munus”; then in groups there was a process of reflection on the Papal document. In the afternoon Fr Cereda gave a short overall view of the situation regarding formation in the Congregation, drawing attention to some particular issues in the Region.

On Thursday morning 23 February Archbishop Peter J. Kairo of Nyeri spoke to the assembly.

He shared his experience as a Synod Father and answered some questions from the Salesians, emphasising that the Salesian missionary efforts in Africa and Madagascar are

responding in a practical way to the requests of the Synod. The afternoon, a short period of relaxation, was spent in visiting the Nairobi Safari Park and a meeting of the General Councillors with youngsters from the Street Boys’ centre “Don Bosco Boys Town”.

On Friday 24, Fr Filiberto Rodríguez, Superior of the Angola Vice Province, gave a summary of the state of religious discipline in the Region, which was followed by group work. After welcoming the Nuncio Apostolic in Kenya Archbishop Alain Paul Lebeaupin, in the afternoon, the assembly listened to Fr Fabio Attard, Councillor for Youth Ministry who spoke about the new proposals in the Congregation regarding rethinking Youth Ministry and the inculturation of the charism. In the evening after the saying of the rosary the whole Africa-

Madagascar Region consecrated to Mary.

was and to all those who had taken part.

On Saturday the final working day, after Mass Fr Václav Klement, Councillor for the Missions gave a talk on the missionary experience in Africa and the considerable progress made in this area. In the group work there was reflection and proposals on new missionary projects. In the afternoon the Rector Major gave the closing address, thanking all those who took part for their contributions and encouraged them to ensure that the Region continued to develop, to promote a return to the origins of the Salesian charism and to pursue the openings proposed by “Africae Munus”. In the evening the Vice Provincial of East Africa Fr Jose Elegbede expressed thanks to the members of the General Council

Of the 93 Salesians who took part in the Team Visit 46% are of African origin, 33% European, 11% American and 10% Asian.

There are 8 Brothers.

Salesian foundations in Africa began under Don Rua: Algeria (1891), Tunisia (1894), Egypt and South Africa (1896). At 31 December 2011, there are 1466 Salesians (including 94 Novices) in about forty countries.

After the Team Visit, there was an informal meeting between the two Councils of AFW and AFE Provinces in which thoughts and ideas were exchanged to see how to increase the co-operation between the two provinces. The Provincial and the council also had the opportunity to meet with our Students in Utume and in DBYES.

The Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chaves together with Fr George Crisafulli the AFW Provincial and Fr Michael Karikunnel, the new Delegate for Nigeria, joined by the AFW Provincial Council, after announcing to the assembly that AFW has been given the status of Province.

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LIBERIA - MONROVIA

Every year, a procession and a pilgrimage are held in honour of Our Lady in the archdiocese of Monrovia to places dedicated to her. These events are so fascinating that everyone wants to be part of it.

One of such events was held on Sunday 30th October 2011. It was a Rosary procession that was held in the Monrovia denary to mark the end of October, the month of the Rosary. A large number of parishioners from different parishes marched along the streets of Monrovia from St Joseph’s parish to the Sacred Heart Cathedral. The celebration began with adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, followed by a solemn Rosary procession. At the shrine in the Cathedral compound, a ceremonial coronation of Our Lady was done by the children, which left an unimaginable impression on all present. The event ended with adoration in the Cathedral, conducted by His grace, Archbishop Lewis G. Ziegler the archbishop of Monrovia. The bishop of Cape Palmas diocese, Bishop Andrew Kenley, was also present among the congregation. It was during that time Bishop Ziegler urged all Catholics to pray the Rosary for a peaceful run-off election in Liberia that November.

On the 3rd December 2011, the biggest pilgrimage was held which brings parishioners from all the twenty one parishes in the archdiocese of Monrovia, including non-Catholics in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The pilgrimage is held annually in celebration of the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. It was a three and a half hours walk beginning from St Mary’s Parish at Duala to the Marian shrine at Virginal, some kilometers away from Center Monrovia. Bishops, priest, and religious men were also present.

About 70% of the pilgrims were young people and children, enthusiastic and happy.

The pilgrimage began with adoration at 7.30am in St Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by a joyful procession. It was so beautiful to see parishioners in their different white colour Marian shirts, marching behind their parish banners. Along the way, all the Mysteries of the Rosary were prayed at specific designated points. Joyful Marian hymns and other joyful African traditional Christian songs were sung along the way to the shrine.

At the shrine, we prayed the Stations of the Cross. The joyful moment was changed into a

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solemn atmosphere, because it was a moment of reflection on the passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. At that time, one could actually feel a spiritual atmosphere among the crowd, since people were in deep prayer and reflection.

The pilgrimage was crowned with the Holy Mass. The Mass was celebrated by Lewis Zieglar, the Archbishop of Monrovia Archdiocese, with Bishop Andrew Kenley and other priests as cocelebrants. In his homily, the archbishop emphasized the necessity of our devotion to Our Lady. As Christians, we should look up to Mary as a model of holiness and obedience. She is not only the mother of God, She is also the mother of the Church and our mother. He admonished Christians to strengthen their devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The devotion of the participants showed that the pilgrimage was really about who Mary is meant to be for an individual.

Therefore, visiting and staying to pray at the Marian Shrine here in Monrovia has become a journey towards the growth of the faith of the people of Liberia. 

LIBERIA - MONROVIA

THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF DON BOSCO TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING

be completed with seven to eight month. As a result, the new building will be ready for the next academic year, 2012/2013.

The project for the construction of Don Bosco Technical High School building that was delayed few years ago, due to some technical problems, has finally begun. It is a project funded by MISERERIO. The first phase of the project was completed in 2008 with the construction of a three

storey building. The building is presently used as the Senior High division and for technical courses.

The second phase is to extend the Junior High and Elementary division to the same level as that of the senior high division. The work began vary early in January 2012 and hoped to

For the moment, students in the Junior High and Upper elementary divisions are occupying the classrooms that were used for technical classes. This means that there are no technical classes this academic year.

When the extension of the building will have been completed, it will provide sufficient space and comfortable place for the students, so as to enhance easy learning.

YOUTH CAMPING: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR VOCATIONS AWARNESS From the 26th to the 31st of Annual Youth Camp/Retreat December 2011, a six-day was organized for the member of the CYO of Our Lady of Lebanon: St WITH DON BOSCO THE Joseph’s Parish. The theme YOUNG ARE ALWAYS of the camp was: “Life as HAPPY! a Vocation.” The aim was to help them discover their Our schools, parishes and individual vocations and to the community has start working towards it for celebrated the feast of Don a better future. The camp Bosco in various ways. The was held at the St feast of Don Bosco is a Mulumba’s Catechist memorable event which all Center, Browerville, the young people always Monrovia. About Fifty (50) want to witness. Sunday, youth participated in the 29th January was set aside camp: 35 from St Joseph’s to celebrate with priest and Parish and the remaining religious. There was a 15 from St Gabriel’s Parish. positive response to the invitation. On Tuesday 31st The camp was held under January, in Mary Help of the assistance of two Christians at Matadi, it was Salesians: Bro Killian a whole day's celebration, Kpogoh and Bro Augustine with Holy Mass, various Fomba Koroma, with full sporting activities, eating, collaboration of Mr. Peter dancing and jubilations, etc.

Alieu and Mrs. Princess In Don Bosco Technical Lincoln of St Joseph’s High School, due to the parish. Fr. Adrian, the limited space, there was no Parish priest of St Gabriel’s posibility for games. parish and Mr. Scott, the However, the school had Administrator of the Center Mass followed by lunch and and the Chief Catechist of dancing on Monday 3oth the diocese were always January. It was a day of around them to see that relaxation for students. everything went on well.

HAPPY FEAST OF DON BOSCO.

During the camp, various activities were organized for the youth that kept them focused on the theme of the camp. After prayers and Mass in the morning, they were given inputs on different topics about vocation. These include: Prayer and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, Vocation in general, Vocation to the priesthood, Vocation to Marriage Life, Vocation to Religious life, Salesian Religious life, Relationship between Vocation and Career and the Responsibility of Youth towards their Vocation in the Light of the Gospel via the Church. After each input, they were given enough time for group sharing and presentations. Their participation in each of the talks and group works were quite impressive. A lot of questions, clarifications and doubts arose during the sessions. This kept them thinking and talking about it throughout the day.

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The afternoons were left for games/recreation and interactions with one another. In the evenings, they had Bible sharing, moral talks, recitation of the Rosary and evening prayer. It was also followed by other activities like Marian Night, Talent shows and Camp fire. The camp fire was a symbolic event, which signified ‘the burning away of our old ways and saying good bye to the year 2011.’

The camp ended with a half day recollection, where the youngsters had the opportunity of going for confessions and making resolutions for a renewed life. Indeed, the camp was fruitful, inspiring, educative, spiritual and entertaining.

All those who participated in it were satisfied with the entire event. The personal chats and general evaluation were clear evidences of these achievements.

SIERRA LEONE - FREETOWN

Recently, the launching of the Don Bosco Child Help Line took place in Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown.

The Minister of Social Welfare, Gender & Children’s Affairs, Hon. Stephen J. Gaojia, had officially open the new countrywide operating Child Hotline 116.

Around the clock, 24 hours a day, social workers, lawyers and nurses are available on the phone to provide information and counseling. All the incoming calls are dealt with anonymously and confidentially.

All telecommunications companies in Sierra Leone, Airtel, Africell and Comium, are premium partner of D B Fambul. It is guaranteed that every call is free of charge. HIV/Aids, child labour, rape, personal as well as family problems, child trafficking, FGM, sexual abuse, school problems, youth unemployment, legal problems, marginalization: these are only some of the possible problems young people in Sierra Leone have to deal with.

Children and youngsters are sometimes faced with situations that are so hopeless that they find no way to solve them on their own.

Personal distress is further exacerbated by fear, loneliness and helplessness. At the same time there might be

nobody to listen to them or help them. During a press conference a 13years old boy explained how he was able to call the hotline 116 while he was under police arrest without any reason. Immediately Don Bosco Social workers went out to search for the boy and secure his release. This is one of the many successful stories after short time of operating. The international Child Line Hotline 116 is continuously staffed with trained and professional social workers.

The Director of Don Bosco Fambul, Brother Lothar Wagner, pins great hopes on the new aid program offered: "By means of all our projects we want to be there for children and youths facing a personal crisis. We devote our time to them and we do so without exception: 24 hours a day, at weekdays and weekends, working days and holidays, day and night." In doing so Brother Lothar places his hopes in the preventive effects of telephone counseling: "We want to prevent children from ending up on the streets. We want to strengthen them and provide possible solutions in order to enable them to regain control of their lives within a short time." Don Bosco Fambul has been helping street children and 9

unemployed youths as well as their families in Freetown for over 10 years. Apart from working with children in the slums directly, the organization offers a 10- month rehabilitation program for 70 street children. 1.500 former street boys and girls are supported by the Family Tracing Department. A shelter for girls who have experienced violence is located at Siaka Steven Street and offers a 24hour service. Furthermore 400 girls and young women receive a scholarship or a 18-month training. A Youth Centre on Fortstreet is open daily and offers supportive family work. Since 2012 Don Bosco Fambul is a Member of the Child Helpline International.

SIERRA LEONE - LUNGI January 16th was a long expected day for the students of Don Bosco Martial Arts Academy in Lungi, which exists as a part of Don Bosco Youth Center in Lungi in the view of the preparation for Don Bosco feast. After a year of preparations, practices and hard work, this day was a trial for twelve young men, whether their efforts will be crowned by promotion to a higher level of karate skills, acknowledged by a different belt color. Each student had to perform a certain set of moves and exercises required for belt promotion. They were judged by professional karate coaches from Freetown. This year all of the boys were well prepared and therefore received their promotions. Four boys secured

orange to yellow, two from yellow control and better health that to green and two from green to comes as a result of exercising blue. one’s body. All of this is done under supervision of Mr. Anel The purpose of the Don Bosco Thoronka, who himself Martial Arts Academy is to help represented Sierra Leone in young people to learn some karate at international level. martial arts for self defense, to Besides working in Salesian spirit, give them a meaningful activity in one of the things that distinguish this academy from others is that it is free of charge. “In other places it costs a lot of money to take classes and many cannot afford it. Here we offer it for free.” Said Mr. Thoronka.

This Academy is supported by Salesians community in Lungi.

Present at this celebration were all members of community and about a thousand local people who were cheering for their sons, brothers, grandsons and friends.

There are more programs to be implemented.

promotion to white belt, two from their free time and to acquire self

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I want to share with you some news from Don Bosco Youth Center. In view of Don Bosco feast we had some activities in the youth center. We had talks on Don Bosco life in January on Tuesdays and Fridays for the children before movie. We began football gala for junior boys with the final on the 30th of January and on the 31st of January we had friendly basketball match with Morialdo basketball team from Freetown, on that day prices were given for children who make nice drawing of Don Bosco and prices for winners of football gala. It was also play drama on Don Bosco life. I would say it was a nice day and it was very nice to see children being happy.

We shall be in touch. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.

With best regards

Salesian Youth.

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NIGERIA - ONDO

On 11th December, 2011, in the presence our provincial, Fr. Jorge Crisafulli SDB, the Salesian Community of Ondo and the Prenovices, Fr. Anthony Oche was official installed as the first African Rector of the Salesian Community of Ondo.

The programme started with an evening prayer animated by the provincial Fr. Jorge. In his encouraging message to all, Fr. Provincial stressed that the Rector is the animating soul of the community and that the community must support the Rector for the effective animation of the community.

As demanded by the Salesian Constitutions, Fr. Oche, before his official installation as the Rector, professed his faith as a Catholic. This was followed by the rite of installation proclaimed by Fr Oche. Fr. Jorge Crisafulli SDB, who represented the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, welcomed Fr Oche as one of the rectors in the congregation.

After his installation, Fr. Oche thanked all who were present, he promised to do, not only his little best but his best best in animating the community. Fr. Chris on behalf of the community presented gifts to our new rector while Bro. Abraham on behalf of the practical trainees, presented a wonderful speech to our rector. The prenovices with joy rendered an accapella to our new Rector. The only Prince Rector in our vice province, we wish you the best.

CHRIST THE NEW BORN KING 2011 CHRISTMAS CAROL According to Bryan Frey, “music and words when joined together; makes an event to be powerful.” This was exactly the atmosphere in the Formation House 2011 Christmas Carol titled “Christ the new born king.” The programme was witnessed by parents, young people, and choirs from different churches within Ondo State.

The programme was also blessed with the presence of our provincial, Rev. Fr. Jorge Crisafulli SDB. The choirs from different parishes and churches were present. The invited choirs took their time to render their Christmas songs after each lesson. Dance and choreography were also presented by youth from the Youth Centre.

In his opening speech, Our Rector, Fr Anthony Oche SDB, welcomed all who were present for the programme and Fr Chris SDB in his Christmas message called and urged Christians to welcome the new born King with great Joy. The Pre-Novices in their West African manner made the day great with their special Christmas songs, accapella and Drama which they rendered in their different West African languages. It is important to note that the Formation House Christmas Carol, which started lasted year, has been approved by the community as an annual programme of the Formation House and it was welcomed by the different churches that were present. Our Special greeting goes to all who supported the programme, those who were present at the occasion and to the Salesian community; Frs. Oche, Adetiloye, Nick, Chris and bro. Abraham and to Maximus, Chiemeka and Joseph. May God reigns in our hearts Amen.

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GHANA - SUNYANI

speaker, who is a Catholic, stressed that the students were blessed with various talents and that if properly tapped Ghana would acquire the quality human resource base needed for development .

“This is my first time in Africa and I can see that the students in Ghana are bestowed with talents that can push not only Ghana but the entire Africa forward,” Ms. Darrow observed.

She explained that though the current generation was full of tribulations and afflictions, saying, any Dec. 5, – Ms. Leah Darrow, a motivational speaker Christian who would seek the presence of God would from the United States of America, visited Ghana on always overcome such global challenges and earn the initiative of Fr Peter Wojnarowski and the Youth God’s protection and favours.

Ministry department. Talking from her experience as an ex-model, she has advised the youth to strive to “We don’t have white soul neither do we have black live simple lifestyles to become responsible adults. soul but Salvation,” she stated, and advised the students to change their ways and allow God to She entreated the youth to seek the presence of God guide their lives for a secured future. always in their endeavours to achieve prosperity and good successes. She herself had given up a carrier in modeling because she felt that what she was doing went against Gospel values. She has been blessed by God who has opened new avenues for her.

Addressing more than 1,200 students drawn from 15 Senior High Schools at a youth forum in Sunyani, Ms. Darrow expressed concern that some of the youth in their various campuses joined occult groups with the purpose of attaining wealth and power.

The three-day forum was organised by the “Don Bosco Youth for 4 Life,” a pro-life youth group in the Catholic Church.

Ms. Darrow told the students that though money was good, those who sought earthly comforts without God’s guidance would not escape condemnation both on earth and in eternity.

The

internationally

acknowledged

Mr. Joseph Gnabikan, coordinator of the Don Bosco 4 Life, expressed concern about indecent dressing, alcoholism and drug abuse that had gained prominence in some senior high schools.

motivational He said though funding was a problem, the group would endeavour to organise such forums periodically to help curb the acts of immorality among the youth in society.

Mr. Gnabikan told the students to beware of bad friends and companies whose activities could ruin their future. He entreated them to attend church regularly and adhere to the teachings of the Bible to obtain God’s favour.

Mr. Gnabikan emphasized that it was only when the students read their books that they could pass their examinations and advised them to do so, especially during their leisure hours.

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Fr Matteo Balla is in Jerusalem doing a Biblical Renewal course. He writes to us from Jerusalem as he shares his experience.

It is a wonderful experience to be here in Jerusalem, discovering the land and its links with the bible. In the first week we visited the excavations of what remains of the temple. It is amazing to see the big amount of work Herod (probably father of the Herod of the Gospels) did for the temple and for Jerusalem.

- Today is Sabbath, so the Jews do not open their shops, and they do not move around too much except for going to the western wall to pray. This part of the wall of the temple is made with block of stone about 4 to 6 m long, 1 m high and … deep inside, I do not know how much. Here the Jews pray with their heads covered, reciting the psalms, and other prayers, for themselves and for the reconstruction of the temple. On Shabbat they put off their telephones, their TV, no pressing of buttons, I guess no cooking, which had to be done the day before. It is a day for the reading of the Thorah (the Law) and staying with the family. We have a lot to learn, for we do not have time for everything and we continue to rush after ourselves and the things we have to do.

- This afternoon I went to the Holy Sepulcher. At 2 pm there was a procession led by the Latin Church and the Patriarch was there. I was able to pray a bit, even amidst the noise of pilgrims chatting.

The other confessions have a great "sense of the sacred" and use a lot of solemnity and incense in their rituals.

A lot of pilgirms pass through showing their faith with prayer and veneration. I will still have to go again to enter the tomb of Christ to pray there.

Young couples get married and live in a room in the house of their parents, with shared toilets, kitchen, etc.

The work of the sister and her community is counseling and helping with micro-projects in building, scholarships, catechesis, and Visit to Bethlehem. preparation for marriage. They also have a boy’s home for children in We met a Maltese sister, Maria, who difficulty. has been working for 21 years helping poor families, especially after the 6 - We went to the Nativity church and days’ war when the Israeli occupied after queuing for some time we saw these territories. the star marking the spot where Jesus was born. It is a place that touches Bethlehem is now surrounded by a faith. wall, as in a cage. It is very high, made of pure concrete. It was built after the We also went to the Catholic university second intifada (reaction and terrorism in Bethlehem, run by the De la Salle of the Palestinians against the Brothers. An effort for giving young occupation of the territories of the 6 Palestinians a way out of poverty, and days’ war) with the aim of preventing a future. The students cannot afford all terrorism. the tuition fees, so the University has to seek sponsored for them to about The Christians in Bethlehem used to 65%. be at one time about 70%, but now they are only 12%. The rest emigrated Palestinians cannot go out of the cage, because of economic and political I mean they cannot go to Jerusalem. problems.

There are check points, and if one does not have a passport you cannot Families are now living in poverty enter (you cannot go out of the wall). more than before, with unemployment, They can go to Jordan, with not less desire of separation, lack of services, harassment. They can get a Jordanian like water, health, drug addiction... passport, (after long suffering, and paying...) but Israel does not allow people holding Jordanian passports to enter Jerusalem. If they want to get a plane they have to go to Jordan.

The place looks dark from the smoke of candles, and it is in dire need of cleaning. This is not as simple as it sounds since the place is taken care of by the Catholics, Orthodox, Armenians. They are suspicious of each other and defend their areas jealously. This Basilica is so sensitive... as it is for the basilica of the Nativity. If someone else cleans a part of the floor that is mine, and I do not complain, then one looses the right over that area.

If you are residing in Gaza you are in a worse position: you cannot cross Israel and go to this university. And to enter Israeli university is almost impossible for them.

Ciao, with prayers.

Matteo Balla

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KNOWING DON BOSCO

From a personal commitment to the young to the setting up of a community-family; from an individual charism to a shared charism The first “official” act of Jesus: «As he walked along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them: Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men » (Mark 1, 16-17).

From his years at the Convitto, Don Bosco sought young “helpers”: «My aim was to bring together only those children who were in the greatest danger, ex-prisoners by preference.

Nevertheless, as a foundation on which to build discipline and morality I invited some other boys of good character who had already been taught. These helped me maintain order, and they read and sang hymns. From the very beginning I realised that without songbooks and suitable reading matter these festive gatherings would have been like a body without a soul » (MO ed. 1989, p. 196).

For Don Bosco this step from a personal initiative to a coordinated choral activity was soon taken. From the beginning, the individual charism led on to a communitarian vocation and to a tendency to bring people together.

He was able to enjoy a more practical collaboration between 1844 and 1846, when he had Fr. Borel, Fr Pacchiotti and others at his side. But they were occasional forms of cooperation linked to the practical requirements.

The Oratory came to rest when he established it at the Pinardi house with his mother, changing the building which until that time had been simply a centre of activities into a “home,” an apostolic family consecrated to the mission, open day and night ready to welcome poor and abandoned boys. From then on the work developed all its potential, also

because, giving up all his other commitments Don Bosco consecrated himself exclusively to the mission for youth. It is in these circumstances that Don Bosco concerned himself with gathering together around him a community of pastors and educators, no longer merely on an occasional basis or when required by the activities, who recognised in him their father, their point of reference and their model.

Not just “helpers” Especially after the political crisis of 1848-49, when, inspired by another spirit and method, many of his collaborators left him, Don Bosco set out to build the prototype of the “Salesian,” educative community forming young men who would not be only “helpers,” but, “disciples” and “sons,” a vital part of a family held together by spiritual ties of affection, with well-defined and complementary tasks and roles, who would share in his charism: Ascanio Savio, Rua, Cagliero, Buzzetti, Artiglia, Rocchietti, Bonetti… These lived at the Oratory, having decided to stay with Don Bosco to devote their lives to the youth mission. They were the fruits of Don Bosco’s work of formation among the oratorians and of his spiritual direction. Not all of them became religious.

Many continued to collaborate in the oratories and schools, while living at home. Others offered occasional help, economic assistance and moral support. But all of them felt they were an active part of the Salesian work, sharing its methods, its aims and its charismatic features.

religious gathered around the Rector (the true spiritual father), coordinated in roles and responsibilities is the heart of the work; but for it to be effective in its formative role, it needs the co-involvement on a practical and an affective level of the better boys, acting as the spiritual leaders and educators of their companions, and the building up of a vast network of practical and moral collaboration on different levels (in concentric circles), so as to give the works dynamism, efficiency and continuity.

The Salesian institution has been able to expand throughout the whole world thanks to this communitarian vocation of the charism of Don Bosco, who knew that in order to educate the boys well, many people were needed sharing the same ideals and the same spirit, in a fraternal manner, ready to cooperate with the director, to give all of themselves joyfully, each according to his state in life. The history of Salesian work in every part of the world has shown that the work of “free agents,” no matter how capable or efficient, if they do not really belong or are not attached to the community, has been only shortlived.

On the other hand, Salesian communities united in the work and with a fraternal spirit, even though made up of simple people, if they are well-rooted in the local area and concerned about being involved and acting together, have been able to keep a work well on track which has had a profound and fruitful impact on the civil and ecclesial communities in which they were located.

A “family” which educates This experience gave rise to an unmistakable charismatic model of an educative-pastoral community.

In Salesian houses the community of

As the Salesian Constitutions say: «To live and work together is for us Salesians a fundamental requirement and a sure way of fulfilling our vocation» Article 49a)

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Prayer to Saint Joseph

Province Calendar

Feast: 19 March

Supported by the patronage of the Spouse of Your Most Holy Mother, we beseech Your clemency, O Lord, to make our hearts despise all earthly things and to love You, the true God, with perfect charity. Who live and reign, world without end.

Amen.

2012 March 11-16 Annual Retreat for Rectors & Confreres 17-18 Rectors’ meeting (Nigeria)

April 8 9-15

Easter Sunday IV Provincial Leadership Course – West Zone (Kenema, Sierra Leone) 21-22 Provincial Council Meeting (Ashaiman, Ghana)

You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

May

You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

25-26 Lome Curatorium (Togo) 30-31 Yaoundé Curatorium (Cameroon) 31 Blessing New Church Building (Monrovia, Liberia)

You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 13:34) You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9& Psalm 91:15)

March 02/78 03/70 08/74 08/86 14/67 14/82 17/84 19/61 19/86 20/81 21/84 21/89 23/73 25/40 26/91 27/78 27/78 29/80

Agudosi Solomon Wojnarowski P Berisie Francis Okoh Isaac Anene Ambrose Amandi Ephraim Oraegbunam J Crisafulli Jorge Mbayo Edison Ebor Michael Odior Anthony Chibueze Nich Sokuu Patrick Xavier L Oguocha Justin Adetiloye M Kpogoh Killean Ekezie Anthony

You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6) You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13) You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8) You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28) You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I FORGIVE YOU (I John 1:9 & Rom 8:1) You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Phil 4:19) You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

April 03/71 Uzoeto Charles 7/1986 Odenusi Joel 8/84 Okafor Cosmas 09/74 Okpala Mark Anthony 09/89 Udechukwu P 19/67 Andrade Ubaldino 20/84 AKINYELE C 23/82 Acquaye Anthony 24/83 Esuk Steve 25/83 Eshun Mark 30/55 Gilmore Larry 30/74 Agbara Fidelis

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7) You say: "I don't have enough faith" God says: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:3) You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

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You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

The Rector Fr Vincenzo Marrone with the Bosco Boys in Ibadan.

Leah Darrow with the group Youth 4 Life in Sunyani.

Group that attended Media course in Ashaiman in preparation of Relic Visit.

Group photo of Past Pupils in Ho Polytechnic, Volta Region in Ghana.

The Group of Graduates of DBTS Ashaiman with the Papal Nuncio as the School was celebrating ten years since its foundation in 1992.

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