ajja SETTEMBRU-OTTUBRU 2009 il-210 Óar a Salesjana Pilgrimage to Turin The Folded Napkin Marija u r-ruωarju

Transcription

1 SETTEMBRU-OTTUBRU 2009 il-210 Óar a Pilgrimage to Turin The Folded Napkin Marija u r-ruωarju

2 Fl-1877, Dun Bosco beda jippubblika Il Bibliofilo Cattolico. Wara sentejn, semmih - Bollettino Salesiano. Kien jo or hu bi sieb li jg aqqad lil dawk kollha li g andhom g al qalbhom il- idma fid-dinja kollha, billi jwasslilhom tag rif fuq il- tal-kongregazzjoni. Tag lim siewi g all- Nisranija. Insibuh imxerred mad-dinja kif iddur, mitbug f aktar minn g oxrin ilsien ewlieni fosthom il-malti wkoll fiç-çokon tieg u. F sena jitqassmu l fuq minn g axar miljun kopja. Hawn Malta jo ro ta t l-isem u kull xahrejn, barra x-xhur tas-sajf Lulju, u Awissu. Jitqassam b xejn lil kull min jitolbu. G alhekk wie ed jista jikteb lill-editur: Óajja c/o St. Patrick s School, Triq San Ìwann Bosco, Sliema SLM 1925, Malta. Tel: joecini@onvol.net Jie u sieb Bord Editorjali Jg inuh ukoll Fr. Joe Cini SDB Fr. Paul Formosa SDB Margaret Buhagiar Andre Camilleri Josie Grech Fr. Charles Cini SDB Eileen Alden Joyce Scicluna Joe M. Busuttil Óajr minn qalbna lill- bieb tag na li jibag tu xi a a tal-flus g an-nefqa biex il-óajja jista jintbag at b xejn lil Dawk li mqar bit-talb tag hom jg inu fil- idma Dawk li jg inu l-vokazzjonijiet g all- Reli juωa Infakkru lill-qarrejja tag na li l- idma Maltija tinfirex ukoll fl-afrika ta fuq, fit-tuneωija. Fuqiex se naqraw Il-Bullettin Salesjan 3 Pedago ija 5 Calendar of Events 7 Tifel jisraq il-mag mudija 8 Min-Ni erja - Fr Richard SDB 10 Crimes 8 12 Pilgrimage to Turin 14 Il-Mi ja ta Laura 17 Something to think about 18 The Folded Napkin 20 Marija u r-ruωarju 22 Salesians Open YouTube Channel 23 A Voluntary Experience in Tunisia 24 Il-Qaddej ta Alla Dun Feliç Canelli 25 The Maltese Salesian Past Pupils Association of Victoria Australia 1959 ~ The Life of St. Paul (3) 28 Sette Giugno f Jum il-premjazzjonijiet 30 Óajjitha g all-o rajn 31 Could God be calling Me? 32 Laqg at g al Óbieb Duminku Savio u Laura Vicuna f Savio College 34 Designed & Printed by Salesian Press Front Cover: Is- Si ra tal-familja u d-dar Ìeneralizja tas-salesjani f Ruma

3 Editorjal Il-Bullettin Salesjan F nofs ix-xahar ta Mejju li g adda, mort Ruma, fid-dar Ìeneralizzja tag na, g allaqg a mad-diretturi jew edituri tal-bullettin Salesjan (BS). Dawn ew minn afna partijiet tad-dinja, g alkemm mhux kollha kienu hemm. U dan min abba li fil- img at ta qabel kienu saru laqg at o ra fil-korea t Isfel, fl-indja u fil-ìermanja. Dawn it-tip ta laqg at isiru qisu kull 3 snin biex jinqasmu u ji u diskussi l-problemi u hekk il- BS ta kull nazzjon ji i dejjem imtejjeb. Dun Bosco kien beda jikteb fuljett ta a barijiet Salesjani fl Wara sentejn semma dan il-fuljett Bullettin Salesjan u kellu l- sieb li bih iwassal tag rif fuq dak li kien qieg ed ji ri filkongregazzjoni. Kien jag tih importanza kbira g aliex kien iqisu b ala mezz ta g aqda. Meta ra li ma setax jiddedika ru u g all-bs kif xtaq, sejja wie ed mill-a jar Salesjani li kellu u g amlu d- Direttur tal-bs. Dan juri liema importanza Dun Bosco kien jag ti lill-bs. Is-Salesjani, f kull nazzjon li jinsabu fih, jifhmu kemm hu ta siwi li jkollok mezz ta komunikazzjoni mal- afna membri tal- Familja, bieb, kollaboraturi u nies o ra li jinteressaw ru hom fil- idma. G alhekk jaraw kif jag mlu sabiex ikollhom il-bs bl-ilsien tal-pajjiω. Meta g al xi ra uni, ma jistg ux jistampaw dak tag hom, jing aqdu ma provinçji jew pajjiωi o ra ta l-istess ilsien, sabiex ikollhom BS li jistg u jxerrdu u jikkomunikaw bih. Hekk, per eωempju, f xi pajjiωi ta l-afrika tal-punent, BS bil-françiω iservi g al aktar minn pajjiωi wie ed jew provinçja wa da. L-istess fl-afrika tal-lvant. G all- kuntrarju, fl-indja, waqt li hemm BS bl-ingliω imxerred mal-pajjiω kollu, hemm ukoll sitta o ra b ilsna tad-diversi re juni ta dan il-pajjiω hekk kbir. Imma l-bs dan iω-ωmien ma jeωistix biss fuq karta, forma ta ktejjeb; afna provinçji Salesjani jpo uh ukoll fuq l-internet u hekk jista jinqara fuq kompjuter. B dan il-mod wie ed jista jsib artikli ta l-img oddi, jikteb direttament lill-editur, jikkummenta jew jikkritika, ifittex informazzjoni fuq is- Salesjani u sa ansitra jaqra minn qabel xi artikli mill-bs li jkun se jo ro aktar tard fix-xahar. Qabel ma tlaqna millaqg a li kellna f Ruma, ing atajna homework g at-3 snin li ejjin. Irridu (1) intejbu l-bs tag na, (2) nippruvaw inpo uh fuq l-internet, u (3) inωidu finnumru ta qarrejja u bieb. Jiena se nag mel ilti sabiex inlesti dan il-homework; intom araw kif tistg u tg inu alli l-bs ta Malta ma jkunx xog ol ta wie ed li ja dem f uffiçju, imma opra tag na lkoll.

4 The Salesian Bulletin In the month of May, I went to Rome, to our Superiors House, to attend a meeting of directors or editors of the Salesian Bulletin (SB). These Salesians came from many parts of the world, but were not all there because in the weeks before there had been other similar meetings in South Korea, India and Germany. This type of meeting is held about every 3 years so that problems may be shared and discussed and thus the SB of every nation can be improved. Don Bosco had started distributing a leaflet of Salesian news in Two years later he called it Salesian Bulletin and he was using it to spread news about events in the Congregation. It was very much to his heart because he considered it a means of unity; and when he could no longer dedicate himself to it as he wished, he called one of his best Salesians and made him Director of the SB. This shows the importance Don Bosco gave to the SB. Every nation they are in, the Salesians appreciate the fact of having a means of communication among the many members of the Salesian family, friends, collaborators and others who take an interest in Salesian works. So they find means of publishing the SB in the language of that country. When, for some reason they cannot print their own, they join other countries or provinces of the same language so as to have a SB which they can spread so as to communicate news. Thus, for example, in West Africa, the SB printed in French unites the several countries which have French as second language. The same is done in East Africa, but in English. On the contrary, in India, while a SB in English is spread throughout the country, there are printed six other SB in different local languages of that vast country. Nowadays, the SB does not appear only on paper in the form of a booklet; many Salesian provinces have it on internet and it can be read on computer. In this way one can look for past articles, contact the editor directly, comment or criticize, look for more information and even read articles still to appear in future editions as soon as they are ready. At the end of our meeting in Rome, we were given some homework to do in the coming 3 years. We are to (1) improve our SB, (2) try to edit it on internet, and (3) increase the number of readers and friends. I shall do my best to accomplish this homework; on your part see how you can help so that the Maltese SB won t be the work of one man in an office, but the achievement of us all.

5 Pedago ija Kummenti fuq li Strenna 2009 : Moviment Kbir Favur iω-ûg ar Minn Pascual Chavez Trad. Joe Cini Il-Familja B ala Moviment G eωieω Qarrejja, kemm-il darba jiena g edt li l-familja (FS) hija moviment - a a li fil-knisja kellha suççess. JeΩistu llum afna movimenti fil-knisja, differenti minn xulxin, li jinvolvu eluf t erwie. Dak li beda Dun Bosco hu mag ruf b ala moviment vast ta nies g assalvazzjoni taω-ωg ar : moviment li huwa spiritwali u appostoliku. Huwa moviment, u g alhekk huwa dinamiku, aj. Dan jispjega g aliex ikompli dejjem jikber, kemm fin-numru tal-membri u kemm fil-gruppi Ωg ar fi danu. Illum hemm 26 grupp li uffiçjalment huma parti mill-fs. Hemm ukoll mat-30 o rajn li mexjin lejh li juru aspetti interessanti u sinifikattivi. Ir- Rettur Ma ur ta qabli, Fr. Egidju Viganò, kien iddikjara li l-fs g ad tasal li jkollha mill-inqas 300 grupp. Din esa erazzjoni? Iktar ng id li huwa entuωjaωmu jew fiduçja fil-kariωma ta Dun Bosco, fil- afna wçu tag ha, fid-dinamiωmu tag ha u fl-abiltà li tesprimi ru ha b modi diversi. Huwa moviment spiritwali, min abba li huwa frott l-ispirtu li spirah u jkompli

6 jo olqu. Il-FS mhux xi pro ett ma sub fluffiçju; lanqas ma hu frott tal- enju ta Dun Bosco. Huwa idma ta l-ispirtu s-santu, u sar realtà bl-intervent ta Marija. G alhekk huwa kariωmatiku, g otja ta Alla g as-servizz tal- Knisja u tad-dinja. Ha a sewwa li nkunu nafu li l-fundatur tal-fs huwa l-ispirtu s-santu. Huwa moviment appostoliku: ji ifieri li g andu missjoni x jaqdi. M huwiex xi klabb tal- bieb u lanqas xi g aqda filantropika. Imma huwa unità fi dan il-knisja li ja dem g all-bnedmin. Fi kliem ie or, huwa vokazzjoni, sej a sabiex titkompla l- idma ta Kristu, b xejra partikulari dik li tiddedika ru ha, permezz ta l-edukazzjoni, g as-salvazzjoni tat-tfal u Ω-Ωg aωag fqar u f sitwazzjonijiet diffiçli. Tliet g anijiet li nixtieq inpo i quddiemkom g aω-ωmien li ej huma: - Li tag rfu lil xulxin a jar billi ssiru aktar konxji ta x hini il-fs. Hemm bωonn li l-gruppi jsiru jafu lil xulxin, jiltaqg u ma xulxin, jiççelebraw flimkien il-fatt li huma a wa li jaqsmu l-istess kariωma. Irridu napprezzaw il-fatt tal- afna sitwazzjonijiet, g aliex hemm min hu reli juω, jew ikkonsagrat; hemm dawk huma membri ta grupp lajk jew ikkonsagrati g alkemm jg ixu fiddinja; dawk li ja dmu f xi organizzazzjoni u dawk li jag mlu appostolat wa edhom kuljum; hemm gruppi Ωg ar u gruppi kbar. Dan ipo i responsabbiltà fuq is-salesjani li hemm bωonn juru fiduçja akbar fil-familja li Dun Bosco afdalhom, li tag ha huma parti integrali, u li jridu j obbu u jmexxu. - Li tiffurmaw ru kom flimkien. Din hi attività li hemm bωonn tinbeda. Ilformazzjoni tag na g andha çerti elementi b al, qabel kollox, l-g arfien ta Dun Bosco sabiex nag rfu, nifhmu u nwettqu l-pro ett kariωmatiku tieg u u l-kriterju tal- idma pastorali tieg u. Iç-çelebrazzjoni ta anniversarji, çentenarji u okkaωjonijiet importanti o ra huma mumenti tajba sabiex nitg allmu aktar. Utili afna jkunu xi jiem ta rtiri flimkien li jo olqu atmosfera ta qsim spiritwali. Fejn possibli g andu jkun hemm korsijiet ta vera formazzjoni u tag rif a jar fuq is-sitwazzjoni taω-ωg aωag jew tal-lokalità fejn inwettqu l-appostolat tag na. Dan kollu jg inna n ossuna familja g alkemm kull grupp jibqa bil-karatteristika tieg u. - Li ta dmu flimkien; u hawn nistg u n ibu l-eωempju li Dun Bosco juωa sabiex ifisser l-g aqda. Óajta wa eda, jekk tin ibed, tinqata. Imma afna jut mibruma flimkien, jag mlu abel li add ma jaqta. G alhekk mhux f loku li gruppi tal-fs li jg ixu fl-istess lokalità, li jiffaççjaw l-istess sfidi, imbag ad ja dmu kull wie ed g al rasu. X hemm bωonn isir? L-ewwelnett nag rfu l-isfidi li l-knisja, li tag ha a na membri, qieg da tiffaççja; nikkolaboraw ma l-isqfijiet; nag tu preferenza lil dawk li huma qrib il-g an tal-missjoni tag na; flimkien ma dawk, fissoçjetà çivili, li qeg din ja dmu huma wkoll fl-istess settur. In-nies tal-belt jew re jun fejn inwettqu l-opra tag na jridu jinnutaw il- id li nag mlu u jqisuna qawwa g all- id soçjali u spiritwali tal-komunità madwarna. G eωieω qarrejja, dan li qieg ed ng idilkom m huwiex biss xi olma! Dan di à qieg ed jsir f afna postijiet fid-dinja. Nifhem li bejn dak li qed ji ri u dak li jista jsir, hemm distanza kbira. Imma issa l-waqt li niççaqalqu! Il-Konsulta Dinjija tal-familja mar-rettur Maggur f Ruma

7 Calendarof Events C A L E N D A R O F S A L E S I A N F E A S T S & E V E N T S Sept 31 Aug 3 Sep Boscofestival Group 1 Live-in at Savio College ( ) Wed 2 Sliema Salesian Cooperators Meeting at St. Patrick s 5 8 Boscofestival Group 2 Live-in at Savio College Thu 10 Prayer Day for Salesian Missions. Boscofestival General Rehearsal at Savio College (all day) Fri 11 Perpetual Profession of Bros. Jeremy Vella and Gerald Mangion at St. Gregory s Church at 6.30 p.m. 12 & 13 Boscofestival at Savio College (5.00 p.m p.m.) 18 & 19 Dominic Savio The Musical! At Salesian Oratory, Sliema p.m. Thu 24 Commemoration of Mary Help of Christians. St. Patrick s at 6.30 p.m. Mon 28 Start of New School Year at Savio College and St. Patrick s Oct Mon 5 Bl. Alberto Marvelli (Member of Salesian Family) Wed 7 Sliema Salesian Cooperators Meeting at St. Patrick s. Sat 10 Prayer Day for Salesian Missions. 1st lecture in Salesian Spirituality Course for all the Salesian Family. Tue 13 Bl. Alessandrina da Costa (Salesian Cooperator) Atturi Salesjani present Il-Wirt tas-sur Peppin at Salesian Theatre, Sliema. Sat 24 Bl. Louis Guanella (Priest, collaborator of St. John Bosco) Mon 26 Commemoration of Mary Help of Christians. St. Patrick s at 6.30 p.m. Thu 29 Bl. Michael Rua (First Successor of St. John Bosco) Nov Wed 4 Sliema Salesian Cooperators Meeting at St. Patrick s. Fri 6 Bl. Joseph Calasanz and 93 companions (Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War) Tue 10 Prayer Day for Salesian Missions Atturi Salesjani present l-akkuzat at Salesian Theatre, Sliema For any other info about the Salesians: / Salesians in Malta: / / /

8 Tifel jisraq il-mag mudija Jirrakkonta l-qassis li jie u sieb it-tfal It-tfajjel twieled ta t si ra tal-coconut f ra al ta xatt-il Malabar fl-indja t Isfel. Issa kellu dax-il sena u wasal fir-re jun tag na flimkien mal- enituri tieg u g ax xtaqu a jar u bdew ifittxu x-xog ol. IΩda msieken minflok sabu l-mewt! Tfaçça g andna messa ier ta l-isptar b ittra f idu ming and it-tabib. Qalli li ra el Indjan u martu qabdithom il-marda talkolera u mietu. Huma allew warajhom tifel imfarfar li aseb li jkun l-a jar jekk jidda al fl-orfanatrofju tal-missjoni. Jiena pront aççettajtu g ax fhimt li kien kaω kemmxejn rari u okkaωjoni speçjali ming and Alla. It-tfajjel, g adma u ilda, wasal g andna mlibbes imqatta u b sorra çkejkna f idu. Naturalment kien jolfoq u jnissel niena. Orfni, u wa du fid-dinja, anki bog od minn ra al twelidu min jaf kif assu l-imsejken tifel. Imma t-tfal tag na malajr daru mieg u u Ωieg lu bih kemm setg u. F qasir in huwa nduna li kien sab bieb tajba li j obbuh. Malajr t allat sew mat-tfal kollha. Hekk huwa wkoll seta jkun kuntent b alhom. Min isalva ru addie or Xi ranet wara, it-tfal li kont ng allem jien kollha qalu li xtaqu jsiru appostli peress li kont ng idilhom li min isalva r-ru ta sie bu, isalva tieg u ukoll. Allura bdew l- im atra bejniethom min minnhom g andu l- ila jikkonverti imqar tifel wie ed pagan, alli b hekk huma jkunu jistg u jid lu l- enna fiω-ωgur. U tassew! Dawk il- odda li jiena g ammidt fl-orfanatrofju, kollu nafu (wara Alla) g all- ila tat-tfal koperaturi Ωg ar tieg i. G alhekk kull tifel did li jasal florfanatrofju, dritt jitkixxfu ming andu jekk hux nisrani jew pagan. Jekk ikun ta l-a ar, pulit pulit iduru mieg u biex jikkonvertuh. Jibdew juruh kemm jaqbel li wie ed isir nisrani sabiex ikollu ferrie a f din iddinja u fl-o ra, g ax koroh u jqarrqu huma d-drawwiet tal-pagani. Sintendi l-lezzjonijiet, il-katekiωmu, l-eωempji t-tajba, l-im abba ta xulxin u d-devozzjoni lejn il-madonna u l- Ewkaristija jag mlu l-kumplament. It-tifel did pagan tag na ma damx ma sab ru u f din ix-xibka fina tat-tfal. Huwa wkoll minna a tieg u, beda j ossu jg ir g al dawk

9 s abu li kienu jersqu filliera wara xulxin g attqarbin waqt li hu jibqa wa du fil-bank. Anki hu xtaq jibda jilqa ewwa fih lil dak Alla li a kien beda jduq mit-tjubija tieg u g all-kura li sab fl-orfanatrofju. Kienu g adhom kemm g addew tliet xhur. It-tifel bdejna nsej ulu Bernard b tifkira ta wie ed benefattur li miet dik il- abta. Bernard ie fuqi u minn ta t l-ilsien talabni biex ng ammdu g ax ried jibda jirçievi lil Ìesu b at-tfal l-o ra. Dak il- in jien assejt g afsa ta qalb g ax ma stajtx nikkuntentah hekk malajr. Il-prudenza titlob li almenu t- tfal jag mlu sena s i a mag na b ala prova. Dejjem hekk imxejna, g ax ieli kellna tfal li wara Ωmien qasir arbu mill-orfanatrofju u sparixxew. Ibni, g idtlu jien, inti taf ir-regolamenti tag na. Jonqsok tistenna disa xhur o ra Imma Bernard kien jer a jinsisti u jaqbad inewwa kull darba li jkun qribi. Óin wie ed mar fuq s abu u qalilhom li l-father ma riedx jg ammdu. Issa jekk jien nimrad u mmut x ji ri?... staqsa lit-tfal. Minn daqshekk xejn la tibωa, we buh g ax imbag ad il-father malajr ji i ji ri biex jg ammdek Fil- img a ta wara, it-tnejn filg odu, Bernard ma qamx mis-sodda. Wara l-quddies jiena mort fejnu a nara x ara. G aliex ma qomtx? Ma nifla x, Father X G andek? In ossni stordut. U iva Issa dalwaqt jg addilek. Bernard baqa fis-sodda l-jum kollu, bla ma jiekol xejn. Jixrob biss. L-g ada l-istess. Jien ma stajtx nifhem x kien qabdu dattifel. Billi baqa ma jikolx u jidher mag dur, bdejt na seb li Ωgur se jaqa f debbulizza kbira. Bilfors li kellu xi a a serja. Il-Óamis fil-g axija tassew inkwetani. Mort fta t qalbi ma wie ed minn s abi l-qassisin u dak qalli: Jekk ta seb li hu gravi ara li ma jmutx mallejl. A jar tg ammdu u sserra mo ok. Fl-a ar kellna ng ammduh Iddeçidejt li nie u l-parir tieg u. Ersaqt lejn it-tifel u tlabtu jindem minn xi dnubiet li seta kellu. Wara kollox, g all- erqa li kellu, tag lim tal-katekiωmu kien jaf biωωejjed. Mela, bil-qieg da fis-sodda u b devozzjoni kbira, Bernard irçieva is-sagrament imqaddes tal-mag mudija li g amlu iben ta Alla u werriet tal- enna. Wara ç-çerimonja jien mort fil-kappella sabiex in ib iω-ωejt imbierek alli nag millu wkoll il-griωma. Imma x in wasalt lura fil-kamra, is-sodda kienet vojta u l-marid ma stajt narah imkien! Dak il- in it-tfal kienu jilag bu fil-bit a. Mort ng id lil katekista li jkun mag hom u nittawwal minn ta t il-veranda. U x nara?... Bernard kien hemm mat-tfal ji ri u jaqbeω qisu mhux hu! Hawn x ejt tag mel? g idtlu. Father issa jiena fiqt g ax nisrani!... irrispondieni b wiççu mbissem u bla ma abbel rasu li g adda erbat ijiem bil- u. Ma kellix kura ngt mieg u talli g amilli u da ak bija. Wara kollox g all-età tieg u, tassew kien g amel att erojku biex baqa sajjem dawk il- ranet. Anzi qanqal fija ammirazzjoni. Madankollu kelli nag tih xi forma ta kastig; bg attu immedjatament jg in fil-kçina u jlaqqat dak li kien fadal. It-tfal g arfu l-g aqal ta mo u u biex jinkuh laqqmuh il- alliel tal-mag mudija. Nista ng id li kemm dam mag na Bernard baqa dejjem fidil g all-grazzja talmag mudija. Kien bravu u ubbidjenti g al kull ma tg idlu; mudell eççellenti g at-tfal l-o ra. Meta kiber huwa sab xog ol adattat g alih u tg arras u ΩΩewwe fil-knisja talmissjoni. Bix-xieraq a na g amilnielu festa sabi a. Bernard g adu eωempju ta tajba g an-nies kollha li jafuh.

10 Min-NiÌerja Fr. Richard SDB minn Dr. Frank Cassar Wie ed mill-programmi msejjah VUÇI MISSJUNARJA (20 ta Marzu, 2009) fid p.m. fuq RADJU MARIJA (102.3 FM) adna fil-belt ta Ondo fin-ni erja, ilpajjiω bl-akbar popolazzjoni fil-punent tal-afrika. F din il-belt hemm skola tas-salesjani u fiha jinsab patri Salesjan Ωag Ωug, Fr Ric ard Ebejer. G alkemm ninsabu l bog od minn Turin fejn twieled u g ex Don Bosco, in ossuna f dinja bl-ispirtu tal-fundatur isegwina fl-isfond. Fr. Richard, b mod l-aktar sempliçi u mexxej da al lis-semmieg a f din id-dinja u f din l-atmosfera missjunarja li ma telqitniexx qabel ma ntemm il-programm. Wara li g amel idma maω-ωg aωag f Malta u fit-tuneωija, fl-2005 Fr Richard ie fdat bil-formazzjoni tal-prenovizzi Salesjani fin-ni erja. Huwa spjega fid-dettal ilprogramm intensiv ta formazzjoni fil-livell uman li jag ti dixxerniment vokazzjonali; fil- nisranija fi knisja li qed tikber sostanzjalment; fl-ispirtu Salesjan imsejjes fuq il-fidi, l-im abba u r-ra uni; u filprattika g ax permezz ta idma fost it-tfal u Ω-Ωg aωag tal-oratorji, ta kull img a, l-prenovizzi jit alltu maω-ωg aωag l-o ra u permezz tal-log ob u l-isport ji bduhom lejhom u jnisslu fihom sens ta formazzjoni. Fr. Richard spjega wkoll il-pro etti li qed iwettqu s-salesjani partikolarment fl-iskola teknika fejn barra li jg allmu diversi snajja` lil mijiet ta studenti bniet u subien foqra, huma jsibulhom xog ol wara li jtemmu l- korsijiet tag hom. Isemmi wkoll kif l-istess 10 ta ri qed ji enera qlig finanzjarju g alliskola u g all-istudenti mill-bejg tal-o etti li jipproduçu. Fil-fatt il-bankijiet kollha talknejjes Kattoliçi tad-djoçesi jin admu f dik l-iskola! Huwa ddeskriva wkoll il-pro ett Kairos (kelma Griega li tfisser issa huwa l-waqt opportun ) bil-bini ta çentru g aω-ωg aωag mill-istess Ωg aωag bl-g ajnuna finanzjarja ta benefatturi Maltin u Taljani. Don Bosco jg id li kull ma kellu kienet l-intenzjoni tajba li jg in, imma li kieku ma jkunux il-benefatturi ma jista jag mel xejn. Huwa jqabbel dik l- g ajuna maω-ωejt li jing ata lill-magna biex tkompli ta dem. Interessanti wkoll li Fr. Richard nisse rakkont storiku ta l-involviment tal-kumpaniji multi- nazzjonali taω-ωejt li da lu fin-ni erja. Filwaqt li qabel dawn kienu interessati biss flisfruttament ta din il-materja prima, f dawn l-a ar snin bdew jag tu importanza lillelement uman u g alhekk bdew jinvestu fin-nies u fil-lokal. B ala riωultat dirett ta dan l-iωvilupp, is-salesjani ew mistiedna li

11 jmexxu skola fl-istat tad-delta, mibnija u fornuta proprju mill-kumpaniji taω-ωejt! Fr Richard ddeskriva n-ni erja b ala pajjiω rikk fil-vokazzjonijiet saçerdotali u reli juωi. Huwa jmur lura storikament g aω- Ωmien ta idma kbira mwettqa mill-ewwel missjunarji IrlandiΩi fix-xlokk tal-pajjiω, liema missjoni qed tag ti frott kbir tant li, g an-ni erjani li jg ixu f dak ir-re jun, hija a a ta valur imprezzabbli li familja jkollha vokazzjoni. B dan il-mod il-knisja Kattolika fin-ni erja qed tikber tant li kull sena ssir selezzjoni minn dawk il afna li japplikaw biex jing aqdu fis-soçjeta`. Dan (Vuçi Missjunarja) kien programm g aω-ωg aωag ming and missjunarju Ωag Ωug im e e mill-ispirtu Salesjan. Fr. Richard temm il- in tieg u mas-semmieg a ta Radju Marija, billi mill-esperjenza tieg u, qasam g add ta messa i u riflessjonijiet immirati direttament g all-voluntiera Ωg aωag. Tistg u tisimg u afna aktar filprogramm VUÇI MISSJUNARJA kull nhar ta Ìimg a, fid-9.00 p.m. fuq RADJU MARIJA (102.3 FM), b ripetizzjoni t- Tlieta f nofs il-lejl sbi l-erbg a, bi produzzjoni u preωentazzjoni ta Dr Frank Cassar u Helena Sammut. Hello Fr Joe, Jiena kont o St. Patrick s meta kont g adni tifel. Dan kien iω-ωmien bejn l-1960 u Jiena jisimni George Chilton; imma jekk tfittex ismi fir-re istru trid issibni ta t l-isem ta George Grima. Jiena kont t b al ija Leli; imma una l-ie or Fredu kien stampatur. Qieg ed niktiblek min abba li jiena u xi g axra o ra qeg din infittxu li nikkuntattjaw lil s abna ta dak iω-ωmien, u forsi inti tista tg inna f dan. Jiena laqt grupp fuq Facebook u kull min irid jista jikkuntattjana billi jifta il-kompjuter fuq issit: php?gid= Dan, fil-fatt huwa is- St. Patrick s School Malta Old Boys of the 1960 s. Inkunu obbligati u tassew rikonoxxenti lejk jekk tista tippubblika dan il-messa u dan l-indirizz fejn jistg u jarawh l- Old Boys ta dik l-iskola g aωiωa tas-salesjani. Nie du gost b kull min jixtieq iωur dan issit jew jiktbilna il-kummenti tieg u. Grazzi ta kull g ajnuna li tista toffrilna. Dejjem tieg ek, George Chilton (Ex: George Grima) George Grech - Leli Grech - George Chilton - Frankie Grech -? - Bianchi? -? - Azzopardi - Victor Grech - Eddie Pavia 11

12 Crimes 9Abridged extracts Excerpts from the book Crimes of the Innocent by Fr. Charles Cini S.D.B. Self-confidence regained through positive thinking The lack of interest shown by some young people in politics and religion can be attributed to an institutional crisis. Youths, do not consider the government, the Church and maybe even the family as authorities, and they have lost confidence in them. But we must not blame the youths themselves for this. The State and the Church have in the past neglected youths and let them down, particularly where their future was concerned, and it is very difficult for these institutions to regain young people s confidence. One other reason for young people s nonchalant behaviour is that today Malta is no longer an isolated country. Youths travel a lot these days. They meet their peers from 12 other countries both here in Malta and abroad, and are influenced by their way of life. The mass media is also playing a big part in affecting the changing behaviour of our youth. Today s young people do not have the same difficulties that other young generations had in the past. The spadework was already done for them by their fathers and mothers, and nowadays they seem to get everything they wish for. This has its counter-effect because today s youths do not appreciate what their parents have to go through to give them a decent living. In most families, everything has been settled for them and they do not really need to suffer to get what they require.

13 Today s young people have been spoilt ; youths have never had it so good. Their families offer them the material wealth they need, and since the youths themselves do not have to work for it, they tend to take everything for granted. Permissive parents must be blamed for not exercising enough discipline on their children and for not instilling in them a sense of sacrifice, which is very important for helping youths to build a strong character. Very often young men and women do have values which they can share but they are too disorientated and distracted or they do not find enough good role models to imitate. Nowadays they are more worried about what to wear on weekends and where to spend their free time. Their ethical behaviour and morality leave a lot to be desired, not to say that they are completely inexistent. Young people do not appreciate the gift of sexuality, and are not prepared to build strong relationships with other people and are mainly interested in getting more money and goods, even if this means harming their colleagues. Certainly one should not only look at young people s behaviour but rather at the motivation leading to such attitudes. There is a great imbalance between their willingness to face the reality of life and the exaggerated wish to escape this reality. Most of the youths are so empty and lonely that they find a safety-valve in sex, drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. Afterwards, they end up even lonelier. The fact that a large percentage of youths feel the urge to leave home to be able to enjoy themselves every day without any restraint, is already a problem in itself. One needs to tackle young people s problems by expressing confidence in them and in their capabilities. Youths are people who question everything, even themselves, and therefore need to be guided. They should be motivated into thinking positively. 13

14 Pilgrimage to Turin (by JOSANNE CASSAR) I am one of those parents who, this Easter, went on the Salesian Pilgrimage to the places where St. John Bosco lived and worked. I want to share with you the emotions I had during this wonderful experience. As from day one, I cannot forget the vigil mass we heard on Holy Saturday, at the Basilica of St. John Bosco. I must have been tired after an exhausting and hectic day of travelling; but something about the mass struck a chord in me. I was to come face to face with Don Bosco, a man who was to bring great serenity to my heart 14 Easter Sunday: We spent most of our first morning at the house in which Don Bosco was brought up. As I walked up to it, I noticed that there was a sign above the door: QUESTA È LA MIA CASA. It made me feel like this was my own home a calling by Don Bosco. As soon as I entered, I was drawn to a wall on which were hung frames with Mamma Margerita s proverbs. Her words of wisdom pacified me, they made me feel like I had at last found that something that could accompany me and support me in parenthood. I grabbed a pen and paper and started jotting down her proverbs furiously, fearing my memory would disappoint me, and that the words of this sweet, humble, loving mother would fade away from my mind. There is no altar without a cross and In the absence of horses, donkeys trot this wisdom that cannot be acquired through books is still valid today. I looked into the bedroom that Mamma Margherita had shared with her mother-in-law. I prayed to her to help me live in a household full of males (I have five boys). It s not always easy to live in a minority. In Don Bosco s bedroom, I found the courage to offer him all the dreams that I have for my children and the dreams that they have for their own future. I asked him to bless these dreams and make them happen, if they are God s plan for my sons. This was the same room in which Don Bosco had the dream of all dreams, at the age of nine years. I prayed to the Madonna and to Don Bosco to help me in difficult situations that I

15 meet in class, as a teacher, or at home as the mother of growing, rebellious children. Opposite Don Bosco s house was the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians. This, to me, was symbolic of Don Bosco s close relationship with the Madonna. In fact, in many paintings, Don Bosco points towards her to show that one should always pray to her and give her glory. Every time I prayed to Don Bosco, I felt he was telling me, She is the source I go to, follow my example. Monday: This day was dedicated entirely to St. Domenico Savio. As the day progressed, I felt as if Domenico Savio had come to life. He was no longer simply a painting adorning each classroom I teach in. I was struck by this boy s humanity: his secret was doing the ordinary in an extraordinary way. For example, he would sit next to those students who were weak academically so that he would help them with their work. From a young age, he already had one clear goal in mind: he wanted to become a saint. And others were to follow in his footsteps. At the house where he lived for a number of years, there were two walls covered in frames containing the photos and biographies of young people and Salesians who were Blesseds and awaiting sainthood some had already been declared saints. I was taken aback by their number, their youth, their diversity, but most of all because quite a few of them lived in our times. The last frame portrayed a youth who had died in This was an eye opener for me sainthood is not only something of 200 years ago, when people went to church and could pray their way to sainthood. Sainthood is something that is alive, even today, and one can be a saint in our times, too. There was an outright invitation to sainthood Santo anche tu: Perche non provarci? it was almost like an advertisement! Who wouldn t try it out? Tuesday: We went to visit the church of the parish to which Don Bosco belonged, and I was surprised to learn that this parish had produced 4 saints (including Don Bosco) all 15

16 from the same era. I couldn t help thinking what a good, Christian parish this must be the parish priest said that the parishioners knew that they must keep the spirit of Christ alive by going to confession regularly, receiving communion, and listening well to the word of God. They would spread the word they had listened to during mass to those who did not attend they were an organised laity, in full cooperation with God. What an example to follow! That same day, we also paid a visit to Valdocco, Don Bosco s first oratory, where we heard mass. In his rooms there were his mass vestments his robes were in tatters, and they showed that he was not a tall man. They made me reflect on his simplicity, and how he achieved greatness in spirit by persisting against all odds and by seeking humility. Looking at his deathbed, I felt that he was reaching out to me and calling me to help him continue his work today. He had touched my heart, and I could not say no Wednesday: We went to see Don Bosco s burial place in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. As I stood there, I felt a wave of gratitude towards him for having given me the opportunity to teach in one of his schools and thus experience first hand his love for youth. I felt he could help me become a better mother and teacher, in the light of religion, reason and loving kindness. I 16 prayed that Giovanni Bosco would show me what role I have to take to help him out in continuing his mission. Thursday: At Pinerolo, where Salesian novices go to study, I felt a strong desire that one of my children would be called to the priesthood. I knew that this was not something that was up to me, so I prayed to God that if it is His will, one of my sons will take up this path. Friday: On this day I visited the birthplace of the foundress of the Salesian sisters. I thanked her, in my heart, for all the wonderful work they have already done, as well as the work they will be doing when the Salesian sisters come to Malta in June to help the Salesian Fathers with the Oratories in Malta as well as with the primary school that will feed Savio College. I felt that this was a much needed spiritual renewal, a pilgrimage in the footsteps of Don Bosco. I felt that I had made a new friend in this most humble of saints whose efforts succeeded against all odds. More people should have this personal encounter with Giovanni Bosco and Mamma Margherita. Only then will people understand that his work is God s manifestation of His love for youth of all times, a mission which he could not have accomplished without the guiding hand of Mary Help of Christians.

17 Il-Mi ja ta Laura by Ritianne Meta kont naf li rigt tqila, assejt afna emozzjonijiet f daqqa, fer infinit, responsabbiltà u maturità. Xi demg a qabωet ukoll! Óassejtni li sirt mara kompluta, mill-ewwel assejt rabta kbira mat-tarbija li kelli f ufi. Bdejt nara anke l- b lenti iktar poωittiva. Kien jin ass li fil-familja kienet qed tinbet dida. Tul id-disa xhur tat-tqala tieg i, kont nie u gost nimma ina t-tarbija f idejja, però rrid ng id li kelli wkoll mumenti ta biωa u tensjoni. Kelli ansjetà kbira biex jg addi kollox b wiçç il- id biex inkun nista n addan lil din il-kreatura ma qalbi. Fis-17 ta Marzu 2008, kien wasal ilmument tant mistenni. Wellidt lit-tifla tieg i u semmejtha Laura. Dak il-mument ma ninsieh qatt u kien verament miraklu u meravilja x in rajt liç-çkejkna Laura t ares lejja g all-ewwel darba. Donnha minn tant nies l-isptar indunat li jien kont ommha! Óassejt fer kbir o qalbi u dak il- in liççkejkna Laura weg idtha li ng oωωha u nipprote iha tul ajti kollha. Il-preΩenza ta Laura fostna biddlitilna ajjitna. Fil-bidu, jien ftit li xejn bdejt norqod g ax lejl u nhar mo ni fiha. Waqaft ukoll mix-xog ol tieg i biex Ωgur niddedika l- in tieg i b ala omm, lil Laura 24 sieg a kuljum. Bla dubju, tarbija ib mag ha afna xog ol u tirrikjedi afna ener ija. Però sakemm kollox isir b im abba, kull sagrifiççju kont nag mlu minn qalbi u fl-a ar mill-a ar l-aqwa a a kienet li nara lilha qawwija u s i a. Ftit img at ilu bdiet tag mel xi pass l hemm u l hawn u tistg u timma inaw x ferh qabadni li issa rajt lil Laura timxi, b alma Ωgur kien mument mill-isba meta smajtha tgtli g all-ewwel darba MA! Laura imliet il-familja tag na b fer kbir g ax hija l-aktar a a g aωiωa li g andna jien u Ωew i. B al ma hija g aωiωa g al uti, zijiet, u l- enituri tieg i li g amlithom nanniet g all-ewwel darba. Tistg u timma inaw x g andna biha kollha kemm a na! Fl-a ar u mhux l-inqas nirringrazzja l Alla tad-don kbir li sirt omm u ta dan it-teωor li g o bu jippremjani bih! Grazzi Mulej! 17

18 Today I can be positive! I woke up early today, excited over all I have to do before the clock strikes midnight. I have responsibilities to fulfill today. I am important. My job is to choose what kind of day I am going to have. Today I can complain because the weather is rainy, or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free. Today I can feel sad that I don t have more money, or I can be glad that my finances encourage me to plan my purchases wisely and guide me away from waste. Today I can grumble about my health, or I can rejoice that I am alive. Today I can lament over all that my parents didn t give me when I was growing up, or I can feel grateful that they allowed me to be born. Today I can cry because roses have thorns, or I can celebrate that thorns have roses. Today I can mourn my lack of friends, or I can excitedly embark upon a quest to discover new relationships. Today I can whine because I have to go to work, or I can shout for joy because I have a job to do. Today I can complain because I have to go to school, or eagerly open my mind and fill it with the rich new tidbits of knowledge. Today I can murmur dejectedly because I have to do housework, or I can feel honoured because the Lord has provided shelter for my mind, body and soul. Today stretches ahead of me, waiting to be shaped. And here I am, the sculptor who gets to do the shaping. What today will be like is up to me. I get to choose what kind of day I will have! 18

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20 The Folded Napkin (A Truckers Story) Fr. Joe I had never had a mentally handicapped employee and had my doubts about hiring Stevie, a young man with Down s Syndrome. His placement counsellor assured me that he would be a good, reliable busboy. Truckers don t generally care who buses tables as long as the meatloaf platter is good and the pies are homemade. The four-wheeler drivers were the ones who concerned me; the mouthy college kids; the yuppie snobs, the pairs of white-shirted businessmen on expense accounts: I knew those people would be uncomfortable around Stevie so I closely watched him for the first few weeks. I shouldn t have worried. Within a month my truck regulars had adopted him as their official truck stop mascot. He was eager to laugh and eager to please, but fierce in his attention to his duties. He would hover in the background, and as soon as a table was empty he would scurry to clear it and wipe it meticulously with a practiced flourish of his rag. He took pride in doing his job exactly right, and tried hard to please every person he met. Over time, we learned that he lived with his disabled mother on Social Security benefits in public housing close to the truck stop. What I paid him was probably the difference between them being able to live together or Stevie being sent to a group home. That s why the restaurant was a gloomy place that morning last August, the first morning in three years that Stevie missed work. He was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester getting a new valve put in his heart. His social worker said that people with Down s Syndrome often have heart problems at an early age. Later that morning a ripple of excitement ran through the staff when we received word that Stevie was out of surgery, in recovery, and doing fine. Frannie, the head waitress, let out a war hoop and did a little dance in the aisle when she heard the good news. Marvin Ringer and two other truckers sitting at his booth asked her what it was all about. She explained about Stevie s heart problem then sighed: I m glad he s going to be OK, but I don t know how he and his Mom are going to handle all the bills. I hear, they re barely getting by as it is. Marvin nodded thoughtfully, and Frannie hurried off to wait on the rest of her tables. Stevie hadn t been replaced and the girls were busing their own tables. After the morning rush, Frannie walked into my office. She had a couple of paper napkins in her hand and a funny look on her face. What s up? I asked. I went to clear that table where Marvin and his friends were sitting, she said. This was folded and tucked under a coffee cup. She handed the napkin to me, and three $20 bills fell onto my desk when I opened 20

21 it. On the outside, in big, bold letters, was printed Something For Stevie. Pete asked me what that was all about, she said, so I told him about Stevie and he and Tony ended up giving me this. She handed me another paper napkin that had Something For Stevie scrawled on its outside. Two $50 bills were tucked within its folds. Frannie looked at me with wet, shiny eyes, shook her head and said simply: Truckers. That was three months ago. Today is the first day Stevie is supposed to be back at work. He called 10 times in the past week, making sure we knew he was coming, and that his job was not in jeopardy. Stevie was thinner and paler, but couldn t stop grinning as he pushed through the doors and headed for the back room where his apron and busing cart were waiting. Not so fast, Stevie, I said. Work can wait for a minute. To celebrate your coming back, breakfast for you and your mother is on me! I led them toward a large corner booth at the rear of the room, the staff following behind as we marched through the dining room. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw booth after booth of grinning truckers empty and join the procession. We stopped in front of the big table. Its surface was covered with coffee cups, saucers and dinner plates, all sitting slightly crooked on dozens of folded paper napkins. First thing you have to do, Stevie, is clean up this mess, I said. I tried to sound stern. Stevie looked at me, and then at his mother, then pulled out one of the napkins. It had Something for Stevie printed on the outside. As he picked it up, two $10 bills fell onto the table. Stevie stared at the money, then at all the napkins peeking from beneath the tableware, each with his name printed or scrawled on it. I turned to his mother. There s more than $10,000 in cash and checks on that table, all from truckers and trucking companies that heard about your problems. Well, it got real noisy about that time, with everybody hollering and shouting, and there were a few tears, as well. But you know what s funny? While everybody else was busy shaking hands and hugging each other, Stevie, with a big smile on his face, was busy clearing all the cups and dishes from the table. Best worker I ever hired. Plant a seed and watch it grow. 21

22 Br. Leonard Konopka, MIC Marija u r-ruûarju Marija, omm Ìesù, kienet aktar minn mudell fil- ta Santa Fawstina Kowalska. Na sbu li hija kienet ukoll involuta fil-formazzjoni tal- spiritwali tag ha. Matul ix-xahar ta Ottubru, ix-xahar tarruωarju mqaddes, a na wkoll jista jkollna skop ie or waqt li nitolbu r-ruωarju u nωebb u l-kuruna f idejna. Nistg u nift u qalbna mas-sinjura u nitolbuha tg allimna ng ixu ajjitna b aktar sinifikat u determinazzjoni. B dan il-proçess ng ixu iωjed it-tifsira tar-ruωarju. Santa Fawstina tikteb hekk: Marija hija l-g alliema tieg i, dejjem turini kif ng ix g al Alla. L-Ispirtu tieg i jixg el fil- Ìentilezza u l-umilta tieg ek, O Marija (Djarju, 620) B ala g alliema, Marija jista jkollha influwenza kbira fuq ajjitna wkoll. Jing ad li kull unur li tirçievi ming andna tg addih lil binha Ìesù. Min-na a tieg u imbag ad, Hu jxerred il-grazzji tieg u fuqna permezz tag ha. Óafna jemmnu li Alla fil- niena tieg u twieled minn Marija u g alhekk juωa lilha b ala strument g as-salvazzjoni tag na. Santa Fawstina dan fehmitu sew u g amlet 22 minn kollox biex tie u kull parir ming and din is-sinjura, Tron tal-g erf. Nistg u nitolbu ma Santa Fawstina O Ver ni Mqaddsa mimlija dija, pura daqs il-kristall, l-aktar qrib lejn Alla, noffrilek il- spiritwali tieg i. Ag mel fiha kull ma hemm bωonn biex ting o ob minn Ibnek Ìesù. (Djarju 844). Óafna drabi f ajjitha eddet din it-talba. Fuq kollox Marija g allmet lil Fawstina kif issib l Alla f ru ha. M hemmx dubju li Marija tista tg allem l-istess verità lilna wkoll jekk a na nitolbuha. Meta m g andniex gwida f ajjitna, min jista j ibna iωjed viçin lejn Ìesù Kristu jekk mhux Ommu? Santa Fawstina daret ukoll lejn Marija meta xtaqet tifhem iωjed l-ewkaristija.

23 Hija tikteb: L-Omm t Alla qed tg allimni fuq il- interjuri tar-ru ma Ìesù speçjalment fit-tqarbin Imqaddes (Djarju 840). Dan kien it-tip ta djalogu li hi spiss kienet tag mel ma Marija. Waqt sta un partikolari tal-avvent, l- Omm t Alla wissiet lil Fawstina biex ma tieqaf qatt tadura lil Alla li hemm jg ix or-ru tag ha stess: Binti ag mel iltek biex tg ix fis-skiet u fl-umiltà, biex isserra lil Ìesù li jinsab dejjem f qalbek. M hemm g alfejn tfittex imkien iωjed imma adurah f qalbek. (Djarju, 785). Din hija riflessjoni qawwija afna, parir li a na wkoll nistg u nie du benefiççju kbir minnu. M hemmx bωonn li wie ed imur ji erra, jew isiefer lejn pajjiωi l bog od biex iωid l-g aqda li jixtieq ma Alla. Huwa biωωejjed li jiffoka fuq Alla li qed jg ix ewwa fih. Naraw wkoll din l-istedina ming and Sidna Ìesù li qal: Ibqg u fija u jiena nibqa fikom (Ìw 15-4). Din hija g aωla tag na u add ma jista jne ihielna jekk mhux b kunsens tag na. It-talb tar-ruωarju huwa preçiωament il-mod li g andna biex nibqg u fi Kristu u ma Marija. Iservi b ala kenn spiritwali mill- ibdiet qarrieqa li hawn fid-dinja ta dawn iω-ωminijiet. Nistg u wkoll nag mlu sforz speçjali biex nitolbu g all- arsien ta dawk li a na n obbu jew nie du sieb. L-attitudni tag na tista tkun b al dik ta Santa Fawstina li tikteb: Jiena kont qed ng ix ta t il-mant ver nali ta l-omm t Alla. Kienet tie u siebi u tg allimni. In ossni fil-paçi, viçin il-qalb Immakulata tag ha. Jiena nitgezzez viçin il-qalb tag ha b al tarbija g ax tant jiena dg ajfa u bla esperjenza. (Djarju 1097) Salesians Open YouTube Channel ANSchannel is the new Salesian Internet presence, a place on YouTube where they can provide video information on the life of our religious family. The Salesian information agency reported today that their new channel, which seeks to collect and share amateur videos about their religious group and young people, has received a positive response in the first days since its initiation. It opened with the clip, Siamo Salesiani (We Are Salesians), the anthem of the participants in the 27th edition of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days. One of the latest videos is a presentation of the musical drama Bosco, In the Name of God, produced by some young people from the Salesian house in Salta, Argentina. Another of the videos is the original version of the song We Are Salesians, which is part of the musical Andiamo ragazzi (Let s Go, Boys), produced with the participation of laypeople and religious of the Salesian Family of Piedmont and the Aosta Valley. On the channel, an interview can also be seen with Magdi Cristiano Allam, a journalist who tells of his conversion to Christianity and his experience of faith. ANSchannel is open to all those who want to send in a video, a news item about youth and Salesian events, explained Father Donato Lacedonio, director of ANS. He added: We know that there is a lot going on and that creative activity is a great feature of the Salesian world. In particular we would like to have information about things happening in connection with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Congregation. For all the material mentioned in the article above, visit

24 by Clint Rizzo of Savio College A Voluntary Experience in Tunisia None of us knew what to expect. Fr Louis Grech and a group of 16 year old students were off for a 10-day voluntary experience in Tunisia. We knew some details: that we would be staying in a Salesian school in Manouba; that we would be living in a Muslim country, where even the mention of Christ is prohibited. But none of us knew what this experience would mean, what it would teach us or how it would change us. One smile can change your life Perhaps the thing I anticipated the most in this adventure was the time that we would get to spend with the children of the school. I admit that we were slightly preoccupied. How will the children react to our presence, them being Muslim and so different to us? Will we be met with prejudice, probably the same way we would have met them? But as the children started to come out of their classrooms, all our worries were instantly forgotten. The children welcomed us in a way that we had not imagined. Friendly hugs and pats on our backs were enough to break the ice and get us to start living the experience. We instantly became friends. We played with them, talked with them, laughed with them, sang with them. We lived with them; and for the children, that meant the world. They appreciated the fact that we left our luxurious homes to come and spend time with them. For our part, we were happy. Each smile we managed to bring on the children s faces gave us satisfaction that cannot be described in words. Each smile showed us how happy these simple children were, despite all their needs. Each smile made the whole experience worth it. Actions speak louder than words The community that looks after the school and that allowed us to live with them consists of four Salesians. Four Catholic priests working in the midst of a Muslim society and looking after Muslim children. 24

25 At first it didn t make much sense to me. But as the days passed and we saw the way the Salesians and the children treated each other, we understood their mission better. While they did not preach Christ through words, they preached Him through their actions, by setting a good example and spreading Christ s love through the chores of everyday life. Christ at the Centre Each day, we always made sure to celebrate Holy mass. All of us felt the need to grow, both as a group and individually. And this experience provided the perfect environment to reflect about all that we saw and listen more intently for Christ s calling. The Holy Mass became the peak of each day, a spot where we could share our deepest thoughts with each other and with God. Now that we re back in Malta, we can understand even better the purpose of this experience. What we learned from the smiles of those children; what we discovered about Christ s importance to our lives are things that will remain with all of us for life. I think that in the end, we ended up receiving in return much more that we gave. By giving a helping hand and by making those around us happy, we earned something that will forever remain an important lesson in each of our lives. Il-Qaddej ta Alla Dun Feliç Canelli Tard wara nofsinhar, fil-25 ta Marzu, fil-parroçça tas-salib Imqaddes f San Severo, bdiet l-inkjesta dwar il-kawωa tal-beatifikazzjoni u Kanonizzazzjoni tal- Qaddej t Alla, Dun Felice Canelli, qassis djoçesan u koperatur Salesjan Iç-çerimonja tal-ftu se et waqt iççelebrazzjoni tal-kelma mill-isqof ta San Severo, Lucio Renna. Kien hemm numru kbir ta nies mill-parroçça fejn g al Ωmien twil Fr. Canelli kien ja dem u jie u sieb il-fidili. Kollha kienu attenti jisimg u b devozzjoni l- ispjegazzjoni tal-proçedura waqt li din kienet qed isse. F diskors li g amel l-isqof Renna semma kif Dun Felice Canelli rnexxielu jg aqqad ilkontemplazzjoni max-xog ol. Huwa qal Dun Felice, kemm b ala qassis, b ala ra el u çittadin kellu personalita qawwija. B ala bniedem li jitlob kien jitkellem ma Alla u jikkontemplah l-ewwel bl-g ajnejn tal-mo, u mbag ad, meta jifta g ajnejh bera u j ares madwaru kien jifta qalbu g ad-dinja ta madwaru speçjalment g aω-ωg ar, iω-ωg aωag u l-foqra. Kien qassis djoçesan li sar Koperatur Salesjan. Il-Viçi-Postulatur tal-kawωa, Sr. Francesca Caggiano, tas-sorijiet Salesjani (Ulied Marija G ajnuna tal-insara), qrat l-ittra formali li fet et l-inkjesta djoçesana dwar il-qaddej t Alla Dun Felice Canelli mibg uta minn Dun Enrico dal Covolo, il-postulatur tal-familja. Wara dan, il-kançillier tal-kurja djoçesana qara ittra tal-kongregazzjoni g al-kawωa tal- Qaddisin, indirizzata lill-isqof ta San Severo, li biha ing ata in- Nihil Obstat mis-santa Sede g all- ftu tal-kawωa u sabiex l-isqof Renna jkun jista jibda l-inkjesta djoçesana. Dun Felice g ex u adem b dedikazzjoni kbira biex jirba erwie g al Alla u biex ixerred il-karità f kull tip ta grupp u organizzazzjoni u f kull tip ta idma, biex kul add mill-iωg ar sa l-ikbar, jista j ossu parti mill-knisja tal-lokal, u ja dem mal-providenza Divina g al soçjetà umana ispirata mill-van elu. 25

26 By Joe Sacco The Maltese Salesian Past Pupils Association of Victoria Australia 1959 ~ 2009 In the early 1950s a few Maltese migrants, who were Past Pupils of the Salesian Oratory in Sliema Malta, joined the Don Bosco Federation in Brunswick, Victoria. The year 2009 is the year the Maltese Past Pupils of Victoria Australia are celebrating 50 years of help to the Past Pupils, friends and the community. The occasion was marked by a Dinner Dance. The aim of the Association was, and still is, to deliver news of the Oratory and Don Bosco by circulating the Association Newsletter and the Hajja to the Past Pupils, and organise functions, a way the Past Pupils can get together and raise money which go as donations to Salesian missions. A group of Past Pupils from NSW travelled 800 km to Victoria to join us in the celebrations. This made our festivities more memorable. Thank you friends. The Victorian Past Pupils are proud of being one, of the very few Associations or groups that has reached this milestone. One other achievement that the Past Pupils of Victoria can boast of is that they 26 are the first and only Association in Victoria that has a second generation Maltese as President: this is Mr. Joe Portelli. Joe s father, John, a Past Pupil and Oratory boy of Sliema, migrated to Australia and settled in Melbourne. John Portelli joined the Association in the 50s becoming its President from 1989 till 1991, when health made him resign from this position. 20 years later Joe put on his father s shoes and became President of the Association. Well done Joe. A group of Victoria & NSW Past Pupils

27 Lawrence Dimech OAM J.P. Ikla Óut f Ìie Fr. J. Briffa F Jum l-awstralja 2009, Fr John F. Briffa SDB, OAM ie onorat mill-gvern Awstraljan g ax- xog ol siewi li wettaq fl-in awi ta Engadine NSW u kull fejn serva fil-missjoni tieg u. Illum, Fr Briffa g andu 81 sena. G adu attiv afna u huwa wkoll fil-kumitat u direttur spiritwali tal-maltese Past Pupils ta Don Bosco f NSW, organizzazzjoni li l-g an prinçipali tag ha hu li ti bor il-flus g all-missjonijiet. B ala turija ta ringrazzjament u rispett, l-g aqda tas-salesjani organizzat ikla f wie ed mill-isba bajjiet li hawn f NSW, The Spit, f Mosman. Qabel ma waslu r-restaurant, il-grupp Ωar wkoll x-xatt ta Manly g all-morning tea. Madwar 30 persuna attendew g al festa ta ikla ut li kienet mill-aqwa. Ir- restaurant kien The Catch li huwa mmexxi minn Joe u Miriam Portelli li wara li spiççaw mill-valletta Café, fil-qalba tal- belt ta Sydney, issa fet u dan ir- restaurant. Il-President tal-mpp of DB, Victor Grech fa ar il-kontribut enormi ta Fr Briffa tul il- twila tieg u, mhux biss lejn din l- g aqda iωda lejn il- komunità. Meta wie eb Fr Briffa qal li jaqsam l-unur li rçieva mill-gvern Federali Awstraljan ma dawk kollha li kienu g enuh g ax wa du ma seta jasal qatt. Huwa rringrazzja lil dawk kollha li b xi mod jew ie or wasslulu x-xewqat tajba g all-g oti tal-order of Australia. F jum tal- arifa mill-isba, u qrib il-ba ar, kull min attenda dan il-lunch sab quddiemu festa ta ikel ta kull kwalità ta ut bnin f atmosfera tassew sabi a. U ud minn dawk li attendew, Fr Briffa SDB jidher bil-wieqfa. Il-grupp li attenda g all-festa tal- ut f The Catch f The Spit, Mosman. 27

28 The Life of St. Paul (4) A brief account of the Life of the Apostle Paul. This is the fourth part. Paul returned briefly to Antioch before setting out on the third missionary journey which took him through Galacia, Phrygia and then Ephesus, the flourishing capital of the Roman province of Asia. He preached persuasively in the synagogue about the kingdom of God, and for three months all went well until some of the congregation began to attack his teaching. He moved to the lecture rooms in the school of Tyrranus where he led daily discussions for two years, and Jews and Gentiles alike came from all over Asia to hear the word of the Lord. The number of converts grew, the Gospel was carried to the Lycus valley, and Christian groups were formed in the cities of Colossae, Loadicia and Hierapolis. That his time in Ephesus was not without problems is evident when he writes to the Corinthians about the many adversaries he had there, of being in constant danger, and fighting with wild beasts, no doubt a metaphor for the savagery of the opposition with which he had to contend. (cf. Ac 16-20; 1 Cor 16:8-9) 28 The Final Years With the Church in Ephesus fairly established and the evangelization of the east ended for the time being, Paul decided to take the news of Christ to the far west where it had not yet reached. The Gentile Christians had collected alms for the poor of the Mother-church as proof of their loyalty and their communion in the family of believers, so he decided to take their donations to Jerusalem via Macedonia and Arabia, and then continue on to Rome. He had no doubts about the fate which eventually awaited him, and his farewell speech to the Ephesian elders has been called his last will and testament. It reveals a timeless nobility, heroism, and selfless dedication to Christ and His work of Redemption. You can witness how I have lived among you since I came to Asia, humbly serving the Lord, not without tears over the trials I endured when the Jews plotted against me, and how I never failed you when there was a need for preaching or teaching either

29 in public places or in your own homes. To both Jew and Gentile I have proclaimed repentance before God, and faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ. As far as I can see, I am already a prisoner but I am going to Jerusalem even though I do not know what is going to happen to me and, as I go from city to city, the Holy Spirit warns me that only prison and suffering awaits me there. That does not concern me because my life is of less value than my responsibility to preach as the Lord Jesus Christ directs, proclaiming the good news of God s grace. I am well aware that I came and returned to you preaching the Kingdom of God, and that you will not see me again but you know today that I am innocent of any person s blood and have never hesitated to tell you the whole of God s plan. Keep careful watch over God s church in which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops to be shepherds of the Flock which He has won for Himself by shedding His blood. I am sure that when I have gone, hungry wolves will descend upon the flock and will not spare it. Some will come from your own ranks and attract followers with their false message. Be on your guard and remember the three years I spent teaching every one of you until I was weeping. As I did then, I now commend you to God and His gracious promise which will sustain you and give you your inheritance among all those He has made holy. You know that I have never asked for money or clothes and that I worked to keep myself and my companions. I have always tried to show you that we have a duty to work and support the vulnerable remembering Our Lord s own words, It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had finished, he knelt and prayed with them, and by now they were all in tears. They put their arms around Paul and kissed him, heartbroken that they should never see him again, and kept him company as far as his ship. (cf. Ac 19:21-31, 20:18-38, tr. JBM; Rm ) A Prisoner for Christ Paul had not been long in Jerusalem when some Asian Jews who were on a pilgrimage for the feast of Pentecost accused him of violating the Temple by entering with a number of Greek Gentiles. A riot ensued during which he would have been beaten to death had it not been for the intervention of the Roman tribune commanding the prison who took him into preventive custody. When he declared his Roman citizenship he was allowed to address the crowd, but the rioters shouted him down. He was then transferred to Fortress Antonia, the military base named after Mark Antony, which offered a vantage point overlooking the Temple precincts and enabled early recognition and suppression of the frequent disturbances. That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem; now you must do the same in Rome. In the morning the tribune intended to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin, but when he discovered that forty men had vowed to fast until they had killed him, he sent him under guard to Felix, the Governor stationed in Caesarea who, merely to avoid further trouble unjustly imprisoned him from AD When Festus succeeded Felix, the Jewish leaders tried to have Paul brought to trial in Jerusalem but he invoked his right as a Roman citizen to be tried before the emperor, and so by-passed the Governor s jurisdiction. In the first instance, he presented his case before Herod Agrippa II in a speech of impressive moderation, prudence, and respect for his hearers and the Law. (cf. Ac 21; 17-24:26, 26.) 29

30 Minn Susanne Callus Sette Giugno f Jum il-premjazzjoni Il-PatrijottiΩmu kienet il-karatteristika ewlenija li ddominat Jum il-premjazzjoni ewwa l-iskola ta St. Patrick s. It-tema li ntg aωlet g all-produzzjoni teatrali ta din is-sena kienet il- rajja importanti g all-gωejjer Maltin li se et fl Is-Sette Giugno. Din il-produzzjoni ttellg et ewwa t-teatru Salesjan, Tas- Sliema, fit-30 ta April Il- rajja li tellg u t-tfal aditna f dawk iω-ωminijiet imqanqla ta 90 sena ilu, meta l-poplu Malti ried juri l-g adab tieg u lejn min kien qieg ed imexxi ming ajr interess fil- id u l-kundizzjonijiet ta l-g exien ta l-istess poplu. Il-protagonisti ta dan il-musical kienu studenti ta l-iskola li ppreωentaw din il- rajja b impenn u serjeta kbira. Jum il-premjazzjoni huwa meqjus b ala show case ta l-iskola. Ir-ra unijiet g aliex jing ata daqshekk importanza huma varji. Kwazi l-iskola kollha tipparteçipa g al din il-produzzjoni. L-g alliema jag tu kontribut siewi bit-talenti varji tag hom. Kollox ji i ppreparat mill-iskola, sew jekk kostumi, props, xenarju, make-up u dak kollu li jista jinqala sa l-a ar minuta. L-istudenti jag tu daqqa t id matul is-sena biex kollox ji i ppreparat bl-a jar mod possibli. Ilproduzzjoni ta din il- urnata hija fil-fatt esperjenza ta team work. L-udjenza preωenti apprezzat l-isforz u x-xog ol li adet din il-produzzjoni u l-livell g oli kien jidher xi a a li kull min hu familjari mag na jistenna li jara ta kull sena. 30 Barra l-atturi, tajjeb insemmu l-kontribut siewi tal- back stage group li adu sieb ilbidliet fix-xenarju bl-iktar mod professjonali Aspett ie or familjari ma l-iskola tag na huwa l-mod ta kif student ji i ppremjat. Ìewwa l-iskola tag na mhux min ji i l- ewwel jew it-tieni biss ji i ppremjat. L-iskola tag na tippremja wkoll lil min jag mel iltu biex jimxi l quddiem sew jekk f xog ol skolastiku kif ukoll fuq livell personali. Il- tista toffri diversi oportunitajiet, g alhekk l- istudent g andu jkollu jiel ta x inhu kapaçi jag mel sabiex fejn ma jla aqx bil-ktieb ikun jista jirnexxi b mo u, iltu jew ilpersonalita tieg u. Mistieden speçjali g al din is-serata kien is-sur Brian Magro, Kap tas-segretarjat fi dan il-ministeru ta l-edukazzjoni. Is- Sur Magro kien kuntent afna li ng aqad mag na speçjalment billi matul il-karriera tieg u qatta xi Ωmien mag na b ala g alliem kif ukoll b ala social worker. Huwa inkora ixxa x-xog ol li qed isir kif ukoll fa ar l-atmosfera sabi a li tag mel lill-iskola ta St. Patrick s daqshekk speçjali.

31 Óajjitha g all-o rajn Minn Sr. Carmelina Quaglia FMA Óajja mog tija lill-o rajn kienet il- ta Maria Olimpia Bondì. Din il-mara twajba re g et lura lejn id- Dar tal-missier nhar it-tnejn, 6 ta April, wara xi Ωmien ta tbatija, milqug a u mg ixa f g aqda serena mar-rieda ta Alla. Tifla unika ta familja distinta tal- Belt Victoria, f G awdex, minn ommha, Koperatriçi, hija adet l-im abba lejn Marija G ajnuna ta l-insara u lejn Dun Bosco, u fuq il-passi u l-eωempju tag hom kibret fid-devozzjoni qawwija lejn l-ewkaristija. Dawn l-im abbiet kbar imbuttawha sabiex tqassam idha kollu hija kienet l-unika eredi tal- enituri tag ha u sabiex tara li Marija G ajnuna ta l-insara u Dun Bosco jkollhom, ewwa Victoria, ittif ir dejjiemi ta persuni ajjin fil-preωenza tas-sorijiet, Ulied Marija G ajnuna ta l- Insara. Dejjem abirket tg ix ajjitha u ta dem f isem Marija billi g addiet jiemha malkomunità tas-sorijiet. Hemm kienet tqassam ir-ritmu tal- urnata b mumenti ta talb u ta adorazzjoni kwieta; u dan bosta drabi kienet ittawlu fis-sig at ta bil-lejl, meta kienet toqg od fil- emda tal-kappella sabiex tg id lil Ìesù kull sigriet ta qalbha. Il-jum ta ajjitha fuq din l-art, x in resaq lejn tmiemu, temmitu billi baqg et tg id it-talba çkejkna Auxilium Christianorum O Marija G ajnuna ta l-insara sakemm ma fet et g ajnejha g ad-dawl tal- Qawmien fil-fer bla tmiem. Il- id li hija kienet Ωerg et b id miftu a wera l-frott tieg u fir-rikonoxximent li l-belt Victoria tatha fil-funeral tag ha, meta korteo twil mexa wara t-tebut u l-poplu onoq il-knisja g aç-çelebrazzjoni Ewkaristika. Kollha kienu hemm: kleru, familji ta dawk li kienu marru l- L-Iskola ta Olimpja, is-sorijiet Salesjani, il-patrijiet Salesjani, biex flimkien jag tu ie u ringrazzjament lil Alla l-missier ma Ìesù, g all- eneroωità ta din il-mara g aqlija li çça det minn idha sabiex tuωah g all- id ta l-o rajn. 31

32 Could God be calling Me? Yes! God calls each of us to life, to wholeness, and to service. The task of the young adult is to discern what path God wants him or her to follow: marriage or religious life as a Sister, Brother or Priest. We call this the discernment process. 1Pray Spend a few moments each day in thoughtful conversation with the Lord. Ask the Lord, Lord, what do you want me to do with my life? 2Investigate Talk to people whose opinion you respect. Ask questions. Talk to a vocation director. 3 Get involved A great way to understand how you would enjoy ministry is to get involved. The Church needs the energy of dedicated young people. 4Experience Visit religious communities, your parish or seminary. See how they live and work. 5Decide The bottom line question is, Can I see myself as a religious, a church minister? If the answer is yes, it is time to act. 32

33 Vocation- a personal journey of discovery Vocation means a Calling - a personal and unique invitation from God to follow a path of personal discovery where he will guide you. A dream come true In Don Bosco, our Founder, his sense of being called first hit him in his famous dream at the age of nine. He found himself surrounded by a ravening crowd of wild beasts, like some of the youngsters he knew and struggled with. He was inspired to shepherd them with kindness and goodness, not with blows. He often used to say: It is not enough for youngsters to be loved; they must know they are loved. This became his programme of life. Who are the Salesians? The Salesians were founded by Saint John Bosco, an Italian priest who lived and worked in Turin in the 19th century. He dedicated his life to working for the welfare of young people. Even today, 120 years after his death, the Salesians carry on his mission to poor and abandoned young people helping them become Good Christians and honest citizens. For more info about The Salesians, contact: Fr. Louis Grech SDB Savio College, Dingli. Tel / louismgrech@yahoo.com www. vocations.salesiansmalta.org Sr. Elsa Gretter FMA 20,Republic Street, Victoria VCT1012 Tel fmagozo@yahoo.com 33

34 Laqg at g al Óbieb Duminku Savio u Laura Vicuna f Savio College minn Andrew Muscat - animatur Salesjan Matul is-sena ta l-iskola , mal- 225 subien u bniet attendew g al-laqg at tal- Óbieb Duminku Savio u Laura Vicuna, darba fixxahar, f Savio College. L-età ta min jattendi kienet tvarja minn 11- il sena sa 17- il sena. It-tfal li kienu jattendu ma kinux biss minn Savio College iωda kienu ji u minn diversi skejjel f Malta. Fun Day u Carnival Party Il- Fun Day organizzata ewwa Savio College g alqet kapitlu ie or fil-kalendarju Salesjan ta l-attivitajiet li jsiru hemmhekk sena o ra ta idma u impenn f g eluq il- 150 sena tas-salesjani b ala Kongregazzjoni. Din il- urnata kienet esperjenza s i a u bla waqfien ta fer u m abba bejnietna li adna sehem, bi skop wie ed Li l-ener ija u l-mixja tag na tal- b ala Ωg aωag nag tuha direzzjoni fejn Hu jkun iç-çentru ta kollox! Matul is-sena li g addiet, tassew li l-kariωma ta Don Bosco u l-protezzjoni tal-madonna G ajnuna ta l-insara assejniehom dejjem mag na. Domenico Savio kompla jkun dejjem l-ispirazzjoni wara l-gruppi ta l-hds, filwaqt li l-inizjattiva sabi a ta l-slv kompliet tressaq aktar tfajliet lejn l-ambjent Salesjan ta Savio College. U ud mill-attivitajiet kienu ma suba sabiex jag tu spazju mhux biss biex nikbru firrelazzjoni tag na ma Alla, iωda wkoll l- opportunità li nkunu kreattivi u li nie du 34 pjaçir ilkoll flimkien, u fejn nitg allmu nivvintaw u naqsmu flimkien u ma xulxin. Tipiçi ta dan kienu il- Carnival Party u l- Fun Days li fost o rajn impennjawna fixxog ol tat-t ejjija u wara fid-divertiment ta l-okkaωjoni nnifisha. Wara Dun Bosco Il-wasla tar-rettur Ma ur kien moment ma iku li ab ukoll afna entuωjaωmu fostna Ω-Ωg aωag. A na lkoll li konna hemm u li b xi mod jew ie or konna involuti f dawn l- okkaωjonijiet kbirna fil-qdusija u l-fer skond l-ispirtu ta Dun Bosco. B qalbna kollha nirringrazzjaw lil kull min qieg ed joffri mill- in tieg u g all-formazzjoni tat-tfal u Ω- Ωg aωag. It-triq ma tiqafx hawn Spiççat l-iskola, imma g andna sajf sabi quddiemna. Dan hu Ωmien mimli attivitajiet u inizjattivi odda, li ma jistax ikun li ma ni dux sehem fihom u nag tu l-g ajnuna li hemm bωonn. Mela ejja naqbdu idejn xulxin u nimxu warajh! Viva Don Bosco!

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36 Sena ta Grazzja Is-Sena Pawlina Fuq il-kliem ta San Pawl lill-korintin, L- Im abba taf tistabar u t enn, kollox tag der, kollox temmen, kollox tittama, kollox tissaporti. L-im abba ma tintemm qatt, Don Bosco jsejjes s-sistema edukattiv u formattiv tieg u g aω-ωg aωag. Il-150 Sena tal-kongregazzjoni Nhar il-óadd,18 ta Diçembru 1859, Dun Bosco jistieden 18 minn dawk li kienu ja dmu mieg u sabiex jing aqdu uffiçjalment f Soçjetà li tissejja ta San Frangisk ta Sales (Salesjani). Mill-ewwel huma jiffurmaw Kapitlu sabiex jiggverna u Dun Bosco huwa l-ewwel Superjur Ma ur. Grazzja Lilna u Lill-OÓrajn Ir-Rettur Ma ur jag tina linja gwida g al matul dis-sena. Hija l-istrenna li t e i na fil- idma tag na u fl-ispirtu Salesjan: Nimpenjaw ru na sabiex nag mlu mill-familja moviment vast ta nies impenjati g assalvazzjoni taω-ωg aωag. Newspaper Post Please return to: Óajja - St. Patrick s School Sliema SLM1925 MALTA.