salesian magazine - winter/spring 2014 issue

SALESIAN®

Winter/Spring 2014

Rebuilding livesin the Philippines

– See page 4

SALESIAN • Published Bi-Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710Issue 269 • Winter/Spring 2014, Volume 66, No. 1 (Issn. 0036-3480)

Want to know who we are,where we began,

and who inspires our work?Visit us at our website:

www.salesianmissions.orgWe’ll send you to over 130 countries

where the Salesians are working for theyoung, the poor and the abandoned.You will discover the many ways theSalesians offer a path for partnership.

Hope to see you soon!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PG.

Philippines Update . . . . . . . . . . 4

Clean Water forBombo, Uganda . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Notes From the Field:A personal account by SalesianLay Missioner, Grace Loeffler . . 10

Salesians in the U.S. and Canada –San Luis Rey Parish,Laredo, TX . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Salesian Vocations…Two Journeys . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

A Message from Ethiopia . . . . 28

Leave a Legacyof Love and Hope…

And HelpMake the World aBetter Place.

One person, like you,can make a significant

difference. Your decision to rememberSalesian Missions in your Will can bringpositive change to the future of thousandsof needy children struggling each day justto survive.

Our programs around the world aresaving these precious lives… and helpingto make the world a better place.

By including Salesian Missions in yourplanned giving, your heart and soul areforever part of these good works.

So consider leaving a legacy of love andhope that will live on in generations to come.

Please remember Salesian Missionsin your Will…

2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728

TEL: (914) 633-8344

www.salesianmissions.org/giving

3SALESIAN

Dear Friend and Partner in Mission!

As we begin the New Year, I reflect on all the vital works forthe poor that you have helped make possible this past year. WeSalesians, and the children and families in our missions are blessedto have caring friends like you. The stories of hope and love in thepages that follow, are a testament to your goodness. We cannotthank you enough.

Last year, the super typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines, and the Salesianswere among the first responders. In this issue of SALESIAN, we will take you to thisdevastated country so you can see how we’ve aided in the recovery efforts. We will alsotake you to Uganda where a Salesian project is providing clean water, then to Laredo, TXwhere our parish is a life-line for the community and then finally share the joyful journeyof two young men to the Salesian Family.

As you travel through the pages of our magazine, you will clearly see the global impactof Salesian Missions. Thousands upon thousands of precious lives are being saved everyday – all made possible by people, like you.

In the coming months, I will be visiting some of our Missions. I wish I could take allof you with me to look into the grateful eyes of a hungry child who we just fed or hear thejoyful laughs of children in our youth centers – children who at one time only felt fear andpain. While I know I can’t take you with me, I hope the stories among these pages will liftyour spirit as you realize the impact you are making in the lives of the poor.

Thank you again for being a partner in our Missions. May you and your loved ones beblessed with a happy, healthy, and blessed New Year. You are always in our prayers. Pleasepray for us.

Sincerely,

Father Mark Hyde, S.D.B.

P.S. Just as this issue of SALESIAN was to go to press, I was given the sad news of the lossof a great Salesian priest – Fr. Edward Cappelletti, who passed away on December12, 2013. It was his vision, faith and dedication that made this Mission Office a real-ity. Forty years ago, Father Edward had a dream to create a Development Office thatwould help support poor and needy children for years to come. Today, that dreamis the Salesian Missions Office in New Rochelle, NY – an organization today thathelps support hundreds of Salesian programs that benefit millions of precious lives.May his soul rest in peace and his dream live on.

Letter from the Editor

For a special New Year video by Fr. Mark,please visit our website at:

www.salesianmissions.org/2013-message

Philippines Update:Rebuilding LivesThanks to CaringPeople Like You

Although the internationalmedia attention has faded, theSalesians are still hard at workhelping children, families andcommunities rebuild after thedevastation of Typhoon Haiyan.

Here are just a few of the examples of the progress so far – as wellas the continued need from caring friends like you:

• Food delivery: the Salesians are ensuring the smooth and efficientdelivery of food to those who need it most. Each ration contains 1 literof water, 2kg of rice, 3 portions of noodles and 4 cans of food which canfeed a family of five for two days.• Emergency shelter: the Salesian community in the city of Hernani

is providing temporary housing for families whose homes were demolishedin the storm. They are also securing a large boat to bring relief suppliesfrom distant islands four hours away.• Collaboration: the Filipino Family Fund – an organization

dedicated to educational and charitable activities in the Philippines –has teamed-up with the Salesians to identify other areas in desperateneed, such as Butig Island where 95% of homes have been destroyed.• Long-term reconstruction: the Salesians have implemented

Project ARC (Adopt and Rebuild a Community) and when completed, itwill provide homes for nearly 12,000 displaced people who are living inrefugee camps and on the streets. Plans also call for the reconstructionof a school, chapel and community center.

Please don’t forget about the victims of Typhoon Haiyan – they havea long and difficult road to recovery ahead. With your generosity andsupport, their lives will someday return to normal and their futures willbe bright. May God bless you for your kindness and compassion!

Winter/Spring 20144

For more information on Salesianworks in the Philippines, visit:

www.salesianmissions.org/typhoon

5SALESIAN

Fr. Edward Cappelletti, SDB1921-2013

We mourn the passing – and celebrate the life –of a true hero to the poor and needy.

As a young Salesian priest in the 1950’s, Fr. EdwardCappelletti had a vision. Assigned the task of raising fundsthrough a small missions development office in New Rochelle,New York, he aspired to accomplish something much grander.

With tireless effort and unrelenting determination, he put his heart and soul intocreating a process that would have a profound financial impact on thousands ofSalesian programs around the world. From humble beginnings, Fr. Edward spent nearly40 years building Salesians Missions into what it is today: the primary U.S. headquar-ters for obtaining funds and building awareness for the life-saving works of theSalesians around the world.

After 92 years of Christian life – 73 years as a professed Salesian and 63 years ofpriesthood – Father Edward returned to the Lord on December 12th, feast of Our Ladyof Guadalupe.

The Rector Major, during a Mass in Rome, honored the remarkable contributionsof Fr. Edward, later stating:

“The whole Congregation is very grateful to Fr. Edward Cappelletti for all that he didthrough the mission office to help our missionaries to make their dreams come true, thedream of Don Bosco, the dream of God, who loves and cares with predilection for thepoorest and most abandoned. May the Lord fill him with joy, peace, light, and new life ofHis Resurrection. On the behalf of the Congregation, I say a big thanks from the bottom ofour heart to Fr. Edward for his generosity and total devotion to the missions.”

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has joined us in praying for therepose of his soul, and for the comfort of his family and friends. Fr. Edward will long livein the hearts of all those he touched through his devotion, compassion and generosity.

Father Edward Cappelletti was the original designer and editor of SALESIANmagazine as it exists today. This issue of SALESIAN, still being published forover 60 years, is dedicated to him…

6

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� Enclosed is my gift of $16,000 to build a Village Memorial Chapel.� Enclosed is my gift of $21,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area.� Enclosed is my gift of $26,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in the most far removed

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Millions of people throughoutAfrica, Central and South America,India and Asia are celebrating Mass

and worshiping God in the most primitive conditions. Salesianmissionaries are in desperate need of funds to build simple anddecent houses of worship.

You can have a Memorial Chapel built in honor of yourfavorite saint and dedicate it to anyone you wish – living ordeceased. What a wonderful way to remember a loved one –and help the Lord’s most impoverished followers.

EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE DESIGN THATREFLECTS THE NEEDS OF THE LOCALCOMMUNITY IT SERVES.

You can make an individual gift to builda Memorial Chapel, or groups ororganizations can pool their donations.If you wish, you can also specify in yourwill that a chapel be erected in yourhonor or for anyone you choose.

Read more about our Chapel BuildingProgram by visiting us online at:

www.salesianmissions.org/chapels

What was once mud and straw...

Is now this!Thanks to

generous peoplelike you!

Clean Water forBombo, Uganda

For two brutal decades after gaining independence fromBritain, Uganda suffered an unprecedented reign of

terror under president Idi Amin. More than a million peopleperished in the violence; and countless other lives wereforever changed for the worse.

Despite his exile in 1978, the political situation in Ugandaremains volatile and humanitarian conditions deplorable.The country is among one of the poorest in the world, withrural infrastructure sorely lacking.

Today, more than 12 million people lack access to safe drink-ing water. Women and children are the most vulnerable: they walkhours each way, morning and night, to collect water in small jugsfor their families. Exhausted by the task, many children missschool or arrive unable to learn. Countless fall ill from choleraand dysentery.

SALESIAN 7

However, thanks to theBombo Water Project funded bythe Salesians, the situation inone community is about toimprove dramatically.

This initiative aims to har-ness Uganda’s precious waterresources through the construc-tion of wells, rain gutters, andcollection tanks.

“During the rainy season, welose a good quantity of water,”says Fr. Ruriho Jean Paul of theSalesian Province of Kigali. “Inusing innovative ways to captureit, we can provide an ongoingsource of clean water to hundredsof people.”

Students from the Don BoscoTechnical Training Center inBombo are involved in the project,gaining valuable experience byinstalling the gutters on their ownschool buildings. Small local com-panies, contracted by the Salesians,have also begun digging two bore-holes for wells located in the vil-lage. They are also installing rain-water collection tanks equippedwith electrical pumps in the pri-mary and secondary schools. Soon,families in town and children in

school will be able to gather theirdaily water nearby, year-round.

The impact of this work istremendous. No longer burdenedby the exhausting search forwater, children can focus on theirschoolwork – and improve theirchances for higher education anda better life. And, by reducing thethreat of water-borne illness, theproject will improve everyone’shealth – increasing overall pro-ductivity in the community, andhelping the people of Bomborealize their full potential.

Winter/Spring 20148

Sadly, although many wellshave been built, 12 millionchildren and their familiesstill are forced to collect anywater available. Serioushealth problems often result...

Your help isdesperately needed!

�� YES, Fr. Mark, I want help bring life-savingwater to the poor. I enclose my first monthly gift of:

�� $20 �� $15 �� $10 �� $________a month.I understand I’m not obligated to continue,but will try to help on a regular basis.�� Charge my credit card number:

Signature X __________________________________

�� I’d rather give a one-time gift of $________

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EXP. DATE (MO/YR)

Return this coupon today to join the Salesian Clean Water Initiative!

Help bring clean water to those who need it most!For as little as $10 a month you can participate in the Salesian Clean Water Initiative to helpbuild wells and supply other sources of fresh water to those who so desperately need it.

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Only with a healthy, educatedpopulation can poor communitiesattain a path to lasting peace andprosperity. Y

SALESIAN 9

The Salesians pray that youwill help them to deliver cleanwater to children and families allaround the globe.

Winter/Spring 201410

Reflections after One Yearas an SLM in South Sudan

It’s been one year. I’ve had 365days of intimate friendships, preciousmoments, and sweet memories. I’vesurvived 52 weeks without a hugfrom mom or a face-to-face conversa-tion with any of my favorite peoplefrom home. For an entire year, I’veworn one pair of shoes every singleday and a combination of five out-fits that have kept my knees andshoulders from ever meeting theSouth Sudanese sun. I’ve deniedsimple comforts in order to have mylife radically transformed by a motleygang of precious, mischievous, andaffectionate African children.

If I could possibly summarize a year’s worth of life lessons and trans-forming experiences, it would be best done through the following quote:

Notes From the Field:A personal accountby Salesian Lay Missioner, (SLM) GRACE LOEFFLER

SALESIAN 11

“The most important hour is alwaysthe present. The most significant personis precisely the one sitting across fromyou right now. The most necessary

work is always love.”- Meister Eckhart

People first. Life is comprisedof so many choices. In the modernworld we live in, even here in thejungles of Africa, we face the dailystruggle of being consumed by acyber-world that can swallowhours of our time. The rule I’ve setfor myself from the beginning ofthis mission is to always choosethe person in front of me before

anything else. If I have planning orgrading to do for school, but a lit-tle one wants to play, the school-work can be done later so that thechild can be loved now. This start-ed out as a mental rule for mission,but I’ve realized that this outlook willdirectly translate into my life backhome. I need to constantly put peoplefirst. They are what really matters.

Fear not. There’s somethingawesome about being called a“missionary.” It’s like a mentalsuperhero cape that you throwover yourself as you step onto for-eign soil. There’s a complete trust

SLM Grace with a few of her loving and affectionate “students.”


The face of this child holdinghis baby brother illustratesthe simple joy these childrenfind in a life that offersthem very little.

Photo byGrace Loeffler

and surrender to God, knowing thatsince He’s already gotten you thisfar, He must want to do somethingwonderful through you. The resultswere glorious – beautiful relation-ships, lots of little victories, andmany visible graces. But here’s thething: I’m just me, just trying tolove, and without any special pow-ers to do anything different thanwhat I’ve been capable of doingevery day for my entire life. Back inthe States, far too many times, I hes-itated. I knew the right thing to do,

but what would peoplethink? What would theconsequence be? Aren’t Itoo busy right now? Buthere this “fearless me” hastackled teaching middleschool classes, fosteredmeaningful friendshipswith teenagers, and gottena delicate handle on twoforeign languages. I realize

that the impossible is always possi-ble with the help of God. It doesn’tmatter where I am but what doesmatter is that God is beside me andready to work through my weakness-es. The only effort He requires is justfor me to try.

Simplicity. We need so muchless to survive happily andpeacefully than we can even fath-om in our comfortable homes inAmerica. I’ve barely missed therestaurant chains, strip malls, orten-dollar movie tickets of my

past life. I spend half my dayevery Saturday washing myclothes by hand. I save everyscrap piece of paper, plastic, orfabric lying around in hopes ofusing it for a future project inschool. I don’t have any money,but neither does anyone elsearound me. I eat the same foodevery day. I wear the same clothesevery day. I wear my hair in thesame style every day. And youknow what? I’m still happy. I’mhappy just being me, without thefluff. What matters are the mattersof the heart. I’m valued for myability to [attempt to] dance, to

draw, to bandage awound, and to love Jesus. I’mloved because all I have to offer isJesus, and fittingly, He is Love.

It’s been a wild ride and achallenging, exciting adventure.With three remaining months, I’mhoping and praying to take in andappreciate every last second withthose sweet children and lovingadults who have unknowinglytaught me how to view the worldthrough different eyes. Y

To God be the glory!Grace

SALESIAN 13

The Salesian Lay Missioners is a faith-based volunteer program that offers aunique opportunity to serve the poor children of the world. We sponsordomestic and international placements and require a 1 or 2 year commitment.

If you would like more information about thislife-changing program, please write to:

Salesian Lay MissionersAttn: Adam Rudin2 Lefevre Lane

New Rochelle NY 10801-5710

Or visit our website at:www.SalesianLayMissioners.orgor email us at: [email protected]

YES! I want to be part of thismodern-day Loaves & Fishes miracle!

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You can be partof a modern-day Loaves and Fishes

miracle!Every $1=$14

Several organizations have partneredwith Salesian Missions because they have tons (literally!)of essential items that they want to donate free of charge…but they need our help to get them in the hands of poorchildren and families who need them the most.

That’s where you come in!We can pack a large container – about the size of a tractor-trailer truck –

with $70,000 worth of donated food, medicine, clothing or school supplies.But we need your help to pay the $5,000 overseas shipping cost.

Simply put, every $1 you give enables us to ship $14 worthof life-changing – and live-saving – supplies!

What’s more, your generosity will be a testament to the Loaves and Fishesmiracle when Jesus multiplied seven loaves of bread and a few small fish intoenough food to feed four thousand people!So much is at stake. Thank you for whatever you can give today!

� Enclosed is my gift that will multiply 14X! �$10 �$15 �$25 �$_____

Laredo. Older people mayknow songs of its dusty roads;others may have driventhrough it entering or leavingMexico. A true transportationcity, more than 10,000 trucksrumble through its streetseach day – carrying cargo toand from the eastern UnitedStates.

Despite this endless bustleand the long, very hot sum-mers, 250,000 people callLaredo “home” – including the Salesians, who have been servingthis border city for the past 75 years.

SalesiansIn the U.S.

And CanadaIn 1897, the first Salesian missionaries set foot in California. The goingwas tough and slow – but the spirit of Don Bosco was with them and work

progressed. Today over 335 Salesians are present and working with theyoung throughout the United States and Canada.

2009 saw the merging of the Salesian Eastern U.S. and Canadian Provinces.The hope of the Salesians in both countries is that this union, based in NewRochelle, New York will provide a more effective means of expanding Salesianworks for the young and needy in North America.

San Luis Rey Parish, Laredo, TXby Fr. Mike Gergen S.D.B., Pastor, San Luis Rey Parish

SALESIAN 15

Faithful to our local heritage we dedicateone day each summer to remember thatwe are all “tejanos” or Texans here!

16 Winter/Spring 2014

In San Luis Rey Parish, where Iserve (and where the Salesiansfirst took over in 1978), as many as4,000 faithful attend weekendMass. We also perform more than20 baptisms each month, 30Quinceañeras (celebrating the15th birthday of a Latina girl) andover 60 marriages each year,respectively.

Our parishioners are from allwalks of life – from business own-ers to restaurant workers; fromdoctors to truckers. Many havelived in Laredo all of their lives.Many also have roots in Mexico –

especially acrossthe border in NuevoLaredo or inMonterrey, Mexico’slarge industrial cityabout a two-hourdrive away. Becauseof this (with the

exception of a single SundayMass), we conduct all of our reli-gious services in the preferredlanguage of our parishioners,Spanish. As with the localschools, however, we use Englishas the language of instruction inour religious education programs.

We’re a busy parish – and, asSalesians, we have a special con-cern for the young.

Together with our lay volun-teers, who generously serve ascatechists, we offer religiouseducation programs for almost500 young people who are prepar-

Young volunteerswrap Christmas giftsto be given to needylocal children whootherwise might notreceive anything.

17SALESIAN

ing to make their FirstHoly Communion orreceive the sacramentof Confirmation. (Wecould do more, but areconstrained by class-room space and the needfor additional teachers).

We also provide recreationalopportunities, with a small out-door soccer field. Along with ayouth center and basketball facil-ities, we host soccer leagues andpick-up basketball games foryoung adults.

During the summer, thanks toa few adult volunteers and a teamof generous high school students,we offer a 4-week day camp whereas many as 150 boys and girls par-ticipate in games and other for-mation activities. Incredibly, noneof these requires batteries, gameconsoles or TV screens!

In addition to our work onbehalf of the young, we exemplifyDon Bosco in our concern for thepoor and others in need.

For example, when floods hitnorthern Mexico, parishionersmobilized to prepare and sendtwo tractor-trailers containing 20tons of food and water – to vic-tims in Monterrey, Anáhuac, andNeuvo Leon, Mexico. When a hur-ricane hit Veracruz, Mexico, thehighways were too damaged tosend supplies; but we sent afinancial donation to the SalesianBishop of Veracruz instead.

Summer Camp: Nochild complains aboutgetting wet in Laredo

when normal afternoontemperatures can top

100 degrees!

When the indige-nous people of theTarahumara moun-tains suffered theconsequences ofsevere drought, wesent them the basicfood they live on:cornmeal, rice andbeans. And, whenchildren from thesame communityneeded school sup-plies, we sent thempencils and paper.

Of course, welook after the mostneedy in our owncommunity as well.Recently, we pre-pared Thanksgivingbaskets to distribute to the hun-gry, and collected toys for chil-dren who might not otherwisereceive anything at Christmas.

In cooperation with the dio-cese of Laredo, we provide ourfacilities to a team of dedicatedmedical, dental and vision careprofessionals from Sugarland,Texas – who regularly offer freeservices to our city’s poor. Wealso host students volunteering

to help build housing for the poorin Laredo, spending their springbreaks in service to others. Ourparish has welcomed groups fromuniversities as far away as NovaScotia, Canada.

In the spirit of Don Bosco, ourSalesian Parish is a center of loveand spirituality for the people ofLaredo, Texas – especially for theyoung, who are the future of ourcommunity.Y


During special occasions, parishioners volunteertheir time to distribute food and gifts to the local

Tarahumara Indian children.

“

SALESIAN MISSIONSFINANCIAL PLANNING OFFICE2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728,NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728

Send me more information about the returns and tax deductions I would receive under theSalesian Missions Annuity Plan. I understand that all personal information you receive about mewill be kept absolutely confidential. (Minimum amount for a gift annuity is $5,000 and theminimum age requirement is 55 deferred to age 60, or age 60 for immediate annuity)

WE CANNOT SEND INFORMATION WITHOUT DATE OF BIRTH

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�Yes! Show me how I can help the children and myself!

AMOUNT OF GIFT CONSIDERED $ ___________

“ ”The Salesians showed us how we couldhave income for life… and help the poor, too!

GIVE…&RECEIVE!GIVE…&RECEIVE!“They told us how the Salesian Annuity Plan

could help poor children the world over. Byinvesting a minimum of $5,000, we would receivea check from them on a regular basis for the restof our lives! Not only that, but both our initial giftand the interest checks are tax deductible in part!“This gift is more than a lifetime investment –

it brings us financial security and the satisfactionthat our annuity will help the needy aroundthe world for many lifetimes – long afterwe’ve been called to God.“Yes, the Salesians pay us a guaranteed rate of

income, based on our age. We feel financiallysecure thanks to the Salesians.” – Salesian Annuity recipient

For more information on Planned Giving, visit our websiteat: www.salesianmissions.org/giving

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POLAND:Don Bosco –Patron ofAuschwitz

“We needed thepatron of youth toinfuse power, joy andnew energy.”

These are thewords of Fr. Nowak,Rector of the SalesianHouse in Auschwitz,Poland. They reflectthe long-standing hopeamong his city’s faith-ful that Don Bosco be decreedtheir Patron Saint.

In August, 2013, Pope Francisgranted their wish – issuing adecree before a crowd of thou-sands gathered to observe thevisit of Don Bosco’s relic.

As the site of the largestconcentration camp built bythe Nazis, Auschwitz is univer-sally associated with sufferingand pain. Now, its citizens“have huge hope that, with thehelp of this holy charismatic


Salesian Snapshots... a scrapbook of stories

from around the Salesian world

Mass was celebrated in honor of Don Bosco,Patron Saint of Auschwitz. The paintings in frontof the altar are of St. Edward Klinik and St. Joseph

Kowalski, Salesian martyrs who died for theirfaith in German concentration camps in Poland.

21SALESIAN

Salesian Snapshots... a scrapbook of stories

from around the Salesian world

figure, we will be ableto create a new andbetter image of thecity,” says Fr. Nowak.

“We are verygrateful to the HolyFather for giving usDon Bosco as our pro-tector. We promise todo all we can to makehim known to thepeople, and to makeknown the values hetaught, by living themourselves.”

DEMOCRATICREPUBLIC OF CONGO:A New SalesianTechnical School!

In the Democratic Republic ofCongo, youngsters eager for aneducation now have a newoption: the Industrial andProfessional Technical Institute,recently opened by the Salesiansin Tshikapa.

This new community school –

the first vocational center in thecity – has already enrolled manystudents even as constructioncontinues. Once completed, youthwill fill 20 classrooms, learningskills that will provide a pathwayto employment and new hope.

Future expansions are alsoenvisioned, including additionalvocational tracks, spiritual sup-port, and more.

Watch an inspiring video on ourwork in the Congo. Visit our website at:www.salesianmissions.org/congo.

The eager young students are proud of their clean,modern new school and welcome the opportunity for

an education and way out of poverty.

BOLIVIA:A Future forForgottenChildren

In the city ofSanta Cruz, a vitalcommunity resourcerecently celebratedits 9th anniversary.

“Patio Don Bosco,”a Salesian programbegun in response tothe city’s escalatingnumber of streetchildren, today serves hundredsof children with nowhere elseto go. The program includesTecho Pinardi, a SalesianHouse offering overnightaccommodations. Here, streetchildren receive shelter andwarm meals, access to socialworkers, and opportunities tolearn – in a family environmentwhere they feel safe and pro-tected.

The Patio offers a first, crucialstep toward social rehabilitation.Residents include abandoned ororphaned youth or those from

dysfunctional or abusive fami-lies. Sometimes additional prob-lems with drugs and mentalhealth may exist.

Over time, trust and happi-ness replace sadness and fear –and children begin forminghealthy relationships withpeers and adults. In this way,Salesians and our many sup-porters and friends offer hopeand a future for these other-wise forgotten children.


With the help and care of the Salesians, theseonce homeless children now receive food,

shelter, guidance and real hope for a better life.

Learn more about the Salesianworks in Bolivia! Visit our website at:www.salesianmissions.org/bolivia.

SALESIAN 23

SUDAN:Salesians TrainTeachers

In Khartoum, Sudan,VIS, the InternationalVoluntary Service forDevelopment, a SalesianNGO, recently awardednationally recognizedteaching certificates to53 students.

These students com-pleted their studies at one of threesites across the country, and arenow qualified to teach a variety oftechnical courses and subjects –skills they will use to educate and

equip Sudanese youth for futureemployment and success.

In the tradition of Don Bosco,they will imbue their lessons withfaith and moral values.Y

Proud students receive their diplomas.

God Bless America… and God Bless You!The 2013 World Giving Index – published annually by charities

and foundations – has found that the United States is rated as the mostgenerous society on earth!

The USA has recorded its highest level everfor helping a stranger, volunteering and donatingto a charity.

You and other good hearted Americanshave helped improve the lives of millions ofpoor children and families around the globe.

May God bless you for caring!

WIN/SPR 2014Enclosed is my offering of : � $140.00 for one Vestment� $1,165.00 for Monstrance � $560.00 for a set of all four Vestments� $15.00 for engraving on Monstrance � $10.00 each for embroidery of Vestment(s)Special instructions for ENGRAVING/EMBROIDERY on Monstrance/Vestment(s):� In Loving Memory of: � In Honor of: Name ________________________________

PLEASE CHECK ONE: � I WISH TO DONATE THIS ITEM TO SALESIAN MISSIONS� I WISH THIS ITEM BE SENT TO MY HOME. (Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery)

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PLEASE ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLETO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD NUMBER:

Winter/Spring 2014

Our missionaries service up to 30 villagesin rural areas and have a great need foritems used in Eucharistic adoration. Thisbeautiful gold-plated Monstrance has asilver-finished center cross. Eight ruby glassstones surround the top and bottom. 15” H.

Vestments, also needed, come in theliturgical colors of white, red, green, andpurple. Both Memorial items can beengraved/embroidered with a name inmemory of, or in honor of, a loved one.

24

Memorials or Gifts…in memory or in honor of a loved one… for a new priest as an ordination gift

… for the Missions

PLEASE ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLETO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD NUMBER:

SALESIAN 25

On September 8, 2013, young men fromSalesian seminaries throughout the

world made their first profession forpriesthood in the Basilica of the SacredHeart in Rome. Rector Major Fr. PascualChávez, the ninth successor of Don Boscohimself, received the professions. Theseyoung men, so full of enthusiasm, will needcontinued guidance as they grow in theirvocations. Every story is unique; here,two candidates describe their individualjourneys to become a Salesian:

Yurii Zhuk, 19 years old, one of fiveUkrainian novices who made his vows inPinerolo, Italy:

“My family is a modest one. My mother is a baker and my father a petroldealer. I have one older sister. My parents were the first to hand down thefaith to me. At the age of ten, I became an altar boy – but I also joined amartial arts group. I got to know some young people of my own age anddecided to become friends with them.”

Unfortunately, these kids were part of a street gang and negativelyinfluenced Yurii. Though he still went to church, he also developed somebad habits: He smoked, he drank, and repeatedly got into trouble. Yetone day, Yurii had an epiphany: This was neither the place nor the life forhim. For the first time the following Sunday, when Yurii stepped out of

Yurii Zhuk

Salesian Vocations . . . Two Journeys


Mass to smoke, he heeded the words of aSalesian who invited him to go back in.

Thus began Yurii’s journey of Christiangrowth – spurred by the help of a spiritualguide, by going on pilgrimages, and by form-ing new friendships with boys “who livedwithout cigarettes and without using bad lan-guage.” Soon, without fully realizing why,Yurii began participating in vocation meet-ings. This is what led him, with six otherfriends, to the seminary, accepted as a candi-date, and eventually to professing his vows inbecoming a Salesian at Pinerolo, Italy.

The story of Damiano Slanzi is quitedifferent. Damiano is 24 years old and originally from southern Italy:

“The Lord planted the seed of a vocation in me right from the time I was aninfant. This was due first of all to my family and a real community-oriented church,where I picked up Christian values immediately. I have three younger brothers andthis helped me to grow in simplicity, with a sense of duty and sacrifice.”

At times, Damiano’s faith was tested. Failures in school, coupled with“secularized” friends and a desire for independence, made Damian0 ashamed toattend Mass. However, after failing his exams a second time, a Marian Pilgrimagebrought him back to God.

“I was really touched by the fact that, even though I had tried to close Him outof my life, God was always by my side. I experienced this clearly in the confessionthat I made during that pilgrimage, six years after my previous confession.”

Fundamentally important to Damiano was the help of a spiritual guide – aSalesian who encouraged him to join the provincial vocations program. This ledhim to a missionary experience in Moldova, then to becoming a candidate, andhis application to profession of vows. Damiano submitted his application on May24th, the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. Y

Damiano Slanzi

Don Bosco founded a religious congregation in the CatholicChurch – to launch new approaches and new initiatives for theeducation of youth. He called this congregation the SalesianSociety which is now present in over 130 countries.

IS GOD CALLING YOU…to become a member of the Salesian Family,as a Priest, Brother, Sister or Cooperator?

For more information about Salesian Priests and Brothers, please contact: FATHER JAMES BERNING, S.D.B., SALESIAN OFFICE OF VOCATION MINISTRY518-B VALLEY STREET, ORANGE, NJ 07050(973) 761-0201 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.salesiansofdonbosco.org

For more information about SALESIAN SISTERS, please contact:SISTER COLLEEN, F.M.A., SALESIAN VOCATION OFFICE659 BELMONT AVENUE, N. HALEDON, NJ 07508Call: (732) 597-3988 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.salesiansisters.org

For more information about SALESIAN COOPERATORS, please contact:MARCIAL GOMEZ, ST. JOHN BOSCO CHURCH, 2250 N. MCVICKER AVE., CHICAGO, IL 60639Call: (708) 214-3664 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.salesian.ning.com

HELP SUPPORT OUR SEMINARIANS! For as little as $10a month you can participate in our Seminarian Support Program… and helpsupport the needs of young men as they journey to the Salesian Family!

�� YES, Fr. Mark, I want to help support SalesianSeminarians. I enclose my first monthly gift of:

�� $20 �� $15 �� $10 �� $________a month.I understand I’m not obligated to continue,but will try to help on a regular basis.�� Charge my credit card number:

Signature X __________________________________

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EXP. DATE (MO/YR)

Return this coupon today…Join our Seminarian Support Program!


WIN/SPR 2014


Many greeting from Addis Ababa:

I am writing to thank you for the precious

help you have sent for the

poor children of Ethiopia, and for the suppo

rt you grant us for our daily job

with the most needy people of the country.

The socio-economic situation of Ethiopia is

still very fragile: 38.7% of

the population still lives below poverty leve

l, and 34.6% of children under

the age of five are underweight. The countr

y faces important challenges,

especially in the education and health secto

rs. For these reasons, the work

of the Salesians is so important!

We work to offer access to school, health ca

re and a daily meal to as

many disadvantaged children as possible.

Education is our main concern, and it is the

way we try to reach as

many people as we can, especially as we try

to fight related problems such

as gender inequality, HIV/AIDS, access to w

ater and sanitary services. All

of this work would not be possible without

the help of generous people like

you who give us the opportunity to offer th

ese desperately-needed services.

We Salesians operate six primary schools, t

hree secondary schools and

six vocational training centers. With your h

elp, we open our doors (and

hearts) to more and more vulnerable childre

n every year.

I would like to express again my gratitude

to you for all your support

for the people of Ethiopia. I hope your help a

nd your prayers will continue.

Thank you very much. I will keep you in my

prayers,

Brother Cesare Bullo, S.D.B.

Salesian Missionary in Ethiopia

A Message from Ethiopia...We recently received the following letter froma Salesian missionary. (The photos on the oppositepage were taken by Brother Bullo)

SALESIAN 29

Thanks to your help,Brother Bullo and theSalesians working inEthiopia help changelives every day!

Learn more about Salesian works in Ethiopia! Visit our website at:www.salesianmissions.org/our-work/country/ethiopia

WISHES OF THE MONTH

Count Your Blessings - Grant a Wish!The Salesians work in over 130 countries. Just imagine,then, how many of our missionaries write to tell us of theirhopes and dreams, trials and successes. Maybe, as youcount your blessings, you could grant a wish.

God bless you!Fr. Mark

GRANT A WISH REPLY FORM WIN/SPR 2014

� YES, I want to help make a wish come true for Salesians and thepoor children and families they serve. I am enclosing my donation of:

� $7 � $10 � $25 � Other $_________ for the life-saving works featuredin this magazine and all the other Salesian programs that benefit the needy.

ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:

EXP. DATE (MO/YR)

® � � �CID# REQUIRED (Last 3 digits onsignature panel on back of card)

CARDNUMBER

MAIL TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS 2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728

Name___________________ Address ______________________________________________________Apt._____

City___________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________

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• Reconstruction is an ongoing project in the Philippines. The Salesians are helping torebuild homes and restore water and power. See pg. 4.

• Support the Salesian Clean Water Initiative. Salesians all over the world areworking hard to bring clean, healthy water to needy families, such as in our project inBombo, Uganda. See pg.7.

• Father Mike Gergen, Pastor of the San Luis Rey Parish in Laredo, Texas, wants to expandthe spiritual, recreational and educational programs offered to the many needy Mexican-American families in this border town. See pg. 15.

• It takes an average of $1,000.00 a year to educate a seminarian in the last four years ofhis theological studies. You can help a young man on his journey to the Salesian Family.See pg. 25.

• Brother Cesare Bullo is grateful for your support of the people of Ethiopia, but the needcontinues in this fragile country with almost 40% living below the poverty level. See pg. 28.

A Satin Flower Cross…Created With Your Love.

Iam so grateful to all of you whoresponded again to our mailing thispast year and returned the satin rose.

They were collected to form thebeautiful cross above.

This special cross, created withyour love, is currently in our chapeland will soon be shipped to one ofour mission chapels.

During Mass, it will always standas a reminder of good people likeyou who care so deeply for the poorand needy.

31SALESIAN

WE RESPECT YOUR PRIVACY…In our efforts to raise additional funds to

support our worldwide work for the poor andneedy, we periodically make your name andaddress available to other mailers. Theseinclude similar charitable and humanitarianorganizations and also companies which offerservices and products that we think you may beinterested in. We are extremely selective inchoosing the organizations and companies weassociate with in this way.If you prefer not to have your name and

address made available for this purpose and/oryou want to modify any mailing preferences,please call, write or email your request to:

Attn: Donor RelationsSALESIAN MISSIONS

2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728

TEL: 914-633-8344 Email: [email protected]

CURRENTSWEEPSTAKES

WINNERS

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEOCTOBER 31, 2013

JOHN VALENTI, BRONX NY

WINNER OF GRAND PRIZESEPTEMBER 30, 2013SCOTT A HULETT, APE AE

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEAUGUST 31, 2013

MARIA LUISA GARDEA, EL PASO TX

WINNER OF GRAND PRIZEJULY 31, 2013

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WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEJUNE 30, 2013

MARC ALSTER, VALLEY COTTAGE NY

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