Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Sincere thanks to
Editorial A Thought from the Rector Major Fr Provincial pays homage to Fr Benji Reminiscing Fr Benjis last days in Hyderabad and Chennai Sketching the Puthota family tree Chronological List of Foundations Voices from the heart Timeline A Modern Salesian Oratory Women at Pulidindi Snippets Salesian Local News National News International News
2 3 5 8 11 13 14 20 21 22 24 26 30 31
Fr Alex Jeyaraj,
the former editor
God bless you for your hard work and creative efforts as editor during the past year. We pray you have an enriching and fulfilling ministry ahead!
June-September 2009
Editor: Fr Thathireddy Bhaskar SDB E-mail: thathireddy@rediffmail.com Layout: Ms Sheeba & Mr Salva Reddy C Printed at: DB Press, Guntur-522007 URL: www.donboscohyderabad.org
Editorial...
Editorial ...
There are many great people in the world, yet only those who make a difference in the lives of others, are immortal. Today we mourn the earthly loss of one such great personalities: Fr Benjamin Puthota, our first Provincial. Being a true son of Don Bosco and passionately in love with his Salesian vocation, he definitely leaves an irreplaceable vacuum in our lives. Normally on the title page of every journal or magazine, there runs the following text: The views expressed in the articles herein do not necessarily reflect the mind or view of the editorial board and publishers. Perhaps for once, this tag would be irrelevant, for the tribute we offer to Fr Benji in the following pages. Through this issue of the Kaburlu, we pay homage to this great son of Don Bosco and gratefully acknowledge his gracious presence in our personal lives, our communities and our Province at large. Immortality is attained not merely by doing great deeds. It is something that is achieved by making those great deeds outlive ourselves and in the service of humanity. It is for this we remember Fr Benji; we remember him not only for what he did for us, but what he made of us. I still remember his pet phrases, Keep the Province flag high and 'You are the columns of the Province' to all of us when we were students of philosophy and theology. It was through such inspirational words, letters, conferences and actions that he challenged us to give our best for Christ, Don Bosco and the youth. Transcending personal likes and dislikes, he inspired us and continues to do so, even today to place the common good of the Church, Congregation and the other before our individual choices. As for his personal touch, I kept it a secret that he loved me the most, until I realized that I am one of the many who felt the same. Probably this was how Don Bosco was. Every boy felt that he was loved most by him. True indeed, Fr Benji was a true son of Don Bosco - his double. The present volume features facts, figures, testimonies, history and accomplishments of our dear Fr Benji. This issue also features two reflections (and concrete interventions) in our apostolate in transforming the society in which we live. At a time when called to explore and refresh our concept of new frontiers these interventions act as signposts. Last of all, as I take up this delicate task entrusted to me by the Province, a sincere thanks, on behalf of the Province, to Fr Alex Jeyaraj, the former editor. We wish him a fruitful ministry in Italy!
Often I ask myself why is the Rector Major loved so much all over the Salesian world? Why has When I called him on the telephone and told the Congregation him, I need you, this same former Provincials not split after 150 reply was: Tell me where I have to go. I need years? Because its you in Turkey And he: When do I have to sons, who have be there? inherited it, have Dear Confreres, this is what will make the received it as a Congregation great: availability for the mission. 3
priceless patrimony, and have succeeded in setting it up so well, following in the footsteps and the intuition of Don Bosco believing in the young, making them real protagonists, co-responsible not only for their own education but capable of taking in hand the scenario of the world and of history. It was Don Boscos conviction: one of his boys was his first successor. A second was the first Bishop and then Cardinal, one was the youngest non-martyr saint. Look what Don Bosco did! Just so. It all began one 25th of March, on a day like today: Don Bosco called a young man Michael Rua. Who would have thought that that event would have changed the lives of thousands and thousands of youngsters? Id like to read you this message I received among the hundreds of emails, that has been arriving. Dear Rector Major, I am Piero, a boy from the
June-September 2009
June-September 2009
On August 3, 2009 was his flight back to Chennai. Fr Noel, the Provincial and Br C a s t i l i n o accompanied him to the airport and saw him off. He had a bear hug reserved for them both he before went in. Back On July 26, 2009 in Chennai he made when he visited the it a point to meet Salesian confreres around the mortal Church (under quite a few of his remains of Fr Benji construction) at St relatives. Confreres, T h e r e s a s , who were far away, somehow had a good Sanathnagar, he even addressed the reason to come to the city those days Salesian Cooperators unit there. He was all basically to meet him! Fr Benji expressed praise about the adoration Chapel and its his desire to visit some of the new regular use too. The two Sundays that he presences in Chennai and Fr Stannislaus, was in Hyderabad he presided over the the Provincial of Chennai, gladly facilitated Sunday English masses at Don Bosco this. He even accompanied him on these Shrine, Bandlaguda. In fact, the Provincial visits. house chapel was the parish church for several years before the Shrine came up. On 8th August 2009, he was one of the Parishoners, especially youngsters (who resource persons for the Chennai Province were then children and part of his choir or Young Priests Meeting held at Don Bosco altar servers) made it a point to attend his Youth Animation Centre (DBYAC) Ennore. Mass and stay long enough to have a word At the very outset he expressed his with him. And he remembered not just their immense love for his Mother Province, names and faces but their parents and Madras. Speaking on the theme of pranks too. They simply loved him for that. Priesthood, in this year of the Priest, he said 9 June-September 2009
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to their strong determination, they were very successful in their undertakings and were a very hardworking lot. Later on this group spread out into other parts of Andhra (and Telangana) and also into Madras state which was then called Madras Presidency comprising of the geographical area of Andhra Pradesh, Tamilnadu, Kerala and Karnataka as they are now known to us. Their main occupation remained agriculture. Initiation into Christianity
In 1669 the French entered Andhra Pradesh and settled in The information Masilipatnam, a of three centuries As time passed by, like everyone else, though port town with a of Puthota this people became physically a bit weak yet, this harbour. Along Family tells us Puthota Family retained their tender-heartedness. with French that they Thanks to their strong determination, they were traders Christian belonged to very successful in their undertakings and were a F r e n c h Gandi Kota very hardworking lot. Missionaries area, a village that came to Andhra. still exists in Cuddapah District. Their During this period a family of three brothers Gothram is Sannaluru. Their family Ankinidi, Ghenghinidi and Dhasanna lived goddess was Zilli Pillelamma. Information in Vaddinidivaripalem. Dhasannas wife was at hand tells that they lived in a beautiful, good natured lady of fine Vaddinidivaripalem of Nellore district which character. She had no children. This is also close to Paradarikota of Cuddapah psychologically upset her very much as it district. They were originally Hindus. was considered to be a curse to be barren. In those years purdah (veil) was in practice During the period of King Krishnadevaraya, for all the ladies. They were supposed to most of this family members enrolled be inside the house and never show their themselves in his army either as soldiers or faces to any outsider. But Dhasannas wife army officers. Therefore an indication that in her deep sorrow would go out of their they were physically strong, robust and house in search of some comfort from some courageous people. As time passed by, like wise sages. Hence ladies of this family kept everyone else, though this people became her locked inside the house. But her physically a bit weak yet, this Puthota Family husband, Dhasanna was very considerate retained their tender-heartedness. Thanks Tracing back the origins 11 June-September 2009
1992
Bosco Institute of Electronics (BIE) Hyderabad Bosco Seva Kendra (BSK) Hyderabad Don Bosco Mission Complex Mariapuram Don Bosco Complex - Parish Wyra St Johns Minor Seminary Rebbavaram Don Bosco Parish Catholic Centre Ponnur Navajeevan Bala Bhavan Vijaywada
(Yuva Bhavan came up a year later)
1993 1993
OOTA - Legal Aid, PARA, BIRD Justice and Peace Centre Kurnool Sacred Heart Novitiate Chandur
(It was shifted to Manoharabad in July 1995)
1993 1993
Good to know
The highest secular exam that Fr Benji wrote was his MA (English literature) through correspondence in the Bhagalpur University in May 1963.
Provincial House, at its present location Hyderabad 1994 Don Bosco Parish, Bandlaguda Hyderabad Bosco Institute for Research and Development of Youth (BIRDY) Hyderabad Don Bosco Philosophate Peddapendyala Don Bosco Mission, Raptadu Anantapur Don Bosco Parish Mariapuram 1995
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June-September 2009
...Voices from the heart Fr Benji was a true Salesian who loved Don Bosco and the Salesian Congregation. He loved youth and tried to provide the best for them. He had a deep knowledge of Don Bosco and was a good animator. He was an able organizer and could get things done. His love for Don Bosco was so much that he was willing to go to any part of the world, ready to make any sacrifice for the growth of the Congregation. Fr Manthuruthil Abraham (Served as Administrator, Parish Priest and was subsequently made Rector at PT Parru, all during the term of Fr Benji) From the year 1971 when I came to Guntur as a young Salesian Priest till his death I was in touch with Fr Benji as my Rector, Vice Provincial and a confrere. I admire him for his wise decisions and earnestness in executing them, overcoming all difficulties, trusting in the Divine Providence. In fact he lived the motto of Archbishop Mathias: Dare and hope. Indeed he held no grudges against anyone and in return was loved by all. Fr Chinnappa Thomas (An old friend and trusted collaborator, who was at Punganur during 19921998. He was also a member of the first Provincial Council) Father Benji had a great Salesian charisma about him, which permeated every place he stepped into. He had this flame with which he easily set ablaze our hearts for Don Bosco. He had the Good Shepherds voice leading us through Blessed Virgin Mary to Jesus; truly a visionary with a clear mission, Thanks for what he was, and thanks for what is still to come from him, from above. Fr Cheruvathur James (Was appointed dean of studies at Don Bosco, Gunadala and later did a stint as administrator of St Antonys, Kadapa and finally was at Chandur as Vice Rector, Parish Priest, Warden during 1992-1998) Fr Benji was a very lovable and affectionate person. He related with everyone as his special friend and father. He took the first step to relate with people and made them feel at home in his company. He was a man of credibility. He gave respect and commanded respect. He gently supported many clerics and helped many to overcome the difficulties especially during their practical training period. He will remain as the living hallmark of Salesian charism and joy, especially for me. Fr Mallavarapu Rayanna (One of those young clerics then, to be sent for studies in Philosophy to JDV, Pune) Along with you we thank God for the gift of him for he served so many years in the family of Salesians. Thousands of people have experienced Gods love and care through him. We have great joy and appreciation for his selfless and committed service. Sr Clementa SAP (St Anns Provincialate, Visakhapatnam)
15 June-September 2009
Voices from the heart... He was a very good man who made no distinctions or differences between anyone. He had a very kind and generous heart too. Whenever we staff members were in any difficulty, he would sense it before hand and be the first to come forward to help. The opportunity that he gave me to work in the Provincial house changed my life immensely. It was he who told me to join for the house keeping work in the Provincial house and I will ever be grateful to him for that generous offer. Ms Venkayamma (Has known Fr Benji since the time the Provincial house was being constructed in 1993) Fr Benji was a very prayerful person who loved Mary and St Joseph. The best I liked in him was his encouraging nature. He was always enthusiastic about boosting the confidence of young confreres and he had a grace in doing so. I also liked him very much for he was very reasonable in his approach to any situation in life. Fr Vetakula Gnanam (His stint as a printer began at St Michaels Boys Home, Guntur during the term of Fr Benjis leadership) Fr Benjamin loved children and youth. He carried the young in his heart. He loved everybody as a father. He worked like a young man with lot of enthusiasm and energy; a trustworthy and prudent confrere. Fr Benji was one of the most spiritually rich and complete confrere that India had given to the Church and to the congregation. Fr Frisoli Pier Fausto (Regional of Italy and Middle-East, during the funeral Mass of Fr Benji in Turkey) My personal experience with Fr Benji is unforgettable. I worked with him for five years. All those years I never saw him angry. He was always smiling and joyful. Though he was the Provincial he always interacted with the staff freely and was sensitive to our problems and needs. Fr Benji never treated anyone like employees; we were always part of the family to him. Even during his last visit he was the same Fr Benjamin whom I knew for so many years: joyful, sensitive and loving. Ms Rani (Provincial House Staff Accounts department one of the first staff to be appointed at the beginning of the Province) Please accept our sincere condolences from all us Srs. of St Ann of Providence, special note from all the sisters who were helped by him in his time as Provincial. May his soul rest in peace and may his tribe increase, a true son of Don Bosco, loved by us too. Sr Monica Francis SAP (present Provincial Superior of the Secunderabad Province in her condolence message to the Province)
June-September 2009 16
...Voices from the heart I, then as Provincial Councillor, got to know dear Fr Benjamin in the early ninetys when he and his Council were a great help to us in drawing up our Educational Pastoral Project etc. Ever since we got to know him the bonds of friendship between our two Religious families got stronger and our visits to each other grew more frequent. He would affectionately call us his aunties because of the rapport Don Bosco had with our Marchioness Giulia di Barolo. Most of our Sisters who worked in our different Communities in the twin cities and have experienced his brotherly love and concern will be pained by this great loss. He was indeed a man of great determination and dedication, a shining example of humility and simplicity, a lover of the youth, especially the poor and a great inspiration to us of conviction and commitment. Sr Ernestine Fernandes (Superior General, Srs of St Ann of Providence, Rome) Fr Benji had a knack of making friendship in the first contact. He would always strike as someone capable of trust and would therefore build rapport within a few moments of conversation. Moreover Fr Benji knew how to keep alive that friendship and rapport in his own characteristic ways. His vision was always big. Small things never appealed to him. He had his eyes set far beyond the here and now. He would talk of how things would be 20 or 30 years from now. Fr Benji knew how to get the best out of his confreres for the good and growth of the Province and the congregation. No matter how difficult a temperament or how stubborn one could be, he would get him around to do what he wished and that too willingly. Such was his power of persuasion and contagious zeal. His enthusiasm for life, Don Bosco and the congregation too was inexhaustible and contagious! Fr Medabalimi Balaswamy (Vice Provincial during Fr Benji's term) Greetings of peace in the Lord from the diocese of Vijayawada! We are sorry to hear the news about the demise of Fr Benjamin Puthota sdb. My heartfelt condolences to all the Salesian Priests of Hyderabad province. May God grant eternal rest to Fr Benjamin Puthota sdb. Most Rev. Bp Prakash Mallavarapu (part of the condolence message of the Bishop of Vijayawada)
17 June-September 2009
Voices from the heart... It is very difficult to compare Fr Benjamin with anyone or anyone to him. Every time I met him, right since the time I joined the Bandlaguda Parish till I met him recently after the weekday and Sunday Holy Mass, he was the same: simple, jovial and affectionate. In the Parish here, whenever we heard that he is around, we eagerly looked forward to meet and talk to him. Mr Francis (a Parishioner at Don Bosco Shrine, Bandlaguda) For me Benji was a man with a vision spurred on by his love for Don Bosco and the congregation and he would go to any length to realize this vision whatever be the cost. He would encourage and support anyone who shared this vision and the task at hand. They knew that they could depend on him and he too depended on them, as he was a man who could generate confidence. This would also mean that he was willing to apologize and ask pardon of those whom he might have hurt. He had a great concern for others. Those who confided in him with any problem- personal or otherwise always received support, encouragement and other helps. He always wished to be kept informed and his helping hand would be ready at hand. I have personally felt his deep concern for his collaborators. As Economer I had to go often to Karunapuram or Manoharabad (the buildings were under construction) and return sometimes after 10 pm and I was sure to find Benji waiting at the entrance even through it was his habit to retire to bed by 9.00 pm. Best of what I liked in him was his availability for the confreres. He would avoid spending time or visiting his relations and dear ones and his time was totally for the confreres. Time and space was never to be a barrier if anyone wanted to speak to him. Fr Benji has always been an asset as an animator even after his term to enthuse us with his love for Don Bosco. In his passing away we have lost a leader, able administrator and a loving friend. Fr E J Mathew (The first Provincial Economer and close collaborator of Fr Benji, especially during his term as Provincial) His dynamism was contagious. He always thought big: big for Don Bosco, big for Mary Help of Christians and big for God, with not even the faintest shading of self promotion. In a lighter vein we can say that his trademark style would be: Even if you are running a brothel, make sure it is the best in town. Fr Pallithanam Thomas (The one who started PARA during Fr Benjis tenure as Provincial)
June-September 2009
18
...Voices from the heart He was indeed a great and dynamic Salesian; very loving and affectionate in his rapport with the confreres. May the Good Lord grant him everlasting Peace! Our heartfelt condolence to the Provincial and Confreres of Hyderabad Province which has been blessed with his pioneering leadership. Fr Antony Earathara SDB (part of the condolence message on behalf of the Salesian Province of Kolkata INC) Fr Benji was a visionary who initiated several apostolates in the Province as the first Provincial. Never one to flag in zeal, he relentlessly pursued what was good for the new Province and encouraged others too to join in. Br Chinnabathuni Gregory (The first Telugu Salesian Brother and a printer by profession) It was a happy time that I can recall when Fr Benji was here as our Provincial. I still recall his ever enthusiastic spirit, smiling face and personal touch to each and every one. It was a joy to have him with us for those years in which we experienced Gods love tangibly through him. Ms Maria (Receptionist at the Provincial House since its inauguration in 1994)
Good to know
During his recent visit to Chennai, Fr Benji with great confidence claimed to have never missed celebrating Holy Mass ever, in his 47 years of Priesthood not a single day of his Priestly life!
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June-September 2009
Timeline...
Timeline
Date/year 05-01-1932 15-01-1932 09-02-1941 1950 1951-1952 24-05-1952 19521954 1954 19541955 19551957 19571958 1958 20-05-1958 19581962 25-05-1960 06-12-1961 29-06-1962 19621963 19631964 19641968 19681969 19691973 19731976 03-08-1976 24-11-1976 19821992 Place Kilachery, Tamil Nadu Kilachery, Tamil Nadu Kilachery, Tamil Nadu Sacred Heart Matriculation School, Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu Sacred Heart College, Tamil Nadu Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu Our Lady of Refuge, Chennai, Tamil Nadu PT & Student (BA) Don Bosco, Mumbai Graduation Studies (BA) Calcutta University, Salesian College, Sonada, West Bengal Perpetual Profession Sonada, West Bengal Theology Sacred Heart, Mawlai, Shillong Acolyte (by Bp S. Fernando) Mawlai, Shillong Deacon (by Bp S. Fernando) Mawlai, Shillong Priestly Ordination Chennai, Tamil Nadu Pastoral Year Our Lady of Refuge, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Catechist & Prefect St Josephs, Katpadi, Tamil Nadu In charge Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Spiritual Theology P.A.S., Rome Rector St Michaels Boys Home, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh Vice-Provincial of Madras Province The Citadel, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Appointed Provincial of Madras The Citadel, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Took charge as Provincial The Citadel, Chennai, Tamil Nadu Administrator & Director of the office of Development and Public Relations UPS, Rome Took charge as Provincial Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Provincial: Province of St Joseph, Hyderabad Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh Vice Rector Dankotuwa, Sri Lanka Delegate Colombo, Sri Lanka Rector Istanbul, Turkey Died Istanbul, Turkey Event / Responsibility Born Baptism Confirmation High School Studies/ Matriculation Novitiate First Profession Philosophy Higher Secondary Studies Philosophy Practical Training (PT)
June-September 2009
20
...New frontiers
New frontiers...
June-September 2009
22
...New frontiers
Shramik Union - AP, responded immediately along with the union members. They hiked the demand to the legal minimum wages, viz., Rs 139.00 per day. Even as the strike got prolonged, the Union supported the people to the hilt. 18th August, 21st day of the struggle, saw negotiations in the labour office at Kothapeta, 28 kms from the village. The people went in big numbers in hired vehicles to participate in the negotiations. But the big land lords kept away. The next meeting on 19th August was at the Pulidindi Panchayat itself in the presence of the Assist. Labour Commissioner. A third round of negotiations took place on 20th August in the presence of the Mandal Revenue Officer, again ineffective because the big land lords refused to participate. On 21st August, on the 24th day of the strike, people were indeed getting desperate, being without work and wages for so long. The farmers were still refusing to listen to them and come to a compromise. The government failed them in not supporting them or providing work under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the flagship programme of the UPA government. Now the activists and DBSU-AP leaders in the state capital, Hyderabad, swung into action - to pressurise the state government to act, the labour department to ensure minimum wages and the department of Rural Development to implement NREGA. On 21st the negotiations went on beyond midnight with the women becoming very vocal about their demands. They were determined to clinch the deal at all costs. Their leader at one point shamed the farmers to pay at least half the legal minimum wage - a mere seventy rupees. What began as a demand of just Rs 10.00 a day now rose to Rs 30/-. The people were happy because they got far more than they had initially bargained for, a hefty 75% increase at one go. In absolute terms, if they work for 300 days a year, this was an increase of Rs 9000 per person or 40 lakhs for the village union. You can imagine the difference when they will begin to get their legal minimum wage of Rs 139 per day, double the present wage. Evidently no government scheme or welfare programmes of NGOs can equal this just and dignified gain of the women. The dalit women clinched their victory as the feast of the Queenship of Mary was dawning. These victorious women sang Marys song in their own way: The Lord puts forth his arm in strength... He casts the mighty from their seats and raises the lowly. Fr John Tharakan 23 June-September 2009
Snippets...
SNIPPETS
CONGRATS
to the 9 deacons (Yeruva Arogya, Gopu Peter, Godugunuru Chinnappa, Pasala Bhaskar, Thomas Aquinas, Nagothu Kishore, Yeruva Pradeep, Kakumanu Joseph and Govindu Joseph) who were ordained for our Province in SHTC (Shillong), KJC (Bangalore), UPS (Rome) and St Pauls (Ratisbonne) over the last couple of months. We look forward to your Priestly ordinations.
WELCOME
to Fr Chinnabathuni Showrilu who returned to the Province after completing his Masters thesis Elements of the youth Spirituality Apologetics and Pedagogy in the Five Educative Narrations of Don Bosco in Rome. He is already at work in the Novitiate (as administrator) and will also take up Vocation Promotion soon.
PROVINCIAL CHAPTER (PC7) of our Province starts off on November 30, 2009
and concludes with the Provincial Community day on December 4, 2009.
ALL THE BEST to the three confreres already in Italy for their ministry: Frs Prathap,
Anil and Alex. They left on August 17, 2009. They will join their respective communities on October 4, 2009.
REMINDER about the Provincial Consultation forms that are to reach Fr Maria Arokiam
Kanaga, the Regional Councillor for South Asia by the end of September 2009. He will still be in Tiruchy Province for the Extraordinary Visitation around that time.
CONGRATS
to Fr Harrie Kanters sdb of SAMEN, an organization that has sent Dutch volunteers to Salesian projects all around the world for the past 25 years, at being chosen for the prestigious Dutch national award for promotion of Justice and Peace in Netherlands. He was in India, along with 13 volunteers, when the announcement was made.
June-September 2009
24
...Snippets
GET WELL dear Fr Abu and Br Kalyan. Both are responding well to the treatment and
are expected to recover fully by this year end. However as good Salesians they are full time on their feet in their respective places.
BON VOYAGE Cl. Nathan will soon be flying to Italy (Florence, in particular) to
commence his ministry there. Cl .Gaddam Carlo is all set to fly to Germany to begin studying the language.
ALL THE BEST for Neelam Ratna and Gali Naresh as they commence their
theological studies, at Ratisbonne (Jerusalem) and UPS (Rome) respectively.
JUBILEE of Fr M.S. Michael will be celebrated at St Michaels Boys Home, Guntur on October 8, 2009 50 golden years of generous service as an SDB! We are proud of you dear Fr Michael!
Good to know
Besides basic philosophy and theology, the only other Ecclesial studies Fr Benji ever did was a one year course in Christian Spirituality at the Gregorian University (19681969). Prior to it and after this he was in Guntur.
25
June-September 2009
The second day of the Human Rights seminar took off from the previous days attempts to explore possibilities of enhancing the rights perspective in our apostolate. The presentations, group and panel discussions highlighted the need to be with the people in order to help them fight for their rights. That people need to be conscientized about their rights without June-September 2009 26
The Hyderabad centre for street and working children has a new printing press. It was inaugurated on 24th July 2009. The Archbishop of Hyderabad, Msgr. Marampudi Joji presided over the brief ceremony and blessed the new premises in the presence of Fr Noel Maddhichetty, the provincial, Fr Gopu Anand, the former director, Fr Harrie Kanters (from Holland) and a host of other invitees from the Salesian family, diocese and well-wishers. During the brief ceremony that lasted barely 45 minutes, Fr Salibindla Balashowry, the current diector of Don Bosco Nava Jeevan
27
June-September 2009
ANNUAL RETREATS
The Province had its opportunity of spiritual renewal through the two retreats that were held so far in the Province. The first reteat was preached by Fr Benjamin Puthota from July 27, 2009 to August 1, 2009. The second was animated by Fr Dominic Veliath from September 7 to 12, 2009. Both the retreats were held in the Provincial house, Hyderabad and totally, 47 confreres made their retreat. The final retreat for this academic year (general patronage) is scheduled for the second week of February (8-13) 2010. It will be preached by Fr Kunduru Joji SJ.
June-September 2009
28
After 25 exciting days of DB Plus training for Job seekers (technicians), 57 young men with grateful hearts and cheerful faces received a certificate from Fr Maddhichetty Noel, the Provincial on the birthday of Our Lady (September 8, 2009). Out of the 60 who joined this programme held at Don Bosco Prem Seva Sadan, Hyderabad, 57 already had in hand the appointment letters to prestigious companies with promise of a thick pay too!! This occasion marked the conclusion of the three week training camp organized at Vanasthalipuram by the DHISHA team, headed by Fr Bellamkonda Sudhakar and ably supported by Cl. Gaddam Carlo, Mr Mohan and Mr Anil. June-September 2009
National News
SPCSA REFLECT ON SALESIAN FORMATION
Fr K J Louis The annual assembly of the Salesian Provincials Conference of South Asia (SPCSA) concluded on August 12, 2009 at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad. A special feature of this assembly was a two-day reflection on Salesian Formation at the pre-novitiate and post-novitiate levels. The reflection was facilitated by Fr Francesco Cereda, General Councillor for Formation and Fr Chrys Saldanha from the Department of Formation in Rome. The content and methods of formation, the training of the formation guides, as well as various issues connected with the formation of Salesians in South Asia were examined. One of the special concerns of the members was the postnovitiate phase of the Salesian Brothers training. gathered around the Sisters of Maria Auxilium (SMA) to thank God for the official recognition of their Congregation into the Salesian family. The SMA Congregation founded on 13th of May 1976, by Fr M. C. Antony, was officially given the status of becoming a member of the Salesian family by the Rector Major and his Council on the 16th of July 2009. Today the SMA congregation has 111 professed members, working in 25 institutions spread over 9 dioceses and four states in India.
Good to know
In October 1980 Fr Benji was appointed as the national animator of the Salesian cooperators by the Salesian Provincial Conference of India (SPCI). He was also the delegate of the Salesian Cooperators, in Madras Province when he was the Vice-Provincial (1973).
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International News
CEFERINO: FRANGRANCE OF HIS SPIRITUALITY ATTRACTS PILGRIMS (ARGENTINA)
(ANS Chimpay) The pilgrimage which was held in Chimpay, on 29 August, for the anniversary of the birth of Blessed Ceferino Namuncur, was the largest in the last thirty years. The faithful began travelling at first light. Whole families with young and old undertook the long journey to. Large numbers on foot and on horseback left their own villages to celebrate the feast of Blessed Ceferino. About 40,000 in total were present. Earlier in the second week of August 2009 the Casket bearing the remains of Blessed Ceferino Namuncura, was moved from the Mary Help of Christians Shrine in Fortin Mercedes to the Mapuche settlement of St Ignatius in Neuquen. It was a very moving moment when thousands of hands were raised on high as the great sea of the faithful which stretched to the horizon prayed for hope, for good health, for work, or simply as an expression of their deep faith. It was something which will remain fixed in the hearts and minds of all those present because faith, as Oscar, one of the Chimpay pilgrims said, needs to be practised. And this also means shaking the hand of a stranger. Once again this year the feast of Ceferino has been an expression of faith and of commitment to the Church, as each individual determines to change their life and to become more united with those most in need.
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June-September 2009
In the meantime, the Salesian parish in which the young Karol Wojtyla was living, was trying to reorganise its activities in spite of the shortage of priests. The pastoral care of the young people, boys and girls, was entrusted to the tailor Jan Tyranowski, a young parishioner distinguished by his gifts of good sense, piety and apostolic zeal. He set up the living rosary circles in which Karol also took part, in those dramatic years in which his priestly vocation was maturing. During his last visit to Poland on 17 August 2002, stopping in front of the church in Debniki, John Paul II publicly declared: I always remember those Salesians who were taken away from this parish to the concentration camp... I also remember Mr Jan Tyranowskis Living Rosary.... It was precisely in front of the image of Mary Help of Christians venerated in the church in Debniki, that the young Karol came to the decision to devote himself entirely to the service of the Lord and of his Church.
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