EDITORIAL
CONTENTS Page 03
HELP OF CHRISTIANS
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LOCAL NEWS
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ART WORKSHOP
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BOSCOM S.A. MEET
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MOTHER’S DAY
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THANKS FR. CHARLES 19 COME, HOLY SPIRIT
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EDITOR Fr. Jonas Kerketta sdb Sub-Editor Fr. Joseph Thuruthel sdb Design & Layout Fr. Christudoss sdb Publisher Fr. Provincial Don Bosco Provincial House PB: 40, Dimapur—797112 Nagaland Circulation Manager Fr. Chittissery Joseph sdb Editorial Team Fr. R.K. G. Nicholas sdb Fr. Christudoss sdb Fr. Jonas Kerketta sdb Fr. Paul Panii sdb Fr. Kulathunkal Joseph sdb Printing N.V. Press, Kohima Editorial Office Bosco Communications Provincial House Dimapur, Nagaland +91—9436062842 E-mail: frjonassdb@gmail.com
A SEASON OF FEASTS & SOLEMNITIES
EDITORIAL
The months of May and June are full of festivities. May has three solemnities: Ascension of Jesus (17 May), Pentecost (24 May) and Holy Trinity (31 May). June has four solemnities: Body and Blood of Christ (7 June), Sacred Heart of Jesus (12 June), Nativity of John the Baptist (24 June) and Sts. Peter and Paul (29 June). The month of May has three feasts very dear to the Salesian Family: St. Dominic Savio (6 May), St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello (13 May) and Mary Help of Christians (24 May, which this year is adjustable since Pentecost Sunday falls on 24 May). The month of May also celebrates the International Mother’s Day (second Sunday). It was started by Anna Jarvis in 1908 as a memorial to honour her mother Ann Reeves Jarvis in Grafton, West Virginia, USA. Gradually it evolved into an international event. A mother is considered the dearest person in anyone’s life. Great personalities have shown utmost respect to mothers. Alexander the Great is said to have dismissed a general from his army for speaking disrespectfully about a mother. St. Augustine was converted to virtuous life because of the prayers and sacrifices of his mother, St. Monica. And St. Augustine always remained grateful for this act of love. St. John Bosco was shaped into a saintly person by the constant love and care of his saintly mom, Mamma Margaret. Mahatma Gandhi was always obedient to the instructions of his mother which helped him to attain the status of “the great soul”. Elvis Aaron Presley (1935 – 1977) a great American singer was christened “the king of rock and roll” music. He was the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music with estimated record sales of around 600 million units worldwide. He was awarded three Grammys and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the age of 36. Forbes named him as the 2nd top earning dead celebrity with $ 55 million as of 2011. He had three private aeroplanes and was one of the richest singers on the planet. Yet in the height of glory and popularity he never lost the love of his mother, Mrs. Gladys Love Presley. No matter in which part of the globe he was performing, before retiring to bed he would invariably enter his gold-plaited car, switch on his wireless set and tenderly wish his mother ‘Good Night’. It is interesting to note that Mamma Margaret had taught her son Johnny Bosco to love another mother, Mother Mary by ‘greeting her three times a day’ as is confirmed by the’ majestic person’ (Jesus) in his dream at the age of nine (Biographical Memoirs, Vol. I, p.95). At the foot of the Cross Jesus has generously given us his own Mother to be our Mother (Jn 19:27). On Mother’s Day which falls in May (second Sunday) we try to honour our earthly mothers. The month of May is specially set aside as a Marian month. We would do well to greet Mary our Mother with devout recitation of the Rosary and/or with recitation of three Hail Marys as recommended by Don Bosco. Jonas Kerketta sdb
Saint John Chrysostom (Golden mouthed), the most prominent Greek father of the Church, was the first person to have recourse to this Marian title in the year 345 A. D. as an expression of his devotion to the Virgin Mary. Our Father and founder Saint John Bosco who had experienced most concretely the help of Mary in his personal life and in the life of the Salesian Congregation, propagated devotion to our Blessed Mother under the same title. The most outstanding experience of all is the following. When Don Bosco began his project of building the Basilica of Mary help of Christians in Turin, Italy, in the year 1864, he had only eight cents to start with. However, with profound trust in the motherly assistance of Mary and with his characteristic smile, he declared to the master builder Carlo Buzzetti, “the Madonna will see to the payment of her church. I am just an instrument, the cashier.” “You will see!” he concluded thus to those standing by. At the completion of this enormous undertaking by a poor priest from Becchi, he recalled very often, “The whole church was put up by means of graces granted by Mary.” One sixth of the cost, about one million lire in those days, was borne by the generous contributors, devout persons; the rest came from the small offerings of those who had been aided by Mary either in health, in business, in family matters, or in some other way. “Every stone, every ornament represents one of her graces,” insisted Don Bosco. The original contractor, who had received the eight cents, later testified that, “The Church was paid for to the last cent.” Dimapur Links
Don Bosco believed and experienced that all grace comes to us through Mother Mary. “All grace,” says St. Maximilian Kolbe, “ultimately comes to us from God the Father, through the merits of Jesus Christ, his Son, and is distributed by the Holy Spirit; and the Holy Spirit, in distributing all grace, works in and through Mary, not because he has to do so, but precisely because in his plan of salvation, God wills to do so. And God wills to do so for a reason: Jesus, the Source of all grace, came through Mary via the work of the Holy Spirit; therefore it is fitting that all grace continues to come through Mary by the work of the Holy Spirit.” Pope Francis entrusted the Year of Consecrated Life and the Consecrated persons to Mary, the Virgin of attentive listening and contemplation, the first disciple of her beloved Son, presenting her once again as an example for every consecrated person. Mother Mary comes to our aid at all moments and her help reaches everyone beyond race, religion, colour, language and creed. It is apt to recall to mind the beautiful prayer ‘Memorare’ that is traditionally attributed to the abbot St. Bernard of Clairvaux from the 12th century: “Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided.” As we celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, with filial hearts let us turn to Mary, the Help of Christians for her powerful presence in the growth and sanctification of our congregation. Fr. (Dr.) Suresh P. Innocent
Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. — Eleanor Roosevelt
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LOCAL NEWS
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
It is befitting that on the bicentenary year of our father and founder St. John Bosco, a seminar on Bon Bosco’s mission be conducted. The seminar on ‘mission’ was held at Emmaus Salesian Novitiate, Sechü-Zubza. Fr. Mathew Tharakan’s presence was a ‘God send’ for he is well known for his missionary zeal and work. In fact he exhorted that we should know and love Don Bosco a bit more and imbibe in our system some of his missionary virtues. The chief guest of the day was Fr. Elow Samuel, the rector of Savio Home Zubza highlighted the importance of mission work in Dimapur province. The Strenna of the year “Like Don Bosco with the young for the young” added flavour and hue to the mission congress because all the talks were related to Don Bosco and his son’s missionary activities and those pioneer Salesians who sweated and spent their whole life for the spread of the Good News and for the salvation of the poor and abandoned youth. The participants were enthused about Bon Bosco and his mission through the resource person. It was an awesome event as well as an eye opener for the fledgling novices. It was a time of encountering some of the great personalities of the Salesian Congregation viz, Don Bosco, Fr. Cagliero, St. Luigi Versiglia, St. Caravario Callistus, Fr. Ravalico, Apostle of the Khasi hills Fr. Constatine Vendrame and many other valiant Salesians. What captivated the audience most was the sacrificing spirit, zeal and courage of these great personalities. The second day of the Mission Congress commenced at 9.00 am in the presence of Fr. N. J. Joseph and Fr. Amil Kujur, who enlightened the novices with a heartening message “Don Bosco a man of Dreams.” 05
One must bear in mind that the founder of the Salesian congregation began his work for the poor and abandoned boys with a dream. As the session progressed it was thrilling to see that those who presented their papers came with lots of innovative ideas. One could be in a distant place and be in the session simultaneously. One could see and feel the mission field and work of those great missionaries. These two days of the Mission Congress were indeed a time of learning and knowing about those great Salesian missionaries and their tasks. It was a moment of inspiration and a challenge for the novices as they learn about the vitality of mission work in the Congregation and the implications of it. Eventually we were filled with zeal and vigour as we got a foretaste of the vast mission field that waits us. Basil & Enoch (novices)
CKHSS ANNUAL SPORTS 2015
Christ King Hr. Sec. School (CKHSS), Kohima, held its Annual Sports 2015 on March 30 – 31. Mr. K. D. Vizo (Jerome) ITS (Indian Telecom Service), Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Information Technology deptt. Govt. of Nagaland was the chief guest on the first day. On his arrival he was warmly escorted by the smartly attired scouts and guides. The chief then unfurled the school flag, following which the students the school anthem. Sr. Stella BS the School headmistress invoked God’s blessing on all. The students of class XII sung a rousing welcome song. Fr. Jerome Moshary, Rector and Parish Priest, in his introductory speech said CKHSS was singularly privileged to welcome Mr. Vizo, an illustrious alumnus of the school as its chief guest. Dimapur Links
LOCAL NEWS
MISSION CONGRESS ON DON BOSCO
LOCAL NEWS
The Guard of Honour was followed by the march past which the students performed very skillfully being led by our unique ‘all-girls bag-pipers band’. Following the lighting of the ‘Olympic torch’ by the chief guest, the house leaders solemnly pronounced the ‘oath’. This was followed by a melodious duet by Natalia and her friend. Mr. Vizo in his speech said the joy of studying in CKHSS is linked to Christ the King who left his heavenly throne just to bring salvation and eternal joy to mankind. Recalling his memorable school days in CKHSS he fondly recalled the dedicated service of the Bethany Sisters especially Sr. Nerita BS. Being a high ranking official in the communication department he is fully aware of the rapid changes taking place in the modern world. He said one must be prepared for these changes. The best way to be prepared is right type of education which embraces active participation in co-curricular activities including sports and games. He then “declared the Annual Sports 2015 open” with due solemnity. The drill display that followed mesmerized everyone seeing the perfection and discipline of the kids of the lower classes. The mellifluous choir of the class XII students brought added enthusiasm to the day’s charged atmosphere. The inaugural ceremony of the day concluded with grateful words from the lips of Fr. Deli David Kapani, principal of CKHSS, Kohima. The rest of the day saw keenly fought sports events and occasional awarding of prizes. On 31 March Fr. Suresh Innocent Padmanabhan sdb, first principal of the new Don Bosco College, Kohima, was the chief guest. After the completion of the preliminary ceremonies, Fr. Suresh addressed the youthful audience. Fr. Suresh generously thanked and congratulated the students for their smart performance in all the hitherto seen events. He said many parents encourage their children to participate I sports and games because successful career in sports can bring in handsome money. He said more than money, which only few may be privileged to accumulate, active participation in sportive events inculcates discipline, team spirit, healthy spirit of competition and ability to win or lose in life with equanimity. Dimapur Links
The rest of the day was event-filled with students individually or as members of the various ‘houses’ fighting it out to garner points for themselves and for their teams. At the end of the day many went home with prizes, others with ‘surprises’ but all with the feeling that they had given their best to make Annual Sports 2015 a great success. DL Correspondent
FROM THE CHRONICLES OF DBC MARAM
One day workshop on Law and Social Work , DBCthMaram On 9 March, 2015, a day-long workshop on Law and Social Work was held under the theme “ Broadening the Horizon of Social Work through Social Justice” organized by BSW department. The workshop was inaugurated by Fr. (Dr.) K. O. Sebastian, Principal and Rector of Don Bosco College, Maram. Advocate Heni Ahrai of Senapati, Teachers of Brooke Dale Higher Secondary School and Asst. Professors of the Don Bosco College were present for the occasion. The inaugural function of the workshop began with an invocation prayer led by the Principal of the College. In the Presidential address the principal spoke about the need of the hour, to know the legal rights as Human beings. Renowned Advocate of Senapati, Heni Ahrai was the resource person of the workshop. During The sessions have enlightened and sensitized the students of the college on various issues particularly on legal rights. He highlighted many rights which can be instrumental to seek justice for the people in the society. 06
International Women’s Day 2015
Women’s Cell of Don Bosco College Maram observed 7th International Women’s Day under the theme “Make it Happen” on 8th March, 2015 in the College Campus. To mark the occasion a “Poster Competition” was conducted on the theme “Make it Happen” in which various clubs of the collegest participated. The Nature Club won the 1 Prize with a cash award of a thousand rupees. The second and third places wrested by Women’s Cell B and AICUF respectively. In connection with the celebration Peace Club also conducted a “Poem Composing Competition” on the same theme of the day. The winner of the competition S. Priscilla of 13/BA/83/A recited her poem to the delight of the crowd present for the occasion. Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest, David Kashungnao (Jr. MCS),SDO, Paomata extended his heartfelt 07
congratulations to the management, staff and students of the college for its enviable achievements in both Council and University examinations. However, he lamented on the lack of successful candidates in civil services like MCS, UPSC, etc. examinations and urged the students to go beyond regular academic achievements. He exhorted the students to become professionally reliable persons to lead and guide the society in whichever field they might be placed in future. Rector and Principal of the College Rev. Fr. K.O. Sebastian asserted that the responsibility of women in building the society is enormous and honourable and men should acknowledge this. FIRST th EVER FILM FEST On 10 April 2015 Don Bosco College, Maram, celebrated its maiden film fest with the screening of six films. The fest sparked off with an introduction, welcome note and speech from the Principal of the College, Dr. K. O Sebastian. The chief guest for the occasion Mr. Wilson, media person from Senapati along with his two companions Mr. Solomon and Mr. Kovieo was present. Mr. Wilson, Sr. Vinaya, Mr. Kamal and Mrs. Alphonsa formed the jury of the day. Before the screening of the films Rev. Dr. K. O. Sebastian, Principal of the College, inaugurated the fest by lighting the lamp along with the chief guest, film directors and producers. At the end of the show the principal congratulated and thanked the film directors, producers and actors for taking the initiative. He challenged them to bring out better productions utilizing their creativity and talents to the best of their ability. The six short films screened on the occasion of the film fest were entitled UNDYING MEMORIES, DIVINE LEVELLER, WOMEN WITH TEARS, TEARS OF OPPRESSION, ‘KASHUNG NEI PUNDILA and THE REPENTANCE. They were based on social, political, economic, traditional and cultural themes projecting the great values of the past. They had sufficient flavor to evoke the emotions of the audience like joy, laughter, love, sadness, jokes, romance, etc. They enriched and touched the hearts of the students who had come to witness the show. The films will be screened in the neighbouring villages too. Fr. Paul Maippan Dimapur Links
LOCAL NEWS
He spoke on Right to Information Act, Right of Women and Child, Legal Aid and other rights which all the citizens of the country can take hold of. He also highlighted emerging issues which many people take for granted like the violation of human rights on different aspects. Further he emphasized on the relationship of Law and Social Work. He has broadened the minds of the students through his meticulous way of presenting the topic which was very much admired by the students. The one day workshop came to a close with vote of thanks proposed by Mrs. Amina Kamei. HoD of Social Work Department, Don Bosco College Maram. Mr. Bijoy KR Bosumatary, Asst. Prof. DBC, Maram
LOCAL NEWS
DBHSS KOHIMA ANNUAL SPORTS
Don Bosco Hr. Sec. School, Kohima held its Annual Sports 2015 from 31 March to 02 April 2015. On the opening day heavy rains and storms tried to play spoil-sports. But the undaunted spirit of the organizers and participants would not accept defeat and kept things as scheduled. The events of the inaugural function were carried out by the students with great sense of discipline and smartness. The performance of the members of the NCC, scouts and guides and other students despite the inclement weather, pleasantly surprised the audience and the participants themselves. Fr. Dennis Panipitchai sdb, Rector and Principal welcomed all the guests. In his brief history of the DBHSS he added that this current year is going to see the actualization of the dream of establishing a Don Bosco College as a deserved gift to the people of Kohima and a fitting homage to St. John Bosco on the 200th year of his birth anniversary. The chief gust of the day, Shri Khriehu Liezietsu, Hon’ble Parliamentary Secretary, Minister for Youth Resources and Sports, Renewable Energy and Music Task Force, showered high praises on the students and organizers. Addressing the predominantly youthful audience the Sports Minister (Shri Khriehu) said of the richest people are sorts persons some of them earning more than government officials. Due to advancement of modern electronic media and satellite communications sports events are given wider publicity. Sports and games, moreover, promote healthy living and sports persons, amateur or professional, make sure not to hamper sports activities through intake of harmful substances like drugs, alcohol, etc. Parents and educators should educators should encourage sports . Dimapur Links
and games which will definitely contribute towards building a better society, the Minister added. Proposing the vote of thanks Mr. Bharat Prasad, teacher, thanked the teachers, students, parents, invited guests, particularly Shri Khriehu Liezietsu (Minister), who accepted to the day’s chief guest at a very short notice and graced the occasion to the delight of all present. The rest of the day’s school hours were devoted to sports events in the rain -soaked sports arena. On the third day (01 April) Shri Rovilato Mor NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima (resident of Peducha and parishioner of Khonoma parish) was the chief guest. After all the ceremonies of the inaugural day, Shri Mor spoke to the audience profusely praising the organizers and participants of the Annual Sports 2015. Recalling the time-tested Latin dictum Mens sana in corpore sano (healthy mind in a healthy body), the Deputy Commissioner urged the young audience to take full-hearted part in all games and sports. Most of the sports events were taken up for finals amidst ‘showers of blessing’ that continued throughout the day. A few of the events, however, were deferred to more sunny days to come. DL Correspondent
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. —Ralph Waldo Emerson
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A two day intensive course on basic Journalism was conducted for the sixth semester students of Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur by Fr. Jonas Kerketta sdb. The students were exposed to the dynamics of journalism and Media and exhorted upon the maximum utilization of the “Five Wives and One Husband” (Who, what, where, when, why and how in reporting events). Some of the fundamental themes which the participants were introduced to were news writing, the essentials of Newspaper and its impact, the value of different pages, ordinary and strategic pages of advertisement in newspapers, visual communication and host of other relevant themes. The primary focus was on print media. After carefully dissecting the anatomy of the newspaper the students translated their knowledge into action by bringing out six Mock Newspaper of their own, attempting to exhibit the various types of news items from hard news to feature articles, to regional, national, international news to ads to sports events to entertainment, etc. The course concluded with an exhortation from Fr. Paul Punü the principal who spoke of the frequent use print media to influence and create public opinion, and on the prudent utilization of media. The students were left with a challenge – “Publish or Perish”! Bros. Mark Sorormi & Anand Sandil
Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly. —— John F. Kennedy 09
FIRST ANNUAL SPORTS IN SXS PEDUCHA
The first Annual Sports Day of St. Xavier’s School, Peducha, was celebrated with pomp and gaiety. The Chief Guest for the maiden sports day was Shri Rovilatuo Nicholas Mor the DC of Kohima. The students were thrilled and encouraged by his presence. The school annual sports day was witnessed by village authorities, churches elders, parents and well-wishers who thronged the school campus for the grand and memorable celebrations. The parents and guardians filled with pride and honour saw their children performing smartly, competing sportively and in a disciplined manner. The chief guest in his exhortation told the students, “I am happy to come and grace your first ever sports week … the most important thing in life is to maintain discipline and abide by the rules and regulations of the sports … Do your best to win the prize … Become the number One not only in sports but also in academic field…. To become someone great in the future learn to maintain discipline in the class, try hard to learn your lessons… when you go home, obey your parents and guardians. Your parents will love you, help you and guide you to become good students … You can become respectable officers in the future. Here is the secret to achieve this: it is through the path of obedience, discipline and hard work.” Fr. Samuel, the Rector thanked the Chief Guest for his powerful and motivating message to the children and everyone present for the occasion. He thanked Fr. Athili Martin, the Headmaster of Don Bosco, Zubza for initiating and seeing to the sports day event. He congratulated Mr. Clifford the headmaster of St. Xavier School, Peducha, the staff and students for their participation and success of the event. Fr. Samuel Elow sdb Dimapur Links
LOCAL NEWS
WORKSHOP ON JOURNALISM
LOCAL NEWS
PROVINCE LEVEL INTENSIVE COACHING CLASSES
Dear Rev Fr. Rector / In-charge & Community, Greetings from Dimapur. I am writing this letter with regard to a common project to help the Matric failed students of this year to appear next Matric Examination in 2016 and come out successfully. This project was proposed in the Administrators’ meeting 12-13 March 2015 and was considered as a very good intervention on behalf of matric failed students. Title of the Project:
Intensive Coaching for Matric Failed Students (of 2014-15 Academic Session) Objective: To provide intensive coaching to Matric failed students in the Major subjects and enable them to successfully complete Matric examination in 2016 with good results.
Table 1 The objective of enabling the students to pass the matric exam will be achieved by providing the students proper and guided Coaching/ Regular classes in all the subjects with assignments, class works, discussion etc. along with regular examination preparing them for to secure good results, in a well monitored set up, for a period of time schedule as in the table 1. Each house has to arrange the teachers who will teach them the major subjects like Science, Maths, English and Social Studies in each of the Centres and provide needed facilities for the matric failed candidates The province will try to provide some financial assistance to facilitate the smooth execution of the project by way of part support for food & lodging for the residential course besides the staff salary support and some stationery expenses.
Programme schedule as proposed by the administrators keeping in mind the local facilities English Medium
Assamese Medium
Dimapur Links
Activities Residential Programme Residential Programme Non-Residential/ Day - scholar
Time - Schedule
Activities Residential Programme Residential Programme Non-Residential/ Day - scholar
Time - Schedule
1 month 2 months 4—6 months
3 months 4 months 6 months 10
We request your assistance to enable us to write a comprehensive project for the same to raise the needed funds for the well running of this project. For this we need from you the following details: Which programme (Assamese/ English) and module (as activity in the table) you are interested. How many students will you be able to accommodate. When will you be able to start the program: For the non-residential program from which hour to which hour will be you be able to provide the coaching classes. May I request you to respond at the earliest so that we can get back to you with the finalized project and the financial aspects of the program. Please feel free to give your response and suggestions to: Mr. Santheesh Mathew, Project Coordinator, Don Bosco Provincial House, Dimapur – 797 112 Phone: 08258979783, Santhu14386@yahoo.com Yours affectionately, Fr. Jose Palely sdb
The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall. — Vince Lombardi
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FEAST OF ST. DOMINIC SAVIO
The community and the neighbours of Savio Home ,Zubza had many reasons to be happy on 6th May 2015, as they celebrated the feast of their patron St. Dominic Savio with much festivity. The feast began with beautiful solemn Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. P. M. Joseph the Novice Master and concelebrated by Fr. Rector and other Fathers of the neighbourhood. Speaking on the sanctity of St. Dominic Savio Fr. Master stressed on the point ‘Call to Holiness’. He said that our very Christian vocation is to be holy. Fondly remembering how Dominic Savio himself held his day of First Holy Communion, 10 young students too, with great fervor and eagerness received the Lord Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion. The beautiful singing and colourful decoration in and around the church added to the solemnity of the day. The other events that marked the day were: Football match with the Novices, sumptuous Common meal and Academy by the Class 10 Savionians. Fr. Samuel Elow sdb
Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness. — Napoleon Hill
Dimapur Links
LOCAL NEWS
LOCAL NEWS
DOOMDOOMA CELEBRATES DON BOSCO’S BICENTENARY
St. Joseph’s Parish Doomdooma (Assam) celebrated the bicentenary Don Bosco’s birth and the Parish Feast with mosaic of activities. Around 340 youths from different villages including the boarders participated in various programmes conducted by the parish. The celebration began with a full day of recollection preached by Fr. Anthony Toppo Sdb on 1st May 2015. It concluded with confessions and Holy Mass . The next day was a day of competitions. ‘Bosco sing out’ and cultural dance competitions were held in the morning. The afternoon witnessed varieties of games. The most interesting program was the Bosco Nite combined with Bosco Quiz. All the youth groups actively participated in all the activities of the Bosco Nite. The entire evening saw the youngsters on their toes. Some opined that they had never attended a program of this sort before. They were so immersed in the activities that they did not mind a delayed supper at 10.30 pm! Early on Sunday morning the Panikhowa community gave a rousing welcome to Rev. Fr. Nestor Guria, the Provincial of Dimapur Province. It was a day which the parishioners will never forget. Around 4000 people came from the nook and corner of the parish to take part in the celebration. Confessions started at 7am and continued till 11am. At 11am there was the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Provincial. The hall was jam packed and even the surroundings of the hall were filled with people devoutly attending Holy Mass. Dimapur Links
After the Mass there was a festive gathering of about two hours. A mini opera with audio video presentation on the life and work of Don Bosco turned the entire celebration into a remarkable infotainment. The show was presented by the Boarding boys and girls, spoken English students and children from Bosco Nagar under the direction of Rev. Fr. Tarcisius Toppo sdb. The show visualized the dream at the age of nine, the meeting with Bartholomeo Garelli, the oratory of Don Bosco and the founding of the Salesian Congregation. For about an hour the people were glued to their places. It was indeed a remarkable show. After that there were many items from different villages. The whole celebration concluded with a sumptuous lunch served for all. Nazarius Kindo
SILCHAR PROVINCE CELEBRATES DB BICENTENARY
The Bicentenary celebrations of the birth of St. John Bosco-cum-Youth Expo 2015 took place at Don Bosco Mini Stadium Laitumkhrah- Shillong on 23-26 April 2015. Around 2000 delegates took part in the celebrations. They hailed from various parts of the Silchar-Shillong province. All the participants were given a well compiled camp diary entitled “YOUTH EXPO 2015” which contained the messages of different important personalities, life of Don Bosco in a gist, daily time table, names of the resource persons, Bicentenary committees, riddles, party games, jokes, the order of the Mass, hymns for the Mass, common party songs and few empty pages at the end for the participants to take notes during the sessions. 12
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After break began the cultural Programme in the basketball court of St Anthony’s Hr. Sec School. Shri. Alexander Laloo Hek, Minister for Registration and Stamps, Health and Family Welfare, Information and Public Relations Department and IT Department, was the Chief Guest. His Grace Most. Rev Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil SDB DD, was the Guest of Honour. Along with them a host of dignitaries also attended the function. An assortment of cultural items was presented from various quarters of the province. A melodious piece by the Savio Juniorate band kicked off the cultural programme. Next everyone present stood up while the ‘Bi-centenary Anthem’ composed by Fr. Barnes Mawrie SDB was being sung by the Choral Evangelist. Rev. Fr. George Maliekal, Provincial of Silchar welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, the dignitaries and everyone present. Each of them was presented with a memento and a bouquet. Each region showcased their rich cultural dances and songs. The Shillong region performed a Khasi traditional dance interspersed by shouts of ‘Huid kiw’. There was a stunning performance by the folk dancers from Tripura with their Hojaguri and Halam dance. His Grace, Most. Rev Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil SDB DD spoke about the need to adapt to polemical situations and invited everyone to be like Don Bosco a ‘Great Game-Changer’. The dancers from Silchar region presented a captivating Bengali dance. A dance entitled “Ka Shad kñia Sngi” by the delegates from Nongstoiñ Region depicted the ritual sacrifices of the people. The Cheraw dance also called as the Bamboo dance from Mizoram left everyone spellbound. ‘Don Bosco Forever’- a choir piece sung by the Shillong region choir, the winners of the Province- level Choir Competition, mesmerized the crowd. In his speech, Shri A. L Hek lauded the Youth Expo for helping the young to exhibit their talents, for promoting national integration, cultural exchange and mutual enrichment. He invited the Salesians to imitate Don Bosco, saying: “I wish them all the best and may this celebration be an occasion to renew and reaffirm their commitment for the cause of the young”. He distributed the prizes to the winners of various competitions and also released the music album of St Anthony’s College entitled ‘Petals of Harmony’. Dimapur Links
LOCAL NEWS
April 23rd was the day of arrival and official inauguration of the Bicentenary celebrations. Mr. Fredrick Dopth, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs was the chief guest and Salesian Family Provincials were the Guests of Honour. th The theme of 24 April was: “DON BOSCO AND MOTHER MARY – Don Bosco: Dream for the Young.” Most Rev. Thomas Menamparampil SDB DD, Apostolic Administrator of Jowai was the main celebrant of the day. After the Holy Eucharist, the day that followed was jam-packed with variety of competitions. The theme of 25th April was: “DON BOSCO’S LOVE FOR THE CHURCH – Don Bosco: Dream with the Young.” Rev. Fr. Nestor Guria SDB, the Provincial of Dimapur Province was the main celebrant. After the Holy Eucharist, sessions followed on themes like, “DON BOSCO AND THE YOUTH” by Rev. Fr. V.T. Jose SDB – Rector of Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai; “YOUTH OF TODAY” by Shri. Sanjay Goyal I. A. S. – Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills; “LEADERSHIP TOWARDS TRANSFORMATION” by Shri. A. K. Nongkynrih – Head of the Department of Sociology at NEHU; “YOUTH ISSUES…” by Shri. Ronnie Wahlang MCS – Youth President, Shillong Archdiocese and EAC East Khasi Hills. At 6.00 p.m. there was a Musical concert “LOVE CONQUERS ALL” staged by the Brothers of Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai. Then there was release of the music album by Fr. Barnes Mawrie SDB entitled ‘Don Bosco, Father and Friend’. The Bicentenary celebrations of the birth of St. John Bosco-cum-Youth Expo 2015 reached its climax on 26th April 2015. The theme of the day was “I AM THE GOOD SHEPHERD – Don Bosco: Dream for and with the young” At 9:30 a.m. a solemn morning prayer was animated by Br. M. Maitphang SDB and Br. M. Robert SDB. It was followed by the Holy Eucharist. In spite of the rain approximately 25-30 thousand faithful converged in Don Bosco Mini Stadium for the celebrations. Bishop Victor Lyngdoh of Nongstoiñ, presided over the Holy Eucharist with 75 priests concelebrating. A record number of 250 religious joined the celebrations. In his homily, his Lordship spoke about the relevance of Don Bosco in today’s world. He called Don Bosco a “preacher of the Gospel of Liberation”, just as Christ was…”. He concluded by invoking thus: “May Don Bosco inspire us to dream with and for the young”.
LOCAL NEWS
The dancers from Nongpoh region performed the ‘Shad Khad-ar Lyngdoh’- a dance rich in expression of the valour and bravery of the erstwhile patriots. The Jaintia region performed the “Ka Laho Bet ka Samen Kynthai”, portraying the life of an industrious orphan girl who was loved and respected by all. At the end of the programme, Fr. Benny Mushahary proposed the vote of thanks. The culminating point of the programme was the item called ‘Moment with God’- a time of thanksgiving to God. It was choreographed by the students of Sacred Heart Girls, Mawlai. The Savio Juniorate band gave a finishing touch to the programme with a piece: “We thank you Oh! Lord for Don Bosco”. Br. Blasius Tete, Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai
NORTH EAST YOUTH ATTEND ART WORKSHOP
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Office for Social Communications, New Delhi under its banner, ART-i, held a ten-day training Workshop in Art for Youth Leaders with a view to promote peace and communal harmony in the region, at Siloam, Shillong, April 20 – 30, 2015. Seventy youth leaders from the various dioceses of the region attended the event. The workshop included sessions on peace, creative artistic skills, music, group games and activity and integration programmes. These were aimed to train youth to become agents of building peace, reconciliation, communal harmony, and other values in the region. It may be noted that Northeast India faces many incidents of conflict and communal strife in several states and among communities. Peace is the single most desire of people affected by conflict and violence. Dimapur Links
Hundreds of lives are lost in ethnic and communal clashes and people, including innocent children who suffer as a result of violence that displace them. The Art-i had organised a weeklong workshop for children in Lower Assam’s Bongaigoan and Kokrajhar districts last year after ethnic clashes broke out in the region. Some 650 children had taken part in the programme as an effort to build peace and remove the scars of violence. Artists from Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Delhi worked along with some local artists to engage children in creative art and therapy. The artists had a one-day orientation in Guwahati before moving out into the camps where children were sheltered. Says Fr. George Plathottam sdb, founder Director of Art-i and Secretary of the CBCI Office for Social Communications, New Delhi: “The results of the children’s camp in Bongaigoan and Kokrajhar convinced me of the need to train youth leaders who can use art and skills in order to promote peace and create awareness among the people in other states”. This Art workshop is unique and the participants are expected to carry forward the project through training and art activities towards peace promotion in their respective states, towns and institutions, said Fr Plathottam. The workshop included a variety of hands-on creative skills, input sessions, practical applications, moments of prayer and sharing, team and personality development activities. The participants worked under the leadership of professional artists, counsellors and other resource persons. The workshop emphasized the role of youth in building peace, harmony, respect for God, creation and nature, people. Besides drawing and painting, they were taught how to create peace banners, slogans, songs, skits, games, creative skills and practical applications. Sessions included art therapy, healing, counselling through art, and creative skills in conflict resolution, strengthening community bonds and values of respect. On April 27 the participants undertook a public campaign through art and creativity in Shillong. Several institutions in Shillong like St. Anthony’s College and Higher Secondary School, Don Bosco Technical School, St. Margaret’s School and Nazareth Hospital, were chosen as venue for the art installation project. 14
Rev. Dr. George Palamattam sdb, clinical psychologist and Director of Siloam, a centre for transformational leadership, and host of the programme, Fr.Sahaya Belix, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, Rintu Khargharia, Guwahati,. Shegufta Rahman, New Delhi, Bishop Stephen Rotluganga, Aizawl, Dr. Barnes Mawrie, a team of resource persons from Initiatives of Change, Panchgani, Maharastra were some of the resource persons of the workshop. Salesian Provincial of Silchar, Fr. George Maliekal gave away certificates to the participants. He urged the youth to carry forward the message of peace and become change makers in their regions. Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil who addressed the participants said peace is possible only when we are able to rid ourselves of anger and hatred and become symbols of peace. We need to promote a desire for peace in every heart and recognize the force of moral power. Selfdestructive actions only harm ourselves. We have been blessed with prophets of peace who have taught us to listen sympathetically to others, to stand on the side of the victims and to uphold the power of moral force. The participants discussed in groups specific action plans to work towards promotion of peace in their villages, towns and institutions. Nine students of Ferrando School for speech impaired also participated in the workshop. The participants painted a theme painting on canvass with the finger prints of all participants as a souvenir of the ten-day workshop. Prakash Toppo from Dibrugarh, one of the participants, said, “The art workshop has made a big change in my life.” Lawlangniki Shylla from Jowai summed up the impact of the workshop on her in these words: “I have learnt a lot from this workshop. I will work for peace and lead a good life, and teach others in my community about these values.” Ashis Saha, a student of St. Anthony’s College, Shillong remarked: The workshop taught me leadership skill, values of peace and harmony, and I plan to do something to promote peace along with my friends.” Abhishek Kumar Lakra, a participant from Assam, remarked: “This workshop has made me see art from a different perspective. I like to impart to other youth in my place what I have learnt.” The art workshop has influenced my life and at the way I look at things in life and nature. I want to contribute my share to change the world. 15
Summing up his impressions of the workshop and Siloam, the place overlooking Umiam lake, Michael Nonghbah of Jowai, a participant, said: I love this place, it is like an earthly paradise to me. I can feel God’s presence in me, it is so peaceful, calm, quiet and pleasant. I can feel the blow of the wind on my face. Before I came to the program, I did not have a peaceful mind, but now I have been able to change myself. I know the value of my life, of being myself, of the nature that surrounds me. By drawing and painting I learnt to express and share my hidden feelings. By painting my heart becomes happy, and I forget all worldly pleasures, my bad habits. I have learnt to spend time meaningfully. On my return I hope to promote and share the good things I have learnt in the workshop.” Art-i, a movement for promoting art and artists for social causes and to nurture the divine in art, was founded by Fr. George Plathottam, a Salesian priest and educator, who has lived and worked in Northeast India for four decades. For the last seven years he has been serving as the national secretary of the office of social communication in Delhi, which covers all the 170 dioceses in India. Art, according to him, has a great potential to effect change in society and in individuals. Art therapy and programs have been effectively used to end conflict between Palestine and Israel, during the Tsunami and other occasions of disasters and wars. Many international agencies like the United Nations and educational institutions abroad use art and art training to bring about social change. Art therapy is a vast, unexplored area in India and it is our hope that we can build a more inclusive society through using art to foster peace and harmony. Rev. Dr. George Plathottam sdb Secretary, CBCI Office for Social Communications
Just do what must be done. This may not be happiness, but it is greatness. —George Bernard Shaw
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BOSCOM SOUTH ASIA MEET
On 25 April 2015 morning Fr. Anthony Earathara (outgoing Secretary, Don Bosco Communications South Asia) welcomed the members of BOSCOM, particularly Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Regional Superior of South Asia, Fr. V. M. Thomas, the Provincial of Guwahati Province, Fr. Noel Maddichetty, Secretary of SPCSA. Fr. V. M. Thomas welcomed the Regional and other members before leaving for Kolkotta to attend another meeting. Fr. Antony said Fr. Godfrey D’Souza, Provincial in charge of Social Communication, could not attend this meeting as he was in a meeting with the Rectors of the Province of Mumbai. Fr. Antony Earathara handed over the baton of Delegate to Fr. Joachim Fernandes (the incoming Secretary, Don Bosco Communications South Asia) in the presence of Fr. Maria Arokiam. Fr. Antony was presented with a memento for his three years of service as Delegate. After which the election for Executive Secretary to BOSCOM was conducted with secret ballot. Fr. A. Raj Mariasusai was elected in the third round of voting. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes asked for his consent and declared him elected. He assured to hand over the files and accounts to the Executive Secretary, as he was holding the post for last six years. Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga who came for the meeting after eight hours of journey late in the night, said he did this as this commission is the most important commission but unfortunately lagging behind all other commissions. He expressed that there are lots of possibilities, achievements and individual talents but there is a vacuum in the Social Communication Sector. There are only ‘namesake’ delegates from some provinces. BOSCOM is ailing. While some local level initiatives are flourishing, nothing much at National level. He travelled all the way to ask the members how to revitalize Dimapur Links
BOSCOM since the Regional Superior is in charge of seeing to its implementation. Fr. Maria Arokiam shared his pet ideas and the vision of the congregation saying, power of communication to change the world is enormous. As communicators we need to commit to youth-related projects. He urged to take up a common cause to work for next 10 years, for example creating a “writers’ forum” sounding secular but with Christian and Salesian values. He invited us to work for our charism rather than merely for the Congregation. He urged the body to come up with projects that could be highly effective. He said it is very sad to see BOSCOM one of the first national entity struggling with no strategies and no passion. He elicited ideas to revamp and revitalize BOSCOM. He exhorted the members to come with three to four concrete proposals that he could present to SPCSA to make this most important mission more effective. At 2.15p.m. accounts of 2013-14 and 2014-15 and budget for 2015-16 was presented to the members. The budget was passed after being proposed by Fr. Bobby Kannazhath (INK) and seconded by Fr. Agilan (INT). After this, reports from different provinces were presented in the following order: Fr. Joaquim Fernandes (INB) Fr. Agilan Sarprasadam - Tiruchy (INT) Fr. Jonas Kerkettta (IND) Fr. Bobby Kannazhath (INK) Fr. Vijaya Bhaskar Thathireddy (INH) Fr. Shilanand Kerketta (INN) Fr. Joaquim Lobo (INP) Fr. David Mariaselvam (INM) Fr. Joseph Pulinthanath (INS) Fr. Johnson Parackal (ING) Fr. Robin Gomes (INC) Soon after the Province reports Fr. A. Raj Mariasusai presented the report of the Salesian Bulletin with its present status and strategies for next three years. He brought to the notice of the members how the circulation has gone down and the efforts to increase the same. The presentation included current financial status and also financial implications for the future of the magazine. Fr. Cleophas Braganza, the Web Coordinator of Boscom presented the report with expenses for the year 2014-2015 and budget proposal for the year 2015-2016. He also presented budget for the new lay out of the website from JJ Software Tiruchy for Rs 1,25,000/-
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Next Fr. C. M. Paul spoke of the Masters Degree in Convergent Media and Technologies of Mass Communication Department at Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU), Guwahati. At 7 p.m. Fr. Johnson Parackal, the Executive Director of Don Bosco Institute organized North East Cultural Expo by the students of DBI. It was a veritable cultural extravaganza. He also hosted a special dinner for the delegates. On 26 April the meeting started at 9 a.m. with powerpoint prayer organized by Fr. Cleopas with the theme ‘Look at the world’. Fr. Noel Maddhichetty (Secretary, SPCSA) shared the media related plans and asked suggestions for the bicentenary celebrations in Kolkata and New Delhi. He specifically discussed a short programme that would be part of the celebrations in both the places. The members suggested multimedia programme rather than a laser programme as it was suggested in earlier meetings. Among other suggestions, one that emerged strongly was to have a six minutes multimedia programme (2 minutes on Don Bosco, 2 minutes on SDBs in South Asia, 2 minutes on Success stories) and then make it available in all social media platforms and viral the same. Fr. Noel said that he would get back on this after further consultations. Fr. Raj is asked to coordinate the multimedia with INM and INT Delegates. Fr. Antony Earathara introduced the discussion on Bicentenary Film Festivals. The festival is named DBBISFFI and the website has been built under the supervision of Fr. Harris Pakkam, the delegate of INM. He is also in charge of organizing the film festivals in getting the films, selecting them, getting necessary permissions for screening (Censor Certificate) etc. The following are the places (states) of Bicentenary Film Festivals given by the delegates: Delhi, Ranchi, Kheti, Itanagar , Dibrugarh, Imphal, Maram, Kohima, Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Chennai, Pondicherry, Vellore, Tiruchy, Coimbatore, Madurai, Panjim, Margoan, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Shillong, Nongstoin, Nongpoh, Jowai, Silchar, Aizwal, Agartala, Angadikadavu, Trichur, Sultan Bathery, Ernakulam (Vennala, Vaduthala), Puthupalli, Tumkur, Bangalore, Chitradurga, Deodurga, Kolkata, Siliguri, Guwahati, Tura (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tiripura, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra) 17
There are around 48 Venues in 18 States across India. It was decided that we publicize the event through National Media as it is happening all over India simultaneously. Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, the Delegate, Fr. Raj, the Executive Secretary and Fr. Harris Pakkam shall be in-charge of publicity of this event to be held on 8th th and 9 August 2015. A cash award and citation will be given in three categories, namely Best Film, Best Director and Best Depiction of Don Bosco’s charism. Fr. Jiji Kalavanal, Director of IMAGE, Kochi came up with the proposal to redesign the National Web Portal. No decision could be taken as the budget was not presented for the entire project. He has assured to send a comprehensive budget which many felt could only be discussed in the next Boscom meeting or online discussion and voting could be held if the budget is competitive and matching with JJ software that is doing the work for the last 10 years efficiently and economically. Then the same shall be forwarded to SPCSA. Fr. Cleopas is yet to present the expenditure of 2014-2015. As it was not available due to some technical issue in his computers, the same was asked to be sent to the Executive Secretary. The Statutes were taken up for discussion as presented to SPCSA Assembly. With some changes it was passed unanimously. Fr. Agilan and Fr. David volunteered to organize and collect the songs for Song Competition at National level in Hindi and English. Fr. Agilan was requested to send a concept page for the same. The members discussed the venue for next Boscom Assembly meeting to be held on 5-7 November 2015. The members proposed to have it in Bangalore. In case of difficulty either in Chennai or Panjim. Some topics were also suggested. One that emerged strongly was in the lines of ‘Faith Formation and the use of New Media’. The members felt that BOSCOM in spite of being one of the first commissions to be active at the National level lacks National level coordination unlike other entities that emerged later. The following concrete proposals were passed in the light of suggestions made by Fr. Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Regional Superior.
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The three Proposals to be submitted to SPCSA: BOSCOM is to be registered as TRUST under the Registration Act in New Delhi like other SPCSA entities. Full time Delegate is needed to carry out activities in this most important field of our mission and to create impact through BOSCOM. He could also act as National Spokesperson (PRO). The Salesian Bulletin is entrusted with the task of exploring and executing Writers’ Forum at National level and take up trainings for the same at National level. The two-day meeting ended with Vote of Thanks by Fr. Cleopas. He had a very special mention for Fr. Antony Earathara, the outgoing delegate of BOSCOM and for Fr. Johnson, the Executive Director of DBI for hosting the meeting. Fr. Raj Mariasusai SDB, Executive Secretary BOSCOM
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER’S DAY
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers as well as motherhood. It is celebrated on different days in various parts of the world, mostly in the months of March or May. It complements similar celebrations honoring family members, such as Father's Day and Siblings Day . The modern Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother in Grafton, West Virginia. Her campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the United States began in 1905, the year her beloved mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, died. Anna's mother, Ann Jarvis, was a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers on both sides of the Civil War and created Mother’s Day Work Clubs to address public health issues. Dimapur Links
Due to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, several states officially recognized Mother's Day, the first in 1910 being West Virginia, Jarvis' home state. Jarvis' push to create an official holiday was met with opposition by some. Henry Moore Teller described the notion of Mother's Day as "absolutely absurd," and "trifling." But in 1914 Woodrow Wilson signed the proclamation creating Mother’s Day, the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers. Although Jarvis was successful in founding Mother's Day she soon became resentful of the commercialization and was angry that companies would profit from the holiday. By the early 1920s, Hallmark and other companies started selling Mother's Day cards. Jarvis became so embittered by what she saw as misinterpretation and exploitation that she protested and even tried to rescind Mother's Day. The holiday that she worked so hard for was supposed to be about sentiment, not about profit. Jarvis' intention for the holiday had been for people to appreciate and honor mothers by writing a personal letter, by hand, expressing love and gratitude, rather than buying gifts and readymade cards. Jarvis organized boycotts and threatened lawsuits to try to stop the commercialization. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world. In the Roman Catholic Church, the holiday is strongly associated with revering the Virgin Mary. In some Catholic homes, families have a special shrine devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In many Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, a special prayer service is held in honor of the Theotokos Virgin Mary. The modern Mother's Day has been assimilated into Indian culture, and it is celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May. Indians do not celebrate the occasion as a religious event and it is celebrated mostly in urban centers while a majority of the population still remains unaware of a formal Mother's Day. For a typical Hindu or a Jain everyday is a Mother's Day indeed. DL Correspondent Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. —-Vincent Van Gogh
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POPE FRANCIS ESTABLISHES COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Pope Francis green lit a proposal from the Council of Cardinals and established a commission that will study and implement reforms following the Vatican Media Committee’s final report. The initial committee, established in July 2014, set out to “adapt the Holy See media to changing media consumption trends, enhance coordination and achieve progressively and sensitively substantial financial savings.” The Council of Cardinals, who recently met from April 13-15, studied the final report and proposed the institution of a new commission that will suggest “feasible approaches”. “The proposal was favourably accepted by the Holy Father, who on April 23rd decided to institute the commission and to appoint its members,” a communique from the Holy See Press Office stated. The new commission will be chaired by Msgr. Dario Edoardo Vigano, director of the Vatican Television Center. The following are the members appointed by the Holy Father: Paolo Nusiner, director general of the daily newspaper “Avvenire”, Nuova Editoriale Italiana, Milan; Msgr. Lucio Adrian Ruiz, head of the Vatican Internet Service, directorate of Telecommunications of the Governorate of Vatican City State; Fr. Antonio Spadaro, S.J., director of “La Civiltà Cattolica”; Msgr. Paul Tighe, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.
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SINCEREST THANKS, FR. CHARLES MARIA
Intensive training for the teachers of schools run by the Salesian family in the Province of Dimapur commenced on 9 February 2015 and concluded on 30 March. During this period Fr. Charles Maria sdb, South Asian Delegate for Youth Ministry (DBYA), South Asian Coordinator for Education and Culture, and Secretary, AIDBES, crisscrossed the length and breadth of our Province several times. He has animated our teachers (Chronologically) at Kheti, Longding, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sadiya, Paglam, Dimapur, Kohima (in 2 batches), Wokha, Mao, Maram, Tamenglong, Imphal and Khoupum Valley. He has imparted the spirit of Don Bosco the educator of youth to over 2,000 teachers of our Province. This programme was a good follow up to the similar animation done by Fr. Peter Gonsalves from Rome in 2013 under the theme “Educating the Don Bosco Way.” The Province of Dimapur shall remain ever grateful to dear Fr. Charles Maria sdb. Salesian Family, Province of Dimapur
Seek not greatness, but seek truth and you will find both. —-Horace Mann
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COME, HOLY SPIRIT
We often see people of all economic conditions huddled round the fire in winter. The rich do it in rich interior cosy comnfort5able apartments while the poor do it bin street corners. All have little fire to keep warm and to survive. It is when we have no fire at all available that we hear of tragic deaths on the streets and people dying of cold and hunger. When the apostles - frightened and unaware of what the future would bring, were blessed with a little tongue of fire over their heads , it was the fire of God’s Spirit descending upon each of them and filling them with his gifts. It is said that fire has the power to burn away dirt and also to purify the gold put into it. The fire on the head of the apostles burned away the cowardice still hidden in them. It also purified their intentions to follow Christ and be led by the power of God’s word. The fire of the Spirit made them so bold that they were willing to stand before the religious and political authorities. They began to show that they were afraid neither of their beatings nor were they going to run away from the persecutions which came their way. Just like a wild fire that would burn with greater intensity with fury of the wind, the more intense their persecution became, the greater was their enthusiasm to live for Christ and spread his message. The Pentecost was a common experience for all the apostles together. There were also personal individual experiences of the fire of God’s Spirit renewing and redirecting people’s lives. The disciples of Emmaus had their own Pentecost experience as Jesus was speaking to them along the way. “Were not our hearts burning within us as he was speaking to us along the way?” (Luke 24:32). With the fire of God’s message being re-kindled, they came to the Path Jesus had traced for Dimapur Links
For Saul, the persecutor of Christians, the fire God’s Spirit took charge of him as he fell from his horse. Very much like Jonah who began to pray when at his lowest level - in the belly of a fish, so too Paul made his sincere effort when he asked, “Who are you Lord?” (Acts 22:8). In his blind pursuit of dealing death to the Christians, he really went blind; in his blindness the Spirit filled him and taught him to say: “It is no longer I who live; but it is Christ who lives in me”(Gal 2:20). We may be in a group praying; we may be fleeing from disappointing experiences; we may even be in the pursuit of enemies to eliminate them. The Spirit of God can catch up with all of us. May his power envelope us; may his grace enable us; May Christ be formed in us and live proclaiming the glory of God. Come Holy Spirit, come and fill our hearts with your fire! Fr. P X Francis Charuvila SDB
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CATHOLIC YOUTH PRESIDENT PASSES AWAY
Prayer for the Departed Soul
Ms. Lilly Malangmei (1990 –2015), a Don Bosco Youth Leader and a Catholic Youth President of Holy Cross Parish (Dimapur) from St. Francis De Sales Church Oratory, Zeliangrong Village, Dhobinala, Dimapur passed away on 7th April 2015. She is the only daughter of her family, having two brothers. Her elder brother currently pursuing M.Tech in the Punjab University could not be present for her funeral, which took place on 8th April 2015. Her father and mother are sill alive. The passing away of Ms. Lilly is great lose for the Dhobinala oratory. She was an active member and volunteer who used to facilitate all the seminar and other programmes of the oratory in an efficient manner. She was also an active member of the church on sundays. She had a great regard for the elders of the community and a great love for Don Bosco and the Church. She was modest in her approach and was greatly hospitable to the brothers and other guests of the oratory. She had a great concern and respect for the brothers in the oratory and helped them in gathering the youth on sundays in the oratory. We the Salesian College Youth Centre oratory express our deepest condolences and prayerful remembrances to her family members, relatives and the Youth of St. Francis De Sales church, Zeliangrong Village, Dhobinala, Dimapur. We continue to pray for the repose of the soul Ms. Lilly Malangmei. Br. Victor Pamei, Salesian College 21
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A MOTHER’S PRAYER
Dear Lord! It’s such a hectic day; With Little time to stop and pray; For life’s ben anything but calm, Since You called me to be a mom Running errands, matching socks, Building dreams with matching blocks Cooking, cleaning and finding shoes And all those things that young ones lose Filling lids on bottled bugs, Wiping tears and giving hugs, A stack of last week mail to read So where’s the quiet time , I need? Yet as I go to bed each night, My heart is filled with love’s true light As I take one last peek, I see, This treasure you have given meGod’s own sweet blessing sleeping there, The answer to a Mother’s prayer.
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