(Yangon) – It is a month since the cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar causing chaos and destruction leading to the loss of about 150,000 human lives., according to Archbishop Charles Maung Bo, SDB, of Yangon.

After the cyclone, the map of Myanmar has changed. The change is most evident in the area of Yangon and the Ayeyawaddy Delta, as can be seen from the satellite images, which graphically register the ‘before and after pictures’, portraying destruction of large tracts of land. “What any satellite could not register was the mutilation of the souls of our graceful and long suffering people,” Archbishop Bo adds.

In a new open letter the Salesian archbishop mentions once again the state of emergency in his country where about 2.3 million of the people have a new name: “refugees and homeless” and people “will be lining up in some remote villages, waiting for food and aid. The dead are also waiting for a decent burial – Yes! On the top of the trees, floating in waters and in the bushes and roadside, the spirit of our people is waiting for eternal rest.”

Archbishop Bo refers to the great challenges the disaster represents for the Church in Myanmar, because of the damage caused by the cyclone to churches, convents, clergy houses, orphanages which lie in ruins, but also especially because of the efforts made from the beginning of the emergency in searching for survivors, “We are saving lives, we are bringing hope.”

“Myanmar cannot be forgotten once again,” is the message with which the archbishop of Yangon concludes his letter, following the reduction in the attention given by the media to this part of the world. “Myanmar needs longer accompaniment, a sustained attention of the world community. This report, I hope, will facilitate that long march with our people.”

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Myanmar – The story of Stella

(Yangon) – Archbishop Charles Maung Bo SDB of Yangon, in a new open letter describes how after the “Nargis” cyclone struck on the night of May 2nd, Myanmar has become synonymous with death and confusion.

“After two weeks, as access becomes easier, poignant stories of the resilience emerge,” Archbishop Bo says, like that of Stella a mother of nine children already - and in an advanced stage of pregnancy.

The cyclone arrived just before the baby was due to be born. While Stella (the mother) was at home the cyclone struck the house and raging river waters entered her simple house. She began fighting for life while the water level rose. Water lifted her to the roof, only to threaten to drown her. A hole was made on the roof and the roof then carried her to the dry ground where her baby was born.”

Today Stella and her ten children are safe in a church run shelter, provided with basic medicine and food. “Thousands like Stella need hope, need support” the Archbishop adds.

Archbishop Bo concludes saying that he hopes that while the response to the earthquake in China rightly continues, he hopes the needs of the simple people of Myanmar are not forgotten once again.

Myanmar – Between emergency and hope

(Yangon) –  In a letter dated May 25, 2008, the Archbishop of Yangon, Charles Maung Bo, S.D.B., updated the world on the situation of the people in Myanmar following the devastating cyclone that struck the region of the capital and of the delta of the Irrawaddy river three weeks ago.

He indicated how much the people still need help as the state of emergency has not passed. The Archbishop spoke ofthe local Church and how it has succeeded  in reaching about  25,000 people providing them with food, shelter and drinking water, as well as needed spiritual and psychological assistance. The Salesian Archbishop emphasized the situation of the young people who are now the most vulnerable part of the population. In addition, he noted that given its networks on the ground, the church anticipates assisting a further 40,000 people.

Archbishop Bo wrote: “Three weeks after the devastating Cyclone Nargis struck on the 2nd and 3rd of May, the people of Myanmar are still struggling to comes to terms with the scale of the disaster. For those who survived in the affected Delta and Yangon regions, survival is a day to day struggle, with access to clean water, food, shelter and medical attention still limited. In addition to this, the severe water logging, damage to paddy fields, the loss of tools, seed and animals will have a negative impact on rice production and food security for this vulnerable population.”

“The local response in Mayanmar has been hugely important in these initial few weeks, however, resources and capacity have been stretched. Therefore, I welcome the recent announcement, that the government will allow all aid workers into the country. I hope that this announcement is followed through and that international support can build on the local structures and efforts already underway.”

“Amidst the stories of despair, there is hope. The people of Myanmar have joined together in their solidarity for those affected by the cyclone. People and leaders of all religions have been working together to try and reach affected communities and encourage the government to do all they can to help those in need. The stories I have heard from the people who faced and survived the full force of the cyclone and continue to live with dignity and hope, pay tribute to the unwavering nature of the human spirit. The humane acts of courage and kindness of those who have volunteered to assist the people in the delta region, and the international support and solidarity received by the Church in Myanmar shows further evidence of the generosity of humankind.”

Lebanon – The Knight’s Cross of the Order of Poland Restored for two Salesians

(Beirut) – On May 23, 2008 two Polish Salesians, Fr. Kazimierz Gajowy and Fr. Jaroslaw Dobkowski – who had worked for many years in Lebanon were presented with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Poland Restored during the Polish Community’s celebrations.

Among the 200 or so people present at the ceremony held at the Hotel Le Royal on the outskirts of Beirut,  were the Polish Ambassador to Lebanon, members of the staff of the Embassy, Mgr. Paul Dahdah, O.C.D., Vicar Apostolic, the Director General of State Security, the Mayor of Fidar and numerous friends of the two priests and of the Salesians in Lebanon.

In his presentation of the award the Ambassador recalled the work undertaken by the two Salesians in the education of young Lebanese, in the promotion of peace through various initiatives including summer camp assistance offered to the Polish community in Lebanon, to displaced persons, and to the many Shias during the war in the summer of  2006 in collaboration with Polish and other International NGOs, including the International Volunteer Service for Development, and a group of young Lebanese volunteers.

During the ceremony thanks were also expressed for all the work undertaken by the entire Salesian community in Lebanon.

Papua New Guinea - Blessing, Consecration and Dedication of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christian

(Port Moresby) - Cardinal Thomas S. Williams, Archbishop emeritus of Wellington, New Zealand, was chief celebrant at the blessing, consecration and dedication of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, on May 24, 2008. Concelebrating with the Cardinal were Archbishop Brian Barnes, emeritus Archbishop of Port Moresby; Archbishop John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby; Bishop Rochus Tatamai, Bishop of Bereina; Bishop Henk Kronenger, Bishop of Bougainville, Archbishop William Kurts, Archbishop of Madang; Bishop Francesco Panfilo, S.D.B., Bishop of Alotau and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Fr. Julien, Secretary of the Apostolic Nuncio and 30 priests. 

Grand Chief Michael Somare, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea; Sir Paulias Matane, Governor General, and several High Commissioners and Ambassadors or the world`s nations with representation in PNGas well as several oversees guests were also present. 

Fr. Valeriano Barbero, S.D.B., the one is charge of overseeing the construction of the shrine, handed the plans of the shrine to the Cardinal as he entered in procession.  “These are symbols of the love and devotion of the people to our Blessed Mother,” said Fr. Val as he handed them over to the Cardinal in the presence of Fr. Raphael Galve, S.D.B., superior of the delegation and all present.  He then opened the doors and the congregation filled the shrine.

The consecration of the altar commenced, and  the relics of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazarello being placed in the altar.  The altar was adorned and decorated, candles lit, lights in the church were switched on while the programmable bells rang out as a sign of great rejoicing, while youngsters on the altar and the aisles danced as they sang Shine Jesus Shine.  The Chimbu dancers, Caritas students and Nakanai group from West New Britain brought in the gifts for the offertory.

After Communion, Archbishop John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby thanked the Cardinal for having accepted the invitation to come for the occasion, thus strengthening unity in Oceania.  He also thanked the Prime Minister, Governor General, the important dignitaries and the people.  In thanking Fr. Val and the Salesians, he said, “It serves a purpose here in the diocese and the country and we are indeed grateful”.  He also expressed his deep appreciation for all the work that the Salesians are doing to enable youth grow up and be people of the future.  Similar sentiments were also expressed by Sir Paulias Matane, Governor General.  He stressed that the Catholic Church, the largest church in the country has done much good work. 

Hungary –Salesian Family Feast Day

(Péliföldszentkereszt) – As in previous years, the Salesian Family in Hungary celebrated the feast of Mary Help of Christians by gathering together on May 24th at the sanctuary of the Holy Cross at Péliföldszentkereszt.

The celebration had special significance this year as some young Salesian missionaries in Hungary coming from  Vietnam and India either renewed temporary and made perpetual vows. In his homily, Fr. József Havasi, the Provincial of the Salesians in Hungary, pointed out how religious consecration expresses the total giving of oneself and dedication to the mission. In addition, he described the presence of the young Salesian missionaries in the Province as “a gift from Mary Help of Christians,” who is never lacking in her motherly concern.

The people present – over six hundred of them – coming from the various Salesian centers in the country, were then able to enjoy an entertaining performance of dancing and music by children and youngsters.

India - National Teacher’s Conference Don Bosco Institute Guwahati

(Guwahati) - Don Bosco Institute Guwahati organized a three day national teachers` conference May 19-21, 208 for 250 teachers. Staff from from the northeast as well as from Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. In his welcoming address, Fr. V. M. Thomas, Executive Director of DBI, presented an overview of the educational scene in India and the teacher’s role in quality education. He also stressed the need for teacher training.

The keynote address was given by Prof. D.S. Bhattacharjee, Principal of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Education. The Chairman of the same Institute, Mr. P.P. Srivastava, delivered a message as Chief Guest in which he commented that "A teacher cannot teach a child; he or she can only facilitate the process of learning of the child. The teacher should consult the mind of the child".

On the evening of the second day of the conference, thirty principals from schools in Guwahati, Jorhat and Boko participated in a workshop for school principals. A varietyof concurrent workshops on school subjects were conducted for conference participants by expert trainers, and seven teachers presented research papers on:  Teaching at School Level: issues, challenges, recommendations". The best two papers were awarded cash prizes and certificates.

Dr. Shushmita Dutt, UNICEF Education specialist for India, explained the UNICEF perspective on quality education. “It is counterproductive to label students as either possessing a particular intelligence, or not possessing it. This may limit her potential. All students have all intelligences. We should expose them to opportunities to access allof theirintelligences. By nurturing the whole spectrum, teachers motivate students, foster their learning, and strengthen their intelligences,” said Dr. Dutt.

Papua New Guinea – Meeting in Mary’s name

(East Boroko) – Nearly 2,000 young people took part in a gathering dedicated to the Virgin Mary at the Salesian Don Bosco Technological Institute in East Boroko, in Papua New Guinea. Students from various Catholic schools in the area, including those from Don Bosco Technological Institute and Don Bosco Technical School took part in the celebration. The young people were able to get to know Mary better through a variety of games and artistic presentations. In the evening, there was a prayer vigil which continued throughout the night. About 300 young people took part in the vigil.

The day began with Mass with Bishop Francesco Panfilo, S.D.B., Bishop of Alotau and President of the Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Isles presiding. Among other Salesian priests present was Fr. Rafael Galve, Delegate for Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Isles.

Italy – Bishop Giovenale expresses his gratitude

(Turin) – Bishop Flavio Giovenale of Abaetetuba in the State of Parà Brazil, was present at the celebrations in honor of Mary Help of Christians at Valdocco. In a letter to Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major of the Salesians,the bishop thanked him for his support in recent months following the death threats he had received because of his efforts in defense of the rights of those most in need and and a call for justice in his diocese.

“I’ve felt myself really comforted by the Congregation. Thank you with all my heart,” the Salesian Bishop wrote. “I came to thank the Madonna, but I also really have to thank you who have been the arms and the heart of the Help of Christians.”

In December 2007, the Rector Major and his Council wrote to Bishop Giovenale and expressed their solidarity and that of the whole Congregation as he dealt with the threats on his life for standing on the side of the poor and the oppressed. In May, 2008, Bishop Giovenale and two other Bishops who had also been threatened, received the official support of the Bishops’ Conference of Brazil.

In spite of everything, Bishop Giovenale and his collaborators continue their efforts at safeguarding the rights of those most in need. In the diocese of Abaetetuba, he said, work is in progress to expand the facilities of the Christ the Worker Vocational Training Center. Since its founding in 2002, the Center has trained over 10,000 people, especially young people – from the Christ the Redeemer School and from the rehabilitation center for drug users recently entrusted to the care of the Fazenda da Esperança (Farm of Hope), a Franciscan-inspired organization.

Austria – The Salesian Family praying for vocations

( Sonntagberg) – On Sunday, May 18, 2008, the Salesian Family in Austria held a day of prayer for vocations incorporated with a pilgrimage to the basilica of Sonntagberg, in Lower Austria. Over 800 people joined in the prayerful celebration.

During his homliy, Bishop Helmut Krätzl, the auxiliary bishop of Vienna told the gathering that all Christians are called to consciously take up and continually rediscover their calling within the Church. He also pointed out that a vocation can only be followed with the help of the Holy Spirit. Recalling Don Bosco, the Bishop addressed the Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians present encouraging them: “Always find new joy in your vocation! Only in this way will you be able to show young people what will make them happy. Vocations only come to the Congregations when the young people discover there a sense of being brothers ands sisters.”  

In the afternoon the young people from the Salesian Youth Movement organized a celebration with music, dancing, games and faith witnessing that involved the pilgrims. “We are all called by God to a life as Christian Believers ,” the young people declared. “and with Don Bosco we are sent to the young to give them a living example of life in the faith.”

The Salesian Provincial, Fr. Franz Wöß, speaking at the end of the day reminded the adults of the task entrusted to them: to help young people to develop their vocation in life. Fr Wöß then encouraged the young people to ask themselves questions about their lives: “What are you looking for? What voice do you hear in your heart?“; “Accept you vocation”; “Be ready to speak about your hopes to anyone who asks.”

Italy – Evangelizing on the streets

(Genzano) – On Saturday, May 17, 2008,  in the historic Fiasconi central square in Genzano, Rome, local Salesian and youth groups held a Youth rally with a focus in evangelization: “Recharging Life, Dumping Boredom!”

The Salesian Novices organized the event saying that they wanted to meet the young a place they were familiar with and where they spent their free time – the square,  and provide them with music, drama, and things to think about. The Novices of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and some young volunteers aissted in facilitating the day. The Local Authorities of Genzano, Rome and those of neighboring Ardea, Lanuvio and Frascati sponsored the event.

From 6 p.m. until midnight performances by various  youth musical groups from the local area of the Castelli Romani entertained the crowd. Additionally, some young people spoke about their experiences as volunteers and the idea of choosing a vocation. The Guest of Honor was the Italian actor Flavio Insinna, who played the part of Don Bosco in a successful television production of his life in 2004.

During the evening, many young people spent time praying in the nearby church of the Holy Trinity, where they were able to attend exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and go to confession. Small tents were set up in the square showing various missionary projects the Salesians sponsor. The young and their parents had the opportunity to purchase handicrafts and native food to benfit the mission endeavors.

 “It was an experience in which the novices, future Salesians, were able to try their hand at a form of  first  evangelization and the organizing that had to go into it, with the difficulties encountered and finding ways of communicating with young people, and then the collaboration with other groups in the locality,” the Director of Novices at Genzano Fr. Angelo Santorsola explained. 

Philippines - Communicating the Word of God to the e-Generation

(Makati) – More than a thousand participants from all over the Philippines and from neighboring Asian countries including China and Pakistan gathered for The Fourth John Paul II Catechetics-Youth Ministry Conference, held at the Don Bosco Technical College, Makati, May 14-16, 2008.

The organizing team for the Conference was headed by Fr. Rene Guzman, S.D.B., and included a number of Salesians among the keynote speakers. The program and event was fully backed by the Philippines Episcopal Commissions for Youth, and Catechetics and Education. The Archbishop of Manila, his Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, was the principal celebrant for the concluding Mass.

The Conference theme was `Communicating the Word of God to the e-generation`. The Scripture text for the theme was Mark 5:25-34, the same text which Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini had used as a focus for his `Hem of the Garment` (Il Lembo del Mantello, in his original text) pastoral program for the Milan Archiocese 1991-92. In that well known pastoral letter, the Cardinal had developed a number of themes including a ‘dialog with T.V.’ The Manila Conference explored similar themes as Fr. Marty Macasset, Bishop Pablo David, and Fr. Armand Robleza led participants through topics such as: Getting to Know the e-Generation; The Word of God in e-culture; and,  E-vangelizing the e-generation on the e-culture.

Some 40 workshops in the areas of youth ministry, catechetics and spirituality were conducted in afternoon sessions during the conference. One of the workshops focused on Salesian pedagogy and spirituality.

The activities held in the evening were recreational or para-liturgical in nature and included a Taize prayer prepared by the National Secretariate for Youth Apostolate, a Catechists and Youth Ministers  Night Program, and a Floral Presentation to Mary, along with a simple conference dinner.  Filipino religious artist, Mr. Joey Velasco, displayed a number of his paintings including his well-known  "Hapag ng Pag-asa" (Table of love), depicting street children gathered around the Lord at the Last Supper, along with a sequel to that painting.  The Communio et Missio Formation Institute also had an exhibit, along with several Religious Publishers including Word and Life Publications, Makati.

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