Salesian newslink 34

S

Catholic Magazine

Zambia - Zimbabwe - Malawi - Namibia

N

Year 10 | Issue No. 34 May - August 2016

ALESIA

NEWSLINK

Smart Phone Addiction

Sacraments of the Church

Ministry to

the POOR

Mission of

Salesian Newslink | 1

The

Editor Fr. Diravya Rupen SDB Photos

Mr. Morgan Kabuswe, Fr.Andrew Reut SDB Fr.Rupen SDB Cover Page Photo

Mr. Morgan Kabuswe Advisory Council

Fr.George Chalissery SDB, Sr.Chanda FMA, Fr. Vincent Tembo SDB, Mr. Stephen Simasiku, Mrs. Regina Chitunda Financial Advisor

Bro. Walter Thyrniang SDB Editorial Team

Mr. Loius Mwewa, Fr. John Musonda SDB, Mr. Emmanuel Mwila Design, Layout & Printing

Fr.Diravya Rupen SDB, Mr. John Kamanga Printed at

Printing Press - ZMB Provincial House E-Mail

communication@sdbzmb.org

-Salesian NewslinkCatholic Magazine ZMB Quarterly Publication Year 10/N034 May - August 2016 2 | Salesian Newslink

Editorial emperors come and go; Fr. Diravya Rupen SDB governments change. Time revolves along with the green planet; things take new shape. Ideologies evolve; but the POOR remains the same. POVERTY is always seen at all times. At times we escape from the real problem of poverty by mentioning about and ministering to the ‘poor in religious and psychological sense.’ The problem of real and hardcore poverty remains the same. The capitalist mentality has greatly penetrated the Christian mindset and it deviates us from the origin. Whether we like it or not, God is partial to the poor and the marginalized. He chose the slave nation as the chosen race. The Christian movement itself was unique in the Roman world as one springing from the poor and lower class.

October 17 is the International day for the Eradication of Poverty, a day that started in 1993 by the UN ‘to promote awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries.’ This was inspired by the concrete and authentic work of Fr. Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988) who tried to fight against the worst forms of poverty, in collaboration with the very poor themselves and other partners. The solution to the problem of poverty lie in action, action from all of us. “There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.” (Mahatma Gandhi) Give us today our daily bread and come to us in the form of bread, O Lord! The Corporal Acts of Mercy are aimed to touch the lives of the suffering humanity. Pope Francis animates the Church towards authentic living of our Faith. “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why the poor have no food, they call me a communist.” (Hélder Câmara) The Global Consciousness in eradicating poverty should evolve.

In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.’ As Salesians let us have the preferential option and try to offer ourselves in the footsteps of Don Bosco for the poor youths. The Rector Major’s observation on Salesian Charism gives hope.

----------------------------------------------------------‘THINKING POINT’ of Bro. Walter sdb is reintroduced from this issue. He goes in tangent looking at the normal realities of life with different perspective. Fr. Amirtharaj sdb, a theologian from India is contributing a series on ‘HOLY SPIRIT.’ I thank other contributors who have shared their knowledge and faith through their Articles.

Inside....

Ministry to the Poor; Mission of the Poor | 20 Holy Spirit - 1 | 11

Thinking Point - 1 | 15 Smart-phone Addiction | 13

Know Your Faith - 2 | 16

Zambia in WYD | 30 Road to Emmaus - 3 | 18

Provincial’s Message | 4 Rector Major’s Message | 6 Communication & Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter | 8 Church News | 24 Salesian News | 25 ZMB Province News | 26 Film Review in Perspective: THE CROODS | 22 Stories of Enlightenment | 32 Thinktribute | 33 Salesian Newslink | 3

Provincial’s Message My Dear Friends, Greetings from Don Bosco Lusaka. I am glad that the new issue of Newslink is ready. Several important events have happened in the past few months that we need to remind ourselves of and cherish fond memories.

We had our Provincial Chapter from 12-19 April and on 20th we celebrated the Provincial Community Day. On June 4th we had the Priestly Ordination of Fr Simbarashe Muza Oscar, the first Salesian Priest from Zimbabwe.

The Priestly ordination of Fr John Musonda and Fr Martin Manh Hien was on 25th June at Kabwe. We congratulate them and wish them abundant joy and happiness in being Good Shepherds among the young, like our father Don Bosco.

Then there was the Final Profession of Bros. Joackim Mzanywa, Irvin Lumano, Vernon Lushibashi and Gabriel Mwenya at Don Bosco Hwange. We congratulate them for their determination to follow Jesus, walking in the footsteps of Don Bosco.

Towards the end of June we received a special gift from the Rector Major – the appointment of the new Superior of ZMB in the person of Fr Christopher Rychcik. We congratulate Fr Chris on this important responsibility entrusted to him and we support him with our prayers and our good will so that ZMB can go forward to new heights in helping the young to be happy and holy.

The 31st World Youth Day (26-31 July 2016) just concluded in Krakow, Poland. Pope Francis was a beacon of light and encouragement for the over 2.5 million young people and others gathered there. It was fitting that the place chosen was Krakow, the home of St John Paul II, who started the World Youth Day, back in the 1980s. Though elderly, he endeared himself to young people and had the vision of challenging young people to come close to God and not stay far away from God. He challenged them to be agents to carry the Gospel message among their own peers.

Pope Francis carried on this legacy of St John Paul II and challenged the young people, especially during this year of mercy, to be merciful, to take Salesian Newslink Newslink 44 || Salesian

to heart the practice of the 7 corporal works of mercy – to give food to the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to welcome the stranger, to heal the sick, to visit the imprisoned, to bury the dead and the 7 spiritual works of mercy – to counsel the doubtful, to instruct the ignorant, to admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, to forgive those who ill treat us, to bear wrongs patiently, to pray for the living and the dead. The theme of this year’s World Youth Day was from Jesus’ own words: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall find mercy” (Mt 5:7).

After the way of the Cross with the young, the Pope challenged young people to follow the example of Jesus, who gave himself completely for our salvation. “Humanity today needs men and women and especially young people like yourselves, who do not wish to live their lives half-way, young people ready to spend their lives freely in service to those of their brothers and sisters who are the poorest and most vulnerable” The Pope said that the antidote to hatred and terrorism and evil, is selfless service rendered to those suffering. The Pope even said that ‘if our Christian life is not one of service, we deny Christ!’. He challenged the youth to foster deep friendship with Christ, to be ready to give their best, to forgive, to build bridges and not walls and to be merciful in dealing with everyone. I am sure we too can follow the exhortation of Pope Francis to make the world, a world overflowing with mercy and kindness. May we all have ‘merciful hearts’ during this year dedicated to Divine Mercy.

Fr. Krzysztof Rychcik sdb the new superior of zmb

Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, with the consent of the General Council, appointed Fr. Krzysztof Rychcik as new Superior of the ViceProvince of Zambia (ZMB).

Fr. Rychcik was born on October 31st, 1959 in Turza, Poland, and entered in the Salesian novitiate of Czerwinsk, in Poland, in 1983. Later on he left as a missionary to Zambia, and pronounced his perpetual vows in Lusaka, in 1990.

He was ordained a priest in Kazembe on April 26th, 1992.

He was first Economer and then Vicar of the Salesian house of Utume, in Nairobi, in Kenya; then he was Rector of the house of Chawama and Vicar in Bauleni, two houses located in Lusaka.

Since 2008 he is Novice Master of ZMB Vice-Province, first in the house of Kabwe and then in Makeni.

Fr. Rychcik, who succeeds Fr. George Chalissery, is the fifth Superior of ZMB. (From ANS)

Thanking you and with best wishes and prayers, Yours affly, Fr George Chalissery SDB

Salesian SalesianNewslink Newslink | |55

6 | Salesian Newslink

Salesian Family is a beam of light in the midst of so much darkness.

I DREAM OF A SALESIAN FAMILY THAT CARRIES THE POOREST IN HER HEART

Rector Major’s Message

Another dream of mine for the Salesian Family and for the friends of Don Bosco all over the world, as the fruit of this Bicentenary we lived as a year of grace of the Lord, is what was the norm of his life: carrying in one’s heart the poorest, especially children, boys and girls, young people, the most destitute, the most disadvantaged.

As I am writing to you, I still have in my eyes and in my heart the eighteen-day visit I lived in Sierra Leone, where I could meet some of our authentic reasons of deep happiness: the boys collected from the streets, the girls set free from the sexual exploitation that enchained them, the youth who have become orphans because of Ebola. Seeing all of them in the Salesian house of Freetown, and seeing how their lives now had a different horizon, gave me the same joy Don Bosco felt in Valdocco and Maria Mazzarello felt in Mornese with their first youth.

Visiting the detention home of the capital, in an encounter with 10 per cent of the detainees (160 out of 1.600), of whom over 1200 were young people between 18 and 25 years of age, I had the same feelings as Don Bosco did at the “Generala” in Turin.

When in Accra, the capital of Ghana, I met our FMA sisters with the boys gathered in their house and when at “Don Bosco” I saw the children and youngsters who were victims of human trafficking, I could not help being moved and thanking the Lord who grants us the grace as Salesian Family to be a beam of light in the midst of so much darkness.

Rector Major’s Message

In Mecanisa, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), when I met rouses questions and carries a great testimonial the 500 children who every day at our place can strength; and do not have any doubt, that by have a full meal and attend school, and as I greeted living in this way you will not lack the means to the boys saved from the streets who were learning reach out to the poorest. Let us all remember the a profession or the 28 young people who every day solid trust of Don Bosco in Divine Providence. come from the streets to eat, stay with their friends and with the ...the poorest are the reason for our existence Salesians to decide whether to return to their wandering life or as Salesian Family, in the Church and that our to be part of the young pupils of dedication to them is the reason of our lives. the house, my heart beat in unison with Don Bosco’s heart who certainly sustained all this together with Jesus, who If this is the case, what else is there to do? The continues to ask us to go and reach out to the poorest. answer is to continue this journey of ascent until every Salesian, every Daughter of Mary Help of Because of this, dear brothers and sisters of our family Christians, every lay person of the Salesian Family and dear friends of Don Bosco, I once again repeat to of each of the thirty groups that form this great you my conviction that the poorest are the reason for tree sprouted from Don Bosco’s charism, in the our existence as Salesian Family, in the Church and depth of their soul feel regret not to be able to that our dedication to them is the reason of our lives. succour every poor boy or girl who are in need of us. If our heart has such a feeling, we will always I am convinced of how precious is the witness of find solutions and we will always be very faithful so many confrères who every day donate their lives to the preferential choice of the poorest youth. with true educative and evangelizing passion in favour of the young; I am convinced that many are In Evangelii Gaudium the Pope quotes a father the Salesian presences that look with predilection of the Church, St. John Chrysostom, who says: at the poor. “Not to share one’s wealth with the poor is to steal from them and to take away their livelihood. It the Salesian method to I give thanks to is not our own goods which we hold, but theirs”. illuminate the world the Lord for this and I repeat: The Pope reminds us of the globalization of in a prophetic and Dear brothers indifference that makes us incapable of feeling counter cultural way is and sisters, “we compassion at the outcry of the poor, in a go further culture of prosperity that deadens us (EG 54). well rooted in all of us must on, we must With great force he calls our attention on the go beyond”. “throw away” culture, which we have socially We must all have a heart as the one of the Good created and in which “the excluded are not the Shepherd, and the one of Don Bosco, as the one of “exploited”, but the outcast, the “leftovers” (EG 53). the holy men and women of this religious family that aims at giving the best of herself in favour In the light of this expression that is also a of the youth. We must unite this commitment fundamental and essential one of our charism, of ours to the one of all persons of good will. I tell you, dear friends, that in this direction we need not worry about the identity of our mission, Pope Francis in his message to consecrated people nor about our fidelity. We are in the right path! says: “Wake up the world, illuminate it with your prophetic and counter cultural witness!” I bless you all, that the Lord may continue to fill your lives with that fullness that only comes from Him. I truly think that the Salesian method to illuminate the world in a prophetic and counter cultural way is Don Angel Artime Fernadez SDB well rooted in all of us and in all our houses. Do not Rector Major, Salesain Congregation have the least doubt that by living and working in this way, even with no need of words, the message

Salesian Newslink | 7

Communication & Mercy: MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS FOR THE 50th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

A Fruitful Encounter

88 || Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink

Dear Brothers and Sisters, The Holy Year of Mercy invites all of us to reflect on the relationship between communication and mercy. The Church, in union with Christ, the living incarnation of the Father of Mercies, is called to practice mercy as the distinctive trait of all that she is and does. What we say and how we say it, our every word and gesture, ought to express God’s compassion, tenderness and forgiveness for all. Love, by its nature, is communication; it leads to openness and sharing. If our hearts and actions are inspired by charity, by divine love, then our communication will be touched by God’s own power.

As sons and daughters of God, we are called to communicate with everyone, without exception. In a particular way, the Church’s words and actions are all meant to convey mercy, to touch people’s hearts and to sustain them on their journey to that fullness of life which Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to bring to all. This means that we ourselves must be willing to accept the warmth of Mother Church and to share that warmth with others, so that Jesus may

Pope’s Message

be known and loved. That warmth is what gives that gives and him that takes” (The Merchant of substance to the word of faith; by our preaching and Venice, Act IV, Scene I). witness, it ignites the “spark” which gives them life.

Our political and diplomatic language would do well Communication has the power to build bridges, to to be inspired by mercy, which never loses hope. I ask enable encounter and inclusion, and thus to enrich those with institutional and political responsibility, society. How beautiful it is when people select their and those charged with forming public opinion, to words and actions with care, in the effort to avoid remain especially attentive to the way they speak misunderstandings, to heal wounded memories of those who think or act differently or those who and to build peace and harmony. Words can build may have made mistakes. It is easy to yield to the bridges between individuals and within families, temptation to social groups and peoples. This is possible both in exploit such ....the power to build the material world and the digital world. Our words s i t u a t i o n s bridges, to enable and actions should be such as to help us all escape to stoke the the vicious circles of condemnation and vengeance flames of encounter & inclusion, which continue to ensnare individuals and nations, mistrust, fear and thus to enrich society encouraging expressions of hatred. The words of and hatred.

Christians ought to be a constant encouragement Instead, courage is needed to guide people towards to communion and, even in those cases where they processes of reconciliation. It is precisely such must firmly condemn evil, they should never try to positive and creative boldness which offers real rupture relationships and communication. solutions to ancient conflicts and the opportunity to build lasting peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers, For this reason, I would like to invite all people of for they will be called children of God” (Mt 5:7-9) good will to rediscover the power of mercy to heal wounded relationships and to restore peace and How I wish that our own way of communicating, harmony to families and communities. All of us as well as our service as pastors of the Church, may know how many ways ancient wounds and lingering never suggest a prideful and triumphant superiority resentments can entrap individuals and stand in over an enemy, or demean those whom the world the way of communication and reconciliation. The considers lost and easily discarded. Mercy can help same holds true for relationships between peoples. mitigate life’s troubles and offer warmth to those In every case, mercy is able to create a new kind of who have known only the coldness of judgment. speech and dialogue. Shakespeare put it eloquently May our way of communicating help to overcome when he said: “The quality of mercy is not strained. the mindset that neatly separates sinners from the It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the righteous. We can and we must judge situations of place beneath. It is twice blessed: it blesseth him sin – such as violence, corruption and exploitation Salesian Newslink | 9

Pope’s Message

– but we may not judge individuals, since only God can see into the depths of their hearts. It is our task to admonish those who err and to denounce the evil and injustice of certain ways of acting, for the sake of setting victims free and raising up those who have fallen. The Gospel of John tells us that “the truth will make you free” (Jn 8:32). The truth is ultimately Christ himself, whose gentle mercy is the yardstick for measuring the way we proclaim the truth and condemn injustice. Our primary task is to uphold the truth with love (cf. Eph 4:15). Only words spoken with love and accompanied by meekness and mercy can touch our sinful hearts. Harsh and moralistic words and actions risk further alienating those whom we wish to lead to conversion and freedom, reinforcing their sense of rejection and defensiveness.

Some feel that a vision of society rooted in mercy is hopelessly idealistic or excessively indulgent. But let us try and recall our first experience of relationships, within our families. Our parents loved us and valued us for who we are more than for our abilities and achievements. Parents naturally want the best for their children, but that love is never dependent on their meeting certain conditions. The family home is one place where we are always welcome (cf. Lk 15:11-32). I would like to encourage everyone to see society not as a forum where strangers compete and try to come out on top, but above all as a home or a family, where the door is always open and where everyone feels welcome.

For this to happen, we must first listen. Communicating means sharing, and sharing demands listening and acceptance. Listening is much more than simply hearing. Hearing is about receiving information, while listening is about communication, and calls for closeness. Listening allows us to get things right, and not simply to be passive onlookers, users or consumers. Listening also means being able to share questions and doubts, to journey side by side, to banish all claims to absolute power and to put our abilities and gifts at the service of the common good.

the one who speaks to me (cf. Ex 3:5). Knowing how to listen is an immense grace, it is a gift which we need to ask for and then make every effort to practice.

Emails, text messages, social networks and chats can also be fully human forms of communication. It is not technology which determines whether or not communication is authentic, but rather the human heart and our capacity to use wisely the means at our disposal. Social networks can facilitate relationships and promote the good of society, but they can also lead to further polarization and division between individuals and groups. The digital world is a public square, a meeting-place where we can either encourage or demean one another, engage in a meaningful discussion or unfair attacks. I pray that this Jubilee Year, lived in mercy, “may open us to even more fervent dialogue so that we might know and understand one another better; and that it may eliminate every form of closedmindedness and disrespect, and drive out every form of violence and discrimination” (Misericordiae Vultus, 23). The internet can help us to be better citizens. Access to digital networks entails a responsibility for our neighbour whom we do not see but who is nonetheless real and has a dignity which must be respected. The internet can be used wisely to build a society which is healthy and open to sharing.

Communication, wherever and however it takes place, has opened up broader horizons for many people. This is a gift of God which involves a great responsibility. I like to refer to this power of communication as “closeness”. The encounter between communication and mercy will be fruitful to the degree that it generates a closeness which cares, comforts, heals, accompanies and celebrates.

In a broken, fragmented and polarized world, to communicate with mercy means to help create a Listening is never easy. Many times it is easier to play healthy, free and fraternal closeness between the deaf. Listening means paying attention, wanting to children of God and all our brothers and sisters in understand, to value, to respect and to ponder what the one human family. the other person says. It involves a sort of martyrdom From the Vatican, 24 January 2016 or self-sacrifice, as we try to imitate Moses before the Francis burning bush: we have to remove our sandals when standing on the “holy ground” of our encounter with 10 | Salesian Newslink

HOLY SPIRIT

Theology

Fr. Amirtharaj SDB

FATHER SON HOLY SPIRIT What do we mean by “the Holy Spirit”?

The simple and accurate answer is “God.” God is spirit, and God is distinguished from other spirits by being, in an unqualified sense, holy.

God is “the Holy One,” and that One is Spirit. Accordingly, “Holy Spirit” is a name for God.

Of course, there are other names for God. Muslims have a hundred.

Christians could list a good many, but a limited number are especially favoured. God is known as Creator, as Word (Logos) , as Wisdom (Sophia), as Lord (Kyrios), as Christ. The language of Father and Son has especially prominent in speaking of God because Jesus addressed God as Father (Abba), and is often spoken of as a or the Son of God. The term “Son,” then, is also applied to the risen Jesus and to that in God which was incarnate in the human Jesus –the Word or the Wisdom of God. The baptismal formula identifies God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the long, complex, and confusing history of Trinitarian doctrine deals with the relation among these three.

would probably be dealing with a Binity instead of a Trinity. Or, if we had followed Paul in focusing on the Wisdom of God, instead of following the prologue of John’s Gospel in speaking of God’s Word, the views of God throughout Christian history might have been less patriarchal.

In the course of the actual discussion there was a move from trying to distinguish the “p e r s ons” of the Trinity i n

Although one and the same God is named thus in many ways, the terms that are used do make a difference. In the early church some took from the story of the baptism the idea that the deity in Jesus was the Spirit that descended upon him. If that language had come to dominate the discussion, we Salesian Newslink | 11

terms of their operations in the world to recognizing that all three “persons” are involved in every act of God. For example, the Son and the Spirit can both be called Creator. Nevertheless, the term usually calls forth the image of the Father. Similarly, if we try to distinguish the risen Christ too sharply from the Holy Spirit, we are checked by the encounter with Paul’s assertion that the Lord (meaning Christ) is the Spirit (2 Cor. 3:17). When we want to emphasize God’s immanence in the world, we can speak of any member of the Trinity. Nevertheless, it is especially as Holy Spirit that we speak of God’s presence to us and, in particular, in us.

I have emphasized this point so that we will never get into arguments about whether it is right to attribute this or that divine action to one divine person or another. The Bible is not terminologically consistent in this respect. As long as we understand that these are human terms about God, this is not a problem. When the church has reified the persons in such a way as to imply their separate existence, great damage has been done. Muhammad might well have become a Christian had not the Trinitarian teaching he encountered sounded polytheistic to him.

The official basis for the split of Christendom between Western Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy was over the question of whether the Spirit proceeds from the Son as well as from the Father. Too often people are told that their spiritual condition depends upon affirming paradoxical statements about God as Three and God as One. Accordingly, we should recognize that everything God does is done by the Holy Spirit. Nevertheless, the topic of the Holy Spirit leads us, quite properly, to focus on some aspects of God’s work in the world rather than others. For example, when we think of God as the ultimate source of order in the world, although it would not be theoretically wrong to attribute this to the Holy Spirit, it would run against the rhetorical grain.

(To be continued)

12 | Salesian Newslink

An Ambassador Sent by

God

A shoot sprang from the tree of Turin A product beyond being human Not simply a legislator but a mediator Chained in a dungeon of poverty One would ask who was he like.

Was it a vegetative being?

Or could it be a sensate being, Perhaps some kind of a mixed being Oh l see that was a rational being.

The only seer of the vision The only one capable to quick action The only advocate of a new revolution The only legend of restoration The only patron of a young generation The only shepherd of souls who lead them to heaven.

Ready to offer his being for the beings Quick to read the signs of the times Sensitive to the needs of the young Flexible to grasp the language of the young.

Don Bosco the saint John Bosco the genius Melchior Bosco the educator Giovanni Bosco the father Hence a declaration: an Ambassador from God.

Novice Comfort Nyati

Feature Article

Fr. Lazar Arasu SDB Nothing is more annoying than to be seated with a friend or spouse who ignores your presence and keeps scrolling through Smart-phone updating facebook time line, replying whatsapp messages or engrossed in some internet sites. It is a kind of an addiction that is catching up with many people.

Many may think that this addiction is only among teenagers and young adults, but in reality it is affecting people in other age brackets. Respected people in the society such as parents, priests, teachers and office goers are suffering from this modern plague.

In the ordinary events of the day dealing with people suffering from Smart-phone addiction is not only annoying, it is disgusting and frustrating.

It is not uncommon to see young shop attendants too absorbed with their mobile handsets at the expense of business. In the middle of a conversation a receptionist grabs the phone from her bag to check the incoming message. It is an insult to the person who is waiting for a service, it is impolite and disrespect to say the least. In such situations I have walked out of shops and offices.

Addiction to digital communication is Nomophobia. It is fear of being without your

Smart-phone or not having connected to internet. This has to be treated as an addiction similar to drugs abuse and alcoholism. Addictions are obsessive behaviour that is acquired through repeated action or behaviour. Social scientist Moby says, “What fascinates me about addiction and obsessive behaviour is that people would choose an altered state of consciousness that’s toxic and ostensibly destroys most aspects of your normal life, because for a brief moment you feel okay.”

On May 3, 2016 CNN website posted, “Nearly 80% of teens in the new survey said they checked their phones hourly, and 72% said they felt the need to immediately respond to texts and social networking messages.

Thirty-six percent of parents said they argued

Smartphone Addiction

Nomophobia

Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink || 13 13

Feature Article

with their child daily about device use, and 77% of parents feel their children get distracted by their devices and don’t pay attention when they are together at least a few times per week.”

Talking about parents’ own addiction to the Smart-phone, the same internet site said, “Sixty-nine percent of parents check their devices at least hourly compared to the 78% of teens who say they do that, and nearly half, 48%, of parents feel they need to immediately respond to texts and social networking messages.” As compared to the teenagers, 28% of parents share the same addictive behaviour with their children.

It is largely a survey conducted in the USA, but the situation in Zambia is not far from this. The 2014 statistics, made through ZICTA, shows that 77% of the Zambian population have mobile phone access, meaning 7.7 persons out of 10 people. There are currently over 10.5 million mobile network subscribers. ..

The consequences of Smart-phone/internet addiction are almost the same as drug addiction.

The symptoms are very evident at every moment of the day. The common symptoms are: increased level of stress, the addicted person is stressed in mind, fingers, and body; insomnia, the user wastes away the precious moment of sleep engaged in facebook chat that are of no importance; loss of sleep may lead to more stress, less productivity, lower energy levels, difficulty in concentrating, and lower brain activity.

Another important negative consequence is anxiety. The addicted person has a constant urge of checking the phone and when finding no message causing stress or even anger. It also has adverse effect on relationship.

Relationships have been broken due to mis-texting or non-texting. The Smartphone addicts find it hard to stay away from their gadgets.

They feel strong withdrawal symptoms and suffer depression when they cannot have their phones.

14 | Salesian Newslink

Constant use of phones with various applications has made users to depend on the gadget. People have lost their training in memory, decreased in their creative ability, and have missed out in their learning experience. We have allowed the gadget to work instead of we working. In the unpleasant situations of over use of phones when parents, loved ones, supervisors and workmates challenge the phone-user they even become aggressive and nonresponsive. The users also do not like their gadgets to be handled by others, thus becoming possessive and suspicious.

In all these moments of addiction and negative consequences, the addicted person involves in the addictive habit well knowing that it he or she is wrong and overlooks on the ability to stop the habit. They tend to ignore the health risks, loss of productivity and a stunt growth in creativity and personal maturity. It is needless to say on the negative impact on relationship and family life.

As this addiction is catching up in developed and emerging societies many stakeholders have spoken against the improper use of this technology that is not bad in itself. Pope Francis has a few sensible admonition: “A family that almost never eats together, or that never speaks at the table but looks at the television or the Smart-phone, is hardly a family... When children at the table are attached to the computer or the phone and don’t listen to each other, this is not a family, this is a prison!”

His ideas on social media and social networking calls for thought. “Social networking can make us feel that we are well-connected, when in reality we are becoming detached from those closest to us and living as autonomous individuals rather than as members of a family.”

Thinking Point BRO. Walter Thyrniang SDB

Success

Recently I found a facebook update that triggered deeper reflection on a point that I have been thinking often for a long time. While being with students in the education institutions in the past ten (10) years or more, I used to reflect who among them would be successful in life?

From my personal back ground and the education system, which is still very academic oriented I see that the normal conclusion is; the First Class students are the best, those who pass somehow are not serious and those who fail or who drop out of school will be failures in life.

That may not be the future outcome.

Generally those who get Distinctions go to Medical or Engineering Colleges. They become doctors and technicians and work very hard for others. The Second Class usually do Masters in Business Administration or Accountancy to manage or administer and pay the first category. Those who pass with Third Division, study humanity and social subjects to become activists, politicians and some become priests. They make policies and shape the society.

They tell others what to do. Those who drop out, did not make it to university or not educated are entrepreneurs who could employ others and all the classes depend on them to survive.

Some even become hermits and spiritual leaders to whom others go for guidance and advice.

Who can be successful and what is Success. What do you think?

Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink || 15 15

YOUR

KNOW

Catechesis

FAITH

Mrs. Regina M. Chitunda

Sacraments 2 of the Church

Introduction In the December 2015 magazine (Issue 33), I featured an introductory article on the understanding of Catechesis, which is any evangelising activity directed at ‘making disciples of all people’ the role for which the “Church exists” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, EN 14). This role or mission comes from Jesus’ Great Commissioning (Mt 28:19-20). In this edition, we continue to ‘understand our faith’ starting with the Sacraments through which we become children of God and are initiated into full communion with the Catholic Church. We will give the etymology of the word Sacrament and discuss the Sacraments needed in a Christian’s life.

What is a Sacrament?

Its origin is from the Latin word Sacramentum which means a sacred ‘public pledge of fidelity’.

Eastern Churches speak of a Sacrament as a mysterion, a Greek word meaning ‘hidden reality’ (O’Collins, Gerald, SJ and Farrugia Edward G, SJ. A Concise Dictionary of Theology Edinburg: T & T Clark, 2000).

Rites by which the sacraments are celebrated signify and make present the graces proper to each An efficacious sign of sacrament. They bear fruit in grace instituted by those who receive them with the Christ and entrusted required disposition”. Sacraments to the Church, by are “powers that come forth” which divine life is from the body of Christ which is dispensed on us ever-living and life-giving. They are actions of the Holy Spirit at work in his body, the Church.

They are “masterworks of God” in the new and The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1131) everlasting covenant (CCC 1116). Christopher defines a Sacrament as: “an efficacious sign of grace West, a Theologian, describes the sacrament as instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, “where heaven and earth kiss”, where God and by which divine life is dispensed on us. The visible humanity become one in the flesh – sacraments 16 | Salesian Newslink

bridge the gap between Creator and creature (West, 2004, p48).

Note: efficacy – Sacraments are efficacious by the very fact that sacramental action is performed and because it is Christ who acts in the Sacraments and communicates the grace they signify (CCC1127-1128, 1131).

This being the case then, the efficacy of the Sacraments does not depend on the holiness of the minister administering them but the fruits of the Sacrament will depend on the disposition of the one who receives them, thus, if for example the person receiving Holy Communion believes and is convinced that it is Christ he/she is receiving, then the graces proper to the Sacrament will be conferred upon the recipient.

Christ has entrusted the Sacraments to his Church, they are “from her” (they are actions of Christ) and they are “for her” (they build up the Church) CCC 1117-1119. Sacraments do not only presuppose faith, but with words and ritual elements, they nourish, strengthen and express it (CCC 1122-1126). By celebrating the Sacraments, the Church professes the faith that comes from the apostles: the Church believes as she prays (CCC 1133)

The Church has seven sacraments grouped in three categories:

Catechesis

Sacraments at the Service of Communion and Sacraments of initiation: Mission: These are initiatory sacraments that make one a full member of the Roman Catholic Church. The Sacraments are three starting with Baptism, then Eucharist and Confirmation (or they

can run in the order: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist depending on pastoral situation).

Sacraments of initiation establish the foundations of Christian life (CCC 1212, 1275).

Sacraments of Healing :

They heal spiritually as well as physically. These are: Anointing of the Sick and Penance (or Reconciliation or as it is commonly known, Confession).

They are Sacraments which strengthen us when we are weakened or even lost as a result of sin (CCC 1420-1421; 1426).

They contribute to ecclesial communion and to the salvation of others. These are Sacraments through which we serve others and God. These are: Holy Matrimony or Marriage and Holy Order or Priesthood (CCC 1533-1535) A Sacrament comes about after Form (words pronounced) and Matter (certain appropriate elements are used). For example, in the Sacrament of Baptism, the words we hear are “I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. The elements used, the symbols we see are: water, white cloth, candle, oil of the catechumen. This is what we term Form and Matter. These differ according to each Sacrament.

I leave you with this bit to chew for now. In the next episode, I will be explaining in detail what these Sacraments are and their significance starting with the Sacraments of Initiation.

Don’t forget to look out for the next episode of the magazine so you can continue nurturing your faith by reading the “Know your Faith” corner. Stay blessed.

Salesian Newslink | 17

Spiritual Wellbeing

The two disciples on the road committed themselves to a 7 mile journey. Seven in the bible alludes to completeness. On the seventh day God rested. Peter asks whether he should forgive seven times – completely. So the road to Emmaus is a complete journey of faith.

The two disciples embarked on a journey of commitment on which they met Christ. Jesus himself tells that, to be with him, we have to embark on a journey… “if anyone wants to be a follower of mine.. (Mat 16:24).

Fr. Eustace Siame SDB

We are living in a world in which commitment has been brutally challenged – it is submerged under the tyranny of casualism. It is an age in which what is casual has become the normsimply stated a multitude of humanity is afraid to commit itself to anything. In our time many subscribe to very short term commitments, anything that does not call for long term submission to duty. Part time things are now a norm. The word sacrifice is in intensive care unit, with fewer cases of heroism and martyrdom. Many young people now prefer part time jobs because they are not demanding – they only require that you give part of your precious time to your job and the rest of the time to yourself.

3

Commitment 18 || Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink 18

Spiritual Wellbeing people in this situation look at you and laugh, as if to say commitment is for the old-fashioned.

This tyranny of casualism has not spared even those of us who claim to have committed ourselves through our religious profession.

We often behave like hired servants!

One foot in, one foot out!

A hired servant is someone with no sense of belonging because this person knows that she is just being paid

A lot of others get into voluntary service not because they want to prove to the world that they can be committed – no! It is because of these periodical commitments – they are for while. It seems in our time there is no time to give time to anything.

for what she is doing.

Here the two disciples commit themselves to a 7 mile journey – and this is not an hour’s journey.

We have to admit that commitment is in crisis. It is in a state of emergency. I visited a young couple preparing for a church wedding in Poland some time back and this was a mixed couple. The gentleman being Zambian and the lady Polish. The Polish lady told me that her friends were laughing at her that she had chosen to marry in church. The friends’ worry was – how was she going to divorce if she married in church? So having a wedding in our time means preparing for a divorce. To answer to this fear of commitment, some countries in the West are advocating for contract marriages, in which one can live with the spouse for three years, if things go well they can make their renewals.

Otherwise the marriage ends after three years.

Jesus tells us, “no one can serve two masters; for either he will hate one and love the other” (Matt 6:24). This is half hearted commitment! Jesus is again able to say “where your treasure is….. (Matt 6:21).

One thing we clearly forget is that being a religious is a seven mile journey that requires that I learn to forgo a lot of things in my life.

A committed person is one whose heart and soul is in what that person is doing. May God restore in us this singleheartedness that we may be dependable sources of progress in the lives of many.

Here in Zambia we have a lot of people co-habiting.

One can walk out anytime and when you mention something to do with lifelong commitment, young Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink || 19 19

Cover Story

Ministry to

the POOR

Mission of

Born into poverty, Fr. Joseph Wresinski (1917–1988) established major landmarks throughout his life in the fight against the worst forms of poverty, in collaboration with the very poor themselves and other partners. He also developed a blueprint for a civilisation without exclusion based on his work in the field of human activity, a civilisation with the contributions of all people, and for the benefit of all.

In 1987, Fr. Wresinski launched the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (17 October), later recognised by the United Nations General Assembly.

20 || Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink 20

On 6 July 2016, Pope Francis received the pilgrims from France and reiterated his closeness to those who experience situations of pain. “Pray for the perpetrators of your poverty, that they may convert”. This is the “mission” that Pope Francis entrusted to the 200 participants on pilgrimage from the dioceses of the French province of Lyons — led by Cardinal Philippe Barbarin , among whom were many people who live in conditions of social hardship.

During the lengthy audience with the poor from France, the Pope spoke of the “capacity to welcome”, which, based on Jesus’ example, should characterize every Christian, regardless of his/her story or the burden he/she bears. Pope Francis compared them, in his address, to Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the biblical scene of the flight into Egypt. They too, he said, “were troubled by persecution: but God was there”. So, it is the responsibility of the Christians to minister to the poor and the mission of the poor is to pray for the perpetrators of poverty and to feel the presence of God at their hardships. Fr Joseph Wresinski was one such person who ministered poor and tried to contribute authentically for their welfare. He spent his whole life working to build a society without misery and recognizing the dignity of those who are marginalized. This year, 2016 is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fr Joseph Wresinski.

Joseph Wresinski was born to immigrant parents in a poor neighbourhood of Angers, France. He grew up in a family which suffered from great Wherever men poverty and social and women are exclusion. In 1946, condemned to live he was ordained as a in poverty, human priest and served in rights are violated industrial and rural parishes where, right from the beginning, he related to the most deprived families.

In 1956, Father Joseph Wresinski was assigned by his bishop to be a chaplain to 250 families placed in a emergency housing camp in Noisy-le-Grand, near Paris. The families lived in quonset huts erected in a muddy field. He said about his years in Noisy-leGrand: “The families in that camp have inspired everything I have undertaken for their liberation.

They took hold of me, they lived within me, they

Cover Story

carried me forward, they pushed me to found the Movement with them.”

In 1957, Father Joseph Wresinski and the families of the camp founded the first association which was later to become ATD Fourth World (ATD stands for ‘All Together in Dignity’). They replaced soup kitchens and the distribution of old clothes with a library, a kindergarden and a chapel. Joined by the first few volunteers, he soon created a research institute on extreme poverty which brought together researchers from different countries and disciplines.

Since it started, the development of ATD Fourth World has been inspired

by Father Joseph’s own experience as a child in a poverty-stricken family and by his daily contacts with very poor families and members of the Mo v e m e n t’s Vo l u n t e e r Corps.

Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink || 21 21

Cover Story Father Joseph’s firm purpose was to unite all sections of society around the very poorest. With this aim he met leaders of state, churches and international bodies from all over the world. He believed that every man or woman he met represented a chance for the poorest people and he was determined that ATD Fourth World would remain open to people of all cultures, faiths and races.

His appointment to France’s Economic and Social Council in 1979 was a significant step in his quest for official representation for very poor people. With the publication of the Wresinski Report in 1987, he succeeded in gaining recognition of the poor as partners in society.

On 17th October 1987, in the presence of 100,000 people from every social background and continent, Father Joseph Wresinski unveiled a commemorative stone in the Trocadero Human Rights Plaza in Paris. On this marble his call is engraved: “Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.”

Since then the commemorative stone has become a rallying point for people from all walks of life. They gather to bear witness to the very poorest people in the world and to make a personal commitment to join forces with them in abolishing poverty and social exclusion.

October 17th was declared “International Day for the Eradication of Poverty” by the United Nations in 1992. In several countries, on the 17th of each month, people gather for a short commemoration in honour of people who suffer from extreme poverty, and to renew their commitment to them.

Strong in the awareness of the presence of the Lord within the suffering humanity, embracing Fr Wresinski’s ideal of a “shared life”, we need to enter into the “disposition [of mind]” of those living in poverty, and to “restore to them, life, identity and dignity” (in the words of Pope Francis). Recalling the exhortation in the Gospel, “Woe to the rich, to the elders, to those who enjoy being flattered”, the Pope asked the poor to pray for the conversion of those who “have no compassion”, and that they “smile at them” from the heart. Don Bosco’s mission too was oriented towards the poorest of the poor youngsters. As Fr. Joseph Wresinski, in the footsteps of Don Bosco, let us try to achieve dignity for the poor youngsters in a concrete and authentic way.

22 22 || Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink

Novice Elijah Lowole The Croods is a movie about a family from a cave which faces difficulties in making a transition towards a different way of life. This film can be related in many ways to the Salesian way of life. In the sense that the members of the family stay together, love each other, help one another and work together. For example in working together, they fetch food as a family and protect each other. We also see this spirit in the Salesian life. The members work together, eat together and help one another to follow the Lord in the footsteps of Don Bosco. Hence, we can say that the community is the best school of love.

Novice Comfort Nyathi ... with regard to the community life and the role of the rector, what can be learned from THE CROODS is as follows: Dad GRUG as head of the family has a fatherly heart. He is so concerned about the welfare of his family starting from his young daughter to his old mother such that after surviving a calamity he would count them to ensure that no one is found missing. In the Salesian community the Rector has to ensure the welfare of all members. We should bear in mind that,

Relating

to y t i l a u t i r i p S n a i s e “t o the Sal

live and work together is for us Salesians a fundamental requirement and a sure way of fulfilling our vocation�. The members of the Croods family live and work together. Even hunting is a team effort, in getting the egg from the nest until its consummation. They plan tactically and execute the mission well.

Novice Thomas Frank Zelelwende Communication brings about good coordination or collaboration in a group of people. The family of the Croods is able to work and to live together effectively because of their capacity to communicate whether verbally or nonverbally.

Communication ensures that things keep moving in daily life. Often in an environment where people are not able to communicate things stand still and go bad.

In the movie, communication makes them move forward. It helps them in escaping dangers and running towards tomorrow. In daily life, it is important to communicate.

Novice Gift Eddie Blair Two salesian themes stand out in THE CROODS, namely: creativity and sacrifice. A Salesian should be creative. GUY -The new guy in the movie stands for bringing creative ideas and new tactics in dealing with all troubles of life. He becomes an inspiration for the family of Croods who in turn become creative. Moreover, a good Salesian should be ready to make any sacrifice for the sake of saving souls. DAD-GRUG, dares to make sacrifice to save his family from destruction by throwing them to the

Film Review in Perspective

other side. For himself, he never bothers whether he would stay alive and survive alone. Once he comes up with the idea of survival, he does not focus on his own safety alone, but he jumps out of the comfort zone and saves other creatures too. In saving others the salesian finds his own salvation.

Novice Paul Nkandu The aspect of welcoming in the Salesian house is seen in EEP, the teenage girl who welcomed the boy. The community receives each confrere with an open heart. It accepts the way he is and fosters his growth to maturity. It offers him the opportunity to use and develop his gifts of nature and grace. From GUY the New Guy, we can take the aspect of initiative and flexibility with which he finds solution for the problems during journey and helps the CROODS. Novice Alexander Noah The movie of the Croods reminds us of the Salesian family spirit. The Croods made their home and lived for a long time in a cave. GRUG -DAD in the movie represents the rector of the community. EEPTeenage Rebel, represents the young confreres who are inquisitive to know and discover new things.

GUY-The New Guy represents young people who come to our places pregnant with ideas. The other members of the Croods (Ugga, Gran, Thunk, Sandy and Belt) signify confreres with different temperament but they work together and contribute to the welfare of the family. Working together and sharing of goods are the central elements of the family spirit. Another interesting part of the movie is towards the climax, when the destruction takes place. GRUG, the remnant of Caveman is still in his own world-view and rejects new things and ideas; for him the cave is everything and nothing could surpass it. Later when he witnesses the destruction he allows himself towards the new thinking and new ideas of GUY. Then he initiates change and fosters hope in the other members of the family.

He helps them reach the promised land. Thus they avoid destruction being in the cave and they are able to begin a new life. This teaches all confreres to be humble, open minded and to go with the signs of the times.

Salesian SalesianNewslink Newslink ||23 23

Church News

Pope Francis: Not right to identify Islam with violence Pope Francis has condemned the habit of linking Islam with terrorism, saying that “nearly all religions” have a “small group of fundamentalists”. Reporters aboard asked him why he never uses the world “Islam” to describe terrorism or other violence. “It’s not right to identify Islam with violence. It’s not right and it’s not true,” he replied. “I don’t like to talk of Islamic violence because every day, when I go through the newspapers, I see violence,” the pope said, in apparent reference to news of crime in the predominantly Catholic country of Italy. “And these are baptized Catholics. If I speak of Islamic violence, then I have to speak of Catholic violence.” Noting he has spoken with imams, he concluded: “I know how they think, they are looking for peace.”

As for the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant group, he said it “presents itself with a violent identity card, but that’s not Islam”. (source: Agencies)

du-Rouvray, a suburb of Rouen, Northern France. The assailants took hostages, and were themselves shot dead by police.

Muslims across France and Italy attended the Funeral Mass on 31 July 2016 in showing solidarity with Catholics.

GO FORTH, THE WYD is ended....

Pope Francis thanked Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, Archbishop of Krakow, for his service in hosting the event, and he also thanked the youth themselves for their presence and their faith. “You filled Krakow with the contagious enthusiasm of your faith,” Francis said. After spending several days in prayer and fraternity, the youth have received “a spiritual ‘breath “We’re very touched. It’s an of fresh air,’” he said, which will important gesture of fraternity,” help them to “live lives of mercy Archbishop Dominique Lebrun of Rouen told a French television station July 31, the BBC reported.

THE NEXT WYD: 2019 IN PANAMA

“I am happy to announce that the next World Youth Day will take once you return to your own place in 2019 in Panama,” the countries and communities.”

Pope said July 31.

Giving the example of Mary, he said, “She tells us to do what she did: not to squander the gift you have received, but to treasure it in your heart...”By doing this, each person, with all their faults and limitations, “can be a witness to Christ wherever you live: at home, in your parishes, in your Pope Francis officially closed associations and groups, and your WYD in Krakow, thanking the places of study, work, service, thousands of youth who traveled entertainment…wherever God’s across the world to participate. providence will lead you.” He He made the announcement invoked Holy Spirit “to enlighten Murder of Fr. Hamel after celebrating the closing Mass and sustain” the journey of youth Fr. Jacques Hamel, an elderly for the July 26-31 WYD event so that they may become both priest was killed July 26 by two in Krakow, and before leading disciples and witnesses of God’s Islamic State terrorists while youth in the traditional Marian mercy. saying Mass in Saint-Étienne- Angelus prayer. (Source: EWTN News) --24 | Salesian Newslink

Salesian News WYD 2016 – SYM Forum

The SYM Forum was attended by representatives of Salesian provinces from 41 countries during the WYD, in Poland on 27 July. They were welcomed

by Fr Fabio Attard, Councillor General of the Salesians for Youth Ministry, and Sister Runita Borja, Councillor of FMA for Youth Ministry. The young people reflected on the challenges that the world puts before them in doing the works of mercy. The SYM message to the world, was formulated. The dialogue of young people with Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major and Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Mother General of the FMA became the central event.

Mother General emphasized that our task is to look at other people with empathy, as Pope Francis teaches us and the whole Church, with due attention to the clear understanding of the person according to the divine plan. Fr Ángel Fernández Artime pointed out that in the context of the Beatitudes, Jesus’ name is Mercy.

Recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Lord of our lives means that we have the right to live with hope. When we read the Beatitudes our lives can change.

Don Bosco Amidst Us

The presence of the Rector Major and the Mother General in the SYM Forum marked the presence of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. About six thousand young people made the EXPO halls as a big Valdocco courtyard. The young people presented games, dances and folk songs. In one of the rooms, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for adoration. “We are all Salesians and all carry in our hearts the spirit of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello,” the words of Mother Yvonne were received by the young people with great enthusiasm. Fr Ángel Fernández Artime told all the young people, from different parts of the world, that he wanted every Salesian house to be another Valdocco and another Mornese, with Salesian activities that will lead young people to a personal encounter wit with Jesus, so that He can touch their hearts.

Rector Major Met the Superiors of Africa Madagascar

the Region’s Superiors and an occasion to celebrate together, thus rendering visible our vocation and at the same time proclaiming our faith.

It was indeed an excellent occasion to meet the Rector Major both personally and as a group. The worldwide vision of the Congregation was presented to the superiors on several different themes. The opportunity to exchange through a fruitful dialogue taking into consideration the various situations of each Province, or Vice-province or Delegation was so meaningful. Fr. Eusebio Muñoz, the Rector Major’s Delegate for the Salesian Family, intervened and gave a very interesting talk. Fr. Giuseppe Casti, World Delegate for Salesian Cooperators, also intervened and delivered us an important message. At the end, all managed to enjoy some moments of relaxation through a visit to a small National Park followed by another kind of visit, this time to confreres and novices of the Madagascar Vice-Province.

The aim of the meeting in Madagascar from 7 - 9 April 2016 was to manifest the unity existing between the Rector Major and Salesian Newslink | 25

ZMB Province News

8 Provincial Chapter th

The Vice Province of ZMB (Zambian, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Namibia) began its 8th Provincial Chapter at the provincial house in Lusaka – Zambia. The chapter which run from 16th to 19th April 2016, sought to continue the assessment and implementation of the 27th General Chapter (GC27) themed “Witnesses to Gospel Radicalism”. The chapter comprised of 30 members thus 25 delegates with a right to vote and 5 observers.

It was declared open by Fr. George Chalissery SDB, the Provincial of ZMB on 16th April 2016, at Provincial House, Chawama, Lusaka . The chapter commenced with the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over

by Most. Rev. Bp. Clement Mulenga sdb.

The first two days of the Provincial Chapter were dedicated to group sharing and presentation of the reports on the three aspects of living radical witness to the Gospel as found in the GC27 that is Mystic in the spirit, prophets of fraternity and servants of the young. This was to evaluate and assess the implementation of GC27.

The Forth Day (19th April) was dedicated to review of the provincial directory. The following themes of the provincial

The chapter members were divided into three groups each focusing on a particular aspect of living Witness to Gospel Radicalism. The first two days were concluded with a

unanimous adoption of the final text after it was subjected to a vote. | Salesian Newslink 2626 | Salesian Newslink

The c h ap t e r continued on the third day focusing on Reshaping the Presences of the Province. The 13 communities of the Province were divided into four groups to facilitate the group discussions.

Groups deliberations were done and presented to the assembly. This was followed by a unanimous adoption of the document after a vote.

directory were divided into 4 groups: youth ministry, Salesian formation, Salesian family, communication, missions, administration and policy on funerals. After group deliberations and presentation to the assembly the provincial directory was adopted after being subjected to a vote.

Inauguration of PDO Office On 28th March 2016, the PDO office was inaugurated on the occasion of the conclusion of the extraordinary visitation by Fr. Americo, the regional for Africa-Madagascar.

At the presence of Fr. George Chalissery, the provincial and all the council members, he blessed the building. The Salesian Novices added real colour during the blessing with their singing, accompanied by Bro.Walter with guitar. The support of the Salesian Cooperators was also very much felt. Br. Walter SDB, the Economer thanked all those who contributed to the construction of PDO Office esp. the Salesian Cooperators and the benefactors. In a special way he remembered Fr. Loius Malama SDB, the former Economer who initiated this work.

PERPETUAL PROFESSION

1st Anniversary of Fr Peter Malec SDB

The First Anniversary of the death of Fr Peter Malec SDB was celebrated on 6th May. After the celebration of the Eucharist in Bauleni, the tomb stone was unveiled and blessed by Fr. George Chalissery sdb at Kasisi.

The presence of people from Lufubu was so laudable which showed their love for Fr. Peter Malec, who was their loving shepherd. The Mission Procure in Warsaw funded the building of the tombstone.

On the 30th of July 2016 at St. Theresa Parish Empumalanga in Hwange, Zimbabwe, four Salesian brothers made their final vows, namely Irvin Lumano sdb, Vernon Lushibashi sdb, Gabriel Mwenya sdb and Joackim Mzanywa sdb. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Bishop of Hwange, Albert Jose Serrano who reminded all the religious never to doubt their vocation. To make the vows of obedience, poverty and chastity is really to swim upstream and is really counter cultural. Amidst people who want to be “free�, obedience goes against the trend.

In a consumeristic world, poverty is witnessing the gospel. Being Chaste is nothing but challenging the pan-sexual trend. In a word religious life is truly relevant.

Salesian Newslink | 27

THE NEW PRIESTS Fr. Simbarashe Oscar Muza SDB, the first Salesian Priest has been raised from Zimbabwe. He was ordained priest

by His Grace, Most Rev. Robert Ndlovu, the Archbishop of Harare, on 4 June 2016 (the feast of Immaculate Heart of Mary) at All Saints Parish in Kambuzuma.

More than two thousand people were present to celebrate this event. Fr. Chota Tresford SDB, preached during homily on the meaning of priesthood where Deacon Simba sat on the floor in a humble and obedient manner listening.

He exhorted him to be prayerful and to embrace Christ without replacing Him with money, women or status. Fr. George Chalissery sdb, the provincial of ZMB Vice province thanked the parents and the family of Fr. Simba for allowing him to heed the Call of God. This event brought great joy and admiration to the people of this parish. The visitors from Zambia, Namibia, Malawi and Poland graced the occasion. Fr. Simba is the first fruit of 21 years of Salesian presence in Zimbabwe and it is going to inspire a lot of young people to follow Christ in Don Bosco’s way.

On 25th June, Fr. John Musonda sdb and Fr. Martin Nguyen Manh Hien sdb were ordained priests together with 5 other deacons from the diocese of Kabwe by Bishop Clement Mulenga SDB. It was at the parish of St Monica.

From all the communities of the Province, our confreres were present to witness this event and to support the young priests of this vice province. Several Salesian Sisters and Salesian Cooperators were also present.

Representation from Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and other parts of Zambia was very much noted. Fr. John Musonda sdb and Fr. Martin Nguyen sdb completed their theological studies from Don Bosco Utume, Kenya. They embraced Micah 6,8 as their motto of their priestly ministry: “…to do Justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with God.”

28 || Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink 28

The presence of Br. Jean-Paul Muller, the Economer General at the provincial house brought a clarity of thought regarding the issues of administration on one hand and the issues affecting the figure of the Salesian brother on the other. In short the Administrators’ meeting on 2nd – 3rd August, 2016 and the meeting of the Salesian Brothers on 3rd – 4th August, 2016 are considered to bring fruit in all those who attended.

Meetings of Administrators & Brothers

The Meeting of Administrators

During the first part of the meeting, the provincial opened the session by welcoming the Economer General to the province and gave the rationale of the meeting and initiated the discussion on certain administrational issues like transparency, cars in communities, charity etc. A session on Money Manager

by Fr. Denis Higgins and Accounting Principles by Mrs Ngoma were also in place during the meeting. During the session with the administrators, the Economer General challenged the province to reflect on its ‘role and work’ through the study and analysis of its activities and mission and to reformulate them according to the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and transparency.

He urged the administrators to uphold the aspects of planning, communication and good management practices because they are the pillars of their work. He went on to say that the administrators belong to the congregation and should contribute to improve the situation according to their abilities.

Animation by

Br. Jean-Paul Muller The Economer General The Meeting of Salesian Brothers

At the very beginning of the session the Salesian Brothers of ZMB are asked to share the joys, the challenges encountered and the hopes for the future. After this Brother Jean-Paul Muller came in and highlighted that “the presence of Salesian lay people enriches the apostolic action of the communities; it expresses the values of secular religious life for Salesian priests and constantly reminds them to work side by side with lay people. It reminds the Salesian priests that their apostolic vision and commitment must be real and is complex and goes beyond mere priestly and catechetical activities”. He further stated that the brothers must be the backbone of Salesian action with young people because of their secular nature and through that they can understand better certain aspects and concerns of today’s youth, who sometimes find it difficult to express them to their priestly brothers. So a brother needs to transmit a sense of proximity and sharing, he needs to listen and guide young people towards a life paved with Christian values and intentions.

The Economer General concluded that our role as coadjutors bring important benefits to the congregation. We must always serve as an example in the way we work and express our Salesian convictions. Don Bosco said: “I truly need many people to help me in this way”.

Salesian Newslink | 29

“Dzien dobry”, “ Z a k o p a n e ”, “Dziekuje and “Pierogi”. These might be random phrases to most but to the 47 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Lusaka in Zambia who travelled to Poland to be a part of the World Youth Day Krakow 2016 celebrations, these phrases will forever spark fond memories of an unforgettable spiritual journey. The group comprised of an eclectic mix of youths accompanied by 5 coordinators and 2 priests. The aim?

To be a part of a great celebration of Catholic youth, cultural exchange and to share Zambia with the rest of world. Given that Pope Francis had declared 2016 to be an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, it meant so much more to be heading to the homeland of a great modern day saint of mercy and to attend an event which was his brainchild. A patron saint for young people: Pope St John Paul II. The much anticipated trip took shape on the afternoon of Sunday July 17 2016 with departure from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. At approximately 9am the next day, the pilgrims were on Polish ground and were welcomed in Warsaw by some Salesian priests who then led them to their parish where a hearty late breakfast awaited. It was here that the pilgrims first experienced a traditional Polish welcome of guests being presented with bread and salt.

The guest is then required to kiss the bread as a sign of respect. Following the group’s first Mass in Poland and a lovely dinner at a nearby hotel,

30 | Salesian Newslink

Zambia at WYD

Miss. Sylvia Masiye

the Zambian pilgrims proceeded to Bialystok (or Betania for WYD purposes). This was to be their ‘home’ for Days in the Diocese and a group of friendly volunteers from St Andrew Bobola parish ensured that the pilgrims felt at home.

The days leading up to the 24th of July were characterised by lots of dancing and singing as the Zambian group savoured various sites within the Podlaskie region and mingled with fellow pilgrims from France, Italy, Argentina and Gambia to name a few. Highlights included pilgrims meeting their host families, a boat cruise in Augustow, a visit to the place of the Eucharistic miracle: Sokolka and Holy Water Sanctuary where pilgrims were treated to a beautiful artistic interpretation of The Passion. The pilgrims were blessed to visit the peaceful countryside region of Rozanystok, the home of its team leader Fr Andrew Reut.

Additionally, the pilgrims toured the special region of Suprasl and got to learn a traditional

Polish dance as well as learn more on orthodox iconostasis. Another major highlight of this week was the Zambians’ first encounter with a traditional Polish dish, Pierogi, which proved to be quite a hit! The final day in Bialystok was marked by the Zambians singing in Mass at St Andrew Bobola parish on a Sunday morning, draped in outfits made from Zambia national colours. The day also featured a Festival of the Nations concert where the Zambian pilgrims put up a colourful and lively performance of a dance from the country’s Eastern Province. The week in Bialystok etched the Zambian group in the hearts of many locals and other pilgrims. It was not difficult to understand why saying goodbye, as the group left for Krakow, proved difficult.

The week commencing July 25th, deemed the “business end” of the pilgrimage, saw the group head to Krakow for the official WYD 2016 events.

Having attended the opening Mass on the 26th, it dawned upon most of the Zambian youths that being amongst millions of other youths to share and celebrate the faith was indeed something truly remarkable. On the afternoon of the 27th, the pilgrims attended the Salesian Youth Movement

Expo and the following morning, the group joined youths from Great Britain, South Africa and Namibia in day 2 of 3 Catechesis sessions.

Here, pilgrims were able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and listened to a talk on Divine Mercy. Following this, pilgrims proceeded to join other pilgrims in welcoming Pope Francis. After braving intermittent showers for close to 5 hours,

the sight of the Holy Father sent pilgrims into jubilant shouts of joy. The next day was marked by attendance at the final Catechesis session and thereafter, the group proceeded to join other pilgrims in the Stations of the Cross. July 30 and 31 were marked by great soul searching as the group covered nearly 40km by foot to and from Campus Misericordiae, the venue of the Vigil. The night was characterised by songs of praise and worship which culminated into the closing Mass the following morning.

The final 5 days in Poland provided the Zambians, now housed at a Salesian seminary, a chance to sightsee. Trips were made to Polish landmarks such as Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa the country’s revered Marian Shrine. The group also had the opportunity to tour Auschwitz-Birkaneau the former concentration camp and come face to face with a place well marked in history as an example of humanity’s darker times. It was here where millions of Poles, including St Maximillian Kolbe, and European Jews lost their lives. The group further toured the amazing Salt Mine, going up to 200m below the surface and the breath-taking mountainous region of Zakopane. The pilgrimage would be incomplete without a visit to the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and the group ensured that it got the chance to visit the chapel in which the relics of St Faustina lay as well as recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3pm.

A remarkable 3 week journey of faith on Polish soil concluded on the evening of Friday 5th August when the 47 Zambian pilgrims bid Warsaw and Poland farewell. Dziekuje Polska!

Salesian Newslink Salesian Newslink| 31 | 31

Soul Searching Stories

Seasons of life

There was a man who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest, in turn, to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance The boy became so furious again and again. Whenever away. The first son went in the winter, the second in the spring, he remebered those friends of his who brought confusion in him that day, his anger got kindled. He the third in summer, and the youngest son in the fall.

Which one do I feed?

shouted “I hate them, I hate them all!”

The Grandfather lifted his grandson’s face so his eyes looked into the boy’s. Grandfather said, “ I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do. But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times.

It is as if there are two wolves inside me, one is white and one is black. The White Wolf is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offense was intended.

But will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.

“But, the Black Wolf, is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger, for his anger will change nothing.

“Sometimes it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit.”

The boy, looked intently into his Grandfather’s eyes, and asked, “Which one wins Grandfather?”

The Grandfather, smiled and said, “The one I feed.”

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen. The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.The second son said no it was covered with green buds and full of promise. The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful, it was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree’s life. He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up. If you give up when it’s winter, you will miss the promise of your spring, the beauty of your summer, fulfillment of your fall.

OBSTACLE Or OPPORTUNITY

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.

Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. Now, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

32 | Salesian Newslink

T

THINKTRIBUTE THINKTRIBUTE Contribute your thinking for Clarity

In the context of mushrooming of many churches, Catholics are not so staunch in following the faith that is professed. Why do many Catholics (esp. young people) change the denomination?

Christopher, Zambia Little faith and weaker faith is the cause; hence young people are easily carried away… very complicated church doctrines which are not easily understood. Also we don’t believe in ourselves.

Monday to Friday, buying them a lot of books and other requests but fail to take them to church once a week.

Grace Kabosha, Zambia Others feel that in the Catholic Church we don’t Peter Lwimbo, Zambia know the Bible. They are attracted to many things -The Quality of our Christian life is determined by like praise and worship, and thanksgiving song the Quality of Information, most of those that move which takes an hour and the preaching of their from church to Church do so out of Ignorance, Pastor’s is different for our Church. They think ours Ignorance of the WORD OF GOD... is just a routine. The drinking habits in our Church -People are after Miracles forgetting that The has made those other churches to capitalize on our Absence of GOD’s word is the Absence of HIS weaknesses. These contribute to the weaker ones POWER to change when they come across such challenges.

-I think its also our duty as Parents to train our Children in GOD’s ways and they will never stray... Fabiano Mwale, Bauleni: Teach them the Joy of being Catholic Many young people have little faith and they are lazy to know about the Catholic faith so they go to Anna Woyee, Zimbabwe church where they don’t follow proper doctrine. In I think we as parents are not teaching our children two days they receive baptism and in another three our doctrine and not praying as families therefore days they declare themselves pastors and only to they don’t understand how and why we are different these people our youths fall as a prey. from other churches.

Theresa Jackson, Zambia Jane Chipunza Mwansa, Zambia Some Catholics study the bible together but peer -I think there is so much external force from their pressure will make that child run away from the peers such that they end up giving up because they Catholic Church. Some realise later and come back. can’t explain most of the things that happen in our church. We need to give them books to read so that Frank,Zimbabwe they can understand our faith and beliefs.

1. People who live their Catholic faith in ignorance -If we look at the pattern especially the boys, they are bound to leave when they come in contact with start so well as Altar boys dreaming of becoming members of other churches. 2. In the past there Priests one day but along the way they change. were little or no challenges from people of the other Universities and Colleges are places where things denominations, esp. from the Pentecostals. Today go wrong for the weak ones because we are not such friends challenges our youth with biblical there but the few that survive hold on to their faith passages that most often are wrongly applied and for life. confuse them totally. 3. Being ignorant of one’s own -The other disturbances come from electronic faith paves way for falling as a prey into the hands gadgets that are taking so much of our quality time. of the pastors of other denominations, because Family gatherings are fading because after supper they present their arguments effectively. 4. Very everyone will be on his or her phone. Once the few Catholic youths take time to know their faith, Priest challenged us on how much we prepare our understand and assimilate it; rest can easily be pulled children for worldly life by driving them to school by other churches. 5. The Catholic authorities are Salesian Newslink | 33

not taking any serious measures to work with their own youths to teach them the proper understanding of our faith. It is not enough to baptise the person alone, without making a serious follow up on the flock. 6. The ancient approach of allowing people to know and strengthen their faith no longer works; so proper effort is needed in teaching them the faith.

divorce then remarry etc. Also poor foundation of Catechesis.

Tinashe Mazorodze, Zimbabwe The reason why our kids change churches is that Catholic practices are criticised and they don’t have base to defend it

If I had not worked to know and understand my Catholic faith, I would have left the Church in the face of challenges posed by other new churches. Let us not leave our Catholic Church.

Esnath Mugari, Zimbabwe They are ill-advised and lack the basic Word within them; unfortunately, they still do not get satisfaction wherever they go because they are looking for miracles. Changing churches is like moving from Abbie Joseni, Zimbabwe one bar to the next without money in your pocket; Youngsters do change denominations when they you will not get drunk and excited. Unless the Word go to non-Catholic secondary schools and through is in you, you will always want to move to the next non-Catholic friends. I see it as another reason. church... The youth are also tomorrow’s church and leaders hence the need to include them at all levels Rahab Mumbi Wamae, Kenya in the church’s planning and activities Some are fearing on the truth that hell and heaven are real; so they want to hear what they want to hear Barbra Kaira, Zambia about prosperity, good health, good and luxurious I believe charity begins at home and I still believe life that those churches preach; unlike the Catholic we can nurture our children (youths) starting from Church that preaches the ideal and the fact. our homes. We cannot leave it all for the religious and priests to educate our youth. We can help our Gift Farai, Zimbabwe youth understand the Catholic doctrine and the We only learn CCC and doctrine in order to receive church’s teachings by finding time to have Catholic sacraments; after that we don’t open the catechism, talks with them. Sometimes I argue it out with my bible and church doctrines. We don’t have that kids. They pick the bible I pick the catechism of the passion to learn; so our faith has no base.

Catholic doctrine together with the bible. Though with a lot of challenges with time, we are trying.

Mpafya Mutapa, Zambia The biggest issue is that as Catholic families we pray too much the rosary and don’t study the word i.e. the bible; we have left this duty to the priests. Note, For Next Issue... how many Catholics carry their bibles to church or how many have the Sunday and daily missal and Contribute your thinking for Clarity if you do have, how often do we use them? The Church needs to get deep rooted in the Word of God I remember once Fr. Eustace asked if we have What do you do if you have parents/ ever spend time on reflecting the word? My point siblings who are living the wrong way? is... we may rush to judge the young ones but the (One way in church, another way at home, root cause is with the parents!

THINKTRIBUTE

Ruth Ndlovu, Zimbabwe ...prosperity, fast money and no proper catechesis to know the doctrines of the church Mundia, Zambia It’s all about fast life, money etc. as well as total freedom. Because in our Church there are many rules and regulations eg. you can’t just marry and 34 || Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink 34

dad addicted to alcohol, brother watching porn, sister having wrong relationship) How do you avoid wrong influences when you live with them?

It is YOUR page. Send your analysis either by email or whatsapp. Denote your name, place, qualification. Best analysis will be published. communication@sdbzmb.org +260 972831224

PROVINCIAL CHAPTER

Because he is a herald of the Good News he is always cheerful. He radiates this joy and is able to educate to a christian and festive way of life: “Let us serve the Lord in holy joy” Art.17: Optimism & Joy

Salesian Salesian Newslink Newslink | 35 | 35

36 | Salesian Newslink