Winter/Spring 2013
SALESIAN
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Flood Victims in Dambuk, India, Give Thanks to Salesians . . . . . . 5 Notes From the Field: A personal account by Salesian Lay Missioner, Kaitlin Darnell . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Salesians in the U.S. and Canada: Missione Maria Ausiliatrice Parish, Montreal, Canada . . . . . . . . 15 Salesian Snapshots . . . . . . . . . 20 “The Happiest man in the World” - Fr. Alfredo Marzo . . 25 Computers to Guatemala! . . . . 28
Want to know who we are, where we began, and who inspires our work? Visit us at our website:
www.salesianmissions.org We’ll send you to over 130 countries where the Salesians are working for the young, the poor and the abandoned. You will discover the many ways the Salesians offer a path for partnership.
Hope to see you soon!
Leave a Legacy of Love and Hope… And Help Make the World a Better Place. O
ne person, like you, can make a significant difference. Your decision to remember Salesian Missions in your Will can bring positive change to the future of thousands of needy children struggling each day just to survive. Our programs around the world are saving these precious lives… and helping to make the world a better place. By including Salesian Missions in your planned giving, your heart and soul are forever part of these good works. So consider leaving a legacy of love and hope that will live on in generations to come.
Please remember Salesian Missions in your Will…
2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728 TEL: (914) 633-8344
SALESIAN • Published Bi-Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710 Issue 267 • Winter/Spring 2013, Volume 65, No. 1 (Issn. 0036-3480)
Letter from the Editor Dear Friend and Partner in Mission! As the New Year begins, we here at Salesian Missions are hopeful that we can continue to provide support to poor youth around the globe. We are blessed to have caring friends like you. Good people we can count on when precious young lives are in need. Despite the challenges our missionaries have faced – and are still facing today – I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished this past year and pray that the progress continues. This current issue of SALESIAN is a testament of your love for the poor, and the perseverance and dedication of our missionaries. You will learn how Salesians help victims of natural disasters in the U.S. and abroad rebuild their lives. You will witness first-hand the difference our dedicated missionaries make in the lives of children in Montreal, Canada. You will also read about a missionary who just celebrated his 50th anniversary as a member of the Salesian family, and how his work has changed him and given hope to forgotten people in India. We are doing all that we can to ensure that the poor in over 130 countries around the world, especially the children, are happy and healthy. Of course, none of this would be possible without you. I know that many of you are experiencing financial struggles and times are tough, but please be assured your generosity is providing the life-saving necessities that every child deserves. Our missionaries are grateful that you have given the children in their care a chance for a more promising future. I pray that you and your loved ones are especially blessed this coming New Year for all the good you do. God bless you for your thoughtfulness! Sincerely,
Father Mark Hyde, S.D.B. P.S. For our online friends, view and share this magazine with your loved ones: www.salesianmissions.org/content/salesian-magazine. Thank you for sharing and caring! SALESIAN
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FOR EXAMPLE, A 69-YEAR-OLD WILL GET A 5.0% RETURN!
The Salesians showed us how we could have income for life… and help the poor, too!
”
“They told us how the Salesian Annuity Plan could help poor children the world over. By investing a minimum of $5,000, we would receive a check from them on a regular basis for the rest of our lives! Not only that, but both our initial gift and the interest checks are tax deductible in part! “This gift is more than a lifetime investment – it brings us financial security and the satisfaction that our annuity will help the needy around the world for many lifetimes – long after we’ve been called to God. “Yes, the Salesians pay us a guaranteed rate of income, based on our age. We feel financially secure thanks to the Salesians.” – Salesian Annuity recipient
For more information on Planned Giving, visit our website at: www.salesianmissions.org/ways-help/planned-giving Win/Spr 2013
❏ Yes! Show me how I can help the children and myself!
Send me more information about the returns and tax deductions I would receive under the Salesian Missions Annuity Plan. I understand that all personal information you receive about me will be kept absolutely confidential. (Minimum amount for a gift annuity is $5,000 and the minimum age requirement is 55 deferred to age 60, or age 60 for immediate annuity) AMOUNT OF GIFT CONSIDERED $ ___________ FOR SINGLE ANNUITY
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Flood Victims in Dambuk, India, Give Thanks to Salesians
on Bosco came to us in our trouble and cared for us much more than anyone else,� exclaimed a farmer who lost his entire livestock and farm after devastating floods struck Dambuk, India, in September. Relentless and unforgiving rains swelled the Dibang River and wiped out everything in its path. In the aftermath, hundreds of cattle carcasses littered the river beds and acres of paddy fields lie in ruins.
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The disaster struck in Paglam Circle, an area inhabited by the Mishings, a mixed-race ethnic group of East Asian and Southeast Asian descent. Since the beginning, families began settling along the river banks and the population grew to its current level of 1,500 residents. It is a place where hardworking people have few possessions yet they enjoy the bounty of nature and peaceful harmony. Without warning, the idyllic community suddenly found itself in turmoil and panic. For 15 days, hundreds of citizens were marooned with no way out. The recently-built village chapel was
It is a monumental task to rebuild all that was lost in the flood, and much help is needed.
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Winter/Spring 2013
completely flooded. It was an epic tragedy that shattered the hopes and dreams of people who lost everything they had. The Salesians responded immediately and began transporting people to safer ground, while helping to salvage what few belongings remained from their flooded homes. In the days that followed the disaster, the Salesians distributed over 22,000 pounds of rice and 220 pounds of dal (a bean stew). Much of the food was stocked for use in the children’s boarding school and for emergency distribution to those in most dire need.
Villagers carry sandbags in an attempt to stem the flow of water onto local roads and walkways.
With the help of BoscoNet – a regional Salesian organization based on the teachings of Don Bosco to aid children throughout South Asia – the Salesians were able to transport rice, potatoes and oil to Paglam Circle by boat. The partnership between the Salesians and BoscoNet ensured that essential supplies were delivered quickly. It had been 10 years since another catastrophe of this magnitude affected the area. At a time when normalcy was finally returning to Paglam Circle, families are now faced with the daunting task of rebuilding once again. Fortunately, their faith and
perseverance are strong, and with continued help the Mishing people will once again be self-sustaining. But additional help is needed right now: cattle to plow the damaged fields, heavy plastic to cover exposed homes, and mosquito nets, blankets and warm clothes to protect the victims. Despite their hardships, the villagers are extremely grateful to the Salesians, Fr. George Menamparampil of BoscoNet, and others who have come to their aid. Upon the arrival of supplies, one relieved middle-aged woman expressed, “God is helping us through many people whom we do not know.” Y SALESIAN
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Salesian Students Unite to Help Victims of Hurricane Sandy
Students and faculty at Salesian High School in New Rochelle, New York, recently launched a Hurricane Sandy food, clothing and supply drive to help support the many victims of this recent super -storm. By making Salesian High an official Red Cross drop-off center, the school is receiving large amounts of donations from the local community, students and their families. Our Mission Office truck is being used to transport the items to the affected areas. As we well know, the devastation caused by natural disasters is not limited to underdeveloped countries. When families here at home need help, you are there to give support and we are sincerely grateful for all you do. God bless you. 8
Winter/Spring 2013
What was once mud and straw... Millions of people throughout Africa, Central and South America, India and Asia are celebrating Mass and worshiping God in the most primitive conditions. Salesian missionaries are in desperate need of funds to build simple and decent houses of worship. You can have a Memorial Chapel built in honor of your favorite saint and dedicate it to anyone you wish – living or deceased. What a wonderful way to remember a loved one – and help the Lord’s most impoverished followers.
Is now this! Thanks to generous people like you!
EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE DESIGN THAT REFLECTS THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IT SERVES. You can make an individual gift to build a Memorial Chapel, or groups or organizations can pool their donations. If you wish, you can also specify in your will that a chapel be erected in your honor or for anyone you choose. Read more about our Chapel Building Program by visiting us online at
www.salesianmissions.org/ways-help/building-chapels WIN/SPR 2013 ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $15,000 to build a Village Memorial Chapel. ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $20,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area. ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $25,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in the most far removed
and neglected area. PLEASE CHECK ONE:
❏ IN MEMORY OF:
❏ IN HONOR OF:
❏ DEDICATED TO:
NAME: ______________________________________________________________
❏ Please send me more information. (You can also E-mail or phone us, if you wish) Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
Address _____________________________________________________________________________Apt. #______ City____________________________State _____ Zip _______ Email: _____________________________________
2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728 TELEPHONE: (914) 633-8344 • Email: chapels@salesianmissions.org SALESIAN
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Notes From the Field: A personal account by Salesian Lay Missioner, KAITLIN DARNELL
Teaching – and Learning – in Cambodia Crim Rip Sua!
(Formal greeting in Cambodia, with my hands held at heart center and a slight bow, of course.) While I was preparing to leave the States, I was told many times, “Oh, you are going to teach them so much!” Yes, as an English instructor at a school in Cambodia, it was to be my job to get young people to speak a foreign language and develop a bigger picture for their lives and the world. As I would soon discover, however, they TRULY are the ones that have so many values and lessons to teach me. There are some days when many things are lost in transla-
10 Winter/Spring 2013
Kaitlin stands behind her very energetic students!
The girls find joy in the simplest of activities and appreciate the care shown them by the Salesians.
tion. Yet the gratitude they have shown to me, their respect for others, the ties they have with their families, their hospitality and beautiful smiles are all things that don’t have to be spoken in a language to be completely understood. I am Kaitlin Darnell and currently teaching, learning and living in Phnom Penh, Cambodia serving
as a Salesian Lay Missioner. I teach English at the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center, founded and run by Salesian Sisters. The school offers a two year course of Computer-Secretarial skills where our girls are taught various subjects of Computers, Accounting, Office Procedures, English, Cambodian Culture, Values Education and Personality
SALESIAN 11
Students are accepted in the program based on need, and they take this opportunity for an education very seriously, without ever losing their happy spirit!
Development, among several others. The school is designed to help young women, the majority of them coming from the provinces that don’t offer many opportunities. We have entrance exams, but really accept girls based on their needs and family life. Within the last two months we set up internships for them, so they can put to use what they have been learning.
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It is designed to get these girls up on their own two feet, to be able to have a say in their lives and future, as well as help their own families. I am presently in my 10th month here in an overall 17-month mission and my students are teaching me things each and every day. Some of their stories are heartbreaking, but the way they overcome adversity and the pure
joy with which they carry themselves is something to be admired. The value of family is unmatched. The oldest child is predominantly the supporter for their younger siblings, and determined to make sure their education is better than their own. I have gone to meet some of these families and have visited their homes where I am treated like a dear, dear friend. They have offered me countless coconuts, rice and fruit
regardless of what they need for themselves. I came here to Cambodia in order to teach, to serve, and I will try to give them something valuable with which to jump out and make it in this world ‌ but I am also grateful that I am being taught as well.
God bless you all!
Kaitlin
The Salesian Lay Missioners is a faith-based volunteer program that offers a unique opportunity to serve the poor children of the world. We sponsor domestic and international placements and require a 1 or 2 year commitment.
If you would like more information about this life-changing program, please write to:
Salesian Lay Missioners Attn: Adam Rudin 2 Lefevre Lane New Rochelle NY 10801-5710 Or visit our website at: www.SalesianLayMissioners.org or email us at: slm@ salesianmissions.org
SALESIAN 13
Tools for Schools…
$10= $100 Many of our Trade Schools are using old and worn tools or are improvising for tools they don’t even have. These tools are vital in teaching poor youngsters a trade … the skills to find gainful employment. We have currently established relationships with individuals and organizations that are willing to donate literally thousands of slightly used and brand new tools to us … but we must pay the cost of packing, shipping and distribution to our various trade schools around the world. BECAUSE THE TOOLS ARE FREE, WE CAN SUPPLY $100 WORTH OF TOOLS TO OUR SCHOOLS FOR EVERY $10 YOU GIVE! Please help us take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and give our students better and safer tools to use.
Tools for Schools
❏ Yes!
WIN/SPR 2013
I want to help give poor youngsters better and safer tools to use in your Trade Schools. Enclosed is my gift of ❏$10 ❏$15 ❏$25 ❏$ ________ ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:
❏
®
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MAIL TO: 14 Winter/Spring 2013
2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
Salesians In the U.S. And Canada the first Salesian missionaries set foot in California. The going Inwas1897, tough and slow – but the spirit of Don Bosco was with them and work progressed. Today over 335 Salesians are present and working with the young throughout the United States and Canada. 2009 saw the merging of the Salesian Eastern U.S. and Canadian Provinces. The hope of the Salesians in both countries is that this union, based in New Rochelle, New York will provide a more effective means of expanding Salesian works for the young and needy in North America.
Making a Difference in Montreal by Father Richard Authier S.D.B., Director, Montreal Salesian Community North of the United States border, people are well aware of the Montreal Canadiens, the meaning of “poutine” and the reasons why Jacques Cartier and St. Marguerite Bourgeoys are so famous. They are also becoming increasingly familiar with the Salesians.
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View of Missione Maria Ausiliatrice Church and Parish.
Since the founding of Missione language for a large portion of third Maria Ausiliatrice Parish in 1984, the and fourth generation Italian families. Salesians have emerged Over the past several as a well-known presence decades, the Salesian Salesians in in Montreal, Quebec, presence in the RDP borMontreal try to Canada – right alongside ough has also expanded other local treasures. faithfully follow in well beyond the Parish. The Salesians have In keeping with Don Don Bosco’s settled in the Northeast Bosco’s mission to form footsteps… Riviere-des-Prairies “honest citizens and good (aka RDP) borough of Christians” by “educating Canada’s largest city. Originally and evangelizing” the young, the opened to serve the descendants of Salesians in Montreal have embarked Italian immigrants, the Parish today on several initiatives that are making offers full services in English, the first a big impact.
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16 Winter/Spring 2013
”
Happy Days Summer Campers numbering up to 500, have safe, supervised fun while learning acceptance of others, how to work in teams and build self confidence!
For example, elementary school children are given the opportunity to build their faith through the new “Be My Disciples” program, which extends from Grades 2 to 5. Nearly 760 children are enrolled in the program and an additional 125 volunteers help make the experience an enriching one. What’s more, many parents have enrolled as a way of re-awakening their own faith. Another program, the Don Bosco
Youth Leadership Center, (DBYLC) is catering to teens and young adults. Since opening in 1998, the DBYLC has been offering recreational, cultural, leadership and educational activities. Each activity includes a
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“Faithspace” component as a way of integrating faith development. S p e c i f i c a l l y, youngsters who attend DBYLC can engage in homework help, ball hockey, dance groups, painting, music groups, girls clubs and service groups. During the school year, there are about 250 participating members. When summer Fr. Richard blessing camp counselor crosses with arrives, DBYLC is DBYLC Coordinators Theo & Anna. transformed into “Happy Days” Summer Camp for DBMO also ensures that the social 500 children attendees and 50 justice needs of the world are not foryoung people who serve as teachgotten in Canada. ers and counselors. The city of Montreal was origiA third major initiative by the nally founded as “Ville Marie” – Salesians in Montreal is the Don Mary’s City. While the impact of faith Bosco Mission Office (DBMO) in a much more secularized city is founded in 2005. Its purpose is to less obvious than in its early years, collect small donations from a large the followers of Don Bosco still strive group of caring Canadian citizens in to work little miracles in a changed support of Salesian missionaries world. May Mary continue to protect throughout the world, including her city … and watch over the Africa, Asia and Latin America. The Salesians who serve it. Y
18 Winter/Spring 2013
Father Alfredo Marzo has brought hope and happiness to thousands of impoverished children living in the remote jungles of Shallang, India. He just celebrated his 50th anniversary as a priest.
Who will take care of the children next? (Read Fr. Marzo’s story on Page 25)
During his lifetime of service, Father Marzo built schools for the children, installed pipes to bring water into the villages and constructed suspension bridges to connect areas cut off during the 5-month monsoon season. DOZENS OF CHILDREN RELY ON FATHER MARZO EVERY DAY. BUT HE CAN’T CONTINUE HIS WORK MUCH LONGER. Fortunately, we have many eager young men and women to fill his shoes. But they need your help to take the next step. The Salesian missionaries and volunteers of tomorrow require financial assistance today for their education, training, housing, meals and travel … all the necessities for their journey to the Salesian family.
The next generation of needy children is depending on us. CAN WE DEPEND ON YOU?
❏ YES, you can count on me! Enclosed is my gift to ensure that future generations of needy children can get the care they need from dedicated Salesian missionaries and volunteers:
WIN/SPR 2013
❏ $15 ❏ $25 ❏ $100 ❏ Other $______________ ❏ I am interested in learning more about planned giving opportunities. ❏ I have included Salesian Missions in my will. ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:
❏
®
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❏
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X____________________________
signature panel on back of card) EXP. DATE (MO/YR)
Name ___________________ Address ______________________________________________________Apt._____ City__________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ________________ Email__________________________________________________________________________________________ MAIL TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS 2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
Salesian Snapshots ... a scrapbook of stories from around the Salesian world InDIA: Vocational Training Center for Prisoners The Salesian Office for Prison Ministry in Calcutta opened its first vocational training center inside a prison as a pilot program in 1998. Its success in offering hope to prisoners after This pilot program offers prisoners a way out of release led to a second, and poverty and a respectable means of support. now third, center in the Province of Calcutta, India. The site home and auto electronics, tailorof the new project is the ing and welding are offered to the Krishnanagar Prison in West Bengal. inmates. Additional courses are The center was opened by Mr. planned to be introduced through a Ramvir Kumar IPS, Inspector collaboration with Don Bosco Tech, General of Correctional Services a Salesian trade school. and blessed by Bishop Joseph The determination of the staff, Gomes, S.D.B. A group of priests inmates and Salesian Prison and sisters took part in the openMinistry, who all did more than ing ceremony. could be asked of them, led to the Courses in computer skills, completion of this important
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project. The prisoners themselves worked day and night to help in the construction of the center, while the Superintendent, Mr. Nazurul Islam, personally covered expenses when the need arose.
AngolA: A new home for street boys A group of 20 young boys finally have a home at St. Kizito House, a Salesian center for street children in Luanda, Angola. St. Kizito, an Ugandan who died as a martyr at the age of 14, is the inspiration of the boys and of Fr. Roberto Musante S.D.B. who created the motto: “We give a helping hand so that no one goes back.” The center is a joint international project involving the Salesians and other humanitarian organizations. The home, which functions as a day and night refuge, is welcoming, colorful and clean. The large playground in the back is ideal for sporting activities, and thanks to a new plumbing system, there is run-
Happy to finally have a loving, safe home and bright future!
ning water, sanitary toilet facilities and a well-equipped kitchen. The boys, aged between 10 and 15, are taking the first small steps on the difficult path from life on the streets to a new way with education and personal dignity. The opening of the center was highlighted with songs, dance performances and smiles from the boys. The celebration was also an opportunity to thank those who recognized the importance of this “center of hope.”
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JAPAn: 1,000 issues of the magazine “Katorikku Seikatsu” October 2012 saw the monthly magazine Katorikku Seikatsu (Catholic Life), published by the Salesians in Japan, reach its 1,000th issue. This important occasion was celebrated with a Mass at which Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada of Tokyo presided. It has been 84 years since Fr. Vincenzo Cimatti first published Don Bosco in the area where the Salesians had begun their missionary work in Japan. The fourpage leaflet was aimed at both Christians and non-Christians. For many years Don Bosco, also known as the Salesian Bulletin was a useful means of communication for the Salesians in the early years of their service in this country. For about two years during WWII, Don Bosco was not published, but just three months after the end of the war in November 1945 it re-appeared with a new
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A recent cover of Katorikku Seikatsu (Catholic Life), published by the Salesians in Japan.
name – Grain of Mustardseed – which it kept until 1952 when the name Catholic Life was adopted. Reaching this important goal has made everyone involved determined to continue working on Catholic Life, which aims at all citizens of Japan, regardless of religion. This publication is certainly a valid means of the Salesian missionary apostolate in the land of the rising sun.
PAKISTAn: Three Villages Reconstructed After eight months of intense work, three villages in southern Pakistan, destroyed by floods back in 2010, are once again habitable. The merit is due to a residential project that The community gathers with Salesians to involved among others, the celebrate the completion of new homes after Salesians. devastating floods destroyed entire villages. In March 2012, the Salesian missionary Procurator in systems were provided by the Switzerland coordinated various Salesians in Pakistan. Thirty gradpartners – the Apostolic Nuncio, uates of the Don Bosco Center, the Jesuits, a private foundation, including teachers and superviand local Salesians – and set up a sors, worked in the scorching team to work in Pakistan, with the summer heat to meet delivery goal of bringing support for people times. There was a tremendous still struggling with the trauma sense of gratitude from the local that followed the floods. people and Pakistani authorities. The team had established a Fr. Miguel Ruíz, the Salesian maximum time of eight months to Rector in Lahore, expressed his reconstruct three villages, totalsatisfaction at the completion of ing 150 houses – a real challenge. the project and gratitude for workAll the furniture (tables, beds and ing on a joint program bringing chairs) for each house, plus all Muslims and Christians together in the mill work and the electrical the name of Don Bosco. Y
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B
Memorials or Gifts …in memory or in honor of a loved one …for a new priest as an ordination gift …for the Missions
A
C
Our missionaries service up to 30 villages in rural areas. They have a great need for these items for use in Eucharistic adoration and for special celebrations.
Enclosed is my offering of:
WIN/SPR 2013
❏ Without engraving: $395.00 ❏ Without engraving: $395.00 Ciborium/Chalice/Paten Set ❏ Without engraving: $790.00 (C) Pyx ❏ Without engraving: $180.00 (A) Ciborium (B) Chalice/Paten
Special instructions for ENGRAVING: In Loving Memory of: In Honor of:
❏
❏
PLeaSe CHeCK ONe:
❏
❏ With engraving: $410.00 ❏ With engraving: $410.00 ❏ With engraving: $820.00 ❏ With engraving: $195.00
NaMe_____________________________
❏
I wISH tO dONate tHIS IteM tO SaLeSIaN MISSIONS I wISH tHIS IteM be SeNt tO My HOMe (Shipping included. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.)
Name _________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT CAREFULLY
PLEASE ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD NUMBER:
Address_______________________________Apt.#____ City ___________________________________________ State ___________________________ Zip___________
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SIGNATURE X __________________________________ 2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728 TELEPHONE: (914) 633-8344 • WEBSITE: www.salesianmissions.org
Email _________________________________________
24 Winter/Spring 2013
"The Happiest Man in the World!" “I am the happiest man in the world,� exclaims Fr. Alfredo Marzo, who is celebrating his 50th year as a Salesian Missionary. His amazing accomplishments in the remote jungle territory of Shallang, India, have not only enhanced the lives of thousands of forgotten children and families in a remarkable way, they have also brought peace and fulfillment to his own. Shallang has no electricity, no phones and virtually no roads. Villagers must endure a five-month monsoon season that produces a deluge of 10-13 feet of rain. Widespread flooding cuts off many people from basic necessities – and places them in further isolation. Unable to cross the swollen rivers, children cannot attend school, mothers cannot access the only market, and residents cannot get to their jobs.
SALESIAN 25
(Left) Fr. Marzo’s bridges allow villagers the only access to schools, markets and work during the long rainy season.
(Below) Fr. Marzo with a group of very thankful locals.
That’s why Fr. Marzo was determined to find a solution. With the help of other members in the community, Fr. Marzo spearheaded the design and construction of six suspension bridges that now enable citizens to navigate across the raging rivers. “The people use these bridges everyday,” reports Fr. Marzo. “The village builds the bridges which brings the community together.” Fr. Marzo has many other accolades to his credit. Under his leadership and inspiration, he has built dozens of schools and chapels and is respon-
26 Winter/Spring 2013
sible for bringing water into the village through a network of pipes. He is a true hero to his followers.
A blessing for a newly opened bridge. The bridges, built with the help of villagers, are constructed of materials available at each individual site.
On his birthday, more than 2,000 people gathered to celebrate Mass in his honor and rejoiced, “We thank God and we thank God for you!” Fr. Alfredo’s accomplishments would not be possible without the love, prayers and support of caring friends like you. Your gifts provide much of the funding necessary for our Missionaries to sustain their work around the world. Thank you for your continued generosity. Y To view more photos of Fr. Marzo's amazing accomplishments, visit our website at: www.salesianmissions.org/fr-marzo
Among his many accomplishments, Fr. Marzo brought life-sustaining water into the village.
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Computers to Guatemala! ver the past two decades, an educational revolution has occurred in the remote region of Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, thanks to the Salesians.
O
Under the leadership and inspiration of Fr. Tony DeGroot, the Salesians are training local students to become teachers in as many as 600 villages. Currently, 835 candidates are preparing for their teaching qualifications by enrolling in a series of courses that span over a three-year period. Originally, however, this work began as a simple effort to provide religious education in villages at a time of civil war. Fr. Tony quickly saw that a basic general education was desperately needed for the indigenous people. The government of the day was preoccupied with other problems and had thus abandoned
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Thanks to the Salesian teacher training program, many isolated, indigenous young people are receiving an education and a way out of poverty.
the inhabitants of the mountain areas. As a result, impoverished villagers remained stifled by illiteracy and the constant danger of exploitation by large landowners. However, since the teacher training program was implemented by the Salesians, the number of schools in the area has more than doubled! To further help with this important initiative, Salesian Missions recently sent 107 laptop computers to the Don Bosco Center in Alta Verapaz for use at three boarding schools where the Salesians educate more than 1,900 students. Prior to this shipment, the schools had only 35 computers to share among all the children. The laptop computers came from government excess property.
Each unit was inspected by the Salesians and installed with a new operating system to make sure it was in proper working order. The shipment to Guatemala also included 20 pallets of new clothing and shoes, five pallets of orthopedic equipment, a bed, a wheelchair, a desk, and a variety of toys – valuable items that will greatly enhance the lives and wellbeing of thousands of needy children and families. Y
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Count Your Blessings - Grant a Wish! The Salesians work in over 130 countries. Just imagine, then, how many of our missionaries write to tell us of their hopes and dreams, trials and successes. Maybe, as you count your blessings, you could grant a wish. God bless you! Fr. Mark
WISHES OF
THE
MONTH
• Salesians in India. Families in Dambuk, India need your help to rebuild lives devastated by recent floods. See pg.5.
• Our Salesian Lay Missioners program, is in need of funds to support the volunteers during their 1 - 2 year commitment to help improve the lives of poor youth in our global missions. See pg. 10.
• Father Richard Authier, Director of the Montreal Community, asks your help to continue the many spiritual, recreational and educational programs offered at the Missione Maria Ausiliatrice Parish in Canada. See pg. 15.
• Father Alfredo Marzo prays for your help to continue his work for the poor children and families in remote Shallang, India. See pg. 25.
• Father Tony DeGroot is grateful for the delivery of computers to schools he oversees in Guatemala, but more help is needed to expand the program. See pg. 28.
GRANT A WISH REPLY FORM
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YES, I want to help make a wish come true for Salesians and the poor children and families they serve. I am enclosing my donation of:
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CURRENT SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZE OCTOBER 31, 2012 MS ELIZABETH GORZYNSKI, SCOTTSDALE AZ
A Satin Flower Cross… Created With Your Love.
WINNER OF GRAND PRIZE SEPTEMBER 30, 2012 SISTER MARY ANN BAZATA, SSND, PORT JEFFERSON, NY WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZE AUGUST 31, 2012 MR. DENNIS TURNER, CINCINNATI OH WINNER OF GRAND PRIZE JULY 31, 2012 MRS. CHRISTINE M. HAND, STURBRIDGE MA WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZE JUNE 30, 2012 MR. & MRS. TOM TONTI, BRONX NY WINNER OF GRAND PRIZE MAY 31, 2012 LAURA L. ROGERS, SAN FRANCISCO CA
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am so grateful to all of you who responded to our mailing and returned the satin rose. They were collected to form the beautiful cross above. This special cross, created with your love, is currently in our chapel and will soon be shipped to one of our mission chapels. During Mass, it will always stand as a reminder of good people like you who care so deeply for the poor and needy.
SALESIAN 31
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