Hajja Salesjana. il-226 Óar a. Is-Sena tal-fidi A Martyr s Letter It-Tnax -il Appostlu Extraordinary Salesian Parishioner

Transcription

1 Hajja Salesjana SETTEMBRU - OTTUBRU 2012 il-226 Óar a Is-Sena tal-fidi A Martyr s Letter It-Tnax -il Appostlu Extraordinary Salesian Parishioner

2 The Logo of the Salesians of Don Bosco is made up of two superimposed images: in the background a stylised S (Salesians) in white marked to the right and left by two cuttings between the hills (a road). The second image is in the centre of the globe: an arrow pointing upwards resting on three perpendicular legs on top of which are three closed circles making a stylised image of three people: the first of these in the midde and taller (the Salesian) appears as if embracing the side figures (the young). The three stylised figures can also be viewed as an arrow pointing upwards (education / formation) or simply as a dwelling (Salesian house) with three pillars holding it up (reason, religion, loving kindness). The coat of arms of the Salesian Congregation shows the shining star, the large anchor, the heart on fire symbolizing faith, hope and charity; the figure of St. Francis de Sales recalling the Patron of the Society; the small wood in the lower part reminds us of the Founder (Bosco) the high mountains signify the heights of perfection towards which members strive; the interwoven palm and laurel that enfold the shield either side are emblematic of the prize reserved for a sacrificial and virtuous life. The motto Da mihi animas, caetera tolle (give me souls, take the rest) expresses every Salesian s ideal. Óajja Salesjana St. Patrick s School, Triq San Ìwann Bosco, Sliema SLM 1925 MALTA Tel. (+356) / (+00356) hajjasal@salesiansmalta.org Il-Bulettin Salesjan, imsejja b diversi ismijiet, ji i stampat f 56 edizzjoni u f 29 ilsien madwar iddinja u huwa mxerred fi 131 nazzjon Responsible: Fr. Paul Formosa SDB Director/ Editor: Fr. Joseph Cini SDB Editorial Board : Margaret Buhagiar, Andre Camilleri, Josie Grech. Office: Eileen Alden, Joyce Scicluna. Design & Printing: Salesian Press, Sliema. Fuqiex se naqraw Is-Sena tal-fidi 7 L.T.N. 40th Anniversary 9 Cheyenne the Dog and Dad 12 Brief Life of St. John Bosco 14 A Martyr s Letter to His Girlfriend 16 It-Tnax -Il Appostlu 20 Malta Salesjana 24 Fuq ir-ramel tal-g adira 26 Extraordinary Salesian Parishioner 29 Olympic Champions 32 Tista taqra ajja Salesjana fuq il-kompjuter: Editorjal / Pedago ija / Calendar of events / Something to think about / Don Bosco Around the World Front Cover: It-tfal u Ω-Ωg aωag huma r-ra uni li g aliha jeωistu s-salesjani

3 EDITORJAL Mixja Spiritwali Flimkien Hajjet Dun Bosco kienet, g al dawk ta madwaru, lezzjoni dejjiema ta kif tg ix. Fi kliem Papa Gwanni Pawlu II: Dun Bosco huwa sinjal qawwi fl-istorja tal-knisja; alla warajh esperjenza ta ajja u metodu ta edukazzjoni li saru parti mill-wirt tag na. Fil-kliem tal-venerabbli predeçessur tag na Pawlu VI, huwa kien enju mag ruf ta pedago ija moderna u ta katekeωi, imma fuq kollox, enju tal-qdusija Dun Bosco offra stil uniku ta mixja spiritwali flimkien li wasslet liω-ωg aωag tieg u g allqdusija. Huwa kien jemmen li dak li jg odd ma kienx li tag mel xi a a g aω-ωg aωag, imma li tkun xi add g alihom. Mela mhux dak li nag mel daqs kemm dak li jien li jiswa g alihom. Dun Bosco kien jag ti bidu u possibilta` lill-proçess fejn jikber dak li hu spiritwali, waqt li jirnexxilu jkun dak li joffri direzzjoni lil kull tifel. Duminku Savio, Mikiel Magone u Francesco Besucco huma frott ta din l esperjenza ma Dun Bosco u l-mod kif kien jakkumpanjhom spiritwalment. Dan jurina li mhux biωωejjed li wie ed jorganizza attivitajiet g at-tfal u Ω-Ωg aωag u li sempliçement ikun preωenti fil-log ob jew fil-klassi. Jiena, li lili iet fdata l-animazzjoni tal- Vokazzjonijiet Salesjani f Malta g al dawn l-a ar 5 snin, skoprejt li mhux biωωejjed g alija li norganizza. B ala Salesjan irrid nag mel pass ie or. Jien msejja sabiex inkun sie eb matur u prezzjuω, li lest nisma, nisfida u ninkora ixxi Ω-Ωag Ωug biex jiltaqa verament ma Ìesu`. IΩ-Ωg aωag kollha huma msej a u jistg u jaslu g all-qdusija Sikwit nisimg u li naqsu l-vokazzjonijiet. Dan forsi g aliex Alla waqaf isejja liω-ωg aωag? Il- Mulej g adu jsej ilhom u hija l-missjoni tag na li ng inuhom jisimg u u jwie bu g as-sej a tieg u. Il-missjoni tag na b ala Familja Salesjana hija li nnisslu u nkattru fihom il- ajja spiritwali. Irridu wkoll ninkora ixxu u niggwidawhom fl-g aωliet ta ajjithom biex b hekk jirnexxilna niskopru mhux biss lil Dun Bosco ottimista u abrieki, imma wkoll Dun Bosco bniedem ta Alla li bil-kalma ji bed lejh u jakkumpanja il-progress spiritwali taω-ωg aωag. Fr. Louis Grech HUWA KIEN JEMMEN LI DAK LI JGÓODD MA KIENX LI TAGÓMEL XI ÓAÌA GÓAÛ-ÛGÓAÛAGÓ, IMMA LI TKUN XI ÓADD GÓALIHOM." Hajja Salesjana 3

4 EDITORIAL Spiritual Companionship Don Bosco s whole life was a constant lesson on how to live, for the young under his care. In the words of Pope John Paul II: Don Bosco is a landmark in Church history. He has left behind him an experience and a method which have become part of our heritage. In the words of my venerated predecessor Paul VI, he was "a renowned genius of modern pedagogy and catechesis but, above all, a genius of holiness. Don Bosco, offered a very unique way of Spiritual Companionship which led his young people to Holiness. Don Bosco believed that it is not doing something for youth that counts but being someone to them. It is not what we do for them but what we are to them. Don Bosco enabled processes of spiritual growth and managed to be that someone who could offer direction to each and every boy. St Dominic Savio, Michele Magone and Francesco Besucco are the fruits of Don Bosco s experience and method of spiritual companionship. Don Bosco s experience teaches us that it is not enough to organise activities for young people and just merely be there in the yard or classroom. Having been entrusted with Salesian Vocation Animation in Malta for the past 5 years, I realise that being the organiser is not enough. Salesians are called to go one step further. Salesians are called to be that significant adult companion ready to listen, engage and encourage the young person to really meet Jesus. All young people are called to and can achieve holiness. We often hear that vocations have decreased. Is it because God has stopped calling young people? Maybe God is still calling them and it is our mission to help young people to listen more to God s voice. Our mission as a Salesian Family is to instil and encourage spiritual growth in our young people and to guide them in their life choices. May we rediscover not only Don Bosco the optimist and activist, but also Don Bosco, the Man of God who sat down, engaged and accompanied the spiritual growth in youth. Fr. Louis Grech S.D.B. "DON BOSCO BELIEVED THAT IT IS NOT DOING SOMETHING FOR YOUTH THAT COUNTS BUT BEING SOMEONE TO THEM." 4 Hajja Salesjana

5 Minn Pascual Chávez Villanueva Trad. Joe Cini PEDAGOÌIJA Salesjana Insiru nafu lil Dun Bosco 3 Spirtu Missjunarju Mudell Ìdid ta Missjoni u Missjunarji Il-President tal-amerika Barak Obama, waqt Ωjara fil-brazil fl-2011 g al skopijiet politiçi u kummerçjali, f diskors tieg u lin-nies talindustrija, fakkarhom fil- olma ta Dun Bosco dwar il-belt kapitali tag hom, BraΩilja. Obama qalilhom, BraΩilja hija belt Ωg ira fl-eta` - 51 sena biss. Imma kienet bdiet b ala olma aktar minn 100 sena ilu. Fl-1883, Don Bosco, il-qaddis patrun ta BraΩilja, kellu viωjoni li urnata wa da, il-kapitali ta nazzjon kbir kellha tinbena bejn il-15 u l-20 parallel. Kellha tkun mudell g all- ejjieni li tag ti d-dritt g al kull opportunita` lil kull BraΩiljan. Hajja Salesjana Globu Ωg ir tad-dinja O ett gustuω fil-kmamar ta Dun Bosco ewwa Valdocco, Turin, huwa globu tad-dinja, sewdieni u mhux eωatt. Diffiçli tag raf il-fruntieri bejn pajjiω u ie or. IΩ-Ωag Ωug Mikiel Rua sikwit semg u jg id, O kemm id nista nag mel kieku kelli tnaxil qassis ta t idejja! Kont nibg athom jippriedkaw il-fidi qaddisa tag na mhux biss fil-knejjes, imma wkoll fit-toroq! U kull meta kien i ares lejn mappa tad-dinja, kien jie u nifs qawwi meta jara li tant re juni ma kinux insara, u kien jixtieq bil- erqa dak il-jum meta, kieku jista, jmur iwassal iddawl tal-van elu fil-postijiet mhux mil uqa millmissjunarji. (Memorie Biografiche III, 383) 5

6 L-istess Ωelu appostoliku li kien a mill-iskola ta Dun Cafasso, u li g inu jsib il-missjoni tieg u fost il-foqra u t-tfal abbandunati, kellu jwasslu g ad-deçiωjoni li jag mel lill-familja Salesjana miftu a g all-missjoni. Meta kien g adu fil-kulle EkkleΩjastiku, kien i obb jaqra fuq il-missjoniji. Wie ed mill-kotba, l-annali della Propagazione della Fede, kien ieg lu jixtieq jid ol mal-oblati ta Marija Immakulata sabiex imur missjunarju fost l-indjani tal-amerika ta Fuq. Imma dak li l-iωjed sa a lu fehmtu dwar il-missjoni g as-salesjani tieg u kien il-konçilju Vatikan I ( ). Hafna isqfijiet mill-amerika, l-afrika u l-asja, meta ew g all-konçilju, fittxew ukoll kleru u sorijiet g allmissjoni f pajjiωhom. Çertament xi w ud kellmu lil Dun Bosco wkoll, u huwa ra f dan sinjal minn Alla. Mtela b entuωjaωmu, u huwa f dan il-kuntest li Don Bosco kellu l-ewwel olma-viωjoni dwar ilmissjonijiet. Sibt ru i o art selva a li qatt ma kont rajt qabel, pjanura immensa, ming ajr g oljiet jew muntanji lief fuq ix-xefaq fil-bog od Imbg ad rajt grupp ta missjunarji o rajn, immexxija min numru ta tfal, resqin lejn dawk in-nies slava. Bdejt nibωa li sejrin jinqatlu; mort ni ri lejhom: kienu seminaristi u qassisin. Meta arist sewwa ndunajt li kienu s-salesjani tag na. Ma kum mill-ispirtu tas-seklu tieg u, Dun Bosco kien jimma ina l-missjonijiet fis-sens strett (nies li ma semg ux bi Kristu) u fis-sens romantiku (nies kiefra u slava ). Importanti g alih kienet ukoll il-viωjoni ta Knisja Kattolika: mibg uta g al kull ens; kif ukoll il-fatt li l-vokazzjoni Salesjana kienet miftu a g aω-ωg aωag tad-dinja kollha; kif ukoll e a kontra l-protestanti. Il-kliem Euntes in mundum universum kien i osshom b ala kmand, u g alhekk bag at lill-missjunarji tieg u Ruma sabiex jircievu l-barka tal-papa." "Sibt ru i o art selva a li qatt ma kont rajt qabel" Fuq quddiem ta armata kbira G alkemm kellu minn fejn jag Ωel, ipprefera l-ar entina: eluf ta emigranti kienu sejrin hemm u l-missjunarji ma kienux i ossuhom maqtug in u we idhom; kien hemm di a` soçjeta` çivilizzata li setg et twieωen ix-xog ol tag hom; u kien hemm ukoll is-slava tal- olm tieg u. L-ittri u l-a barijiet ming and il-missjunarji ieg lu lil Dun Bosco jbiddel il-viωjoni li kellu dwar il-patagonja. Inbidlet ukoll l-istrategija: l-ewwel jitwaqqfu Kulle i, Parroççi u Oratorji g at-tag lim u formazzjoni biex imbag ad minn hemm jitilqu lejn il-missjonijiet. B hekk, il-mudell ta missjoni edded b elementi mill-kariωma tal-oratorju ta Turin sabiex ting ata importanza lill-kura u edukazzjoni taω-ωg ar. Il-missjunarji Salesjani ma kinux biss xhieda u appostli li allew kollox sabiex ixandru l-van elu, imma, b al ponta ta iceberg jew l-ewwel linja ta armata kbira, assewhom li qed jirrappreωentaw lill-familja Salesjana kollha, li kienet issegwihom spiritwalment u materjalment, fil-fer u fin-niket, fis-suççessi u fid-diffikultajiet. Don Rua kiteb hekk lill-koperaturi: Is-Salesjani u Ulied Marija AwΩiljatriçi, b al armata fil-kamp tal-battalja, jag mlu l-parti tag hom, waqt li joffru lil Alla u lill- proxxmu r-rieda, s-sa a u l- ajja tag hom; il-koperaturi min-na a tag hom, jag mlu dak li missirijiet u ommijiet tal-familja jag mlu g al uliedhom li jmorru fil-gwerra. (Bullettin Salesjan pp 4-5) L-ittri tal-missjunarji, ippubblikati fil-bullettin Salesjan, kienu jag tu kull dettal, kull pro ett, kull kisba, kull suççess, kull tbatija u kull diffikulta`. Kul add seta jag raf u jaqsam ix-xog ol tag hom, jifra bih, i ossu kburi, jbati mag hom, jitlob g alihom u jg inhom b xi g otja. U l-missjunarji, li kienu j ossuhom parti mill-familja kbira ta Dun Bosco, kienu j ossuhom apprezzati, inkura uti, ma buba, huma u jxerrdu l-kariωma Salesjana maddinja kollha. 6 Hajja Salesjana

7 Is-Sena tal-fidi Nhar is-17 ta Ottubru 2011, il-papa Benedittu XVI ippubblika l-ittra Apostolika Porta fidei (Il-Bieb tal-fidi) li biha istitwixxa s-sena tal-fidi. Din is-sena speçjali se tibda f Ottubru 2012 u tintemm fl-24 ta Novembru, F Ottubru, 2012 l-assemblea Ìenerali tas-sinodu tal-isqfijiet se tittratta dwar L-Evan elizzazzjoni Ìdida fit- Trasmissjoni tal-fidi Nisranija. F dan id-dokument il-papa jistqarr li jixtieq din is-sena tal-fidi bi twe iba g all-kriωi profonda tal-fidi li qieg da taffettwa lil afna nies f dan iω-ωmien. Huwa jispjega li l- Bieb tal-fidi huwa dejjem miftu u huwa l-muftie biex nid lu fil- Knisja ta Alla. Il-mixja tal-fidi tibqa sejra tul il- ajja kollha, mill-mag mudija sakemm naslu sal- ajja ta dejjem. Ta spiss ji ri li l-insara jag tu aktar sieb u jimpenjaw ru hom aktar fir-realtajiet soçjali, kulturali u politiçi minn dawk spiritwali. Il-bniedem illum g alhekk g andu bωonn jer a jisma bil-fer il-kelma t Alla u jaççetta l-istedina ta Ìesù biex infittxu l- obω tal- ajja ta dejjem. Is-Sena tal-fidi sejra toffri lill-membri tal-knisja kollha okkaωjoni biex fiha jirriflettu u jer g u jiskopru l-fidi tag hom. Il-Knisja dejjem g andha bωonn i edded il-fidi, issaffiha, tikkonfermaha u tistqarrha. It-ti did irid ise permezz tax-xhieda ta dawk li b fidi kbira jemmnu u jg ixu s-sej a tag hom b mod li titwassal il-verità tal-kelma tal-mulej. Il-Knisja, g andha fi danha afna midinbin u g alhekk hemm bωonn li tissaffa u timxi l quddiem bil-penitenza u ti did. Is-Sena tal-fidi g alhekk hija stedina g allkonverωjoni vera, m edda fil- Hajja Salesjana Mulej, l-uniku Salvatur tal-bnedmin. Hija l-im abba ta Kristu li timlilna qalbna, kompla l-papa, u t e i na biex nevan elizzaw illum ukoll u tibg atna fit-toroq tad-dinja biex in abbru lil kul add il-van elu lill- nus kollha. Huwa me tie li llum niskopru l-fer fit-twemmin tag na u ner g u nimtlew b entuωjaωmu biex nikkomunikaw il-fidi. F din is-sena tal-fidi, f dan il-mument ta tant bidla fid-dinja, dawk kollha li jemmnu jridu jiççelebrawha billi j e u lil dawk li jemmnu fi Kristu biex jissa u huma u jsa u wkoll l-g aqda tag hom fil-van elu. Iridu jistqarru l-fidi tag hom fi Kristu Rxoxt fil-katidrali u l-knejjes tad-dinja kollha, fid-djar u l-familji u jittrasmettu l-fidi lill- enerazzjonijiet tal-futur. In-nisrani ma jistax ja seb li l-fidi hija xi a a privata. Hija titlob minnu responsabbiltà soçjali ukoll. Matul din is-sena, irridu niskopru l-g ana tat-tag lim li l-knisja laqg et u arset matul elfejn sena ta storja. Irridu niltaqg u ma Kristu li jinsab preωenti fil-knisja, fil-litur ija u s-sagramenti. Irridu nintensifikaw ix-xhieda tag na tal-karità, g aliex il-fidi ming ajr karità tkun biss sentiment. Il-Papa jtemm l-ittra tieg u bil-kliem: A na nemmnu b fidi soda li l-mulej Ìesù reba fuq il- aωen u l-mewt. B din il-fiduçja Ωgura a na nafdaw fih. Huwa jinsab preωenti fostna u jirba fuq issetg a tal- aωen (Lq. 11, 20). Il-Knisja, komunità viωibbli tal- niena tieg u, tibqa fih b ala sinjal ta g aqda mal-missier. A na nafdaw din is- Sena ta grazzja lil Omm Alla, li kienet hienja g aliex emmnet. (Lq. 1,45). 7

8 2012 CALENDAR OF SALESIAN FEASTS & EVENTS SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER Wed 5 Salesian Cooperators - Sliema - monthly meeting at 6.00 p.m. Wed 2 First Friday Devotions at St. Patrick's at 6.15 Fri 7 Prayer Day for Salesian Missions First Friday: Adoration and Mass at St. Patrick s at 6.15 p.m. Mon 10 Prayer Day for Salesian Missions Sat 22 Blessed Spanish Martyrs (killed by Communists during Spanish Civil War) Mon 24 Start of the new Scholastic Year. Commemoration of Mary Help of Christians at St. Patrick s 6.30 p.m.& at Sliema Oratory at 7.30 p.m. Wed 3 Salesian Cooperators Sliema monthly meeting at 6.00 p.m. Fri 5 Blessed Alberto Marvelli (Lay member of the Salesian Family). First Friday Devotions at St. Patrick s, at 6.15 p.m. Wed 10 Prayer Day for Salesian Missions Sat 13 Blessed Alessandrina M da Costa (Salesian Cooperator) Kummiedja - L-Affari Kubinski Salesian Theatre, Sliema Mon 22 Blessed John Paul II Wed 24 Blessed Luigi Guanella (Óadem ma D.Bosco u kien Salesjan g al 3 snin) Commemoration of Mary Help of Christians at St. Patrick s 6.30 p.m. Mon 29 Blessed Michael Rua (First Successor of Don Bosco) Thu 1 All Saints Day Fri 2 First Friday Devotions at St. Patrick s, at 6.15 p.m. 1-2 Mid-Term school holidays Wed 7 Salesian Cooperators Sliema monthly meeting at 6.00 p.m. For any other info about the Salesians: Daughters of Mary Help of Christians: Salesians in Malta : Hajja Salesjana On Line : 8 Hajja Salesjana

9 L.T.N. 40th Anniversary: L.T.N. stands for Librerija Taghlim Nisrani, the Maltese phrase for Libreria Dottrina Cristiana L.D.C., that is Christian Doctrine Library. It is a shop of Catholic books and other religious articles. It is a way of evangelisation and service started by Don Bosco who wrote and published many books and who always wanted to have a printing press of his own. It is an apostolate which has spread all over the world. In Malta, L.T.N. started at Savio College, Dingli, and was inaugurated on the 7th October The first sales included film-strips, slides, videos and cassette-tapes, posters, picture books and other audio-visual religious aids. In 1975, L.T.N. shop was transferred to a couple of rooms at the Sliema Oratory where it remained for 34 years. In 1989, a branch of L.T.N. was opened in Valletta, a shop that served the people for 20 years. In 2009, the Sliema Oratory shop and the Valletta one were both closed down and the activity transferred to one central and more spacious place in No. 81 Dingli Street, Sliema. Here it is of service not only to the Maltese people but also to foreigners and many tourists who visit our Island. L.T.N. aims at helping Priests, Missionaries, Catechists, Parents, Teachers and other pastoral operators. It also caters for the ordinary religious needs of the people in general. We congratulate Librerija Taghlim Nisrani for its 40 years of fruitful existence and we offer our best wishes for its future. We also thank, most heartily, all those who in any way contributed to or were involved in this very effective Salesian Apostolate. Fr. Francis Zammit S.D.B. Hajja Salesjana 9

10 Don Bosco Around the World The visit of the casket in Africa SUDAN Don Bosco s relic arrived at the Wau airport (South Sudan) on Saturday 21 January. It was welcomed by a crowd of people from the various parishes in the city. Present to receive it were Bishop Rudolf Deng Majak of Wau, the Hon. Rizig Hassan, Governor of the State of West Bahr El Gazal, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Communications and other government authorities. The casket, escorted by the Police Band and that of the Salesian Institute of Tonj. was taken in procession to the Salesian Vocational Training Centre. After staying in Wau until Monday 23 January, the casket was in Tonj (24-25 January), Maridi and Yambio. Wherever Don Bosco went, there were so many expressions of appreciation and thanks for the Salesians. The progress of the casket was a National event: the news was passed by word of mouth, but it was also on all the radio and TV programmes. Crowds you could never imagine turned out! MOZAMBIQUE The casket of Don Bosco was in the vice Province Mary help of Christians of Mozambique in April. After arriving at the airport of Maputo, there to welcome the relic of the Founder were Fr. Manuel Leal, Superior of the vice-province, various representatives of the Salesian Family and the band of São José of Lhanguene. The first Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral of Maputo, by the Archbishop Mons. Francisco Chimoio. Taking part 10 Hajja Salesjana

11 were also the former President of the Republic, the Hon. Joaquim Chissano, diocesan priests, men and women religious of many Congregations and a large number of faithful. The day after the casket went first to the Salesian novitiate; then a long procession took the relic to the diocesan shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Again on the move, the relic reached the city of Moamba, where the Salesians run a technical school with boarding, the missionparish and the pre-novitiate. In the afternoon the casket was taken to Inharrime, a distance of 300 km, where it was awaited by a large crowd of youngsters, Salesians and FMAs. Many children and young people paid their respects to the relic through to the next morning, with prayer and traditional song and dance. After this, the casket was taken to Bagamoyo, an outlying district of Maputo, where the only parish of the whole country dedicated to Don Bosco is situated, presently run by the Orioni Fathers. SPAIN-MADRID In June the casket of Don Bosco arrived for a brief visit in Spain. On 6th it arrived at the Salesian Institute of Atocha, for the official start of its pilgrimage in the Madrid Province. Present at the welcoming ceremony were the Archbishop of Madrid, Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela and Fr Luis Onrubia, Provincial of Madrid. 1,500 students from the Institute accompanied by their teachers and the Salesians filled the courtyard for a special Hajja Salesjana day of celebration in which the atmosphere of the early days of the Valdocco Oratory were recreated. The enthusiasm was palpable and the youngsters shouted out loud Welcome home, when the casket of Don Bosco made its solemn entrance. Accompanied by the Jesús de Medinaceli Band from Alcalá de Henares the casket crossed the courtyard right up to the stage where it was received by the Archbishop, the Rector Manuel Aparicio, the Provincial and other dignitaries. Two upper school students spoke and then the Archbishop of Madrid officially welcomed the relics of the saint in the name of the whole diocesan church. Then everyone, young and old, made their way in procession to the Church, dedicated to Mary Help of Christians where there was a Liturgy of the Word, at which the Cardinal presided. The celebration ended with the Cardinal s blessing on all those present. 11

12 Ireland Celbridge School a nursery of champions (ANS Celbridge) Among the Olympic Torch bearers for the 2012 London Olympic Games were two young athletes who grew up at the Salesian School in Celbridge: Mark Kenneally and Fiach O Rourke. Mark Kenneally, Ireland's first marathon runner to qualify for the London Olympics, had been selected to carry the torch on 6 June through the streets of Dublin. On 25 May he visited his alma mater Salesian College, Celbridge where he was presented with a specially inscribed bowl to mark his historic achievement, "Mark Kenneally, Salesian Olympian 2012, Congratulations" and the school's crest. On that occasion he was also presented with two cheques, one from the School's Parents' Association and one from the school to help with his expenses in preparing for the Olympics. Another Past Pupil of the Salesians, Celbridge, Fiach O'Rourke ( ) who completed a degree in Sport, Health and PE in 2010 in Bangor University (Wales) and has been working in Bangor since that time, had been chosen to carry the Olympic torch on 28 May in Bangor. "Fiach has been an inspiration to sport in Bangor, Wales and Ireland. He has a remarkable sporting profile before moving to Wales including competing for Ireland in sport but also organising and facilitating of sport for youth He captained the university badminton club which he grew to the largest club in the university, leading the team to 2 league wins and promotions in 2 years while also setting up a squash club. The Salesian school in Celbridge takes great pride in the honour given to these two past pupil athletes. 12 Hajja Salesjana

13 South Korea Olympic Champion funding a school in Southern Sudan (ANS Seoul) Miss Kim Yu-na, the Olympic and World Figure Ice-Skating Champion from South Korea, has given a donation to the Salesians to open a school in Southern Sudan. In the new African State the Salesians are intending to build many new elementary schools. Last June, Kim Yu-na visited the Salesian Provincial House in Seoul and met Fr Vincenzo Donati and Bro Giacomo Comino, both Salesian missionaries in Southern Sudan. She gave them 70 millions of South-Korean won, (about 47,000 euros) thus personally financing the building of one of these schools. "I had a chance to visit Togo a year ago as part of efforts to win support for Korea's bid for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang and I felt the need to help out children there," Kim said. Fr Donati thanked her profusely and said one of the schools to be built in Southern Sudan will be named after Kim and asked the athlete to come visit the school after it is completed. Kim Yu-na became a Catholic convert in 2008, taking the Christian name Stella. She has made other generous donations before: in October 2009 her published gifts amounted to about 2,5 million euro. The project in Southern Sudan is for the building of just elementary schools. Fr Gianni Rolandi, Superior of the East Africa Province (AFE), including Southern Sudan told the MISNA Agency the reason: This choice is the result of there being an almost total lack of infrastructure in Southern Sudan, an independent country scarcely a year old where the wounds of civil war are still open: one can only begin by building the foundations. Hajja Salesjana 13

14 A WORLD OF CHILDREN It was not long before the new boy was joined by ten other lads whom John somehow stuffed into the Pinardi house. After the winter of 1851, when he finally purchased Pinardi house, John was able to accept some thirty boarders. In the morning, after a prayer together, they would depart for their workshop or factory. At noon they would return and crowd the kitchen for their noonday dinner, which was served by John. The boys would depart for afternoon work, returning in the evening for supper, when Professor Bosco would supervise their lessons. Part 4 Saint John Bosco A brief account of his life Throughout history, God has sent prophets and saints to warn, teach and lead His people. Modern times are no exception. God has sent saints to found religious orders of men and women for particular needs. He has sent martyrs, virgin, and holy men, such as Don Bosco, to teach virtue and apostleship to a special portion of God s people namely youth. This is his life story. The increased activity, however, took its toll on Mama Margaret, now in her mid-60 s. She toiled all day long cleaning house, washing and mending clothes, and nursing the little boys who were ill. One day, fed up with her clothes-line being knocked down, her vegetable garden trampled, weary from endless washing, mending and cooking. Mama Margaret announced to her son: I m going home. Don Bosco felt his mother s anguish and said nothing. He simply pointed to a crucifix hanging on the wall. His mother understood and her eyes filled with tears. Mama Margaret replaced her apron. PROJECTS AND PLANS As quickly as John finished one project, he began another. In rapid succession he built a boarding home for 150 boys, a new chapel to accommodate the Oratory s increased enrolment, and pioneered evening education and vocational schools for his future craftsmen. He built shoemaker, tailor, carpenter, bookbinder, printing and ironwork shops. His schools, considered among Turin s best, took their inspiration and direction from Don Bosco himself. A colleague, a distinguished professor, explains why. His love shone forth from his looks and his words so clearly and all felt it They experienced an immense joy in his presence. John demanded much from his teachers. At a time when schoolmasters considered 14 Hajja Salesjana

15 whipping an indispensable tool of their trade, Don Bosco forbade any such violence. Make yourself loved, he counselled them. If you wish to be obeyed, be fathers not superiors. Bosco could make no such demands unless he himself led the way. He joined in students recreation, challenged them in conversation, and joked with them. He would often race with them, and, although plagued with varicose veins at 54, he could still outrun any of them. If he had to punish, he was careful never to demean or embitter a child. Without affection, there is no confidence, he often counselled his faculty, without confidence, no education. Don Bosco saw a relationship with God as the very source and foundation of all human growth and activity. For him it was essential to present God as a loving Father to his children. He most effectively did this by being a loving father to his Oratory. BELOVED BEGGAR During the building of this big magnificent shrine, Bosco was always somehow able to pay his bills. When money did not come from ordinary sources, Don Bosco was quite prepared to beg for it. Once he visited an extremely wealthy man who had been bedridden for three years. After a few moments of chatting, Don Bosco ordered the man to get his clothes, go to the bank and withdraw the money necessary to pay the Basilica s latest bills. Promise to take your money out of the bank, Don Bosco said, and Our Lady will take you out of bed. The man made the promise and left his bed. John, taking no chances, accompanied him to the bank. A wealthy lady judging him a great financier, asked him where she could best invest her money. Not saying a word, Bosco simply held out his open hands in front of her. Although millions of dollars passed through his hands, he never kept a penny for himself. Indeed, he lived poorly, going so far as to save half sheets of letters, dyeing string black to use as shoelaces and saving wrapping paper and cord. He wore a cast-off military overcoat and used Hajja Salesjana old army blankets on his bed. He gravely warned his Salesian sons that if they should ever lose their love of poverty, it would be a sure sign that the Society had run its course. THE BLESSED MOTHER Don Bosco made many a demand on the Blessed Mother. Once a pastor requested him to give a three-day mission to prepare his people for the feast of the Assumption. Stricken by a terrible and lengthy drought, the people were suffering bitterly and the farmers were desperate. In his opening sermon Bosco remarked, Come for these three days, make a good confession, do your best to prepare for a fervent communion on the Feast of the Assumption, and I promise you, in Mary s name, that rain will come to refresh your parched land. After the sermon, the pastor accusing Bosco of raising false hopes, was furious. For the next three days the farm folk jammed the church. On the Feast of the Assumption, the day of the promised event, Bosco awoke and looked into the sky. It was a cloudless blue. As John made his way to the church for morning Mass, people crowded around him. Will it rain? they demanded. Calmly he responded, Purify your hearts. As evening came and the people gathered for the last devotion for the Feast, there was still no sign of rain. As John entered the church for the final evening devotion, he looked once more to the horizon. It was cloudless almost. A miniscule grey cloud hung like a tiny rag on the porcelain sky. John made his way to the pulpit. Hundreds of faces turned up to him, and all had written on them the same question, When is it going to rain? These wondering questioning faces could, in a short time, turn hard and bitter with disappointment. Suddenly yellow lightning stabbed the sky, thunder clapped and the first heavy raindrops splattered on the roof. The farmers, with a new lease on life, broke into heavy cheers and joyful songs. Although the farmers did not realise it, the most relieved man in the district was their pastor. (to continue) 15

16 A MARTYR S LETTER TO HIS GIRLFRIEND Blessed Bartolome Blanco Marquez was born in Pozoblanco, Spain on 25 November After being orphaned as a child he was raised by a family who had known his parents well. He was educated by the Salesians and was an excellent student. He also served as a lay catechist. At eighteen he was elected youth secretary of Catholic Action in Pozoblanco. On 18 August 1936, during a time of persecution for Catholics in Spain, Barrolome was arrested and imprisoned. On 24 September 1936 he was moved to a prison in Jaen where he was held with fifteen priests and other laymen before being judged and condemned to death for sedition (for being a Catholic). During his trial he remained true to his faith and his religious convictions. He did not protest his death sentence and told the court that if he lived, he would continue being an active Catholic. The letters he wrote on the eve of his death to his family and to his girlfriend Maruja show his profound faith. In a letter to his relatives he wrote, May this be my last will: forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness; but indulgence, which I wish to be accompanied by doing them as much good as possible. Therefore, I ask you to avenge me with the vengeance of a Christian: returning much good to those that have tried to do me evil. According to documents supporting his cause for beatification, Bartolome went to the site of his execution barefooted, in Christ. Although only twenty-one, he impressed even his executioners with his courage. He kissed his handcuffs, surprising the guards that had put them on him, and refused to be shot from behind. Whoever dies for Christ should do so facing forward and standing straight. Long live Christ the King! he shouted as he fell to the ground under a shower of bullets. Bartolome was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI on 28 October In jail prior to his execution he wrote a beautiful and moving letter to his girlfriend, 16 Hajja Salesjana

17 Maruja. The letter is a witness of human love built on the foundation of Christ. Clearly deeply in love and ready to take up the vocation of marriage, God called him instead to embrace the vocation of martyrdom. Provincial prison of Jaen 1 Oct My dearest Maruja, Your memory will remain with me to the grave and as long as the slightest throb stirs my heart, it will beat for love of you. God has deemed fit to sublimate these worldly affections, ennobling them when we love each other in him. Though in my final days God is my light and what I long for, this does not mean that the recollection of the one dearest to me will not accompany me until the hour of my death. I am assisted by many priests who what a sweet comfort pour out the treasures of grace into my soul, strengthening it. I look death in the eye and, believe my words, it does not daunt me or make me afraid. My sentence before the court of mankind will be my soundest defense before God s court; in their effort to revile me, they have ennobled me; in trying to sentence me, they have absolved me, and by attempting to lose me, they have saved me. Do you see what I mean? Why, of course! Because in killing me, they grant me true life and in condemning me for always upholding the highest ideals of religion, country and family, they swing open before me the doors of heaven. My body will be buried in a grave in this cemetery of Jaen; while I am left with only a few hours before that definitive repose, allow me to ask but one thing of you: that in memory of the love we shared, which at this moment is enhanced, Hajja Salesjana that you would take on as your primary objective the salvation of your soul. In that way, we will procure our reuniting in heaven for all eternity, where nothing will separate us. Godbye, until that moment, then, dearest Maruja! Do not forget that I am looking at you from heaven, and try to be a model Christian woman, since, in the end, worldly goods and delights are of no avail if we do not manage to save our souls. My thoughts of gratitude to all your family and, for you, all my love, sublimated in the hours of death. Do not forget me, my Maruja, and let my memory always remind you there is a better life, and that attaining it should constitute our highest aspiration. Be strong and make a new life; you are young and kind, and you will have God s help, which I will implore upon you from his kingdom. Goodbye, until eternity, then, when we shall continue to love each other for life everlasting. 17

18 12 Thoughts to Remember Something to think about 18 Hajja Salesjana

19 Hajja Salesjana 1. Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation. 2. Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles. 3. Remember that you'll make it through whatever comes along. 4. Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance. 5. Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry. 6. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. 7. Remember not to take things too seriously. 8. Remember to laugh. 9. Remember that a little love goes a long way. 10. Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting. 11. Remember that life's treasures are people, not things. 12. Remember that miracles still happen. 19

20 IT-TNAX-IL APPOSTLU MAGÓÛULA MINN KRISTU Morru fid-dinja kollha, xandru l-bxara t-tajba lill- olqien kollu (Mark 16:15) Fr. Charles Buttigieg IL-MISSJONI TAL-APPOSTLI Il-kelma appostlu ejja mill-verb grieg apostello li jfisser jibg at. Anke l-verb ebrajk xaluah g andu l-istess tifsira. Fil-Malti g andna l-kelma rasul li tfisser messa ier u li g andha affinità mal-verb Lhudi. It-tnax-il appostlu kienu tassew mibg utin minn Kristu sabiex ixandru l-bxara t-tajba tieg u. Kollha kienu bnedmin sempliçi u ordinarji, imma laqg u s-sej a ta Kristu, imxew mieg u u wara bdew jg allmu f ismu u jwettqu g e ubijiet kbar, li b hekk inxterdet il- Knisja mad-dinja kollha. Fit-Testment il- did insibu erba listi talismijiet tal-appostli, dejjem maqsumin fi tliet gruppi ta erbg a. Dawn l-ismijiet insibuhom f Mt 10, 2-4; f Mk 3, 16-19; f Lq 6, u f Atti 1,13. San Ìwann, fir-raba evan elju ma jag ti l-ebda lista, iωda jsemmi t-tnax darbtejn f 6:67 u f 20:24 u jag tina afna tag rif dwar l-appostli. Anke l-atti tal-appostli huwa sors important fejn insibu afna tag rif dwarhom. Il-kittieba tal-ewwel sekli tal- Knisja wkoll ikomplu jag tuna afna tag rif. L-EWWEL GRUPP TAL-APPOSTLI Fl-ewwel grupp tal-appostli nsibu dejjem l-ewwel wie ed lil Pietru; imbag ad lil Andrija; lil Ìakbu u lil Ìwanni. San Pietru: Ìesù biddel l-isem ta Xmun bin Ìona g al Pietru (isem li jfisser blata ; bl-aramajk: kefa ; bil-grieg: petra ). Pietru kien miωωewwe u sajjied fl-g adira ta Tiberjas fil-galilija; kien minn Beth Saida u wara mar joqg od f Kafarnahum u Kristu g aωlu biex ikun l-ewwel Kap tal-knisja u fdalu f idejh l-imfieta tas-saltna. Huwa g araf lil Kristu b ala l-messija fl-istqarrija tal-fidi tieg u f Çesareja ta Filippi: Inti l-messija (Mk 8, 29). Kien dejjem ma Ìesù fl-iktar mumenti partikulari b al dak tat-trasfigurazzjoni u tal-getsemani. B ala bniedem dg ajjef ça ad lil Kristu fil-passjoni 20 Hajja Salesjana

21 g al tliet darbiet imma mal-ewwel nidem. G andna Ωew ittri kanoniçi minn tieg u. Huwa ppriedka fil- Palestina, f Antijokja tas-sirja fejn kien l-ewwel isqof ta din il-komunità, fl-asja Minuri, fil-greçja u wara sar Isqof ta Ruma u l-ewwel Papa. Madwar is-sena 64 W.K. a l-martirju f Ruma billi ie msallab b rasu l isfel. Il-qabar tieg u jinsab ta t l-artal tal-baωilika tal-vatikan. Il-festa litur ika tieg u hija flimkien ma ta San Pawl l-appostlu tal-ìnus, fid-29 ta Ìunju l-imnarja. Sant Andrija: Andrija jew Indrì kien u Pietru, kien ukoll sajjied u qabel ma ltaqa ma Kristu kien dixxiplu ta Ìwanni l-battista. Meqjus fi Llvant b ala l- protoclete, ji ifieri l-ewwel wie ed imsejja minn Kristu. Infatti skond San Ìwann kien huwa li introduça lil uh Pietru ma Kristu: Sibna l-messija (Ìw 1, 41). Kien hu wkoll li ressaq lejn Ìesù lit-tifel li kellu l- ames obωiet u Ωew utiet g at-tkattir tal- obω (ara Ìw 6, 1-15). Ippriedka fl- Asja Minuri u fl-asja ta dak iω-ωmien. Óa l-martirju f Patras fil-greçja billi ie mislub fuq salib forma ta X (crux decussata), madwar is-sena 69 W.K. Huwa meqjum afna fil-knisja ta Kostantinopli u fil-knejjes kollha tal-lvant, kif ukoll fl-iskozja. Ilfesta tieg u hija fit-30 ta Novembru. San Ìakbu: Ìakbu, bin Ûebedew u u San Ìwann l-evan elista, hu meqjus b ala l-ewwel appostlu li a l-martirju. L-isem ej minn Iakobos li huwa forma griega tal-isem Ìakobb u hu msejja il-kbir biex jag mlu differenza minn Ìakbu l-ie or li kien appostlu wkoll. Dan kien sajjied fl-g adira tal-galileja li flimkien ma uh ie msejja minn Kristu b ala Boanerges, ji ifieri Hajja Salesjana ulied ir-rag ad (ara Mk 3, 17). Qabel dan kien dixxiplu tal-battista. Huwa kien ukoll wie ed minn dawk preωenti fil-getsemani u fit-trasfigurazzjoni. Huwa ppriedka fil-palestina u skond ittradizzjoni anke fi Spanja. Óa l-martirju bil-qtug tar-ras fis-sena 44 W.K. minn Erodi Agrippa I, neputi ta Erodi l-kbir (ara Atti 12, 1-2). Il-fdalijiet tieg u jinsabu fil-post ta pellegrina i kbar ta Santiago de Compostela ewwa Spanja. (Iago tfisser Ìakobb bl-ispanjol). Il-festa tieg u hija fil- 25 ta Lulju. San Ìwann: Ìwanni u Ìakbu, huwa meqjus b ala d-dixxiplu l-ma bub ta Ìesù u dan g aliex kien g adu Ωag Ωug meta ie msejja u g alhekk kellu bωonn attenzjoni partikulari. Kien sajjied flimkien ma uh u missieru. Kien imqabbad minn Ìesù biex flimkien ma Pietru jipprepara g alla ar çena. L-uniku wie ed mill-appostli kollha li baqa preωenti fil- rajja tal-passjoni fejn minn fuq is-salib Ìesù fdalu lil-marija b ala ommu (ara Ìw 19-27). Flimkien ma Pietru mar dejn il-qabar ta Kristu. Kien appostlu prominenti fil-bidu tal- Knisja. Huwa ppriedka fis-samarija, fil-greçja, u fl-asja Minuri. Kiteb ir-raba evan elju, tlitt ittri u l-ktieb tal-apokalissi. Ìie me lus mill-martirju meta tefg uh fiω-ωejt jag li u ma ralu xejn u ie eωiljat ukoll fuq il-gωira ta Patmos fil-greçja. Miet f età avvanzata afna ewwa Efesu fit-turkija madwar is-sena 100 W.K. Huwa çert li ma mietx martri. Il-festa tieg u hija fis-27 ta Diçembru. 21

22 IT-TIENI GRUPP Fit-tieni grupp fil-lista tal-appostli nsibu lil Filippu; lil Bartilmew; lil Tumas u lil Mattew. San Filippu: Filippu hu wkoll sajjied minn Beth Saida. Qabel kien ukoll dixxipplu tal-battista u huwa wie ed minn tal-bidu li mexa wara Ìesù kif jurina Ìw 1, 43. Kien hu li ntroduça lil Natanjel ma Kristu: Sibna lil dak li fuqu kitbu Mosè fil-li i u l-profeti fil-kotba tag hom. Ìesù min- NaΩaret bin ÌuΩeppi Ejja u ara (Ìw 1,45-46). Kif ukoll g en lil xi Griegi f Ìerusalemm qabel il-passjoni sabiex jiltaqg u ma Kristu: Dawn marru g and Filippu u talbuh: Sinjur, nixtiequ naraw lil Ìesù. Filippu mar jg id lil Indrì, u mbag ad Indrì u Filippu marru jg idu lil Ìesù (Ìw 12: 20-22). Skont it-tradizzjoni huwa ppriedka fl-asja Minuri, fil-greçja u anke fi Franza. Óa l-martirju, skond xi w ud, permezz tattislib fuq salib g oli f Hierapolis ewwa t-turkija. O rajn isostnu li ie m a ar. Il-fdalijiet tieg u jinsabu fil-baωilika tat-tnax-il Appostli ewwa Ruma. Il-festa tieg u hija fit-3 ta Mejju flimkien ma San Ìakbu Ω-Ωg ir. San Bartilmew: Bartilmew huwa msejja Natanjel fl-evan elju ta San Ìwann. Kien minn Kana tal-galileja u ie mfa ar minn Ìesù meta rah l-ewwel darba : Ara dan tassew wie ed minn IΩrael li jixraqlu dan l-isem; ma hemm ebda qerq fih (Ìw 1, 47). Huwa jistqarr lil Ìesù: Mg allem, int l-iben ta Alla, int is-sultan ta IΩrael (Ìw 1, 49). Huwa ppriedka f Ìerusalemm, fl-asja Minuri, fl-armenja, fil-persja u anke, skond xi w ud, fl- Indja. Óa l-martirju f Derbend, fl-armenja billi qaxxruh aj. Il-fdalijiet tieg u jinsabu fil-knisja ta San Bartilmew f Ruma fuq il-gωira tat-tevere fejn in iebu mill-imperatur Otto III fis-sena 983. Il-festa tieg u hija fil-24 ta Awissu. San Tumas: Tumas imsejja Didimus, bilgrieg tfisser it-tewmi. L-appostlu tad-dubji kif t obb tlaqqmu t-tradizzjoni g aliex m emminx mal-ewwel fil-qawmien ta Kristu: Jekk ma narax f idejh il-marka tal-imsiemer u ma nqieg edx sebg i fuq il-marka tal-imsiemer u idi fuq enbu, jien ma nemminx (Ìw 20, 25). IΩda meta ra lil Kristu rxoxt huwa wie eb bl-isba stqarrija talfidi: Mulej tieg i u Alla tieg i (Ìw 20, 28). Skont it-tradizzjoni mar jippriedka fis-sirja, fil-persja u fl-indja fejn a l-martirju qrib Chennai (Madras), minfud b lanza. Il-fdalijiet tieg u jinsabu ewwa l-katidral ta Ortona, l-italja. Il-festa tieg u hija fit-3 ta Lulju. San Mattew: Mattew, bin Alfew minn Kafarnahum kien pubblikan, ji bor it-taxxi g ar- Rumani. L-isem Lhudi tieg u kien Levi (kif insibu f Mk u f Lq) waqt li dak grieg kien Mattew (kif insibu f Mt) li jfisser don t Alla. Ìie msejja minn Kristu waqt ix-xog ol tieg u (ara Mt 9, 9-13) u laqg u g andu fid-dar g all-ikel (ara Lq 5:27-32). Huwa ppriedka b mod partikulari fil-palestina, fl- Asja Minuri, u skont it-tradizzjoni mar il-persja u anke l-etjopja. Huwa kiteb l-ewwel evan elju bl- Aramajk kif jixhed tajjeb Papija fis-sena 130 W.K. Aktarx a l-martirju ewwa l-etjopja jew l-e ittu. Il-festa tieg u hija fil-21 ta Settembru. 22 Hajja Salesjana

23 IT-TIELET GRUPP L-a ar erba appostli huma Xmun il-kananew; Ìuda Taddew; Ìakbu t Alfew u Ìuda l-iskarjota. San Xmun: Xmun il-kananew (skont Mt u Mk), jew Xmun iω-ûelota (skont Lq) aktarx li qabel kien membru tal-grupp rivoluzzjonarju kontra r-rumani, iω-ûeloti. Huwa mag ruf ukoll b ala Xmun l-im e e u kien minn Kana. Skont xi w ud huwa ppriedka fir-russja, fl-afrika u anke, skond xi tradizzjonijiet, fil-brittanja. Óa l-martirju fil- Persja. Il-festa tieg u hija fit-28 t Ottubru flimkien ma San Ìuda Taddew. San Ìuda Taddew: Ìuda Taddew hu l-isem li nsibu f Mt u f Mk b ala Taddew. F Luqa u fl-atti nsibuh b ala Ìuda ta Ìakbu g ax kien u Ìakbu u qarib tal-mulej (ara Ìuda 1, 1). Jissemma fl-a ar çena waqt id-diskors ta Ìesù (ara Ìw14, 22). Huwa l-awtur ta ittra kanonika u possibilment it-tielet isqof ta Ìerusalemm wara Ìakbu u Xmun. Ippriedka fl-asja Minuri u fil-persja fejn a l-martirju. Il-fdalijiet jinsabu fi Franza, f Rheims u f Toulouse. Il-festa tieg u hija fit-28 ta Ottubru ma San Xmun. San Ìakbu t Alfew: Ìakbu Ω-Ûg ir, bin Alfew huwa meqjus minn afna b ala l-qarib tal-mulej kif juri San Pawl f Gal 1, 19. Huwa l-awtur ta ittra kanonika u sar isqof ta Ìerusalemm u mexxa l-ewwel konçilju ta Ìerusalemm (ara Atti 15, 13 u Gal 2, 9). Huwa ppriedka fis-sirja u wara fir-russja fejn a l-martirju billi qasmuh min-nofs, fis-sena 62 W.K. Il-festa tieg u hija fit-3 ta Mejju flimkien ma San Filippu. Ìuda l-iskarjota San Mattija: L-appostli kollha huma mill-galilija minbarra Ìuda l-iskarjota, li aktarx kien minn Keriot, qrib Hebron fin-nofsinhar tal-ìudija. O rajn isostnu li kien marbut maω-ûeloti. Ìuda kien jie u sieb il-kaxxa tal-flus tal-appostli. Ittradixxa lil Kristu g al tletin biçça tal-fidda (ara Matt 26, 14-16). Miet iddisprat min abba f dak li g amel billi tg allaq (ara Matt 27, 3-5 u Atti 1, 7). Minfloku, imbag ad kien intg aωel Mattija kif naraw fl-atti 1:23. Il-festa ta San Mattija hija fl-14 ta Mejju. KONKLUÛJONI Ìesù g amel sej a speçjali lil dawn it-tnax-il appostlu biex imorru jippriedkaw ir-reb a Tieg u fuq il-mewt, kif insibu fl-a ar ta kull van elu kanoniku; liema missjoni g ada sejra u tkompli fil-knisja. Il-mixja tag hom hija wkoll il-mixja ta kull wie ed u wa da minna, li tibda mill-mument çentrali tas-sej a ta Kristu u tkompli bil-missjoni ta din l-istess sej a nisranija. Hajja Salesjana 23

24 Malta Salesjana WORSHIP TEAM: ORATORJU SLIEMA Nhar it-18 ta Mejju, minflok it-talb tas-soltu, l-membri tal-oratorju in abru fil-kappella g all- in ta adorazzjoni mmexxi millistess Ωag aωag. Xi whud irreçtaw sketch fuq il-kanzunetta Everything tal-grupp Lifehouse, waqt li l-membri tal-worship Team animaw l-adorazzjoni bil-muωika. Dik il-lejla, il-membri tal-worship Team raqdu fl-oratorju sabiex l-g ada setg u jitilqu kmieni lejn Ta Qali fejn qattg u il- urnata f avventuri, picnic u log ob. Nag tu prosit lil min organizza kif ukoll lil min a sehem fl-adorazzjoni u fil- ar a sa Ta Qali. EUROVISION PASTA NIGHT Nhar il-lejla tal-eurovision Song Contest, is-26 ta Mejju, ie organizzat Pasta Night fl-oratorju, Sliema, sabiex flimkien, dawk li riedu, setg u jaraw il-festival fuq screen kbir. Grupp ta membri lestew l-imwejjed, si ijiet, platti u kull ma kien hemm bωonn; dawk aktar kbar adu sieb it-tisjir g al aktar minn 100 ru. Kienet lejla daqsxejn storbjuωa, imma ferrie a waqt li afna minnhom setg u jivvutaw u jippruvaw jaqtg u min ser jirba : fil-fatt daqs 30 ru qatg u li tirba l-isvezja. G alkemm kien tard, afna kienu dawk li g inu sabiex kollox jer a jitpo a lura f postu! FESTA TA MARIJA F GHAWDEX Il-Festa ta Marija G ajnuna tal-insara iet iççelebrata fl-oratorju Dun Bosco, G awdex, nhar l-24 ta Mejju. Mgr. George Tabone mexxa l-konçelebrazzjoni animata mill-chorus Urbanus. Wara l-quddiesa saret purçissjoni bl-istatwa ta Marija fit-toroq madwar l-oratorju. Ilçelebrazzjoni ing alqet bil-konsagrazzjoni tal-oratorju lil Marija G ajnuna tal-insara u bil-barka ewkaristika. Qabel dan il-jum, kienet saret t ejjija billi fil-quddiesa kienet issir omelia fuq id-devozzjoni lejn Marija u l- e a ta Dun Bosco sabiex iferrex din id-devozzjoni. Intwera wkoll, filkappella, video fuq il- ajja tal-ver ni Marija. 24 Hajja Salesjana

25 TREVOR ZAHRA F SAVIO COLLEGE Kienet esperjenza unika g all-istudenti tal-form3 kollha, li jilqg u fil-kulle Savio il-mag ruf kittieb Malti, Trevor Zahra. Dan ara nhar it-12 ta Ìunju, meta l-kittieb qasam ma l-istudenti l-istorja tal-karriera tieg u b ala kittieb. Huwa wkoll ass fer kbir li jkun fost studenti, lest li jisma l-istejjer tag hom, g aliex g alihom huwa jikteb u minnhom jie u l-ideat. Dan l-avveniment kien mod kif Ms. Dorothy Bezzina, g alliema tal-malti fil-kule, riedet turi l-apprezzament tag ha g ax-xog ol eççellenti u kreattiv tal-istudenti li g arfu jg aqqdu flimkien il-letteratura u l-media. Kien ukoll a a sabi a u nkura anti il-mod kif is- Sur Zahra analizza il- sibijiet u r-reazzjonijiet tal-istudenti g all-ktieb tieg u Sfidi li ew murija fil-video ta kull PAST PUPILS F GÓAWDEX Is-Sibt 2 ta Ìunju inzerta sabi u dak inhar il-past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco qasmu l-fliegu sabiex iqattg u urnata G awdex. Mal-wasla tag om l-im arr, grupp ta Ωeffiena tawhom mer ba. Imbag ad rikbu il-karozza li adithom dritt lejn is- Santwarju tal-madonna Ta Pinu. Il-quddiesa iet iççelebrata minn Fr Joe Forte, u wara, il-grupp kollu mar il-belt Victoria fejn min mar g all-kafe` u min Ωar is-suq u l- wienet. G all- in tal-ikel il-karozza adithom fir-restaurant Ta Kenuna fejn kielu ikla tajba u abbundanti. L-a ar in ta wara l-ikel u qabel it-tluq g addewh Marsalforn, minn fejn, g all- abta ta 4.30 p.m. telqu lejn il-port u lura lejn Malta. Jum mill-isba, flimkien, f isem Dun Bosco. klassi. Prosit lil Ms. Bezzina li g arfet tg aqqad b mod ori inali l-istudju, l-letteratura u t-talenti tat-tfal. Hajja Salesjana FESTA TAL-QALB TA GESU L ISLA Il-Komunita` Salesjana tal-isla tie u sieb torganizza ilpurçissjoni ta nhar il-qalb ta Ìesu`. Mal-parruççani tal-isla, din is-sena, ing aqdu numru ta membri u Past Pupils mill-oratorju ta Tas-Sliema. Barra minn dawn kien hemm ukoll is-salesian Brigade li mxiet quddiem nett, u l-worship team li kien hemm sabiex janima il-quddiesa. Mexxa iç-çelebrazzjoni l-arçipriet il- did tal- Isla, Dun Ivan Scicluna. Wara l-purçissjoni kien hemm bibita g al kull min a sehem, u wara, bosta minn dawk li ew minn Tas-Sliema marru jieklu pizza ix-xatt tal-isla. 25