salesian magazine - winter/spring 2012 edition

SALESIAN®

Winter/Spring 2012

Helping CambodianFlood Victims

– See page 18

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PG

Cards For India . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Notes From the Field:A Conversation WithSalesian Lay Missioner,Monica Ellebracht . . . . . . . .10

Salesians in the U.S. and Canada:Diverse Salesian ParishesBond in Birmingham,Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Cambodia: Precious YoungLives Lost In Floods . . . . . . 18

Salesian Snapshots . . . . . . . . . .21

A College Degree for JustOne Dollar A Day . . . . . . . . 26

Want to know who we are,where we began,

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

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

where the Salesians are working for theyoung, the poor and the abandoned.

Once you know us, the Salesians offer you a path for partnership in so many ways.

Hope to see you soon!

Leave a Legacyof Love and Hope…

And HelpMake the World aBetterPlace.

One person, like you, can make asignificant difference. Your decision toremember Salesian Missions in your Willcan bring positive change to the future ofthousands of needy children strugglingeach day just to survive.

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

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

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

Please remember Salesian Missionsin your Will…

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

TEL: (914) 633-8344

SALESIAN • Published Bi-Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710Issue 265 • Winter/Spring 2012, Volume 64, No. 1 (Issn. 0036-3480)

Dear Friend and Partner in Mission!

As we begin 2012, I pray for the health and well-being of youand your loved ones. Thanks to caring friends like you, we havebeen able to continue assisting missionaries around the globe,who so many poor children depend upon.

I am aware that times are difficult financially for many people right now, whichmakes your sacrifices for these children that much more meaningful. Even moreneedy youngsters will now receive daily, nutritious meals, an education and vital jobskills and a safe, clean place to sleep – because you cared!

In this current issue you will travel around the globe – to India, Bolivia, Cambodiaand back home to the U.S.A. in Birmingham, Alabama. You will read about a specialgroup of students here in Chicago who reached out to our mission kids in India. It’s awonderful story about the values and spirit of our young people. I had the addedpleasure of visiting several of our missions in India recently, seeing first-hand your loveand compassion in action. Every time I see the smiles on the faces of children who onlyknow poverty and despair, I realize how comforting it is for them to know that someonecares for them and prays for them.

I am grateful for the difference you have made in the lives of countless children,and realize that our life-saving work can’t be accomplished without your help. Thestories in this magazine are a testament of your generosity and goodness.

I look forward to working with you in the New Year as our continued partnershipgives new hope to children and their families here in the U.S.A. and abroad.

Please be assured of our prayers for you. God bless you for caring.

With sincere gratitude,

Father Mark Hyde, S.D.B.

Letter from the Editor

3SALESIAN

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

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

WE CANNOT SEND INFORMATION WITHOUT DATE OF BIRTH

Name __________________________________________

Date of birth ____________________________ Sex_____

Address _____________________________ Apt. #______

City ____________________________________________

State _________________________ Zip ______________

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

AMOUNT OF GIFT CONSIDERED $ ___________

“ ”The Salesians showed us howwe could have income for life…and help the poor, too!

Give...& receive!Give...& receive!

“They told us how the Salesian Annuity Plancould help poor children the world over. Byinvesting a minimum of $5,000, we would receivea check from them on a regular basis for the restof our lives! Not only that, but both our initial giftand the interest checks are tax deductible in part!

“This gift is more than a lifetime investment –it brings us financial security and the satisfactionthat our annuity will help the needy aroundthe world for many lifetimes – long afterwe’ve been called to God.

“Yes, the Salesians pay us a guaranteedrate of income, based on our age. Wefeel financially secure thanks to theSalesians.” – Salesian Annuity recipient

Win/Spr 2012

FOR JOINT ANNUITY (PLEASE PRINT):NAME OF OTHER PARTICIPANT:_________________________________________________________

DATE OF BIRTH: MONTH_______ DAY________YEAR ________

CONTACT US TODAYFOR NEW INCREASEDRATES OF RETURN!

FOR EXAMPLE, A 69-YEAR-OLDWILL GET A 5.0% RETURN!

FOR SINGLE ANNUITY (PLEASE PRINT):(Not available in the state of Washington)

Cards For India

A story featured in our last issue of Salesian Magazinehas inspired children from a world away – at St. MatthiasSchool in Chicago – to come up with a way to help.

While Mr. Jan Wiezorek and his fourth grade class read theSummer/Fall 2011 edition, they were heartbroken to learnabout the plight of displaced children in the Assam region inIndia. It was hard for them to imagine what it must be like for

5SALESIAN

Mr. Jan Wiezorek and his fourth gradeclass gather outside their school in

Chicago. Soon the children’s handmadecards would travel across the globe…

Winter/Spring 20126

children their own age to live inmakeshift camps and schools.

Upon reading how theSalesians were caring for the chil-dren through their CARE Project(Children At Risk Education), the

St. Matthias students bannedtogether and sold lemonade totheir schoolmates at lunchtime.They were thrilled to raise $65 tohelp the children in India. Mr.Wiezorek’s students then made

greeting cards with theirown personal messages fortheir faraway friends.

Fr. Mark, Director ofSalesian Missions in NewYork, was impressed bythe children’s compassionand initiative in theirfundraising effort. Hebrought their handmadecards with him on a recent

The Indian children caredfor and educated by the

Salesians, were thrilled toreceive greetings fromtheir American friends!

SALESIAN

Father Mark Hyde,(below) Director ofSalesian Missions,during his recentvisit to India.

7

trip to visit mis-sionaries in Indiaand personallyhanded the cardsto a group ofyoung students.

The photosshow just howthrilled the chil-dren were withthis meaningful actof kindness – andthey demonstratethe power that even a small gesturecan have in the lives of childrenwho are struggling to overcomepoverty, hunger and other over-whelming challenges.

We thank Mr. Wiezorek and hisfourth graders at St. MatthiasSchool for teaching such a valu-able lesson in giving to those lessfortunate. Y

PrayerFor the New YearO, God, our heavenly Father,

as we enter upon this new year,we commit ourselves to Thy faithful

care and keeping. Grant that no chanceor change may turn us aside fromdoing Thy holy will. Through Jesus

Christ our Lord.Amen

PrayerRequest Form

We will remember your prayer requestsat Holy Mass offered in our chapel

at Salesian Missions inNew Rochelle, NY.

� For world peace.

� For the health and well-beingof the world’s children.

� For the healing of an illness.

� For an end to terrorism.

� For the poor and homeless.

� For the sanctity of life.

� For a personal problem.

� For spiritual growth.

� For the victims of civil strifeand natural disasters.

� For a peaceful death andeternal life with the Lord.

� Other: ______________________

_______________________________

Please fill in below and return to:

SAleSIAN MISSIONS2 LEFEVRE LANE • PO BOX 728 NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728

Name_______________________________________

Address______________________________Apt.____

City ________________________________________

State__________________ Zip __________________

WIN/SPR 2012

Please print carefully

Winter/Spring 20128

WIN/SPR 2012

Is now this!Thanks to

generous peoplelike you!

� Enclosed is my gift of $15,000 to build a Village Memorial Chapel.

� Enclosed is my gift of $20,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area.� Enclosed is my gift of $25,000 to build a Memorial Chapel in the most far removed & neglected area.PLEASE CHECK ONE: � IN MEMORY OF: � IN HONOR OF: � DEDICATED TO:NAME: ______________________________________________________________

� Please send me more information. (You can also E-mail or phone us, if you wish)

2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728TELEPHONE: (914) 633-8344 • Email: [email protected]

Millions of people through-out Africa, Central andSouth America, India andAsia are celebrating Mass

and worshiping God in the most primitive conditions.Salesian missionaries are in desperate need of funds tobuild simple and decent houses of worship.

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

EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE DESIGNTHAT REFLECTS THE NEEDS OF THELOCAL COMMUNITY IT SERVES.You can make an individual gift tobuild a Memorial Chapel, or groupsor organizations can pool theirdonations. If you wish, you canalso specify in your will that achapel be erected in your honoror for anyone you choose.

What was once mud and straw...

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

EXP. DATE (MO/YR)

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

CARDNUMBER

SIGNATURE X____________________________

(PleASe PRINT CleARlY)

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________________________________Apt._____

City___________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________

9SALESIAN

“Monica, tell us about the organizationand the work you do.”

“The Salesian Lay Missioners is a Catholic volunteer organizationbased in New Rochelle, NY. In the spirit of Saint John Bosco, whodevoted his life to helping children and the poor, volunteers like mefrom the United Statesare sent to differentSalesian Mission sitesaround the world –to orphanages, ruralcommunities, shelters,and churches to helpimprove the lives ofimpoverished youththrough education andmoral development. Theapplication processincludes a five week ori-entation, normally inJuly-August, with every-one serving that year. Wemeet others, learn more

Winter/Spring 201210

Monica’s love for children and her fondness ofHispanic culture drew her to Bolivia.

Notes From the Field:A Conversation WithSalesian Lay Missioner,Monica Ellebracht

about where we will be sent andprepare for this wonderful adven-ture. My assignment was HogarMaria Auxiliadora in Bolivia.”

“Why did you choose to goto Bolivia to volunteer?”

“Service has always beenimportant to me and I wasblessed with a previous servicetrip through my church. I fell inlove with the Hispanic culture,language, and children we workedwith there. From this, I knew Ineeded to do something longterm. I looked into a few differentprograms and found the Salesiansto fit perfectly. I felt drawn toorphanage work.”

“What impact does thisrelationship have onsociety? You? The kids?”

“Bolivians are not used to theidea of working for free, sincemany must live from dollar todollar to provide for themselves,and often their children. It canbe hard for them to understandwhy we are here, and I definitelyget questioned a lot. However,

those conversations Ihave had with neigh-bors, shop owners, etc., havebeen fruitful. They also want tomake sure we are enjoying theirculture and beautiful country.”

“Would you recommend theSalesian Lay Missioners toothers and why?”

“Definitely! If you love chil-dren and want to spend a year(or more) of your life having aunique experience, I’d say go forit. We serve all ages, all over theworld, in all sorts of ways. Ienjoyed looking to see all thepossibilities and seeing whereGod was calling me.”

“How long have you beenwith the Lay Missioners?”

“About a year now.”

“Why did you sign up to goback another year?”

“Not only do I love the cultureand want to keep working on mySpanish, but there is a greaterreason. I realized whether we playand laugh together or the girls

SALESIAN 11

whine and fuss, I love them justthe same. I wanted to continueshowing them that they deservelove in their lives. Pure, uncondi-tional love is what living life forothers is all about.”

“What changes have youseen in yourself and thecountry?”

“Although we cannot changethe academic system, we canmake changes through educationwith the children. Many lack moti-vation, so we try to make learningfun and help them advance intheir studies (especially reading,

math, and English). I have learneda lot of parenting skills (especiallybeing more patient!) and how tothink through my decisions a lit-tle differently, since they canaffect the girls in my care. It is avery different experience livingand working with these girls andhaving to be there for them all thetime, not to mention the languageand culture differences, but wehave adjusted quite well.”

“What can people do to help?”“Donate. Organize a drive.

Volunteer a year or two with us!You can donate through

www.SalesianLayMissioners.org

Monica assemblesa group of eagerstudents for morningclasses at HogarAuxiliadora.


to support this volunteer pro-gram, or even give to SalesianMissions in general to supportmore missionaries and theirglobal work for poor youth. You

could also geta drive togeth-er, but please ask theSalesians before you col-lect, to learn what theircurrent needs are.

“Anything else youwould like to say?”

“If you are at allinterested in helpingneedy children, ask andfind out what’s avail-able. Call, write or check

out our website for more infor-mation on this program and toread personal testimonies ofpast volunteers.” Y

Helping to make learning fun!

SALESIAN 13

The Salesian Lay Missioners is a faith-based volunteer programthat offers a unique opportunity to serve the poor children of theworld. We sponsor domestic and international placements andrequire a 1 or 2 year commitment.

If you would like more information aboutthis life-changing program, please write to:

Salesian Lay MissionersAttn: Adam Rudin2 Lefevre Lane

New Rochelle NY 10801-5710

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

Many of our Trade Schools are using old andworn tools or are improvising for toolsthey don’t even have. These tools are vital in

teaching poor youngsters a trade … the skills to find gainful employment.We have currently established relationships with individuals and organizations

that are willing to donate literally thousands of slightly used and brand new tools tous … but we must pay the cost of packing, shipping and distribution to our varioustrade schools around the world.

BECAUSE THE TOOLS ARE FREE, WE CAN SUPPLY $100 WORTHOF TOOLS TO OUR SCHOOLS FOR EVERY $10 YOU GIVE!

Please help us take advantage of this wonderful opportunityand give our students better and safer tools to use.

Tools for Schools� Yes! I want to help give poor youngsters better and safer tools to use in yourTrade Schools. Enclosed is my gift of �$10 �$15 �$25 �$________ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION:

EXP. DATE (MO/YR)


CARDNUMBER

WIN/SPR 2012

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

Name___________________________________ Address________________________________________Apt. ____

City___________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________

Tools forSchools…$10=$100

SIGNATURE X____________________________

14 Summer/Fall 2010Winter/Spring 201214

SALESIAN 15

It’s the tale of two vastlydifferent Salesian parishesin Birmingham, Alabama. Butthe bond they share addsenrichment to the lives ofthose in their respective com-munities.

Since 1955, Holy Rosary parishhas been the oasis in a neighbor-hood plagued by drugs, crime,violence and poverty. Most of theparishioners are hard-working

SalesiansIn the U.S.

And CanadaIn 1897, the first Salesian missionaries set foot in California. Thegoing was tough and slow – but the spirit of Don Bosco was withthem and work progressed. Today over 335 Salesians are present andworking with the young throughout the United States and Canada.

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

Diverse Salesian Parishes Bondin Birmingham, Alabama

16 Winter/Spring 2012

people, struggling to providebetter lives for their children.

The Holy Rosary Youth Centeroffers a place where their kids canplay and have fun in a safe environ-ment, and receive both academicand spiritual guidance. While atthe Center, children are in theloving care of Sr. Rita, who dedicatesherself fully to the well-being of theyoung, poor and needy. It’s a laborof love and dedication for whichshe is greatly admired.

In addition to providing sup-port for young people, Holy Rosarydistributes food and clothes to theneedy three times a week andwhenever anyone has an urgentneed. It’s a place where neighborscan turn for a helping hand.

Whenever Holy Rosary needs ahelping hand, however, they knowthey can rely on their friends at St.Theresa’s parish.

St. Theresa’s is blessed with amore affluent and rapidly increas-ing base of parishioners. Thechurch opened in 2000 and hasgrown today to more than 450 fam-ilies. The parish serves as a neigh-borhood focal point for familieswanting to raise their children in a

caring environment that promotesmoral values and compassion forthose less fortunate.

An active Parish Council meetsonce a month to stay in-tune withthe needs of the community. TheMom’s Group provides an impor-tant support network for mothers.And the religious educationprogram teaches children how tolead their lives in a caring, kind andresponsible way.

These meaningful values arewhat inspire the families of St.Theresa’s to show their supportand generosity to the needy fami-lies of Holy Rosary. It’s a cherishedbond that provides fulfillment tothose who give as well as thosewho receive. Y

St. Theresa Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

17SALESIAN

Both parishes bring families togetherthroughout the year with special religious

and social functions.

Children gather together forsupervised activities organized

by the parishes.

At St. Theresa’s, young people aregiven the opportunity to live and workside-by-side for a week in a programcalled “Gospel Roads.” The programcombines a retreat and communityservice where participants help theirneighbors – here they are showndoing repairs after a tornado causedextensive damage to the area.

Cambodia:Precious Young Lives

Lost In Floods


In 2011, as flood waters rose to levels never beforeseen, hundreds of thousands of Cambodian familiesfound themselves in sudden peril. Without boats,impoverished families living along river banks rushed tocut down banana trees and bamboo in order to buildmake-shift rafts. Others were forced to swim in franticattempts to reach safe ground.

19SALESIAN

Tragically, many of theyoungest victims in harms waycould not escape because theydid not know how to swim. Of theprecious lives claimed by thedisaster, half were children.

In total, 1.6 million people havebeen affected by the catastrophicflooding, including 800,000 chil-dren. Many have been left withnothing – not even food.

The devastation is severe andwidespread, impacting 18 out of 24provinces in the country. Wellshave been filled with floodwater,rendering them unsafe for drinking.

As flooding recedes, stagnant watercombined with poor sanitationbreeds diseases to which the chil-dren are vulnerable. Some areashave been completely shut off tothe outside world, as washed outroadways have made it impossibleto reach stranded victims.

The loss of homes, farmlandand income will likely force chil-dren to find work to help providefor their families. These desperateactions not only prevent childrenfrom attending school, they putthem at much greater risk ofexploitation and human trafficking.

Travel through flooded areas is difficult at best and impossible in certain areas.


Amidst the darkness of thedestruction and despair, there is aglimmer of hope. The Don BoscoChildren Fund (DBCF) in Cambodiawas specifically created to support,educate and feed needy childrenand offer aid to areas affected bynatural disaster. For the past 20years, thousands of Cambodianchildren and young adults have

received medical care andjob training through this pro-gram, which offers precioussupport and opportunitiesto the underprivileged.

As families rebuildtheir homes, farms, schools, com-munities and lives, the DBCF willplay a critical role in their effortsand ultimate recovery. It will taketime and investment to reach allthose that have been impactedand to resurrect all that has beenlost. Numerous schools are sub-merged and will remain closed forquite a while. In many instances,food and water can only be deliv-ered by boat.

With your help, we can over-come these obstacles. We will con-tinue to supply food, water, medicalcare and aid in the reconstruction.We will repair and rebuild damagedschools so children can resumetheir education. And we will restorea sense of hope and security thatwill enable Cambodian families tomove forward with their lives. Y

Although some houses in flood-prone areas are built aboveground, recent storms have madetravel for food and suppliesalmost impossible.

SierrA Leone:25 YearsTeaching Children

The Salesians have justcelebrated their 25th anni-versary in Sierra Leone,Africa – a presence that hashad a remarkable impact inthe lives of needy childrenfor an entire generation.

The Salesians first arrivedin 1986 at Lungi, and thenopened a center for streetchildren in Freetown eight yearslater. Since that time, the programhas grown into a major outreacheffort catering to homeless andabandoned kids. Today, the centeroperates “Don Bosco Mobile,” aresidential program for reunitingfamilies; a hostel for girls; an emer-gency crisis hotline; a youth center;a parish and an oratory.

The Salesians offer the children

an alternative to life on the streetsby providing them with a safe placeto gather while at the same timeeducating them to become respon-sible members of their community.

The official 25th anniversaryevent held in Sierra Leone was ajoyful event attended by many fam-ilies and Salesians. Special activi-ties included a radio marathon atFreetown involving 5 stations that

Since 1986, the Salesians have been offering hopeto homeless boys and girls in Sierra Leone.

21SALESIAN

Salesian Snapshots... a scrapbook of stories

from around the Salesian world

devoted 5 hours each promotingthe work of Don Bosco and raisingawareness about the plight andthe rights of children. In addition,there was an open forum foryoung people, students, teachersand social workers on the subjectof the Preventive System and build-ing a new Sierra Leone; and aPress Conference involving 10newspapers and 10 radio stationsincluding the BBC.

In his address, the SalesianProvincial of West Africa said: “Weare grateful to the pioneers whowere the first to spread the Salesiancharism in Sierra Leone, and to thelocal people who welcomed theSalesians with open heartsand to the many benefactorswho have helped to bring DonBosco’s dream to life… Muchhas been done so far, but theroad ahead of us is steep. Wehave to listen to the cries of thechildren. Our mission is morethan offering them shelter,food, clothes and education.Our mission is to work for thesalvation of the children andthe young, to bring the littleones to Jesus, with the lovingkindness of Saint Francis of

Sales. This is the work which isbeing undertaken in a professionalmanner by the Salesians and animmense group of lay co-workers.”

GuATemALA –Peoples’ missionsAmong the Q’eqchíindians

The Salesians are reaching outto the Q’eqchí Indians – descen-dants of the Maya – by offering var-ious retreats that will enable themto further cultivate their rich spiri-tual culture.


Devoted lay people work with the Salesians toreach out to the local Q’eqchí Indian population.

The Q’eqchí Indians areamong the poorest groups inGuatemala. Their parish hasabout 250,000 inhabitantsspread among 350 villages.However, there is a severeshortage of priests – only sixof them – to adequately meetthe needs of the people.

The Salesians in SanPedro Carchá responded byfunding a special initiativecalled the “Peoples’ Missions”to help fill the void. The pro-gram will rely on the involve-ment of 70 dedicated lay peoplewho will act as coordinators in thevillages and ensure that theQ’eqchí Indians can pursue theirspirituality in a fulfilling way.

iTALY –“Saints run”To Aid Horn of Africa

The 4th Annual “Saints Run”promoted by the “Don Bosco in theWorld” foundation, took place inRome this past November, 2011.Hundreds of youngsters fromSalesian facilities around Italy tookpart, together with a large numberof professional athletes. This proj-

ect supported the work of theSalesians in the Horn of Africa –aiming to help the thousands ofinhabitants there affected bydrought, famine and political unrest.

Salesians serve more than80,000 people in refugee camps inthe Horn of Africa. The “SaintsRun” helped raise urgently neededfunds to assist with the repair andmaintenance of existing wells,drilling of new wells, water distri-bution and emergency food aid.

The event began with a Massat the Altar of the Confession inSt. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass wasconcelebrated by about a hun-dred Italian Salesian priests and

SALESIAN 23

Hundreds joined in the run to raise fundsto aid thousands affected by drought and

famine in the Horn of Africa.


attended by almost a thou-sand youngsters and adults.At the end of the Mass on alovely mild day, the runbegan. There were two sepa-rate courses, one of 10.5 kmfor the serious competitors,and one of 3 km for the ama-teurs. This year over 2,700runners took part to sup-port the Salesians in theirhumanitarian efforts.

moroCCo –“Becoming aTrusted Friend”

In a country that is officiallyMuslim, the Salesians are gainingthe trust of the Moroccan peopleby creating relationships based onfriendship and goodwill. The great-est testament to the well-meaningintentions of the Salesians is ourVocational Training School in Kenitra.It provides valuable opportunitiesfor young people of all religions.

“The school already has anexcellent reputation,” explainsFr. Isidore Mbokola. “We are knownand appreciated for a seriousapproach to work, for the bilingual

French-Arabic education and ourvarious projects.”

The warm acceptance andimpressive success of the Salesiansin Morocco is credited to a basic,fundamental approach. Simply stat-ed, the Salesians inspire confidencein the students by reinforcing thatthey are genuine, honest people –and by providing them with anexcellent education.

As for the religious differences,Fr. Isidore takes it in stride by say-ing, “We give them some idea of ourreligion through good example,kindness and goodness, and striveto foster close relationships with all– Muslim and Christian alike.” Y

Eager students welcome the educationalopportunities available at the Salesian Training

School in Kenitra, Morocco.

Thanks For Your Patience…As some of you know, this year we finally disconnected our 30 year old computer system and

installed something newer. We are still learning how to use it, so please bear with us if our letters aredelayed or if there are errors in your name or address.

Also, the U.S. Postal Service has recently announced that their service levels need to be decreaseddue to financial restraints. This means they won’t be delivering the mail as fast as they used to.

So with the new computer system and the Postal Service problems, we have some difficult daysahead of us.

Please contact us if you are seeing mistakes or experiencing delays in the mail you receive from us.God bless you for understanding – please remember us in your prayers. – Fr. Mark

Haiti: A Progress ReportThanks to you this devastated countryis recovering and the future is bright!

The tragic earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010 still hauntsthe hearts and minds of these unfortunate people. There is stillmuch to be done, but thanks to your generosity, the Salesianshave been able to make remarkable progress.

Here are just a few examples of Salesian projects that arerenewing the hopes and lives of the people in Haiti:

• Support for the Agricultural School of the Vincent Foundation:This project consists of a three year commitment to educateand feed 140 students. The main objective is to teach self-sustaining farming andlivestock raising techniques.

• Le Petites Ecoles du Pere Bohnen: The “Little Schools of Father Bohnen” areback in operation and last year provided more than 21,000 children with nutritiousmeals and a valuable education.

• Rebuilding the Salesian University Network: Hundreds of computers destroyedby the earthquake were replaced, the network was reconnected and back-upbatteries installed. Now hundreds of students have the tools to further their education.

• Warehouse Project: The Salesians have constructed a large warehouse andrefrigeration room for long-term food storage for distribution to children andfamilies in the event of any future emergencies.

The Salesians have served in Haiti since 1935and plan to continue their life-saving work well into the future.May God bless you for helping to heal these broken lives.

Please visit our Haiti Newswire for the latest updates at: ProgressInHaiti.org


Tuition of just one dollar a day is enabling some of thepoorest students in South India to pursue what wasonce unthinkable – a college education.Since opening its doors four years ago, the Don Bosco College in

Dharmapuri is opening up new opportunities for impoverished youngpeople to break free from poverty. Already, the college has proven tobe a godsend for a region plagued by some of the worst human condi-

A College DegreeFor Just One Dollar A Day

Don Bosco College, Dharmapuri, India

Don Bosco College – serving young people and still growing! Expansion toserve the ever-growing student population is an on-going project.

SALESIAN 27

tions on earth. More thanhalf of the population isilliterate, drugs andcrime are rampant, andmany children have beenabandoned by their par-ents and are alone, fend-ing for themselves.

In its first year, Don BoscoCollege consisted of 250 studentsand 10 staff members. Since thattime, it has grown ten-fold andtoday boasts a student body of2,460 and a staff of 110.

While progress has been sig-nificant, the young college is stillin the developing stage and inneed of funding to support itscontinued growth and ability toserve more impoverished youngpeople. The return on this invest-ment is enormous, as measuredby the personal stories of theimpressive young people who arebenefiting from this life-changingexperience. Here are just threecompelling examples:

“I am Kavitha, 17 years old.My mother works for a meagerwage of Rs 110 ($2) a day. When Iwas 14, my father was implicatedin a murder and is in jail for life.My mother made many sacrificesto support me for my school edu-cation. She planned to send mefor some manual work and thenget me married. But I cried andcried, begging her to send me forstudies. One day I met a nun whotook me to Don Bosco College. Iwas promised a scholarship topursue my studies. My sponsor isa past pupil of another DonBosco institution. Now I am ableto study well without the worry oftrying to pay for my schooling.

Students are encouraged tohelp out in the school andtherefore contribute to their

own education. Here a younggirl organizes a store room.


When I am employed Iam going to help a stu-dent to study in DonBosco College.”

“I am Saravanan,18 years old. One daythe physical educationdirector from DonBosco College came toour school. He saw meplay volleyball andinvited me to join thecollege after finishinghigh school. I told him Ihad no money to paythe tuition fees andthat my parents wanted me towork to support my 3 brothersand 2 sisters. But the physical edu-cation director convinced me tovisit the college. The principalpromised to give me admissionand he would find a sponsor topay my fees. I attended the collegeand was captain of the volleyballteam and we won many tourna-ments. In the final year of my stud-ies, I attended a selection camp forthe police department and I wasoverjoyed when hired. Today I ama graduate and earn Rs 15,000

($300) a month. Don Bosco hasshown me the way to a secure life.”

“I am Viji. My mother diedwhen I was just 9 years old. Myfather is a truck driver but he hasno permanent work. He was plan-ning to get me married as soon asI completed my school. I met a ladywhose son was a student of DonBosco. Knowing my family back-ground, she asked her son whoworks in a pharmaceutical com-pany to support my education.

I am at present studying

Building mind, body and soul. Sports are a vital partof a well-rounded education.

SALESIAN 29

Mathematics for my gradua-tion. I am at the top of myclass. I hope to do my postgraduate studies and work asa college lecturer to help poorstudents have a good educa-tion. The valuable educationclasses in the college have givenme much enthusiasm to supportthe poor in society.”

But Don Bosco College stillneeds to grow…

Currently in its fifth year, thecollege is growing to serve evenmore students. The first graduates

are proud of their university certifi-cate and spread the good word intheir villages about their futureprospects.

Caring people like you havehelped make these young people’sdreams come true – and Don BoscoCollege will continue to enrichmore young lives in South India. Y

Students gather for an assembly. (above)

A friendly game of volleyball. (right)

Summer/Fall 201130

• Assam, India: Continued help is needed to supply food, housing and educationfor the many children and families still displaced by past years of ethnic violencein this region of India. See pg. 5.

• Our Salesian Lay Missioners program, is in need of funds to support thevolunteers during their 1 - 2 year commitment to help improve the lives of pooryouth in our global missions. See pg. 10.

• Birmingham, Alabama: Local parishes need your help to continue the manyprojects and services offered to this diverse community. See pg. 15.

• Cambodia:Recent floods have left 1.6 million people devastated. The clean-up, aidand reconstruction is a long-term commitment by the Salesians. See pg. 18.

• Dharmapuri, India: The Salesian Don Bosco College, functioning but stillunder construction, offers a lifeline to students plagued by some of the worstliving conditions on earth. See pg. 26.

Wishes of the Month

Grant a Wish Reply Form

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

God bless you!Fr. Mark

WIN/SPR 2012

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

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

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

EXP. DATE (MO/YR)


CARDNUMBER

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

Name___________________ Address ______________________________________________________Apt._____

City___________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________

SIGNATURE X____________________________

CURRENTSWEEPSTAKES

WINNERSWINNER OF GRAND PRIZE

NOVEMBER 30, 2011JOSEPH MALLEN, NEWTOWN SQ PA

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEOCTOBER 31, 2011

DEACON JOHN THUNBLOM, AURORA CO

WINNER OF GRAND PRIZESEPTEMBER 30, 2011

MARY ANN A BONOMETTI, SPRING HILL FL

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEAUGUST 31, 2011

MARIE ROSATI, HOLLISTER CA

WINNER OF GRAND PRIZEJULY 31, 2011

ELISABET MOEHRING, BEAVERTON OR

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEJUNE 30, 2011

MARY RIORDAN, BRONX NY

31SALESIAN

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

support our worldwide work for the poor andneedy, we periodically make your name andaddress available to other mailers. Theseinclude similar charitable and humanitarianorganizations and also companies which offerservices and products that we think you may beinterested in. We are extremely selective inchoosing the organizations and companies weassociate with in this way.

If you prefer not to have your name andaddress made available for this purpose and/oryou want to modify any mailing preferences,please call, write or email your request to:

Attn: Donor RelationsSALESIAN MISSIONS


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

Special Instructions for EmbrOIdEry on vestment:

�� IN LOVING MEMORY �� IN HONOR OF

__________________________________________________________________

Please Check One:

�� DONATE THIS ITEM TO SALESIAN MISSIONS

�� I WISH THIS ITEM TO BE SENT TO MY HOME.(Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery)

®��

Name ____________________________________

Address _________________________ Apt.#____

City _______________________State___Zip_____

Telephone # (________) _____________________

EXP. DATE (MO/YR)

Enclosed is my offering of:�� $135 for one vestment.

�� $540 for a set of all four vestments.

�� $10 each for embroidery of vestment.

What better way to honor thememory of a deceased lovedone, to honor a new priest, orto help a mission chapel. Thevestments come in the liturgi-cal colors of white, red, green,and purple. The suggestedoffering for each vestment is$135 and a matching set offour is $540. For an additionaloffering of $10 each, the vest-ments can be embroideredwith a name in memory of or inhonor of a loved one.

Mass Vestmentsas Memorials or Gifts

�� Charge my credit card account number:

Signature X __________________________________________

CID # REQUIRED: (LAST 3DIGITS ON SIGNATURE PANELON BACK OF CARD)


TEL: 914-633-8344

MAILTO:

Win/Spr2012

No

n-P

rofit

Org

.U

.S.

Po

sta

ge

PA

ID

Sa

lesia

n M

issio

ns

2 LEFEVRE LANE

NEW ROCHELLENY10801-5710

If y

ou r

eceiv

e d

uplic

ate

copie

s,

or

your

nam

e o

r addre

ss

is incorr

ect, p

lease n

otify

us.

Thank y

ou.

Visit us on-line at: www.sales

ianmissions.org

�SE

ND CHE

CK (T

O SA

LESIAN

MISSION

S), M

.O. O

R CH

ARGE

:

Signature X________________________________________

®�

��

Name_____________________________________________

Address

__________________________________ Apt.#____

City

____________________________State ____Zip _______

SALESIAN

MISSION

S2 LE

FEVR

E LA

NE, P

O BO

X 72

8NE

W ROC

HELL

E, NY 10

802-07

28

EXP. DATE (MO/Y

R)

CID # RE

QUIRED

(LAS

T 3 DIGITS

ON

SIGN

ATUR

E PAN

ELON

BAC

K OF

CAR

D)

Win

/Spr

2012

ITEM

QTY.

SUGG. OFFERING TOTAL

50047

�BURGUNDY THROW

50047

�NAVY THROW

Please allow 2 weeks fo

r de

livery

$58.0

0

$58.0

0

To

Ta

l o

FF

ER

ING

EN

cl

.

Sn

uggle

up

in

ou

r

SALE

SIAN

THR

OW!

Des

ign

ed es

pec

iall

y fo

r S

ale

sian

Mis

sio

ns,

it

pro

min

entl

y f

eatu

res

ou

r m

issi

on

logo.

Th

is t

hro

w m

easu

res

a g

ener

ou

s5

0”

x 6

0”

an

d i

s k

nit

ted

of

extr

a-

hea

vy,

m

ach

ine

wa

sha

ble

acr

yli

c. A

vail

ab

le i

nn

Av

yo

r b

ur

gu

nD

y.

(Ple

ase

spec

ify

on

req

ues

t fo

rm).

$ 58

.S

ug

ges

ted o

ffer

ing

for

each

th

row

is

salesian magazine - winter/spring 2012 edition

Documents

poor children

salesian missionsin

faces of children

lives of countless children

new rochelle ny

diverse salesian parishesbond

new year

world abetterplace