USA West Province Newsletter San Francisco, California May 28, 2017 Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am sitting in the Long Beach Airport waiting to board my flight to San Francisco. Our flight has been delayed for an hour. This time allows me the space to begin my weekly letter. I have spent several days in Los Angeles attending several meetings and events. I flew down to Long Beach on Wednesday, May 24, specifically, to preside at the Mass in honor of Mary Help of Christians at St. Dominic Savio, Bellflower. The community had asked me a year ago to be the main celebrant for their feast day Mass. I was also pleased to have been able to participate in the rosary procession before the Mass. During that Mass, Br. Fabian Cardenas received the ministry of Acolyte. This ministry is a necessary step, after the ministry of Lector, for the ordination to Diaconate and Priesthood. Br. Fabian comes from Bogota, Colombia and will serve in our province for an unspecified time. Already, Fabian has shown leadership qualities, a desire to serve the people, especially, the young and to enrich community life with his presence and talents. We congratulate Fabian on having received this ministry and promise to pray for his perseverance and ongoing growth in his vocation. It was a special blessing to have had Fabian receive this ministry on the feast of Mary Help of Christians. May she guide and accompany him on his journey to serve the young. These days, I was also grateful to have attended St. John Bosco High School s Baccalaureate Mass on Friday evening and the Graduation ceremony on Saturday morning. Both events were well done and, once again, my congratulations to all those who worked so hard to prepare them. A special Congratulations to the Seniors who graduated at Bosco and to all the graduates of all of our schools. Again, we remind ourselves of our tradition and belief since Don Bosco s time that we believe that our young people have been brought to our Salesian schools and sites by Mary, the Help of Christians. We now send them off with God and Mary s blessings and protection. = May BIRTHDAYS Fr. Luis Gryzko...01 Fr. Ric Fernando...05 Fr. Joe Farias...08 Fr. Larry Lorenzoni...12 Br. Bob Delis...13 Fr. Rafael Saiz...16 Fr. Edward Liptak...16 Br. Benito Guerrero...20 Fr. John O Brien...23 Fr. Lucian Lomello...27 Fr. Juan Muñoz...29 PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK Fr. Lucian Lomello, SDB Br. Jerry Weirich, SDB Br. Tony Matse, SDB Fr. Armand Oliveri, SDB Fr. Mario Rosso, SDB Fr. John O Brien, SDB Fr. Avelino Lorenzo, SDB 1
Br. Fabian Cardenas received the ministry of Acolyte on May 24, 2017 at St. Dominic Savio Church, Bellflower CA As I participated and watched the Graduation ceremonies taking place, I was moved by the quality of young men who are leaving our school, most of them after 4 years, to take their place in the world as young adults. I cannot help but see the Preventive System at work, or at its crowning point. And, despite our weaknesses in sometimes not living Don Bosco Educational System as well as we could, having our young people exposed to our Salesian Spirit, does wonders. I could sense something special in the spirit and quality of our young men. As our Rector Major, Fr. Angel, has told us, many of the miracles that take place on a daily basis are the miracles of how our young men and women are transformed by our preventive system. Trust in Mary Help of Christians and you will see miracles, were not empty words. I am sure many of us could tell stories of young people we know who were changed for the better after being with us. Most of us Salesians would not be Salesians if it were not for some impact left on us by the Salesian Preventive System. There was a touch of sadness these days at Bosco as we said goodbye to Mr. Casey Yeazel after five years as Principal of St. John Bosco High School. Casey has accepted another position at a Charter Organization in Bakersfield. Mr. Yeazel will be missed. On behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco, we wish to thank Casey for his dedication, professionalism and hard work. Casey has brought a new educational vision to Bosco and has been instrumental in building up the academic level of our school. But, Casey has also brought a wonderful human and Salesian presence to his daily interactions with the young and those part of the school community. I have always found it easy to speak with him and share insights and similar values. We say THANK YOU to Casey for his five years with us and for his excellent leadership at Bosco. We wish him all the best as he carries the Salesian Spirit to another city and mission. He is part of our Salesian Family and always welcome to come and visit or stay. The assignments, obediences, for the next pastoral year, 2017-18 are official and public. There may still be some changes that will need to be made due to some unforeseen factors. All the changes were done for the sake of our mission and the quality of our community life. I pray that what we have hoped to accomplish will be realized. And, as many of you know, once you make one move, you impact another community and ministry and other moves naturally follow. I wish to thank my Salesian brothers for being so available and willing to go where needed. No one resisted their new assignment. This was part of a discernment process that included prayer, dialogue with the council, the person being reas- 2
signed and others. Let us ask God to guide and strengthen our brothers as they begin their new ministries with all the challenges and blessings they will encounter. Next week, Sunday, the provincial council and I will begin our annual retreat/planning days up in Lake Arrowhead. Thanks to the Neiger family, we are able to use their mountain home for these days of reflection and visioning. We will spend a week, from June 4 to June 10 up in Lake Arrowhead. These days will include quiet time for prayer and reflection, visioning, time to dialogue on topics of structure, formation, laity, finances and other related topics. These days also include team building and time to relax with one another. These are special days for us. Please keep us in prayer as we continue to look towards the future and seek new ways to enhance our Salesian presence and quality of life in the province. Tomorrow we celebrate Memorial Day. This is a day in which our country stops to remember those who have served in the military and are now deceased. Many of us remember our own Dads, uncles, neighbors, friends, maybe, even Moms, sisters and aunts who spent time, in some capacity, in the military service. While as Christians we do not condone war, we are grateful for the many men and women who willingly served to protect values which have always been dear to us Americans. Tomorrow is a day to recall those values. Our values cannot simply be to defend American (USA) interests, but values of freedom and justice for all, generosity toward those who have less, helping to promote a world of peace, fairness, kindness and welcoming. We have always welcomed those who came from other countries, especially, those we felt were fleeing unjust and oppressive situations. May tomorrow not only find us praying for those who have died defending our country, but also find us in deep reflection and open dialogue with one another asking whether our country still upholds those precious values which we as followers of Jesus also uphold. With warm regards and gratitude, Fr. Ted Montemayor, SDB Province Calendar May, 2017 Residence, San Francisco 2 TU Province Finance Advisory Committee, San Francisco @ 5:20 4 TH Members Board w/ Dinner @ 4:00 PM Salesian, Richmond 5-6 FR-SA Provincial Council Meeting, Provincial Residence 6 SA St. Dominic Savio 9-12 TU-FR ESA, Medellin, Columbia 12-14 FR-SU Provincial Visit, St. Bridget Parish, Los Angeles 13 SA St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello 16 TU St. Louis Orione 17 WE Members Board @ 10:00 AM St. Francis High School 18 TH Board Members W/ Dinner @ 1:30 PM, SJB Bellflower 19-22 FR-MO Provincial Visitation, Corpus Christi, San Francisco 24 WE Mary Help of Christians 29 MO Memorial Day 31 WE Trusts Meetings @ 9:30 AM 3
Celebration of St. Dominic Savio Church, Bellflower, CA on Mary Help of Christians Feast day. May 24, 2017, BELLFLOWER, CA - at St. Dominic Savio Church, there was a beautiful Marian service with reciting of the rosary in English and Spanish outside. Lead by a stature of Mary Help of Christians. Afterwards there was a Mass celebrated by Fr. Ted Montemayor and ten concelebrants. During the services, Brother Fabian Cardenas, SDB received the minor order of Acolyte. Before the final blessing, Bro. Fabian sang the Ave Maria - MAGNIFICENT, superd (watch out Andrea Brocelli.) What a fantastic voice God gave him. May the good Lord continue to bless Bro. Fabian on his way to becoming a Priest in the Salesian Order. (Larry Arellano) 4
Br. Fabian Cardenas received the ministry of Acolyte at St. Dominic Savio Church, Bellflower, CA. 5
Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians in Richmond May 24, the whole Salesian Family from all around the world celebrated the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. All communities in our province celebrate this feast day at our schools or parishes. Here at Salesian College Prep, Richmond, our community and school joined together for the celebration. On Wednesday morning, Richmond community started our day with morning prayers followed by a large breakfast to celebrate the feast day. At ten o clock, the student body, faculties and staffs and our community gathered in the school s gymnasium for the celebration of the Eucharist by our director. Two guests from Berkeley, Fr. Bryan and Br. Vien joined us for Mass. The liturgy of Mary Help of Christians was also the last Mass of the school year. The day Damien and I were inducted into the Novitiate on August 14th, we have been on the journey of intense discernment for the Salesian life. Our accompaniment, studies and reflections, led us to say yes and apply for vows. The tradition is that novices will offer their letters of petition to Mary on this day during Mass. After the homily, we offered our letters to Mary and placed them on the Altar. I felt blessed and happy that this is a life I have chosen to live with God and for youth. Meanwhile, as we placed our letters on the Altar, we were surrounded by the students and received a blessing from them. This was a special moment and reminds me that God is always there in these young people. To follow the footsteps of Don Bosco and let Mary be our guide, as Salesians we are called to be witnesses of 6
the Gospel and a life of following Christ for the young. I pray through this simple ritual, of offering the petition for vows, will help the students in our school to open their hearts and minds to the possibility of a religious vocation following Christ through Don Bosco s charism. Da Mihi Aminas, Cetera Tolle. Novice Quang Nguyen 7
Walk-A-Thon St. Mary's Elementary School and the parents' organization under the direction of first year principal, Mr. Jonathan Medina, took to the playground to raise funds for scholarships and other needs of the school. St. Mary' Elementary school has been in operation for over a hundred years. It is in the process of replacing its entire intercom system and installing a video security system. The safety of the students has been a priority. The Walk-a-thon was a resounding success. Next year's Walk is already in the planning. Hopefully, the parents will also be included in the activity. The faculty and staff also walked. First Eucharist After months of preparation for the reception of their First Communion, twenty-six students from St. Mary's Elementary school received the Body and Blood of Christ. Ms. Jocelyn Kamura prepared them well. Fr. Jesse Montes, pastor, exhorted the parents to encourage their children to receive Jesus often. 8
Ernie Delgado In the mid 1980's a retired couple, Ernie and Patsie Delgado volunteered, with the then associate pastor, Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB, as Youth Group leaders. As long time parishioners they were totally embued with Salesian charism. So much so that as the youth group grew in number, their home, across from Roosevelt High School, became the daily local hangout for group members. Ernie joined Patsie in the Salesian Garden on the twenty-ninth of April after a touching ceremony by his bedside. Fr. Jesse Montes emparted a papal plenary indulgence. SMS Alumna Ms. Lluvia Devora has been elected as Student Body President at Holy Family High School in Glendale. Lluvia was also Student Body President at St. Mary's three years ago. Pictured are Esai, student at SMS, Lluvia, and Mother and Father, Roxanne and Florencio Devora. St. Mary's staff and faculty wish to extend their congratulation to Lluvia and her family on her prestigious accomplishment. The parish community equally congratulates Lluvia. Breakfast Up After just a month of beginning a community building breakfast every Wednesday morning after mass, the gathering had to move. from the rectory to the church hall. From about 10-15 parishioners, the morning numbers grew to 20-50. Now it has turned into a Pot-luck type breakfast. Members have brought foods ranging from delicious tamales to refried beans with chorizo. Everyone is welcomed. Homeless have also been treated to these piping hot meals. 9
Fatima 100th Anniversary Celebration at St. Joseph, Rosemead, CA. 10
WATSONVILLE, CA MAY 24, 2017 Feast of Mary Help of Christians 3 different groups united in Faith and Devotion to our Lady. On May 24th, I had my last final on campus and I wasn t available to take part of the Eucharistic Celebration at Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, to honor Mary Help of Christians. During the mass, the novices would also be turning in their letter of application for First Profession. However, when I came back to the community, I drove with Fr. Tom Juarez to Watsonville to take part of the festivities there honoring Mary in our Salesian Parish; Our Lady Help of Christians." I was so happy that, as a good Salesian son, I would not end up missing honoring our Mother. Mass was celebrated at 6 pm and the church was packed with people who have a strong devotion to our Lady, especially under the tittle of Help of Christians, who always assists those in need. What really struck me was how well organized the Celebration was, which was presided by Fr. Tom Juarez and con-celebrated by Fr. Joseph Paradayil and Fr. Luis Oyarzo. Mass was celebrated in both English and Spanish, but the music alternated between English, Spanish and even Portuguese. Fr. Tom remarked to the faithful, Mary is our Help because it comes from God. He, Christ, gave her to us as Mother while on the cross, and also as in the wedding of Cana, she is always interceding for us to her son. After Mass we processed around the parish praying the rosary and singing songs. Everything ended at the Hall with a big dinner celebration where different groups brought food to be shared. May Mary Our Help continue blessing the parish community and school in Watsonville, but also continue guiding our Province to transform each one of us in being better witnesses of God's love for others. Bro. Jhoni Chamorro, SDB. 11
Vocation Ministry Is on the Rise! Sunday, May 28, 2017, Fr. John Roche, Fr. Itchan Laygo, and Sr. Dolores Riojas met with three young men from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in downtown Los Angeles. Two of the men are very excited about becoming Cooperators and their pastor and the Salesian Sisters are supporting their efforts. Jorge Salvador Ruiz is originally from Oaxaca and is very interested in beginning a local chapter at the parish. Jose Alberto Melgar Martinez, originally from El Salvador, wants to become part of that chapter and has been involved in the youth work of the parish. Kevin Ceron has been in prayerful discernment since he met with us last year at Don Bosco Hall. Itchan and John met with him at the parish office and he is very excited and ready to become a Candidate for Salesian life. On Memorial Day, John and Itchan will meet with Arvin and Leo and initiate the process for an entry into the prenovitiate phase of formation. Continue to pray daily for these young men and continue to shake the bushes! Fr. Itchan, Jose Alberto, Jorge Salvador, Sr. Dolores, Kevin Ceron Kevin Ceron with Fr. Itchan. Kevin is ready to come! 12
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I saw Mary in Her By Sheila Kun, Cooperator May is the month when we choose a special way to honor our moms; Mother s Day is celebrated and revered so that we would not forget the love, the hardship, the sacrifice of our wonderful moms in raising us. For us Catholics, we found all the good qualities of a mom in Mary. From our Bible reading, we heard of Mary s devotion to her family, her perseverance in all the hardships and her accompaniment of her son until the very end. Imagine the picture of Mary embracing her dead son after He was taken down from the cross; it was a picture of courage to accept pain, hardship and an expression of absolute obedience to whatever she was asked to do. Mary s life story, though repeated many times in our religious or formation class, might at times seem so far away. From a learning theory perspective, we human beings want something more tangible; something that we can touch and feel. We want to see Mary in the flesh. Here at St. Joseph, while celebrating our Sunday Mass at the Grotto, I saw Mary. I am going to use her initial A.F. to protect her privacy. This is an elderly lady approaching her eighties. She shuffled her feet and leaned on her husband with every step. A.F. jokingly described her husband as her human walking cane. Afflicted by severe rheumatoid arthritis, A.F. has not been able to sleep in her own bed for many years; she has to position herself in a reclining sofa chair to alleviate the pain. She has rheumatoid arthritis for over twenty years. Yet, with her arthritic hands, she managed to grow beautiful orchids from her garden. On Mother s Day, and this has gone on for over twenty years, A.F. makes an orchid corsage for all the mothers in our little parish. (Please see the pictures). Her super hero, she said, is Our Blessed Mother. She took the lessons learned from Mary and applied them in her daily life. A.F. accepts her pain with dignity. 14
She never imposes on people. She never complains. You can read pain from the grimace of her face when it is a bad day. However, pain does not stop her to get involved in all the activities in our chapel. Today, she is showing off her culinary skill by making the best-tasting flan for us on Mother s Day. Her veneration of Mary is obvious. She prays the rosary many times a day. If we have special intentions for our families or friends who are sick, we will let A.F. know. She would include these special intentions and ask our Lord for His mercy through the intercession of Mary. A.F. remains optimistic and joyful all her life. I have not seen anyone who can carry the cross as well as A.F. Perhaps having Mary as the role model, she is able to deal with hardships in life. Her pain is real, but her perseverance transcends the physical pain. We are going to wear our corsage today with pride. It symbolizes not only the love from A.F., but it is a true reminder of what Mary is about: the giver of unconditional love, a person of faith, and a true fighter in life s adversities. We are so lucky to have a Mary in our parish. Your homework assignment from the Care Ministry this week: Do the penny experiment and share it with a kid. The Care Ministry welcomes your comments/suggestions: kunlouis@gmail.com 15