Two Salesians Could Soon Be Venerable

Two Salesians Could Soon Be Venerable

Diocesan Documents for Servants of God Fr. Vendrame and Bp. Marengo Are under Study in Rome

(ANS – Rome – July 22, 2024) – At Salesian Headquarters in Rome, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, postulator general for the causes of saints of the Salesian Congregation, met Fr. John Zosiama, superior of the province of Shillong, India, and Fr. Sebastian Kuricheal, superior of the province of Guwahati, India, on July 18.  During the meeting, Fr. Cameroni updated the 2 provincials about the cause for canonization of 2 Salesian Servants of God: Fr. Constantine Vendrame and Bp. Orestes Marengo.

Fr. Vendrame (center) with youngsters

The reports of the diocesan inquiry have already been approved and submitted to the Vatican for further investigation by a team of theologians, historians, cardinals, and bishops. Once this investigation is completed, the decree on the venerability of these two Servants of God will be promulgated and they will be titled “Venerable.”

Fr. Cameroni said he was deeply touched and inspired by the lives of these 2 holy missionaries as he read all the accounts. He asked both provincials to encourage and spread devotion to these holy confreres in Northeast India, involving the whole Church and the faithful. They made an indispensable, unique contribution to the growth of the Church in that region.

Bp. Marengo with a child

The diocesan investigation process for Fr. Vendrame began on August 19, 2006. The provinces of Shillong and Guwahati sincerely are grateful to Fr. Mawrie Barnes, postulator of the diocesan inquiry, for his interest and hard work for this noble cause.

We continue to spread devotion to these 2 Servants of God and pray fervently that the process can proceed smoothly.

Fr. Xavier Ernest, SDB, Chaplain at the Olympics

Fr. Xavier Ernst, SDB, on the Team of Catholic Chaplains at the Olympic Village

(ANS – Paris – July 22, 2024) – While the best athletes of all disciplines are converging from all over the world on France, and on Paris in particular, the Olympic village dedicated to welcoming them, in the Saint-Denis area, is ready. It includes houses, shops, and a large park with 9,000 trees and shrubs that have been specially planted. But not only that: inside there is also a multi-religious center in the form of a tent, similar to the “tent of meetings” that young people from Salesian circles have known in the Campobosco experience. Within this space there are a reception area and 5 different prayer rooms, which house the chaplains of the 5 main religions (Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist). These include Catholic chaplains – including Salesian Fr. Xavier Ernst – as well as Protestants and Orthodox.

Since their resumption in modern times under the guidance of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the Olympic Games have included a significant spiritual dimension. “For a long time now, there has been a spiritual presence at the heart of the Olympic Games, as this is a request from the International Olympic Committee. It is precisely the one who calls for an interfaith space in the Olympic Village,” François Morinière of Holy Games explained.

About 30 Catholic chaplains were chosen by the Catholic Church in France to be present at specific time slots, depending on their availability (with hours of service from 7 am to 11 pm). They are priests, men and women religious, and lay people, all united by 2 things: love for sports and the experience of spiritual guidance. Among them is Fr. Xavier Ernst, SDB, pastor of St. John Bosco parish in the 20th arrondissement of Paris and delegate for youth ministry in the province of France and Southern Belgium.

“Our service is to be present. Athletes know that in the Olympic Village there is this space, a place for listening, sharing, and relationship. Our environment is furnished with icons, symbolic furnishings, and the Bible,” Fr. Ernst explains. “Every morning there will be a moment of lectio divina, of reading and sharing the Gospel, a moment that will be ecumenical. And every day we’ll celebrate the Eucharist, not in the multi-religious center, but in the church next to the village.”

“Will we have 1 visitor per day, 10, 50, or 100? Obviously we don’t know! But the important thing isn’t the number, it’s our being at the service of the athletes,” the Salesian says.

During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (July 26-August 11), the Salesian Family will be active in offering its spiritual service to the many athletes, coaches, members of delegations, and fans who will crowd Paris for the occasion. For example, in the church of Saint-Sulpice, from Thursday, July 25, to Friday, August 2, the Salesian Youth Movement over 17 section will propose a series of activities and animations—reception, games, listening, times for prayer—in addition to 2 highlights entrusted to it by the organizing committee: the ecumenical prayer vigil on Tuesday, July 30, with Mark Gangloff, 2-time Olympic swimming champion, and the Mass on July 31, presided over by Bp. Emmanuel Gobillard, delegate of the Church for the Olympics in Paris.

Source : Don Bosco Aujourd’hui

Homily for the Feast of St. James the Greater

Homily for the Feast of
St. James the Greater

July 25, 2024
Matt 20: 20-28
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

It’s a little curious that today’s Scriptures pass over the most glorious parts of St. James’ apostolic career.  We don’t hear how promptly he left his nets and his father to follow Jesus or how that following of Jesus led him to martyrdom (Acts 12:1-2).

Instead, we hear of his and his brother’s ambition and naiveté.  As Bp. Barron writes, they ask for power and honor.[1]  The other nite I watched how this scene is depicted in The Chosen.[2]  Jesus seems to be stunned and very disappointed, 1st in the brothers, then in the reaction of the others.  We know the end of the story, which may make us ready to judge them all harshly.

Like we’ve never sought power or honor for ourselves!  Bp. Barron concludes his take on the scene, “When you serve others, when you become the least, you are accessing the power of God and seeking the honor of God.”

That’s why Jesus called James and John, and why he calls us.  That’s why James finally gave his life for Christ and why we give him our lives.

---

[1] The Word on Fire Bible:  The Gospels (Park Ridge, Ill., 2020), p. 125.

[2] Season 4, episode 4

Homily for Tuesday, Week 16 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Tuesday
16th Week of Ordinary Time

July 23, 2024
Mic 7: 14-15, 18-20
Ps 85: 2-8
Matt 12: 46-50
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

“Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old” (Mic 7: 14).

The hills of Gilead
(Wikipedia)

Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, refers to lands east of the Jordan renowned for their rich pastures, once occupied by some of the tribes of Israel.  He pleads with God for a restoration, a deliverance based on Israel’s admission of their sins and his forgiveness.  The prophet’s confident that the Lord “will cast into the depths of the sea all our sins” (7:19).  That’s our own confidence every time we go to confession, isn’t it?  And indeed every time we begin Mass.

Only if people confess and repent can God save.  In Psalm 85 Israel acknowledges their guilt and credits God with bringing them home from exile in Babylon:  “You have favored your land; you have brought back the captives of Jacob.  You have forgiven the guilt of your people; you have covered all their sins” (vv. 2-3).  Yet they pray for a complete restoration—for prosperity and contentedness on the land, which can follow only from God’s good pleasure.

Jesus doesn’t talk about restoration, but he does talk about pleasing God; a restoration is implied.  “Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, sister, and mother” (Matt 12:50).  Doing the Father’s will, of course, means turning from our sins toward God.  The restoration, then, is to a warm family relationship with God thru his Son, a relationship of brotherhood with the Son.  That’s why we’re brothers to one another—and have been made at the same time sons of God.  We’re restored to the divine image in which we God created us.

Salesians Dream Big to Heal War Wounds

Salesians Dream Big to Heal War Wounds

(ANS – Lviv, Ukraine – July 22, 2024) – Ukraine is going through a very difficult period in its history. Unfortunately, war always brings great pain, and many young people lose their lives, while many others will forever bear the signs of violence on their bodies. The Salesians are always close to the neediest, as can be seen in all the work they do with refugees and displaced persons, with the poor, the sick, and the disabled. It has already been almost a year since the Salesians in the Vice Province of Greek-Catholic Ukraine (UKR) launched the first soccer team in the whole country to be made up of young people who have limb amputations due to war. A month ago the Salesians also started the first team for children and youths with amputations.

Thanks to the support of the Don Bosco Salesian Mission Office in Bonn, these sports activities for children and youths are developing very well and the number of their participants is increasing.

During this year, a professional team has been created that is able to give its contribution and advice to those looking to start working in this field. “Every day several of our rehabilitation specialists, coaches, and psychologists work together to help young people overcome this difficult time and find a new balance in life, find an activity that they like, that gives them hope,” Fr. Myhkhaylo Chaban, superior of UKR, says.

In this way the Salesians have become the point of reference for the whole of Ukraine. The central soccer association for amputees at European level, through its president, Mateusz Widlak, is expressing its closeness and supports the various Salesian initiatives. To promote this type of sport, to make it better known, the Pokrova Salesian team (which takes its name from the title of the most venerated Madonna in the country, “Our Lady of All Protection”), is participating in the Polish national championship. (Latin-rite Salesians belong to the Krakow Province.) The desire of the UKR Salesians, however, would be to start a soccer league for amputees in Ukraine. Meanwhile, following the example of the Salesians, a few months ago two other teams were created in Ukraine: Shakhtar Stalevi of Donetsk and Dnipro Cherkasy.

“In the weekend that has just passed, we organized a great and first event for the whole of Ukraine,” Fr. Chaban said. We’ve hosted these teams in our Salesian center: for formation, play, training, and a recreational moment. The purpose was to get to know each other, to dream of a future together. In these three days we have also organized formation for people who would like to create soccer teams for amputees in their cities.”

From the different cities of Ukraine, in fact, several managers participated who will start these activities in the near future. The Salesians have become a center where it is possible to prepare well for work with youths and children who have lived through the horrors of war.

“And with the new Salesian Sports and Rehabilitation Center that we are planning near Lviv and that we hope we will be able to achieve soon, we want to offer a place of hope for many young people, young people and families” concludes the Superior of UKR.

Homily for 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Homily for the
16th Sunday of Ordinary Time

July 21, 2024
Mark 6: 30-34
Our Lady of the Assumption, Bronx
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

“His heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6: 34).

The Good Shepherd
(fresco, catacombs)

Sheep and shepherds are the main theme in today’s Scriptures.  You and I don’t know much about sheep or shepherds.  The only sheep around here are at the Bronx Zoo.  I think there are a few also on farms up in Westchester County.

Sheep aren’t particularly bright; I hope that’s not why God calls us his flock.  They’re prone to wandering off if not closely managed by a shepherd; that’s more like us, who find it hard always to focus on God.  They’re vulnerable to wild animals like the wolf Jesus speaks of in John ch. 10 (v. 12) or the lions and bears David fought off while watching his family’s flock (1 Sam 17:34-36).  St. Peter warns us, “Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8).

So we need the guidance and protection of a good shepherd.  Jesus identifies himself as that good shepherd in John 10.  In today’s gospel he demonstrates his care for his followers.  He’s moved with pity, Mark says, with compassion, even tho both he and his apostles are tired and looking for rest, so beleaguered they can’t even manage a decent meal (6:31).

What does our compassionate Lord do for the vast crowd that comes to him?  Mark tells us today that “he began to teach them many things” (6:34).  Next week we’ll hear what else he did:  feeding the vast crowd with 5 barley loaves and 2 fish.  Jesus teaches, and Jesus feeds.  Like the shepherd in Ps 23, he refreshes souls with spiritual food (v. 3), and he spreads a table before his people (v. 5).

Jesus continues to care for his flock.  He teaches us in 3 ways.  1st, he speaks to us in the Sacred Scriptures.  We need to listen to him teaching us—not only when we come to Mass but also by taking up our Bibles at home and reading them, absorbing their contents.

2d, Jesus speaks to us thru the Church that he founded, which provides sound teaching of God’s truth and God’s way of living.  The Church, after all, wrote the Scriptures—the gospels, the letters of the apostles, and even the Old Testament, which comes from God’s people before Christ.  The Church, further, determined which ancient writings were divinely inspired and belonged in the Bible, and which didn’t.  And Jesus promised to remain with us “always, until the end of the age” (Matt 28:20), and the powers of hell will not overcome the Church (Matt 16:18).  The Church, led by Christ, continues to teach us truth, e.g., about God’s love for every human being, and moral living, e.g., on war and peace and the right use of our sexuality.

3d, Jesus speaks to us in prayer.  Our prayer is partly the words we speak to God and the saints—with customary prayers like the Our Father and Hail Mary, and prayers that rise directly from our hearts in our own words, or as St. Paul says, “with sighs too deep for words” (Rom 8:26)—about our joys and our sorrows; and prayer’s partly what God says to us in our hearts when we open them up to him.

So, there you have 3 ways in which Jesus our Good Shepherd continues to teach his flock:  Scripture, Church, and prayer.  Next week he’ll feed his followers with physical bread, leading up to his teaching about spiritual bread:  his own body and blood, the Holy Eucharist, the food that nourishes us as we journey toward eternal life.

Homily for Memorial of St. Camillus de Lellis

Homily for the Memorial of
St. Camillus de Lellis
Thursday, Week 15 of O.T.

Collect
Is 26: 7-9, 12, 16-19
July 18, 2024
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

God “adorned the priest St. Camillus with a singular grace of charity toward the sick,” the collect acclaims.  In that prayer, we ask God to give us “a spirit of love” for both God himself and our neighbor, a love that will enable us to pass safely to eternal life like Camillus.  If we are wrapped in love, or rapt in love, we’ll come safely into the eternal presence of Love.

Some of you carry out a ministry toward the sick or the infirm.  In fact, all of you do, the ministry of attentiveness to the needs and concerns of your neighbor, your brother—and not only the brother in this same house but also of your brothers thruout the province and the congregation; and not only those who are sick or elder or who have special needs, but those too who labor (cf. Matt 11:28) to carry out the mission given them by our Lord Jesus.

We pray constantly that “the way of the just” may be made smooth and level (Is 26:7), that all our brothers and sisters whose spirits keep vigil for the Lord might bring an element of the Lord’s justice, mercy, and light into our world (26:9).  This is a grace of charity open to all of us, besides the daily charity of attentiveness and concern here among us.

Changing Lives, One Person at a Time

Changing Lives, One Person at a Time

(ANS – Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 12, 2024) – More than almost any other place on Earth, youths in Sierra Leone struggle to survive because of the consequences of abject poverty. Yet amid overwhelming adversity, there’s hope for something better, and it starts at Don Bosco Fambul.

Don Bosco Fambul is one of the country’s leading child welfare organizations—providing food, clothing, shelter, educational opportunities, counseling, crisis intervention, and family reunification services for an estimated 2,500 street children each year. Salesians and staff that run this center provide these important services in close partnership with local authorities, who rely on the Salesians’ expertise and shared commitment.

“Despite Sierra Leone’s constitutional guarantee to protect and educate its children, there simply aren’t enough government resources to help vulnerable children,” explains Fr. Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions in New Rochelle. “That’s where Don Bosco Fambul steps in—changing lives one step, and one young person, at a time.”

Such transformation starts at the street level—literally—with Don Bosco Mobil.

Officially established in 2010 as the primary contact point for many of Don Bosco Fambul’s beneficiaries, the Don Bosco on Wheels outreach bus travels to Freetown’s most notorious neighborhoods. They offer meals, clean clothes, showers, and basic health care to children living and working on the streets. Staff also educate these children about Don Bosco Fambul’s full complement of programs so that—if and when youths are ready to make a change—they know where to turn for help.

“It’s not hard to imagine the skepticism and fear among homeless youths who spend their days dodging exploitation and abuse,” Fr. Mike says. “That’s why the staff who operate Don Bosco on Wheels invests considerable time into gaining the confidence and trust of vulnerable youths.”

That’s how Titus, now 19, learned about Don Bosco Fambul. He first began spending time on the streets when he was just 7 years old—a coping mechanism for escaping dire poverty and despair at home. Rather than return to his parents after school, he would roam the sidewalks and alleyways of Freetown until midnight. Sometimes, he would steal money in order to eat—which led to his being kicked out of the house permanently.

For 2 years, young Titus fended for himself … and then Don Bosco Mobil rolled into his life.

Initially, staff worked with Titus and his family in hope of reunifying them. When those efforts didn’t succeed, he entered Don Bosco Fambul’s Group Home for boys, where he received the support he needed to reshape his future.

And the results are tangible. Missionaries at the Group Home report that Titus is a lector, an altar server, a brass band player, a baker, a practicing tailor, and a singer! He is also enrolled in Milton Margai Technical University, with plans to become a social worker so that he can help more kids like himself.

Titus is just one of the young people who have found new hope at Don Bosco Fambul. Thanks to caring people, many more precious children will be rescued from the streets.

Source: Salesian Missions

Youth Meeting in World's Coldest City

Youth Meeting in the Coldest City in the World

(ANS – Yakutsk, Russia – July 16, 2024) – The 26th Far Eastern Youth Conference took place in Yakutia from July 7 to 14. This is a meeting of the eastern part of the diocese of St. Joseph based in Irkutsk, the largest Catholic diocese in the world in terms of area. More than 30 participants from different parishes, hundreds of miles apart, met in the Salesian house in Yakutsk. The theme of the meeting was the search for the vocation and dream of God for each person, in connection with the Rector Major’s 2024 Strenna. In speeches and informal moments, witness talks were presented about the vocation of priests, religious, Salesian Cooperators, active lay people, and also the testimony of a missionary volunteer. Invited guest Oleg Voskresensky enriched the program with a series of talks on the historical-scientific foundations of the Christian faith. Conference participants learned the history of the city of Yakutsk, the largest city in the world built on perennially frozen ground. They visited the Kingdom of Eternal Ice and the Mammoth Museum. The event took place in Yakutsk as part of the double jubilee; this year the city marks 30 years since the arrival of the Salesians and the establishment of the parish, and also 15 years since the consecration of the only Catholic church in the Yakutia territory.

(Jan Krupa, SDB)