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168 Years
A CATHOLIC NEWSWEEKLY - Est 1850 MUMBAI Vol. 168 No. 04 JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2017 Rs. 10/-
EDITOR :
Fr Anthony Charanghat
email: editor@examiner.in
ASST EDITOR :
CONTENTS
Fr Nigel Barrett 5 SALESIANS - FAMILY OF LIFE AND...
EDITORIAL BOARD : Editorial
Fr Joshan Rodrigues
Adrian Rosario
Carol Andrade 6 STRENNA TO THE SALESIAN...
Dr Astrid Lobo Gajiwala
Rector Major,Fr ngel Fernndez Artime SDB
ART DIRECTOR :
Rosetta Martins
9 SPCSA & SALESIAN INDIA
Conrad Saldanha
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editor@examiner.in COVER - composed by William Fernandes
mail@examiner.in NATIONAL NEWS 28 Don Bosco wanted his Congrega on to be a
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family. Don Bosco knew that the family forms an
INTERNATIONAL NEWS 30 integral part of life. May this vision to be a 'family'
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LETTERS 32 inspire all Salesians in their life and ministry.
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Website: the-examiner.org Total Pages Including Cover : 40
S
t John Bosco, familiarly known as Don Bosco, wanted his Congrega on to be a 'family'.
Don Bosco knew that the family forms an integral part of life, and is very important for the
holis c growth of the individual. This is the reason that the Rector Major of the Salesians
of Don Bosco, Fr ngel Fernndez Ar me, reiterates this dimension in his vision for this year's
Strenna (theme) to the Salesian Family: "We are a Family: Every home, a school of Life and Love!"
When Don Bosco was ordained in 1841, Turin was in turbulence. With the Industrial Revolu on
making headway in Piedmont, many young people migrated from the impoverished
countryside to the industrialised Turin, in the hope of finding employment and a be er life.
They lived on the streets, and were exploited by the industrialists; many ended up in prison.
Don Bosco decided to work for these youngsters.
Not everyone approved of the idea of a priest working with street children. Don Bosco was
forced to make a choice: to be a priest within the Church establishment, or with the boys
living in poverty. He made the op on for the poor. This was not an easy decision; it le him
without housing, without promo on prospects, without an income and not much of a future.
The core of his work was in the Oratory. It started as a kind of Sunday school, where Don Bosco
met the boys from the street for worship, catechesis, recrea on and breakfast. Gradually, it
developed into a youth centre, which was a combina on of a home, a school, a playground
and a parish. This combina on ensured that the young received an all-round forma on:
human and emo onal (home), intellectual (school), social and recrea onal (playground), and
spiritual (parish). Don Bosco envisaged that every Salesian work would be this combina on,
and above all, a family!
An elderly woman expressed her loneliness within her church: "I sit in the pew next to a
warm body every week, but I feel no heat. I'm in the faith, but I draw no ac ve love. I sing the
hymns with those next to me, but I hear only my voice. When the service is finished, I leave
as I came inhungry for someone to tell me that I'm a person worth something to somebody.
Just a smile would do it, or perhaps some gesture, some sign that I am not a stranger."
I daresay she is not alone in her "loneliness". We have many friends in the virtual world, but
very few companions in the real world. And yet, we need real rela onships; we need warmth
and love; we need signs that we are not strangers. We need the presence of people in our
lives. God never intended for us to be alone; He created us rela onal.
No wonder, an important aspect in Don Bosco's spirituality and pedagogy is 'presence'. In the
Salesian tradi on, 'presence' is being with the people entrusted to our care. It is a physical,
ac ve and anima ng 'being with'. It means having their best interests and welfare at heart;
it implies establishing rela onships with them based on love, mutual respect, equality and
coopera on, rather than fear and superiority. Presence demands that we love what people
love, so that they can learn to love what we love. It is a sharing in their lives: listening and
speaking, playing and praying, laughing and crying, encouraging and challenging, correc ng
and guiding. Through sharing our lives and ourselves, we communicate the presence of God's
life-giving love to His people.
For everyone, Don Bosco is a gi from heaven: for the Church, for the Salesian Family, for the
countless boys he knew personally, and for the millions with whom his sons and daughters
interact. For his Salesian Family, Don Bosco is the model, the father and the teacher to the
faithful following of Jesus. Even though the actual circumstances in which we live are very
dierent, Don Bosco's spirituality and his project have a striking relevance in our world. May
he con nue to inspire us to be a 'family', where life and love abide and grow!
Fr Godfrey D'Souza SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai
W
E ARE FAMILY! And we are born as a family! aspects of human
The ecclesial events that we have experienced love, which is a
a er two synods and the apostolic exhorta on reflec on of God's
Amoris Laea (AL) of Pope Francis, demand love, which is always
gladly for us as Salesian Familythat we focus our educa onal stronger than the
and pastoral a en on on the family. failures of our
One becomes a person living in a family, growing, usually human plans.
with one's parents, breathing the warmth of the home, and it The document
is in the family and the home that we are given a name, and contains nine
therefore a dignity; we experience aec on; we cherish the chapters. Each
in macy of this family, and we learn to ask for permission, chapter admirably
for forgiveness and express our gra tude. intertwines fidelity
Besides this, the Strenna is directed to the members of the to the truth with
Salesian Family which, through its strong tradi on, is growing compassion and
as a FAMILY. That is why we, as members of the Salesian mercy. The document
Family, see it as a duty not only to look inward, but to love in is illumined from the
another direc on, in the direc on of the Universal Church in Word of God, without
which we are strongly involved under the leadership of Pope ignoring the present situa on.
Francis, whose duty it is to give the Church its direc on. Chapter 1, "In the Light of the Word," recalling the
unity of doctrine and praxis needed is interpreted "in a
An invitaon to a calm, open reading with a ready heart dierent way." In Chapter 2, "The Experiences and Reali es
I make first of all an invita on to a calm and open reading, of Families," the survey extends to the reality and the
with the heart ready for dialogue and encounter with what challenges of families, with the desire "to keep firmly
the apostolic exhorta on says, so that it may help us as grounded in reality" (AL n. 6), with a sociological and cultural
Salesian Family to discover what the document oers. perspec ve that seeks also to oer a nuanced, realis c, and
The document is a service to humanity from the hopeful vision. (AL n. 57). Chapter 3, "Looking to Jesus: the
perspec ve of Catholic belief, and a true spiritual and Voca on of the Family," opens the door to the witness of the
pastoral treasure. And we get involved in it from the complexity of irregular situa ons, and the transmission of
awareness that "we are a Salesian Family." life and faith to the children. Chapter 4, "Love in Marriage,"
The Pope himself says, "We need to be humble and ar culates in a beau ful way the well-known hymn to love of
realis c, acknowledging that at mes we have proposed 1 Cor 13 without idealising ("It is not helpful to dream of an
a far too abstract and almost ar ficial theological ideal of idyllic and perfect love" [AL n. 135]); words that Pope Francis
marriage, far removed from the concrete situa ons and directly addresses to the young (nn. 131-132). Chapter 5,
prac cal possibili es of real families. (AL n. 36). "Love Made Frui ul," speaks of a love that is expansive,
frui ul, dynamic, passionate: words such as frui ulness,
A synthesis of the content of the Pope's exhortaon: to genera on, understanding of the father and the mother
discover our duty as a Salesian Family with families in the process are key words, invi ng families to be places
The text contains the already known characteris cs of the of integra on and points of contact between the public
magisterium of Pope Francis; it is a realis c, close, direct and and the private spheres. A pastoral chapter was essen al
sugges ve text. It is not a document that speaks of the family in order to enter concrete life in depth. Chapter 6, "Some
in an abstract way, but one that touches life, to give a word Pastoral Perspec ves," because they provide a nuanced,
of encouragement to many people who need it. dynamic, and complex approach in which to locate par cular
In the apostolic exhorta on, the Pope traces the biblical ques ons. "Toward a Be er Educa on of Children" is the
and theological, moral and pastoral summa concerning the theme of Chapter 7 (AL nn. 259-290). Children are the hope
family, invi ng us to bring out the posi ve and humanising that is open to the future. At the same me, Pope Francis
hopes that "everyone should feel challenged by Chapter 8,"
Rector Major, Fr ngel Fernndez Artime SDB is the which is en tled "Accompanying, Discerning, and Integra ng
Superior General of the Salesian Congregation, Rome. Weakness" (AL nn.291-312) The ninth and last chapter is
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ques onnaires) received to date is 6056.
n the context of a periodic evalua on adopted in the context of the Salesian e. These responses were analysed,
of the SPCSA (Salesian Provincial iden ty, for Salesian India. This would and a Strategic Plan is in the process of
Council of South Asia), it was thought include understanding the current being prepared, and will be presented
appropriate, on this occasion, to also percep ons of who should the Salesians to the Rector Major and his team on
do a Visioning exercise for Salesians of be serving (target group), the Services March 1, 2017.
Don Bosco, India. currently being oered, any new Services The learnings from such an exercise can
SPCSA is a body, led by Rev. Fr Maria which would need to be oered, and be put into three buckets :
Arokiam Kanaga, Regional Councillor, whether a Change in Mindset is required a. A be er understanding of the Salesian
which brings together 11 Provinces as to eect a greater impact. Iden ty
one body for common orienta ons and The SPCSA evalua on would look b. Drawing up a Strategic focus for the
ini a ves in the following areas viz. at the role expected of the SPCSA, Salesian Mission
Educa on, Youth Anima on, Mission, its interac ons with the Province c. Understanding how to enhance the
Communica on and Forma on. Each of Commissions, the Strategic focus eciency and eec veness of people,
these areas func ons with a Network needed, the Professionalism required structure, processes et al to progressively
Head. The concept of Network means in its structure, processes, people implement the Salesian Mission.
the Network Head collaborates, Intra- and communica on. This exercise required an "outside-in"
Network as well as Inter-Network, with The Overall Process of this exercise and "inside-out" mindset. The Salesians
the various relevant cons tuencies. included the following stages: were willing to understand the percep ons
Also, the Network Heads interface a. In-Depth Interviews with the which they have of themselves, as well as
with the Province Commission Heads Provincials and Network Heads. These the percep ons of the people whom they
and members to plan and implement in-depth interviews covered both the serve and work with.
programmes and projects within the Envisioning for Salesian India and the They were willing to par cipate in a
dierent Provinces. host of workshops which enabled
Rev. Fr them to understand the environment
Maria Arokiam through Scenario Planning, and
Kanaga, Regional drawing up priori es through the use
Councillor, of various templates like the Four
SPCSA, appointed Ac ons framework and the Ac on
a Strategic Priority Matrix.
Evalua on team The exercise acted as an
comprising of enabler, which made the Salesians
Fr V.M. Thomas experience being par cipants in
(Chairman), Fr an all India process, as well as
Adolph Furtado, facilitated among Salesians a sense
Fr Noel Madhiche y, Fr Thomas SPCSA Evalua on. of belonging not just to a Province, but to
Pallithanam, Lourdes Bap sta and Conrad b. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) an All India body.
Saldanha. The team was given a year to were also conducted among dierent But most of all, it made the Salesians
complete the Evalua on and Visioning cons tuencies viz. Youth, Parents, reflect on who they are, what is dis nct
exercise, eec ve February 2016. Parishioners, Alumni, Faculty, and Sta about their charism, and what should be
Looking at the enormity of the exercise across all Provinces. The objec ve of the focus of their Mission.
and its significance, a detailed proposal these FGDs was to understand the The Salesians of Don Bosco aptly
was drawn up. The Visioning for Salesians percep ons and expecta ons of Salesians summarised the outcome of this exercise
of Don Bosco, India would be done among the beneficiaries and the people by sta ng that it was "elaborate and
concurrently with the Evalua on of SPCSA. whom the Salesians work with. comprehensive", "brought about self-
The objec ves of the Visioning exercise c. Based on the output of the FGDs, awareness collec vely as SDB India and
were to understand the necessary separate Ques onnaires for the as a Province" and finally, "would pave
orienta ons and possible goals to be "Envisioning" part of the exercise the way for concrete future plans."
were created to be answered by the
Conrad Saldanha is Principal Advisor respec ve cons tuencies viz. Salesians,
to Don Bosco Centre of Learning, Kurla Youth, Parents, Parishioners, Alumni,
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10 THE EXAMINER JAN 28 - FEB 03, 2017
NINETTE D'SOUZA Jesus' domain may have started with
just 12 ordinary men in an obscure
corner of Galilee, but see how far it
T
us to join them in living as 'people in
he world, dear people, Promises, something we too are called the world, but not of the world.' With
is wai ng for Somebody, to do. The fragrance of flowers spreads them as guides, we can, within this
wai ng and watching today. only in the direc on of the wind, but culture of death that prevails, become
For Somebody to li and the goodness of consecrated persons agents of change, slowly but surely
strengthen their fellow beings, spreads in all direc ons. This, I believe, transforming that culture from within.
for Somebody to heed their tears. is possible because God sends His For me, the most eec ve Presence of
Somebody to shield li le kids from Angels to accompany them, to watch Christ in the world are the Consecrated
woes, and bring a sliver of hope to over them, to guide them, 24x7, 365 Persons found serving in far-flung
the elderly. The world is wai ng for days of the year. The rela onship of a mission areas, devoid some mes of the
Somebody, and has been wai ng for Consecrated Person with God entails basic ameni es we take for granted.
years on years. Somebody to share being sent out into the world as Especially in areas where the Catholic
another's sorrows and fears; Somebody Prophets of His Word and as Witnesses faith is threatened on a regular basis,
to simply say, 'I Care.' of His Love. our Missionaries proclaim Christ boldly,
In 1997, Pope St John Paul II 'It does not take great people to do with their heads held high, through
ins tuted a special Prayer for women great things. It only takes Consecrated the very lives they lead, with complete
and men in People.' trust and an unshakable faith in God as
Consecrated Arma on Provider and Nurturer.
Life. Since of this truth According to Pope Francis, "Voca ons
then, the is the scores are born in Prayer and from Prayer,
Catholic Church of schools, and only through Prayer, can they
celebrates the colleges and persevere and bear fruit." The best gi
World Day of polytechnics, we laypeople can oer our Consecrated
Consecrated built and People is to thank God for them, and
Life, on February managed by to intercede on their behalf for His
2, each year. the dierent con nual strength, so that united with
This celebra on congrega ons Christ, their lives become a fragrant
is a ached to of priests and oering to the Father. We must also
the feast of the religious sisters. pray for God's Spirit to allow them
Presenta on of Likewise, the to turn all their ac vity to Christ, so
our Lord Jesus mul farious that they con nue to live out their
Christ, which is hospitals, Voca on joyfully, wherever they are,
commemorated nursing homes, and whatever they may be doing. God
on that day. hospices, speaks to those who take me to listen,
This feast is also clinics and and He listens to those who take me
known as 'Candlemas Day'the day on dispensaries administered by them to pray. So let's storm Heaven with
which candles are blessed, symbolising that dot the world's landscape. In Prayers for our Priests and Religious
Christ who is the Light of the World. widespread parishes and in religious Sisters, whether serving or re red, that
This ideally makes it a day to praise communi es, they cater to the spiritual they may work in the Lord's Vineyard
and thank God for those men and and temporal needs of the people, with open hearts and a willing spirit.
women who discerned God's call, and thus serving God by serving humanity. In a world where our young people
willingly turned over their lives to Him Some of them, as lawyers and social are le searching for worthwhile role
as priests and religious sisters. They ac vists, are out there figh ng for models, our Consecrated Persons stand
reflect the light of Christ to all people, the rights and dignity of the common tall, amidst the debris of a crumbling
as they become one with God, through man. Those with 'the gi of the gab' value system. This World Day of
the vows of Poverty, Chas ty and and skilled with the power of the pen, Consecrated Life also calls each one of
Obedience that they take. These vows not only oer meaningful insights us to ask ourselves: How is God calling
help them to live out their Bap smal into the faith, but are able to present me to give of myself? How can I know
convincing and persuasive arguments the deeper joy of service to God and
Ninette D'Souza is a teacher at Canossa of 'How' and 'Why' we are all called to others?
School, Mahim. to be 'Leaven' in a materialis c world.
An Apostle of Peace
T
he life of Mahatma Gandhi has been a source of spite of having a first class cket. A er the comple on of
inspiration for people from all over the world. his work, he decided to return to India. But he had to stay in
Gandhi penned his Autobiography to tell the South Africa for 21 years to fight against racial discrimina on.
story of his numerous Experiments with Truth, He established the Natal Indian Congress Indian Opinion,
especially in the spiritual field which was unknown to the Phoenix Se lement and Tolstoy Farm to consolidate the
people of India and the 'civilised' world. His life was so Indian Community in South Africa. In the wake of the Boer
transparent that he could declare to the whole world that war and Zulu rebellion, he organised the Ambulance Corps
"My life is my message." to nurse and serve the wounded. During his stay in South
Africa, a real metamorphosis of his personality took place,
and that finally paved the way to 'Mahatmaship' later. In
1906, he took the vow of Brahmacharya, and also formulated
his principle of Satyagraha in the same year. He led a series
of struggles on South African soil, including the Long March
ll the passage of the Indian Relief Bill in 1914. He returned
to India in 1915.
He established the Satyagraha Ashram at Kochrab,
Ahmedabad in May 1915. He launched his first Satyagraha
struggle at Champaran in Bihar against the indigo planters. It
was followed by Satyagrahas in Kheda and Ahmedabad mill
workers. His entry in Indian poli cs was marked by Rowla
Satyagraha in 1919. As the leader of the Indian masses, he
led three major na onal movements viz. Non-coopera on
Movement (1922), Salt Satyagraha (1930) and Quit India
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on October Movement (1942). It needs to be emphasized that both
2, 1869 at Porbandar in Gujarat, as the youngest son of during Rowla Satyagraha and Non-coopera on Movement,
Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. His refusal to copy the he went to the extent of withdrawing these movements
spelling of a word from his neighbour's slate, the impact for the sake of truth and non-violence, despite all-round
of Shravana Pitribhak Nataka and of Harishchandra on opposi on to his principled approach. He also took a non-
young Mohandas show his commitment to truth at a tender compromising stand on the ques on of untouchability, and
age. A er the comple on of his matricula on examina on, went on a fast unto death on the issue of Communal Award
he went to England in 1888 to study Law. During his stay in 1932. Subsequently, his life entered into a new phase,
there, he came in contact with prominent people associated marked by service to villages that led to the establishment
with London Vegetarian society, Chris an missionaries and of Sevagram Ashram at Wardha in 1936. Towards the end
theosophists, and was introduced to major religious texts of his life, there was a rare display of life-long Sadhana of
of various religions. His stay in London further strengthened truth and non-violence, which he demonstrated in Noakhali,
the interreligious approach which he got from his family Calcu a, Bihar and Delhi. That prompted Lord Mountba en
and Saurashtra's cultural environment. He passed the to describe him as a 'one man army'. It is true that he failed
examina ons in 1891, and sailed back home. to prevent the Par on of India. But the fact that India could
He started his legal prac ce in India, but he could not retain its historic role as a country of composite culture
succeed in the profession. In the mean me, he got an remains as a living tes mony to Gandhi's contribu on in the
oer from Dada Abdulla and Company, and sailed to South en re process. It was in the course of his a empt to integrate
Africa in 1893. In South Africa, he had to face the wrath the warring communi es that he a ained martyrdom at the
of racial discrimina on. He was literally thrown out of the hands of a Hindu fana c. In short, the life of Gandhi was a life
compartment at the Pietermaritzburg railway sta on in of incessant Sadhana for truth and non-violence and their
applica on in mundane life.
Siby K. Joseph is Dean of Studies and Research, Institute of
Gandhian Studies, Gopuri, Wardha, Maharashtra.
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a Maintenance to a Mis-
other, there is a huge pull towards the social circuit with fashion
shows and dance contests that promote vulgarity being given
sional Church undue prominence, and fetes and fairs taking up the lion's share
of me and ac vity. All this on huge grounds owned by dioceses
Wrien by Fr James Mallon or parishes, with non-Chris ans par cipa ng
In his encyclical on the Church's primary as contestants, judges or spectators, all with
mission of evangelisa on in the modern li le or no knowledge of Chris an morals and
world, Pope Francis says, "My mission ethics. O en, fes ve occasions in the life of
of being in the heart of the people is the parish and week-long events like the so-
not just a part of my life, or a badge I called Youth Week held during the Church's
can take o; it is not an "extra" or just major liturgical seasons like Advent and Lent,
another moment in life. Instead, it is send out a wrong message, stuck as such
something I cannot uproot from my parishes are with the 'maintenance' tag.
being without destroying my very self. Wri en under the influence of head and
I am a mission on this earth; that is the heart alike, DIVINE RENOVATION is packed
reason why I am here in this world." with stories, ideas and prac cal ini a ves
[Evangelii Gaudium - no. 273] for creating healthy and vibrant parish
Significantly, it is with this quote communities. Making readers aware of
that Fr James Mallon's book, DIVINE their fundamental identity in Christ, the
RENOVATION, opens [p 11], as if to fresh vision and real-life strategies emerging
remind the reader at the very outset from this book both inspire and challenge
that the raison d'tre of our existence parish communitiespastors, co-pastors
on earth is to strive with Jesus to bring, and parishionersto rethink their culture,
each in our own way, the en re world break free of the status quo and engage every
to the Father in Jesus. Isn't that what believer in missionary discipleship. Showing
evangelisa on is all about? And yet, the way to achieving this ideal, Mallon avers:
we'd be missing the wood for the trees, "It has been said that Church renewal is
if we were to overlook the fact that more than the need for all about the three Hs: hospitality, hymns and homilies." (p
evangelisa on among non-Chris ans, the need is the greater 124) Mallon sure knows his onions, for he speaks from the
within the Catholic fold itself, which of course is of a piece with experience of having spared no pains in devising novel ways
the Lord's command to Francis d'Assisi, the present pope's of successfully making members of his congrega on feel
namesake and model: "Francis, go rebuild my house, which as welcome in church, freely encouraging music of all genres
you see is falling into ruin." (p 33) That's where the sagacity of in congrega onal par cipa on, and consciously ensuring
the text of DIVINE RENOVATION [pp 317 / Rs 300] comes in. that his homilies, well-prepared and to the point with the
Mallon's disserta on concerns the challenges he faced as composi on of the congrega on in mind, le his listeners
Vicar. His discovery that a frivolous social pas me such as 'card virtually asking for more.
playing', rather than worship and catechesis, cons tuted the All in all, what Mallon proves through this book is that
life of the parish he was called to pastor, and that the use of vibrant parish renewal (call it transforma on or renova on
church premises for such socialising over and above the need of communi es and individuals) is not merely essen al, but
for catechesis-based ac vity was de rigueur, did give the young eminently possible, much of course depending on the dynamism
pastor tense moments. That he surmounted the situa on with of the Parish Priest, the coopera on of the parishioners and
steely determina on and succeeded in gaining for community- the support of the Ordinary of the diocese. And so it is that
centred cateche cal ac vity the place and importance due, Patrick Lencioni, bestselling author of The Five Dysfuncons
redounds en rely to his credit, his ini a ve and innova veness, of a Team, makes bold to advise: "Buy a copy for yourself, and
overriding gently, yet firmly, all odds and objec ons. another for your pastor" (p 2)! Indeed, what be er me to do
DIVINE RENOVATION is essen ally about enabling the reader precisely that than now, pu ng into eect Mallon's DIVINE
whether clerical, religious or lay to perceive the status of RENOVATION [published by ST PAUL'S], se ng the ball rolling
one's Chris anness as a sign of a deep understanding of the by way of turning our respec ve parishes from 'maintenance'
Faith as the source and means of salva on. The sub- tle of to 'missional' communi es in the ensuing liturgical year!
the book, 'From a Maintenance to a Missional Parish' applies
LADISLAUS L D'SOUZA
very well to India, where the Church could surely take a leaf
W
hen the Bollywood movie Ghulam, starring "I never paid much a en on to art work before, but we
Aamir Khan and Rani Mukherjee released in were given responsibility for sets, backdrops, altar dcor, so
1998, it changed one man's course of life. we started observing, improvising to the point that I can't call
Fr Ajay Shelke SDB (33) had just appeared myself an ar st today, but I can confidently do artwork."
for his standard 10 exams, while at a Salesian boarding in Fr Noronha a ributes his growth to the personal a en on
Ahmednagar. He was invited by a priest to pursue further he received throughout his forma on, from the senior
studies at the Don Bosco Junior college in Lonavla. priests he was entrusted to. "Outside, in the secular world,
Ajay Shelke found the proposi on alluring; not the studies, it would not happen. The follow-up we received has made a
but what was on oer in Aamir Khan's famous song, 'Aa dierence. Priests and brothers in-charge saw the poten al
Kya KhandalaLonavle in us, and trained us
Mein Chikki Khayenge' thoroughly," he said.
(Will you come to "It took a long me
Khandala? We'll eat chikki for me to train myself
in Lonavla). He thought to get accustomed
to himself, "I have never to youth; as I have
gone beyond my village not gone to a regular
in Ahmednagar. If I go to college, and have not
Lonavla, at least I will get lived their lifestyle.
to see Aamir Khan and But when we see
Rani Mukherjee." the youth coming
So he reached Lonavla, to us, sharing their
excitedly, but what he saw problems at home,
next threw him into a zzy. their problems with
"I never saw the actors, friends, trea ng us
but I saw lots of children like friends, pulling
playing on les on the our legs, laughing
ground. And I saw huge and joking with us,
grounds, and I became that's when we are
crazy. Then the actors and actress' craze went, and my focus grateful to Don Bosco for the kind of training we receive,"
was only on games. Every year, I said, "Let me experience Fr Noronha added.
one year, let me experience one year, and that experience When in class 10, he was asked by a Salesian voca on
brought me to priesthood. Today, as a priest, I am very happy promoter to ck three careers from a wide variety of op ons,
that God has called me to the Don Bosco way," Fr Shelke said. he picked 'priest' as his third and last choice.
While Don Bosco ins tu ons are synonymous with sport, The voca on promoter followed up, and the then
Fr Mylin Noronha SDB (29) confesses, "I was always bad at rebellious teenager, Mylin Noronha decided to join the Don
sports; I s ll am bad at sports." But the plethora of other Bosco boarding. "I went merely to get freedom from my
ac vi es on oer was most appealing. "I was tone deaf family, and I ended up taking a vow of priesthood," he smiles.
before I joined Don Bosco Lonavla. I learnt to play the Fr Noronha and his companion for 13 years, Fr Shaun
piano, guitar, saxophone, trumpet and drums. I was even D'Lima SDB (29) have a lot in common. Father D'Lima
part of the band and by the end, I was in-charge of the also left home in Mumbai as a rebellious youngster,
band," Fr Noronha said. seeking the adventures of a Salesian boarding life, and
he was not disappointed.
Karen Laurie is the Editor of Bosco Information Service, the "In class seven, I had a ended a Salesian camp, and
news agency of the Salesians of the Mumbai province. She is I loved the hikes, walks, games. So I wanted to join," Fr
also a Visiting Professor at St Pius X College, Goregaon. D'Lima said. He completed class 11 and 12 at the Lonavla
NOTES COMMENTS
the preparatory document was dra ed and discussed.
Members of the Council expressed their apprecia on for the
document plan and oered their sugges ons to improve it.
The prefects of three dicasteries of the Roman Curia had
been invited to a end the mee ng on account of their
one-day event screened 20 short films across 55 loca ons
competence regarding the synodal ma ers: Cardinal Joo
in 19 states and a racted over 6 lakh viewers, this year, the
Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congrega on for the Ins tutes
organisers expect 8-10 lakh viewers. The entry is free at
of Consecrated Life and the Socie es of Apostolic Life;
all venues.
Cardinal Beniamino Stella, prefect of the Congrega on for
the Clergy; and Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery This film festival is a unique attempt to showcase the
for the Laity, Family and Life. At the end of the works, the aspira ons of the youth, the challenges and the struggles
Holy Father thanked the Members of the Council and the they go through, and their issues and concerns are
other par cipants for their contribu ons and for the spirit of highlighted in these short films. "Film is a powerful medium
fraternal communion experienced throughout the mee ng. that can communicate, educate, elevate and inspire the
young viewers," said Fr Harris Pakkam, SDB, director of
the Film Festival. The theme of the Film Festival is the
Celebrating the spirit of youth celebra on of the spirit of youth in a posi ve and inspiring
way, narra ng stories of young people who face challenges
MICHAEL GONSALVES, WWW.MYDIGITALFC.COM and struggles of life with courage, determina on and faith
What is common between veteran Bollywood film makers to emerge as inspiring individuals. This mul -city short film
Mahesh Bha , Anand Patwardhan and famous actor Akshay festival has also roped in young people associated with
Kumar? They are all alumni of the reputed Don Bosco High Don Bosco schools, DB alumni and film lovers as well. The
School at Matunga, Mumbai. While the trio took the mass spirit of the fes val is to infuse in young people new hopes,
medium to greater heights in their own right to entertain op mism and posi ve energy to live as good ci zens and
and drive home a lesson or two, their mentors, known God-fearing persons, which was St Don Bosco, the founder
as the Salesian priests of the Catholic Church, have also of the Salesian Society's dream for every youngster.
started reaching out to the masses through the medium of For informa on on the Don Bosco Youth Film Fes val, log
the films. on to: www.dby.org
The second annual edi on of the Don Bosco Youth Film
Fes val of India will screen 24 short films (under 30 minutes
dura on) at 90 venues across 22 states in the country on
January 28 and 29. The short films revolve around the
theme of youth, their issues and concerns and nation
building. "The mega event is to celebrate the spirit of youth, Please send us your reports related to
and we are touched with the overwhelming response Youth ac vi es with pictures of the event
from across the country from all faiths and communi es,
irrespective of caste, creed, colour or language," said
and your contact details to
Salesian Fr Joaquim Fernandes, a delegate from Boscom editor@examiner.in
South Asia, the communica on wing. While last year, the
NEWS LOCAL
aware of the shadow of the Cross in our lives and strive
to be faithful to one's callingwhether to the priesthood,
religious life or the married life. Fr Jude explained that
ultimately, one's life has to reflect the 'new' creation
at IC Church, Borivli Waste' exhibi on in the hall alongside. About 150 student
participants from six schools took part [St Agnes, Gloria
On the occasion of the Christian Unity Octave being Convent, St Isabel, St Mary's SSC Sec on, Regina Pacis and
celebrated by the Catholic Church worldwide, I C Church, Rosary School]. Every student from these schools performed
Borivli organised a Prayer Service in the Pope Paul VI Hall angelically, ushering in the true spirit of the birth of Infant
on Sunday, January 22, 2017, to which the priests of the Jesus on Christmas Day. Student spectators, including
Mainline Reforma on churches and Pastors of the New Life Principals and Teaching Sta who accompanied them, as
Movements lying within the jurisdic on of the parish were well as the School Trustees and their special guests, warmly
invited to par cipate. applauded each performance. Refreshments were served
to all participants. The Management hosted a delicious
The theme chosen for the Prayer Service was: 'Everything Christmas lunch for guest Principals, Teachers and Staff
has become new' (2 Cor 5:17) 'being born in the Spirit' (Jn and employees of St Isabel's therea er. Proceeds from the
3:8) which was in sync with the theme of the parish for the exhibi on were donated to charity.
year 'Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges'.
St Isabel's celebrated the Pre-Primary and Primary Annual
The Prayer Service opened with a praise and worship Day on December 16, and the Secondary Sec on Annual Day
session, prayerfully led by the English Prayer Group of I C on December 17. Our Headmistresses always invite ex-students
Church, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit. who are doing well in their careers to grace these func ons
Fr Barthol Barretto Parish Priest and Bishop-Elect as Chief Guests, and give away the numerous scholarships to
welcomed the gathering and introduced Fr Jude Ferreira deserving proud students. On December 21, an inter-School
the Resource Person. Fr Jude of St Anthony Church, Vakola, 'Best of Waste' Christmas Symbol Contest was held. The
innova ve well designed Crib and Christmas Tree, assembled
an eminent Bible Scholar and Faculty in the Ministry of the
by some teachers and students of St Isabel's, was judged and
Word programme proclaimed the Word of God and shared
awarded the First Prize. Christmas Tree celebrations for all
his reflec ons on the above-men oned theme.
students, staff and employees were held on December 22,
Being a 'new' crea on through the merits of the Passion, when everybody was gifted a sumptuous box of Cadbury
death and Resurrec on of Jesus, Fr Jude explained what chocolates by Santa Claus. The Headmistresses organised the
it meant to be part of the 'old' creationin which sin Annual Athle c Meet for students and sta on January 6, 2017
contaminated all human beings. He also stressed that at St Xavier's Grounds, Parel.
A training programme for Vocation Promoters was Bishop John Rodrigues began the second session on
organised by Fr Godwin Fernandes (Diocesan Vocation 'Personal accompaniment in processes of growth' (Evangelii
Director) and his team on January 12, 2017 at Salvation Gaudium) and 'Discernment & Decision making' (Joe Currie,
Church, Dadar. 65 priests, religious and brothers were SJ, Shepherds a er my own Heart). He explained the four
present for this programme. The resource persons were tugs upon our personal freedom. (God's Love verses Sin's
Bishop John Rodrigues and Fr Brian Moras, sdb. power, my fears and ambi ons verses other's expecta ons.)
The session started with the ligh ng of the lamp, followed The five steps required in decision making eort.
by meaningful ac on songs and prayer. Fr Brian started o by The QUEST Voca on Bulle n for the Bombay Archdiocese
creatively presenting the situation of the Christian families (containing inspiring articles on discernment, various
and society today. He gave three watchwords: 1) Grow: in
events, vocation stories, Holy Hour and Rosary for
number and in qualitythus becoming the salt of the earth.
Voca ons) was distributed.
2) Be united 3) Create synergy, working together to produce an
eect which is greater than the sum of our individual eorts.
offences She said that the Indian system of dealing with abuse
is not effective, because "we do not have a real plan of
A 38-year-old man has confessed to sexually assaulting as action. It is still seen as taboo. Awareness has to start at
many as 500 kids, mostly girls, in northern India, stunning the school and family level."
the nation and kicking off a discussion on child abuse. .........................................................................................UCAN
Sunil Rastogi, who was arrested on Jan. 15 in New
Delhi, confessed to sexually assaulting hundreds of
children aged 7-10 years, over a period of 12 years BENGALURU
in the neighbouring states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
and Uttarakhand.
Lend voice to the poor,
Apart from sexually assaulting the children, Rastogi Archbishop tells Catholic
also claimed to have attempted to abuse about 2,500
children in the region, police said.
youth
Archbishop Bernard Moras Bengaluru called upon Catholic
Child abuse in India has been rising these past few youth on Jan 18 to participate more in church activities,
years. According to data from the Na onal Crime Records besides giving a voice to the voiceless in society.
Bureau, there were nearly 58,224 cases of child abuse in
2013, as compared to 38,172 in 2012, and 33,052 in 2011. Speaking after inaugurating the 10 th National Youth
Conven on, Archbishop Moras said these days, Chris an
N e a r l y 7 , 0 0 0 ca s e s we re re g i ste re d u n d e r t h e
youth are seen everywhere, except in liturgical ac vi es.
Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Act from
November 2012 to March 2015. The Catholic Conference of Bishops in India (CBCI)
organises the Youth Conven on every three years, and this
The Act, which was brought into force in 2012, aims to
year, it was held at Mangaluru. The conven on deliberated
protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment
on issues like environment, harmony and peace in society
and pornography, and provides special courts to try such
and leadership. The participants also discussed about
offences.
the means of networking with organisations that share
Expressing concern over the sexual abuse of 500 girls, similar concerns.
Joseph said that the incident was "sickening," adding
that the issue has been raised repeatedly, but nothing Bishop Henry D'Souza of Bellary, Chairman of CBCI
concrete has been done on the ground to prevent it. Youth Commission, Fr Deepak Thomas, National Youth
Director, Bishop Aloysius Paul D'Souza of Mangaluru, Bishop
"Child abuse is a priority issue. People are aware, but Lawrence Mukkuzhy of Belthangady and Bishop Alwyn
they are not focusing on it. We need parents to come out Bare o of Sindhudurg were present.
and speak against it," she said.
According to the organisers, more than 5,000 youth
Joseph said that they rescued 150 children who were caome to Mangaluru to be part of this event. A team
victims of human trafficking last year in the northeast from Odisha performed the tradi onal Bihu dance at the
Indian city of Darjeeling. inaugural func on.
On the concluding day on January 22, over 8,000 youth
Please send your Adver sement participated in a peace march in the city. The march
with your name, started from Rosario Cathedral Church, and culminated
address, contact number, at St Aloysius College Grounds, where Justice Kurian
to ads@examiner.in or mail@examiner.in Joseph, Supreme Court judge, addressed the youth about
Cons tu onal rights and du es and their responsibility.
.........................................................................................UCAN
NEWS INTERNATIONAL
a daily struggle. A fight!" he said Jan. 19. "That's why Jesus
came: 'to destroy Satan's empire, the empire of evil.'"
The Gospels tell us that some are sick and want to be
healed, he said. There were also some who liked to listen to
VATICAN Jesus' preaching. But another answer is that they followed
the Lord, because the Father always leads us to His Son.
Pope's Message to Trump Jesus was moved by these people he saw as sheep
Pope Francis sent best wishes and prayers to incoming US without a shepherd, Pope Francis said, these people who
President Donald J. Trump, shortly a er he took the oath are being led to him by the Holy Spirit. "May the Lord give
of oce. us the grace to know how to discern what is going on in our
"I oer you my cordial good wishes and the assurance of my hearts, and to choose the right path upon which the Father
prayers that almighty God will grant you wisdom and strength draws us to Jesus."
in the exercise of your high oce," the Pope's message said. ..............................................................................EWTNNEWS
Takayama Ukon - 'Samurai of first place in the world where a statue landed.
Christ' - to be beatified On Jan. 16, more than 1,000 Catholics packed St Teresa
Church for a special Mass, followed by an overnight
The solemn ceremony of bea fica on of Justo Takayama adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. "It is a good time
Ukon (1552-1615), the 'Samurai of Christ', a person dear to to re-proclaim Fatima's message about world peace and
the Japanese Church, will be held on February 7 in Osaka. conversion, along with the pastoral direc on of Hong Kong
This was announced by Bishop Isao Kikuchi, SVD, head of Diocese," said Fr Dominic Chan, vicar general.
the Diocese of Niigata and President of Caritas Japan. Pope "Cardinal John Tong Hon of Hong Kong has decided to
Francis signed the decree of bea fica on in January 2016, adopt marriage and family as the pastoral direction for
and the Japanese Church has been preparing for the event this year," said Fr Chan, who is also parish priest of the
for a long year, asking for the ceremony to be celebrated Immaculate Concep on Cathedral which hosted the statue.
on Japanese soil. Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the
Congrega on for the Causes of Saints will preside over the Louis Kwan, a member of the Legion of Mary, said his first
celebra on which will be broadcast live on TV in Japan. impression of the Our Lady of Fa ma were the messages
associated with the apparition. "I understand they were
Among the many saints in the history of the Church in the related to repentance and prayer. Although the messages
Land of the Rising Sun (42 saints and 393 blessed, including were 100 years ago, they are s ll relevant today," Kwan said.
European missionaries), all martyrs killed "in odium fidei"
during several waves of persecu on, the case of Takayama The Blessed Mother appeared to three shepherd children
is a special figure: he is in fact, a layman, a politician, a in Fa ma, Portugal in 1917, and told them three prophecies:
soldier (he was a feudatory and samurai), who was not of hell, the consecra on of Russia and the death of a Pope
killed, but chose the path of following Christ, poor, obedient and other religious figures. The statue of Our Lady will
and crucified. Ukon gave up a social posi on of high rank con nue its journey to the Philippines at the end of January.
and wealth, in order to remain faithful to Christ and to .........................................................................................UCAN
the Gospel.
LETTERS TO
THE EDITOR became good friends.
The best thing about the place is the clean air, as
compared to the polluted air of Mumbai. The facilities
provided to the residents are excellent; the rooms are well
Ashoka Award for SNEHA furnished and there is no restriction on personal items
like TVs, computers, mobile phones, etc. The charges for
Sir, SNEHA (Society for Nutri on Educa on and Health Ac on) all this are nominal, since it includes full board, house-
is an organisa on co-founded by Dr Armida Fernandez. Dr keeping and laundry. All the residents I met were very
Fernandez is an Ashoka award winner for her outstanding
happy, and did not seem to miss their folks or their original
philanthropic work.
homes. This is probably due to the clean surroundings,
Drs Rui and Armida Fernandez lost their only child, Romila, coupled with the sisters' loving care. The layout of the
to cancer. This tragedy spurred the indefatigable Armida home is well designed, secure, and it has a pre y balcony
to launch a new ini a ve, 'Romila Pallia ve Care', through facing a flowing stream. There is also a beau ful Chapel
SNEHA. This centre seeks to address the needs of homebound within the premises. I would definitely recommend it to
cancer pa ents, en rely free of cost. 'Romila Pallia ve Care' any one looking for a place for their aged rela ves.
will be launched on January 27, 2017 and will be opera ng
from the premises of Holy Family Hospital, Bandra. The Hats off to Phil Fernandes, the former President of
team will consist of a doctor, nurse and counsellor; it will DCCW, and her dedicated team of organisers who managed
be supported by a team of volunteers. Some of the services the entire outing, looking into every minute detail from
provided would be providing treatment op ons, assis ng in boarding the buses to returning home. They planned
pain relief, providing counselling and emo onal support to games where winners were awarded useful gi s. They also
the pa ent and his/her caregivers, providing a reference point arranged a dona on cheque of Rs 50,000/- towards funds
for services such as physiotherapy and legal aid, assis ng in for comple on of building of the first floor, and hope people
running errands, reading to the pa ent. will monetarily help to complete this project.
SNEHA is having a fundraiser for the new centre on the Sr Sebi, in charge of the Home, welcomed those
March 19, 2017 from 12 noon to 4 pm at the Hard Rock Caf, interested to stay overnight or for a few days. She
Mumbai. Those interested in suppor ng this cause may contact said this place can be used as a Resort or a Holiday
Ms Sharmila Kher, Manager, Fundraising, SNEHA at mobile no. Home for relatives or friends to enjoy the surrounding
98205 48215, or phone no. 6614 488 extn. 25 or by e-mail at beauty. Charges would be Rs 600 per person for food and
shama@snehamumbai.org. accommoda on. Those interested may contact Sr Geeta on
Monica Fernandes, Bandra (W) 90491 71442 or 2837 5396. Sr Sebi also informed us that
the Vasai diocese has visited this Home, which is under
its jurisdic on. Therea er, all of us le in a joyous mood,
A Delightful Senior Citizens asking the organisers to have this programme more o en.
Cajetan S. D'Souza
Born: 7th Aug. 1926
Died: 1st Feb. 1977
Anniversary Mass
on Friday 3rd February 2017
At Our Lady of Victories Church
(Victoria Church)
Mahim, Mumbai at 7:15 am
Mr Christopher Peter
D'Mello
Died on 2/1/2017
REMEMBRANCE
H/o Bernie
F/o Andrea, Kevin, Dalston,
Kimberly
G/s Keenan
Brother/ SILs, Sisters/ BILs
Carmine Alva M. M. Alva
Born 28th Feb. 1946 Born 2nd May 1942
Month's Mind Mass Entered Heaven 31st Jan. 1979 Entered Heaven 19th Jan. 2007
on Thursday 2nd February 2017
Your sufferings & pains are not forgotten Those who have given off themselves to
at 7.00 pm at St. Anne's Church,
as you faced the evils in the society, in others, live forever within the hearts of
Pali Hill, Bandra (West) Mumbai following Christ those they have touched.
"A A"
St Anne's Girls High School, Dabul, Mumbai- 400 002
Invites all Ex- Students to the Annual Reunion to be held on
18th February 2017 in the School Hall from 5 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Weddings, Parties, Communion
For Passes please contact: School Of ice- - 022-22050504 and Corporate Events
Packages provided with
Ms. Renee Carvalho - 9819468418 Decorator, M.C, Sound, Photographer,
Ms. Selma D'Silva - 8108103141 Invitation Cards, Catering
Range of Packages to fit your budget.
Ms Blossom Fernandes - 9820847550
Ryan Rodrigues 9820153268
(Passes available from 1st February to 15th February in the School Of ice) Email : ryancaterersbandra@gmail.com
Edited, Printed & Published by Fr. Anthony Charanghat for and on behalf of The Examiner Trust (Regn.No.E 10398 Bom.)
Printed at Ace Printers, 212, Pragati Industrial Estate, Delisle Road, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013. Tel.: 22630397 / 98.