Winter/Spring 2016
SALESIAN
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Distributing life-saving food – See page 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PG.
A Safe Haven in Turkey . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Notes From the Field: A personal account by Salesian Lay Missioner, Clare Pressimone . . 6 “Gifts-In-Kind” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Pope Francis, a Jesuit with Salesian Roots . . . 13 Salesians In the U.S. and Canada – Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, New Rochelle, NY . . . . 15 Salesian Snapshots . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Flooding in Myanmar: The Salesian Response . . . . . . . . 25
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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.
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SALESIAN • Published Bi-Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710 Issue 273• Winter/Spring 2016, Volume 68, No. 1 (Issn. 0036-3480)
Letter from the Editor Dear Friend and Partner in Mission! As Salesians, we are deeply blessed to be inspired by our founder, St. John “Don” Bosco; guided by our leader, Pope Francis; and supported by the kindness and compassion of caring people like you. You empower our missionaries to serve the world’s most vulnerable and needy children, families and communities. It is a privilege and pleasure to present this latest edition of Salesian Magazine and share the wonderful stories of hope and progress made possible by your generosity. As you explore the pages of this magazine, you will discover how our new Don Bosco Child Protection Center is rescuing children from human trafficking and exploitation. You will be introduced to Clare Pressimone, a young Salesian Lay Missionary from the United States who is making a difference in the lives of Cambodian children as well as her own. And you will learn about the life-saving and life-changing impact the Salesians are having in the wake of natural disasters in the Philippines and Myanmar. In addition, you will read the expressions of gratitude from Pope Francis, whose early interactions with the Salesians influenced his life; and from a young boy in Uganda whose letter praises the Salesians for delivering food to his starving village. The accomplishments made possible by your unwavering commitment to our mission are extraordinary. Throughout the world, in more than 130 countries, we are providing care and instilling hope to hundreds of thousands of impoverished children and their families. We are giving them the essential resources, education and skills to ease their suffering and dramatically improve their well-being. Please accept my heartfelt appreciation for being such a valuable friend of the Salesians and caregiver to needy children around the globe. Sincerely,
Fr. Mark Hyde, S.D.B
Please know that throughout 2016, Masses will be offered for you and our other partners in mission at the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent in Bethlehem and here at our Salesian Missions Chapel. SALESIAN
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A Safe Haven in Turkey
Basima instructing her class in English.
I do not fear for my children,” she says. ““INowsleep, and I'm not afraid when they are not with me. ” T
hese are the words of Basima Toma, who teaches English to approximately 40 children at the Don Bosco Youth Center in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2012, Basima, her husband and their four children – who are Chaldean Catholics – fled their home in Baghdad, Iraq. In Baghdad, businesses owned by Christians were being attacked and destroyed, and Basima was increasingly concerned about the safety of her children. One of her daughters was the only Christian in her class.
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“Here, we do not ask anyone In addition to giving what religion they are or to what the children and young people an political movement they belong,” opportunity to study English, mathsays Salesian missionary Father ematics and computer science, the Andrés Calleja, director of the Don Center is also “a place of joy where Bosco Youth Center. the children can play and sing,” The Salesian center in Istanbul says Fr. Calleja. “Many of them opened its doors 20 years ago as a have never been to school or have temporary response to the wave of been there very seldom, because of refugees from Iraq. The conflict in the the wars in the area. We try to give region continues, and new refugees them some regularity, so that after and asylum seekers arrive every day. one, two, three years, when they Today, 300 children are enrolled in arrive in another country, they will the Center, mostly from Iraq and Syria. The Center is funded mainly by benefactors of the Salesian Missions offices throughout the world, and it provides free assistance and training to students and their families. Like Basima, most of the teachers at the school are refugees or asylum seekers themselves. Fr. Calleja says that “this helps the young people, because teachers have been through the same situation and can understand what the students have suffered. They speak Song and play is an important aspect of the Salesian method of education. Arabic, which is also a help.”
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(Left) Boys bond over a game of Foosball.
(Below) Students and teachers gather outside the Center.
not have missed out on continuity in school.” 14-year-old Sarah Mohammed is a typical example of the children at the Center. She left her home in Aleppo, Syria, about a year ago with her family. After an explosion near her school, she was told not to go back; it wasn’t safe. Now Sarah is enrolled at the Don Bosco Youth Center, together with her younger sister. She speaks English, has also learned Turkish, and dreams of attending college to become an engineer. 4
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Fr. Calleja hopes and prays that the wars will end and people can live in peace. Meanwhile, he believes that “the Center responds to a critical need. The community environment and the joyous atmosphere of freedom and tolerance is already healing many wounds.” Y
What was once sticks 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.
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.
Is now this! Thanks to generous people like you!
Read more about our Chapel Building Program by visiting us online at:
www.SalesianMissions.org/chapels
❏ Enclosed is my gift of $16,000.00 to build a Village Memorial Chapel. WIN/SPR 2016 ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $21,000.00 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area. ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $26,000.00 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 Email 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
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Notes From the Field: A personal account by Salesian Lay Missioner, (SLM) CLARE PRESSIMONE
Becoming ‘Cha One occupation I have long declared I would never feel inclined or equipped to endeavor is that of teaching. Yet, if you know anything of my present situation as a Salesian Lay Missioner, you know that I am currently teaching 5th and 6th grade English at Don Bosco School, Teuk Thla, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Doesn’t God have a funny way of making things work out? I have long felt that teaching is such an important profession that I would fall short in succeeding – that is – educating. In my present situation I have not broken through all barriers and become the best teacher ever (far from it, I assure you!), but I am humbled to say that I have a much greater understanding of this valued and necessary vocation; and not just within the confines of being an educator, but 6
Winter/Spring 2016
Clare enjoys helping students prepare a healthy meal.
more surprisingly into the realms of being a role model, a motivator, and an advocate. Don Bosco Schools are institutions that are designed to provide a quality education for all, especially the poorest of the poor. As a SLM, I have a wide array of students that come from many different economic and familial backgrounds and have many different motivations. Within my first couple of weeks, one of my students confessed to me that he wants to study to go to work at NASA. Being a space camp graduate, I was particularly eager to encourage him to pursue it. He is only in 6th grade and is driven so that I think he could make that dream come true. All I know is that I will do
everything in my power to make sure that he knows he can do anything he sets his heart on if he puts in the necessary work (whether that means NASA or other pursuits.). All things are possible through God. As a new teacher, in a new community, in a new country, speaking a new language, you are put on a very high learning curve. If I knew then what I know now, the first thing I would have done was look up a list of the most common Khmer (Cambodian native language) names and studied that for a month before I started teaching! But no matter, as it only took me 2 1/2 months to get all 180 of my students down! I have been very fortunate with my fellow teachers, who have so graciously welcomed me into their company and are constantly making sure that I am okay and not wanting anything. So much of my ability to shift into being a teacher is having these
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Salesian Sisters, staff and SLMs support each other in the important work of education.
wonderful, devoted, generous role models by my side, constantly motivating and inspiring me. I have discovered that so much of being a teacher is thrust on you when everyone thinks of you as a “teacher.” It certainly makes it a lot easier to make yourself believe it. When you have hundreds of kids calling you “Teacher Clare” every day it is a little difficult to resist calling yourself the same. And truthfully, as I have continued on my teaching learning curve, I have discovered so many joys in seeing my students every day (even the ones that I find myself praying extra hard for). But what is even more amazing, is when you realize that being a teacher is no 8
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longer something that feels out of place or forced. For a while I was Teacher Clare. Then, as the only foreign, native Englishspeaking teacher in the elementary school, the Clare got dropped and I was just Teacher. Can you imagine the feeling of that moment when you realize that when a student is calling “‘Cha! ‘Cha!” (teacher) they mean you? I don’t think I could if it didn’t happen to me, but when I realized that this name became my identifier for many of the students, I saw that they had fully accepted me. I was no longer that foreign object (but figuratively and literally, I still very much am) floating around aimlessly unable to understand anything. Now I am a semi-permanent fixture, who still doesn’t always understand what is going on, but at least now they can accept that about me; and I pray it is less annoying.
I still have much to learn (and this is not including learning Khmer), but I am reassured every day that I was meant to be a teacher in this place, for these students, with these teachers, guided by these sisters, and motivated by these SLMs. God has given me so much and I can now very safely and comfortably say that I am so glad I was wrong about my being a teacher. I may not be the best, but I know that what I am doing is exceedingly valuable to the community, to the students, to the future of Cambodia, and to making me more
aware of the realities in the world. With gratitude and humility I praise God for these gifts and I continue to seek His blessings. Y
Peace and Love!
Clare
Learn more about our work in Cambodia! Visit www.salesianmissions.org/Cambodia 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
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“Gifts-In-Kind” A Salesian Program Saving Lives for over 20 Years
A
s the Ebola epidemic ignited late in 2014 and spread across West Africa, the Salesian Missions Office for International Programs (Gifts-in-Kind Program) quickly sprang into action. Rallying their extensive network of “giving supply” partners, the office succeeded in organizing and shipping emergency and humanitarian aid supplies that would be crucial to saving lives.
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The office estimates that it was able to coordinate the delivery and distribution of donated supplies (gifts-in-kind) valued at nearly $5.2 million. This relief aid included medical and dental supplies, personal protective equipment, soap and other sanitary supplies, and fortifiedrice meals to sites in Liberia and Sierra Leone. “This is one of our primary missions,” says Kevin Carvajal, Giftsin-Kind Officer with Salesian Missions. “When disaster strikes, we survey the needs of our missionaries in the field, and look for ways that we can fulfill them.” Such fulfillment is possible thanks to extensive partnerships with U.S.-based private-sector and governmental organizations, whose visions and goals coincide with those of Salesian Missions. Each year, these organizations contribute
millions of dollars in taxdeductible, in-kind donations. Additionally, a USAID Ocean Freight Reimbursement Grant enables reimbursement of ocean freight expenses associated with transport of humanitarian aid. “While the value of the goods is quantifiable, their impact is truly priceless,” says Father Mark Hyde, director of Salesian Missions. “When the government of Sierra Leone asked us to take on the care of hundreds of Ebola orphans, we were able to do so thanks to giving supply partners like Stop Hunger Now – whose generosity means we can feed hundreds of children each day. When the director of the then-closed Catholic hospital in Monrovia, Liberia, asked us for assistance, our partnerships made it possible to provide personal protective equipment – which enabled health care workers to continue treating patients safely in the field. And the list goes on.” Disaster relief is not the only mandate of the program, however. In fact, over the past 20 years, Salesian Missions has shipped more than $167 million in donated educational, medical, agricultural, technical, food
Delivering much-needed food to families in a famine stricken area of West Africa.
and other aid to countries in need through its property and logistics program. In 2014, 20 unique countries (up from 14 in 2009) received a total of 70 containers of food and other donated goods – often, on a continuing basis – thanks to these efforts. “The Gifts-in-Kind program is paramount to our success in helping impoverished communities build resiliency and sustainability,” says Fr. Mark. “I am grateful for the commitment of the Office for International Programs staff and for the generosity of our giving partners.” Y To view a short video about the distribution of rice meals in Guatemala please visit: www.SalesianMissions.org/rice SALESIAN
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ank you Salesian Missions, for our meals! - a recent letter from a boy in Uganda:
Together with our giving supply partners, your generosity allows Salesian Missions to feed and care for children in times of natural disasters, famine and epidemics. This “thank you� letter is just one of many we have received.
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Pope Francis, a Jesuit with Salesian Roots P
OPE FRANCIS, along with millions around the world, owes much to the Salesians. The Pope has nurtured close ties to Salesian missionaries and priests throughout his life. He was baptized by a Salesian priest and attended a Salesian school. He was also encouraged in his vocation to the priesthood by the same Salesian priest who introduced, and married, his parents.
While speaking during Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians in Turin, the Pope recounted fond childhood memories of his family’s closeness to the Salesians. This included the time when his mother was ill and he was taken out of public school to spend one year studying in a Salesian boarding school. In the words of the Pope, “According to Don Bosco, it is not enough to love, but love needs to be expressed in gestures that are concrete and effective. Thanks to this loving kindness, so many children and adolescents in Salesian settings have experienced an intense and serene emotional growth, which has proved very valuable in the shaping of their personality and in their life’s journey.” The Salesians are one of the largest private providers of vocational and technical training in the world. Programs focus on helping vulnerable youth in some of the poorest places on the planet by providing access to an education that helps break the cycle of poverty.
Pope Francis and Salesian Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Artime meet in Rome.
To receive our FREE limited edition
POPE FRANCIS COMMEMORATIVE PRAYER CARD,
The Holy Father encourages the Salesians to carry on “with generosity and confidence the multiple activities please go to: in favor of new generations: oratories, youth centers, www.SalesianMissions.org/Pope professional institutes, schools, and colleges.” or call (914) 633-8344 or mail in your request. With the Lord’s help, and YOU,
we will continue to do just that! SALESIAN
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GIVE and RECEIVE! A SALESIAN MISSIONS CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY not only helps poor children all over the world, but it can provide the donor/annuitant with a very attractive stream of income for life. For example, with a gift of $10,000, an individual, age 75 will receive a rate of 5.8%; at age 80, the rate is 6.8%, and at age 90, the rate is 9.0%.
In addition to a guaranteed annual income, other benefits include:
• A current income tax deduction • Tax free income on a portion of the income received • Reduced capital gain tax (on gifts made with appreciated securities) • Possible reduction of estate tax • The opportunity to make a significant gift to Salesian Missions and make a real difference in the lives of poor children by doing God’s work FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PLANNED GIVING:
• Visit our website at: www.SalesianMissions.org/giving • Call or Email our Annuity Officer, Anna Maria Lang:
Tel: 914-633-8344 Ext. 206 or Email: amlang@salesianmissions.org • Fill-in and return the form below.
❏ YES! SHOW ME HOW I CAN HELP THE CHILDREN AND MYSELF!
WIN/SPR 2016
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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SALESIAN MISSIONS FINANCIAL PLANNING OFFICE ATTN: ANNA MARIA LANG 2 LEFEvRE LANE, PO BOX 728, NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
Salesians in the U.S. and Canada 1897 the first Salesian missionaries (Priests & Brothers) settled in California. InSalesian Sisters soon followed, arriving in New Jersey in 1908. Being a missionary in the U.S. at the time was difficult and challenging – but the good works progressed. Today over 450 professed Salesian Priests, Brothers and Sisters are present in the United States and Canada. Salesian Provinces based in Haledon NJ, New Rochelle NY, San Antonio TX, San Francisco CA, and Montreal, Canada serve thousands of young and poor throughout both countries. Their ministries encompass day care centers, elementary and high schools, formation houses, religious education centers, parishes, summer camps, development offices and youth centers. Thankfully, the spirit and joy of Don Bosco is still alive today in the U.S. and Canada!
Young people united in faith!
The Salesian Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in New Rochelle, NY By Father Abraham N. Feliciano, SDB
“Let them run, jump, sing, do anything but sin.” – St. John Bosco This maxim of St. John Bosco’s continues to be demonstrated by countless young people in Salesian settings in the U.S., Canada, and in fact, throughout the world. One such person is Esmeralda, who recently graduated from a Salesian SALESIAN
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Prayer Service during a Salesian Leadership Retreat.
high school in the northeastern United States. When asked about her four years at the school, she exclaimed, “I didn’t realize you could have that much fun without sinning!” Esmeralda is just one among hundreds of young people who participate in programs offered by the Salesian Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. For instance, young people who attend Salesian retreats and events are given the opportunity to experience Don Bosco’s “Oratory” and to join the evergrowing Salesian Youth Movement. More than merely a place, location or structure, Don Bosco’s 16 Winter/Spring 2016
Oratory is a faith environment. It is deliberately and lovingly created where anyone, but especially the young, can experience “a home that welcomes, a parish that evangelizes, a school that prepares for life and a playground where friends can meet.” Vast numbers of young people embrace and continue to live Salesian youth spirituality both within Salesian settings and beyond. They often choose to be part of the Salesian Youth Movement. Originating in Santiago, Chile in 1973, but being formally founded and declared in 1988 (the centenary of St. John Bosco’s death), the Salesian Youth Movement is comprised of independent but interconnected groups. Like Don Bosco, it has as its goal the very same objective – to work with, and
for, the young – by encouraging the formation of “good Christians and honest citizens.” At the provincial headquarters of the St. Philip the Apostle Province in New Rochelle, New York, the Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry (OYM) supports all Salesian ministries (schools, parishes and youth centers) throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Currently led by Father Abraham N. Feliciano, Province Delegate for Youth Ministry – the OYM provides the necessary resources, support and direction to local Coordinators of Youth Ministry and their Youth Ministry Teams. Among some of the OYM’s most notable initiatives are the annual Salesian Leadership Retreats. These retreats gather youth leaders from all over the Eastern United States and Canada in a meaningful and shared experience. This helps them deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, strengthen their sense of belonging to the Salesian family, and better know and live Salesian Youth Spirituality.
High school students helping out in their community during a Gospel Roads Retreat.
The OYM also offers the Salesian Gospel Roads service retreat program. For one week, young people live and work sideby-side with other high school and college students. Through handson experience, participants and their team leaders grow as Christians in joyful service to the young and needy. Each Gospel Roads program is unique, but all include serving the poor, living in community, and meeting Jesus
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Young adults help build a home during a Gospel Roads Retreat. Serving the needy is fulfilling to both the receiver and those offering their time and talent.
through work, prayer and play. A newer program, Empowering Salesian Leaders, brings together Salesian alumni between the ages of 18 and 25 from throughout the eastern United States for a week of training and development. This shared experience is intended to empower the participants as they move into adulthood. They are encouraged to reach out to others, in the spirit of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello (co-founder with Don Bosco of the Salesian Sisters), growing in faith, and spreading the good news as part of the Salesian Youth Movement. In an age where social media increasingly has become the play18 Winter/Spring 2016
ground where youth gather, the office maintains a relevant website, www.salesianym.com and manages social media presences on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Through these avenues, the office educates and evangelizes youth and young adults, while also helping them to foster a healthy, holy “virtual” community as members of the Salesian family. In short, the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry furthers Don Bosco’s mission to meet the young where they are. It also strives to love what they love, with support as they move into successful adulthood within the Salesian family and the Church. Y
Memorials or Gifts
…in memory or in honor of a loved one … for a new Priest as an ordination gift … for the Missions
Our missionaries service up to 30 villages in rural areas and have a great need for items used in Eucharistic adoration. This beautiful Mass Kit comes nestled in a sturdy protective carrying case to allow a Priest to safely bring Eucharistic adoration to even the most remote locations. Vestments, also needed, come in the liturgical colors of white, red, green, and purple. Both Memorial items can be engraved/embroidered with a name in memory of, or in honor of, a loved one.
Enclosed is my offering of: ❏ $155.00 for one Vestment
WIN/SPR 2016
❏ $595.00 for Mass Kit without engraving ❏ $620.00 for a set of all four Vestments ❏ $610.00 for Mass Kit with engraving ❏ $10.00 each for embroidery of Vestment(s) ❏
Special instructions for ENGRAVING/EMBROIDERY on Mass Kit/Vestment(s): In Loving Memory of: In Honor of: Name ________________________________
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2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728 TELEPHONE: (914) 633-8344 • WEBSITE: www.SalesianMissions.org
Or order safely online at www.SalesianMissions.org/memorials SALESIAN
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Salesian Snapshots ... a scrapbook of stories from around the Salesian world GHANA: Hope for victims of child trafficking The most painful reality in West Africa is child trafficking. This is why the Salesians of Don Bosco started a new initiative: The Don Bosco Child Protection Center. The Salesians are collabFr. Jorge oversees the progress of children orating on this with the at the Don Bosco Child Protection Center. police and Ministry for Social Welfare. Child victims of trafficking gives these young people the are among the last and most forchance to dream. “They have gotten of society. The victims are school in the morning and then children who have been abantheater, music, dance, sports, and doned or kidnapped. They are games,” says Fr. Jorge Crisafulli, forced into prostitution or SDB, Provincial of the Englishexploited in other ways. speaking Province of West The Salesians search the Africa. “The greatest joy for me streets each day for these unforis to see them smile again, to tunate children and offer them see boys and girls who arrive sanctuary at the center. here without hope, and after The Salesian program creates meeting Don Bosco they say: a turning point in their lives and ‘Here I feel loved.’” 20 Winter/Spring 2016
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: “They play, we educate”
soccer team and currently Director of institutional relations of the Real Madrid Foundation. The partnership between Salesian Missions and the Real Madrid Foundation is well underway and allows more than 2,000 youth and vulnerable children to participate in these programs. There are currently 13 operational, and successful, Salesian sociosporting schools in 9 countries that serve over 2,000 children: Togo, Benin, Congo, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Brazil, Portugal, Senegal and now the Dominican Republic.
September 27, 2015 marked the opening of two socio-sporting schools in the Dominican Republic: the “Don Bosco Educational Plaza,” Hainamosa, and “Dominic Savio School House,” in Santo Domingo. The purpose of these two new schools, which initially will receive 200 young people, is to use football (soccer) as a tool for social integration. This will improve the quality of life for boys and girls who are at risk of social exclusion. Alongside sports, the schools provide various support services to children and their families. These include tutoring, school homework classrooms, vocational training (for those at the suitable age), appropriate health care, nutrition, and cultural and recreational activities. “We want young people to be integrated and develop healthy activities. They play, we educate,” said Emilio Emilio Butragueño “kicks it around” Butragueño, famous retired with the excited students! player for the Real Madrid
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PHILIPPINES: Hope after devastating typhoon Two years ago, Typhoon Haiyan devastated entire cities in the Philippines and immediately the Salesians joined the efforts for relief. Today, the results of the reconstruction are a reality. During the current third phase of But figures of that tragedy reconstruction, schools, medical facilities, are still chilling: 16 million businesses and roads are being rebuilt. people affected and over a million homes destroyed. From the beginning the Salesian continuing aid and rebuilding or centers in Manila and Cebu were renovating houses. After a year designated by the government as and a half more than 1,300 homes collection and distribution points have already been repaired. for relief supplies, pre-packaged The third phase, over the past food and medical aid. In the early year, includes the completion of days they distributed thousands the work of rebuilding, the conof emergency kits. struction of new infrastructure and Among those affected by the providing families with new means typhoon were more than 5 million of livelihood. According to the children. Nearly a third of them Salesians, “Much still remains to be were at risk of malnutrition, being done. After the material recondisplaced from their homes or struction, we now are rebuilding even orphaned. The Salesians lives, especially those of young reached over 200,000 people in the people, through educational first phase of the emergency. projects and vocational training A second phase consisted of that will open doors to the future.� 22 Winter/Spring 2016
USA: Future Technology at Bosco Tech The Fletcher Jones Foundation has awarded Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) in Rosemead, California, a $250,000 grant. It will be used for the construction of emerging technologies laboratories and curriculum development. This extensive project will focus on three related fields: Green Technologies, 3D Design Prototyping, and Robotic Systems. Celebrating its sixtieth year, Bosco Tech is an all-male Catholic high school that uniquely combines a rigorous college-preparatory program with a technologyfocused education. Underprivileged students with good grades and motivation are offered scholarships. The innovative science, technology, engineering and math curriculum allows students to exceed university admission requirements. They will also be completing extensive integrated coursework in one of several applied science and engi-
Students from all backgrounds are offered a bright future in high tech fields.
neering fields. For the past several years, 100% of the graduating class has earned college acceptances. “Bosco Tech is extremely grateful for the Fletcher Jones Foundation’s support and confidence in our students and our programs,” said Bosco Tech President Xavier Jimenez. “The new laboratories will function as central learning hubs to broaden students’ understanding of engineering in a sophisticated, real-world environment. Students will collaborate on engaging projects that require an understanding of several different areas of science.” Y SALESIAN
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You can be part of a modern-day Loaves and Fishes miracle!
Every $1=$14
Several organizations have partnered with Salesian Missions because they have tons (literally!) of essential items that they want to donate free of charge… but they need our help to get them in the hands of poor children and families who need them the most. THAT’S WHERE YOU COME IN! We can pack a large container – about the size of a tractor-trailer truck – with $70,000 worth of donated food, medicine, clothing or school supplies. But we need your help to pay the $5,000 overseas shipping cost.
Simply put, every $1 you give enables us to ship $14 worth of life-changing – and life-saving – supplies!
What’s more, your generosity will be a testament to the Loaves and Fishes miracle when Jesus multiplied seven loaves of bread and a few small fish into enough food to feed four thousand people!
So much is at stake. Thank you for whatever you can give today! MAKE
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Loaves & Fishes miracle! ❏ Enclosed is my gift that will multiply 14X! ❏$10 ❏$15 ❏$25 ❏$ _____ ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:
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24 Winter/Spring 2016
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Flooding in Myanmar:
The Salesian Response
days of August 2015, devastating floods – precipitated Inbytheanearly unusually active rainy season – washed over Myanmar, burying it under a deadly cover of mud and debris. More than 100 people lost their lives. Thousands more lost their homes. And across the country, an estimated one million men, women and children are still suffering from the aftereffects of such widespread disaster. “In a region that is already chronically poor, the poor have lost everything, and become refugees,” says Salesian Cardinal Charles Maung Bo in Yangon. Twelve of Myanmar’s 14 regions were inundated by the flooding. Houses, bridges and roads were crushed by mudslides or completely swept away, and tens of thousands of people were stranded. Some villagers were forced to walk for more than 10 days to reach food and critical medical assistance. SALESIAN
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Rice meals being prepared under a makeshift structure.
And that was just the beginning. In addition to such heartbreaking loss of lives and communities, most of the country’s rice paddies and agricultural fields – an estimated 1.2 million acres – were destroyed. Countless families therefore lost their only yearly crop, and daily wage workers lost their only source of income. Now, the entire country teeters on the brink of a serious and longterm food shortage. “The intervention required far exceeds our capabilities Storing rice in a dry area becomes problematic with such extensive flooding. 26 Winter/Spring 2016
alone,” says Father Charles Shaw, superior of the viceprovince of Myanmar. Still, Salesian missionaries in the region wasted no time in responding – immediately mobilizing to join local authorities and other non-governmental aid groups to assist those who needed it most. The Salesian response in Myanmar comprises a threepronged approach:
Phase One: Immediate Humanitarian Assistance Salesian missionaries led rescue and support activities for victims in Kachin and Chin states, and throughout the Archdiocese of Yangon. Additionally, Salesian Priests,
Brothers, Sisters, past pupils and other volunteers split into three groups that traveled to some of the most remote villages in four dioceses. They took frightened women and children by boat to local churches and schools, where they received shelter, food, water and clothing. In total, the groups aided people in more than 60 villages. In Yangon alone, more than 400 families received a month’s supply of rice, as well as cooking oil, beans, tins of sardines, salt, clean water and more.
Phase Two: Ongoing Relief Once victims’ immediate needs were Supplies had to be transported by boat to thousands of stranded families. met, attention shifted to helping families return to their homes. A team of more than 125 Salesian past pupils and other youth cleared mud and debris from houses. They also performed necessary repairs, and distributed supplies and medicines to the families. “At first, we tried to assist as many people as possible,” observes Fr. Shaw. “Now, we believe it is better to focus on a smaller number, so as to ensure the effectiveness of our service.”
Phase Three: Reconstruction In light of Fr. Shaw’s strategy, teams will soon focus on reconstruction projects in the communities in which these families live. These include clearing buildings and streets; rebuilding bridges and schools; and initiatives to help victims re-establish their livelihoods. Ensuring that children return to school as quickly as possible is another key priority. The massive extent of this destruction will require long-term aid and thanks to generous friends like you, the Salesians will continue to assist as many families as possible. Y SALESIAN
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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
•
Instill hope among young Iraqi and Syrian refugees. Violence and war have forced innocent families to flee their homes and communities. Your generosity enables us to operate programs like the Don Bosco Youth Center in Istanbul, Turkey, which provides 300 refugee children with the support they need to build a brighter future. See pg. 2.
•
Respond immediately in times of urgent need. When disaster strikes, every minute counts. That’s why we need your support of our “Gift In Kind” program – which rallies an extensive network of “giving supply” partners to deliver emergency and humanitarian aid supplies immediately when needed. See pg. 10.
•
Rescue abandoned and kidnapped children in Ghana. Unless we act fast, these precious lives will be destroyed by human trafficking and exploitation. Thanks to your help, we responded by opening the new Don Bosco Child Protection Center. See pg. 20.
•
Rebuild lives still struggling to recover from Typhoon Haiyan. It’s been two years since the catastrophic storm impacted 16 million people and the need is still great. Caring friends like you make it possible for us to continue the recovery process through reconstruction, education and vocational training. See pg. 22.
•
Offer critical relief to the victims of devastating floods in Myanmar. Thousands of families are homeless and 1.2 million acres of farmland have been destroyed. We need you by our side as we provide food, housing and other essentials. See pg. 25.
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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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SALESIAN MISSIONS
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CURRENT SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZE OCTOBER 31, 2015 SRA. JOVITA RIVERA-VARGAS, OLIVEHURST CA WINNER OF GRAND PRIZE SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 MICHAEL A. HUML, LAKE GENEVA WI WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZE AUGUST 31, 2015 JOHN J. FREITAS, FRESNO CA WINNER OF GRAND PRIZE JULY 31, 2015 DORIS HORROCKS, CLIFTON PARK NY WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZE JUNE 30, 2015 ARLENE RUGRODEN, COON RAPIDS MN
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