www.dbbulletin.

com
Editor
Glorious Steve sdb
Associate Editor
Stafford Mantel
Editorial Team
A. Raj sdb
Joe Andrew sdb
Prof. Victor Louis
Joe Mannath sdb
Francis Karackatt sdb
George Plathottam sdb
Ralin Desouza sdb
From that hour He took
18
Savio Silveira sdb
Advisory Council
K. Maria Arokiam sdb her into His own home
Stanislaus Swamikannu sdb The feast of Assumption reminds us that one day we will all
K.J. Louis sdb be taken to heaven and stall be living with God. This is the
Financial Advisor
Philominathan Sagayaraj sdb
hope, aspiration, and assurance that we get on this beautiful
Design and Layout
day when we also celebrate our independence.
M. Remo Reegan Raj
Dharani Roy Chowdary
Editorial Office
Don Bosco Bulletin,
20 Long Live Indian Independence
The Citadel, In 62 years time we have made ourselves capable of solving
45, Landons Road, many problems confronting us. One clear example is that we
Chennai 600 010. Tamilnadu. withstood the economic downturn while many suffered.
Phone: (044) 26612138/40.
Fax: (044) 26411310.
Subscription Rates Editorial Bible
Single Copy : Rs. 10.00 5 Celebrating a ‘big faith’ 12 Solomon: The wisest king
INDIA Sri Lanka
1 Year Rs. 120.00 US $ 10
Sprituality Salesian
2 Years Rs. 220.00 US $ 14 6 Unmasking jesus 14 A road that diverged in a
3 Years Rs. 300.00 US $ 20 A postmoderm outlook yellow wood
Life Rs. 3000.00 US $ 300 Well-Being 21 ‘Would that I had hundred
OTHER COUNTRIES: One Year
8 Do not judge tongues to praise!’
Sea Mail : US $ 15
Air Mail : US $ 30 Current Affairs 24 Salesian buzzwords
Life Subscription 10 Melting glaciers, sinking isles: 26 Salesian news
Air Mail : US $ 600 Global warming hits india Values
Sea Mail : US $ 350
Media Matter 28 Church news
Printed and Published by Glorious Stephen on 30 Stories for radiant living
behalf of The South India Salesian Society
11 Women’s reservation bill
45, Landons Road, Chennai 600 010 - A Critique Regulars
and printed at SIGA Press, 49,Taylors Road, Students Plus 32 Humour
Chennai - 600 010.
16 Improving memory 33 Children’s page
Editor : Glorious Stephen

Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 3

 RECTOR MAJOR

D
ear Readers, several times I have
said and written that the Salesian
Family (SF) is a “Movement”.
Church Movements each with its own
characteristics are quite numerous
nowadays and involve thousands of
people. Therefore we are not following
a fashion but building on our heritage.
What Don Bosoc started in fact is known
as “a vast movement of persons for the
salvation of the young” . What is specific
about it? It is a spiritual and apostolic
movement!
BEING SPECIFIC
It is a movement, that is something
dynamic. This explains why it continues
to grow in number - in members, and in
Getting to know itself, forming itself, working together
society. In other words it is a vocation, a
call to continue the work of Christ, with
a particular mandate - that of dedicating
itself, through education, to the salvation
of the young who are poor and those who
are living in difficult circumstances.
TWO DOCUMENTS AND THREE
AIMS
In the SF we have two documents which
make clear on the one hand our identity
and on the other our common mission. elements and points of reference; above
These are the “Charter of Communion” all the study of Don Bosco in order to
and the “Mission Charter” (earlier also know, understand and to take up his
known as the “Common Identity Card” charismatic project and his criteria in
and the “Common Mission Statement.”) pastoral activity. A knowledge of the
In practice, however, I should like to successful pastoral experiences of the
invite you to take three important steps. various groups and congregations could
be extremely useful. Anniversaries and
other celebrations (centenaries, golden

THE SALESIAN FAMILY AS A MOVEMENT

In certain circumstances we are witnessing in Salesian activities a
jubilees etc.) are suitable occasions to
acquire this knowledge and/or improve
it. Equally useful could be holding days
real mobilization of the laity, not necessarily practising believers.. of recollection and/or retreats together
In this way begins a vast movement of persons which becomes which encourage an atmosphere of greater
organized and coordinated and shares a project for the salvation of spiritual sharing. Where it is possibile,
the young and of people in general. (MC 5). there could be real formation courses on
our common charismatic heritage and/or
groups: today there are 26 groups which So as to really live as a Movement we a better knowledge of the youth situation
officially form part of it, but there are at need to “know each other better,” “form or of the local areas in which we are
least another thirty which are moving in ourselves together,” “work together in working. These things should contribute
that direction, even though they are not yet harmony”! These are the aims I set before to increasing our sense of belonging and
officially recognised, and some of them are you for the immediate future. to the awareness that all have their own
certainly very interesting and significant. “Knowing each other better” means particular characteristics.
It is a spiritual movement, since it is the becoming aware of what our family really is.
The third step is “working together in
fruit of the Spirit Who inspired it and It is necessary that the groups know each
harmony”. We can recall the example
continues to create it. The SF is not a other, that they create opportuntities to
Don Bosco used to help us appreciate
project born in the study nor the fruit meet together, that they celebrate the fact
unity. A single thread if stretched easily
of Don Bosco’s genius. The Salesian of being brothers and sisters sharing the
breaks. Many threads twisted together
Constitutions expressly state that it is the same charism. In addition, great attention
make a rope which no one can break. It
work of the Holy Spirit and came into must be paid to appreciating the different
is unthinkable therefore for groups of the
being through the intervention of Mary. It specific gifts: those of religious, those of
SF to be living in the same place, facing
is this which assures us that it is something consecrated lay people, groups of men
the same challenges and yet each one
charismatic, a gift of God at the service and groups of women, of consecrated
choosing to work on its own.
of the Church and of the world. It is good persons living in the world and those
to know that the foundation of the SF is who live a common life, those who work Dear Readers, what I am telling you
the Holy Spirit. in organisations and those who carry out about is not just a dream! In many parts
an apostolate in their everyday lives, small of the world this is already happening.
It is an apostolic movement: that is to groups and large ones. Nonetheless, the distance between
say it is directed towards a mission to what is happening and what could be
be accomplished; it is not a club for The second important step is “forming
happening is always great. It’s time to get
friends who like being together, nor is ourselves together.” This is a conviction
moving! Don’t you think so?
it a philanthropic society. It is a body to be acquired and a practice to to be
at work within the Church on behalf of started. Our formation has particular Pascual Chavez Villanueva sdb
4 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009

celebrating a “Big Faith”
A
s the nation welcomes the
remarkable independence
of herself this year, she
has the satisfaction that all the
100 crore people living here are
breathing a lot easier. Last year
when India crossed the billion-
mark in population, few thought it
a moment for celebration.
Indeed, many people trace most
of the problems faced by India to
her teeming millions. Yet, it is an
achievement all by itself. When
India became independent, disease
and death, the high mortality rates
in men, women and children were
a serious concern. Epidemics were
rampant, healthcare was spotty,
and trained doctors were just not
available. The few physicians
of the Christian Missionary
establishments were looked upon
as one of the few blessings of the
otherwise accursed British rule.
Today not only is India’s healthcare
system with all its deficiencies one
of the most extensive in the world,
but she is a net exporter of the
healthcare experts. They go not to
the backwaters of the world, but
the most developed of the nations
upon it. Incidentally, the science
and technology establishments in
those very developed countries
depend substantially on the
Indian scientists and technocrats,
trained and educated in the Indian
institutions and universities. And
education, rather the lack of it, was
one of the nation’s most deficient
areas on the eve of independence.
Think of the German lanterns with
which India greeted her mid-night tryst
with destiny and think of Germans
fighting over getting Indian experts
and you have a substantive image of
the achievements of the nation over
these past fifty-four years.
Indians of the 21st century may
grumble over the lengthening power
shortages, yet the 527 billion kilowatt-
hours of electricity, being generated
today, is a thundering shout from the
paltry 7 billion KWh of electricity
produced in the fifties. Just 3 lakh
tones of crude were produced then and
3 crore tones are produced today. The
total number of registered vehicles
then was 3 lakh. Last year, one single
company produced and sold over 3
lakh cars.
The total worth of the nation in fifties
was 9 thousand crores, today it is
near 200 thousand crores. The plan
outlay fifty years ago was a bare
260 crores compared to today’s 180
thousand crores. Literacy has gone
three timesm better, life expectancy
is double what it was and incomes
for a population that has trebled have
scored a threehold increment. And, of
course, there are the giant strides in
the agriculture and food production.
From 50 million tones to 200 million
tones is a long journey that India has
traveled with verve. Once perennially
hungry India has no place to store her
grain, today.
The sluggish poverty - stricken India
of fifties is one of the world’s fastest
growing economies and biggest
markets, today. When the services
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
E d i tor i a l
and amenities available are taken
into consideration, the apparently
low Indian incomes translate into
figures that compare favourably with
the best in the world. But, probably,
the most remarkable achievements
of the post independent India is the
stature she occupies in the comity of
nations today. A graphic illustration
would be comparison of Nehru’s
first visit to USA to the response
Manmohan Singh received. And,
Nehru was a world statesman, one
of the tallest one produced.
This year may see India installed
as the permanent member of the
UN Security Council in which she,
despite being a founder member, was
a virtual underdog fifty years ago.
Of course, she is a nuclear power, a
space power, a military power, and
a technological power today. This
is not a mean achievement by any
reckoning. The nation has prospered
and prospered well. Therefore this
independence day, as on all the
days past, India can take just pride
that she has done well, remarkably
well, by herself As Christians we
celebrate the Assumption of Mother
Mary too – a faith that has leaped to
Heaven. Yes it’s her ‘Big Faith” that
took her the heights of Heaven. Even
heaven opened herself to her in an
unusual manner.
Every citizen of India is called for
that “Big Faith” to look to their
future here and in heaven above.
But miles to go in faith and in fact
at every dawn of the day… The
Independence day.
Glorious Steve sdb
Editor
5
 Sprituality

J
esus is the same always, he never
changes - he is the same today as he
was yesterday, and will be tomorrow.
While most of us would agree with that
statement we need to remember, that
while Jesus never changes, our perception
of him does - regularly. For example, the
image and perception of Christ that led
the Crusades is not the same image and
perception of Christ who led the anti-
slavery and equal rights movement (we
seem to forget that it is not Dr. Martian
Luther king, it is the Reverend Dr. Martian
Luther king, inspired by God and lead
by the Spirit). So you see, Jesus never
changes, but the way we interact with
him changes constantly. This interaction
does not limit the divinity of Christ, it
simply emphasis the humanity of us all.
It is through our limited and changing
understanding what we bring glory to the
divinity of Jesus. With that being said,
how do we view a postmodern Jesus?
Let’s not get into a “physical” appearance
debate, that also changes with time -

Unmasking Jesus
look at pictures painted in the fifties and
sixties and compare it to the images of
Jesus today, and over time - I recently
saw a picture of Jesus with earrings and

a tribal, very cool. Each generation
changes the physical image of Jesus to
fit their individual tastes, so to truly get
a grip of Jesus in a postmodern age we
need to get to the essence that defines
Jesus for a generation. This will allow us
to see how Jesus interact with our lives
today. This goes way beyond physical
appearance.
When we look into that essence, I be-
lieve there are six major areas where the
postmodern understanding of Jesus dif-
fers from that of a modern Jesus -
* Jesus is action, not conversation
* Jesus is a visionary, not a dreamer
* Jesus is a servant, not a leader
* Jesus is compassion, not tough love
* Jesus is personal, not private
* Jesus is real, not mythical
6 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
a postmodern outlook
Jesus is action, not conversation
When we hear Jesus speaking to us,
Jesus is the same in a postmodern age, we hear him
always. He never say, “Get off your butts and into the
streets - minister to my people and
changes. He is the stop planning on how to minister.”
The time of talk and plan are past, it
same today as He was is now the time of doing. The norm in
yesterday, and will be contemporary Church is to talk, plan and
hold committee meetings. Postmodern
tomorrow. people believe that while you are
planning the problem is getting worse.
...while Jesus never Modern people want a plan before they
jump into action, postmodern people
changes, our perception want to jump into action and develop a
plan as they go along. Modern people
of Him does - regularly. are check book people, postmodern
people are date book people.

Jesus is a visionary not a dreamer
What’s the difference between a visionary
and a dreamer? First, a visionary sees
the destination in the light of day, a
dreamer only dreams when he or she
is sleeping. Jesus had a vision, a deep
vision of a glorious Kingdom of God -
what a wonderful vision. A vision where
all people, from all backgrounds, all
economic paths can come together and
worship the true and living God - what
a powerful vision. Another important
difference between a visionary and
a dreamer is this - a vision centers on
others, a dream is centered on the
person dreaming. Jesus had vision, not a
dream. Modern people tend to dream.
They see the possibilities with them as
the center, a postmodern person does
not see themselves as the center - they
are willing to move aside, for the glory
of God.
Jesus is a servant, not a leader
Moderns freak out when they hear that
Jesus is not a leader - this goes against
everything they hold dear about Jesus,
but Jesus never - never - never - never
- said “I come to lead” - he said he
came to serve. It is all the rage in the
contemporary/modern Church to claim to
be a “servant/leader”- yet, interestingly
enough no one claims to be a servant -
they all claim to be a leader - here’s a
test, go to any person in the church, any
person, and ask if they could direct you
to the servants; now go to another and
ask if they can direct you to the leaders.
Postmodern people have a deep desire
to be a servant, and to serve others is
important - for moderns, servants are
something to be bossed and controlled,
for a postmodern person, a servant is
someone to be emulated and respected.
If we leave out the “leader” and only call
ourselves “servant” we will be right on task
with what Jesus is calling us to be - will you
wash the feet of others in the Church?
Jesus is compassion, not tough love
The concept of tough love is not a
scriptural teaching, it is a human teaching
A visionary sees
the destination in
the light of day,
a dreamer only
dreams when he
is sleeping.
with no scriptural base at all. Tough love
gives us an out and allows us to disconnect
with those in need. By claiming tough
love we do not mess-up our life with the
baggage of other people. But remember
we are called, as mentioned earlier, to be
in action. This action calls us to get out
of the church and get dirty - if we desire
to pick people up, we need to extend our
hands and take theirs - even if their hands
are covered with mud. A postmodern
Jesus calls us to to pick people up, and if
we get dirty in the process Jesus will be
there to help.
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
Sprituality
Jesus is personal, not private
The contemporary/modern Church tend
to see our relationship with Jesus as
private - it is not. our relationship with
Jesus is personal, but it is not private.
You see, you and I may see Jesus in
different ways on a personal level, but we
are still called to share that relationship
with others - and sharing requires we
speak with others about Jesus and what
he means to us. We need to share our
faith in the postmodern age, if not us -
who? if not how - when? if not here
- where?
Jesus is real, not mystical
If we see Jesus as a mystic, he has no value
in our life today. Seeing Jesus as a real
person, with real pain, with real hopes,
with real temptations, with real emotions
lets us know that we can look to him and
get connected - our life has meaning,
because Jesus’ life had meaning.
One day a man went out for a walk.
In his walk he decided to make an
unexpected turn, and in doing so he fell
into a deep pit. As he struggled to pull
himself out of the pit a humanist walked
by and said, “man that is a deep pit - I
feel sorry for you.” The man just looked,
and continued to try to get out. Soon,
a Presbyterian came by and said, “it is
your destiny to be in that pit, make the
most of it and relax.” The man sat for
a few moments, but soon started to try
to get out. As he did a Baptist came by
and said, “well, I know I would never fall
into that pit.” Then a Methodist came
by, “here are a blanket and some food,
I hope they make your stay in the pit
comfortable.” The man smiled and took
the blanket and the food and rested for
a moment - then returned to trying to
get out of the pit. Soon a Charismatic
came by and said, “you are only in that
pit because you have little faith.” Soon
an Episcopal came by, seeing the man in
the pit turned and walked away. The man
continued to try to pull himself out of the
pit. One day Jesus came by, put out his
hands and lifted the man out of the pit.
John O’Keefe
7
 W E LL - B E I N G

Do not judge!
T
his is a story one gets quite often
as an internet forward in the form
of a power point show. A young
lady was waiting for her flight in the
boarding room of a big airport. As she
had to wait for hours, she decided to
buy a book to spend her time. Along with
the book she bought a packet of cookies
too. She sat down on an armchair, in the
VIP room of the airport, to rest and read
in peace. Beside the armchair where the
packet of cookies were kept, a man sat
down, opened his magazine and started
reading. When she ate the first cookie,
the man also took one. She felt infuriated
but didn’t say anything. She just thought:
“What a nerve! If I was in the mood I
would punch his eye so that he does not
forget this daring!” To each cookie she
ate, the man ate another one. That was
making her fume up with rage but she
couldn’t react. When only one cookie
remained, she thought: “ah... What
will this stupid man do now?” To her
anguish, the man divided the last cookie
and gave her one half and ate the other joy and satisfaction when we talk about
half. She was too angry and upset! She Judging others, criticizing people in negative terms. We sometimes
felt like shouting at the top of her voice. do not know what to talk about when
Here was a man who was eating her others becomes a part of
not talking about others. It is important
cookies without even asking her a word. our nature. We begin to to become conscious of ourselves -
She grabbed her book, took her things whether, often we tend to look at others
in anger and headed to the boarding relish talking about others,
with eyes of condemnation.
place.When she sat down on her seat, passing comments or
inside the plane, she looked into her bag There is a lot of nobility in not talking
for her eyeglasses and to her surprise spreading rumours. about the faults of others in public.
and shame, her packet of cookies was This is an inner attitude we can create
there, untouched,closed. She felt so Very often we tend to judge people. for ourselves. We constantly learn to
ashamed!! She had forgotten that her We come to certain conclusions very look at the world with compassion and
cookies were kept in her purse. The fast. Judging others, criticizing others forgiveness. It begins with oursleves.
man had generously divided his cookies becomes a part of our nature. We begin We need to learn to look at ourselves
with her, without feeling infuriated, to relish talking about others, passing with compassion. It is often said ‘do not
nervous or mad...while she was very comments or spreading rumours. In some judge yourself more harshly than you
mad, thinking that he was dividing her communities or families it becomes the judge others….’ Self-awareness makes
cookies. And there was no more time to main course during an evening meal. We us understand that we are not perfect.
explain herself... Nor to apologize! suddenly experience a certain amount of Self-acceptance leads us to look at
8 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009

ourselves with respect and love. This
in turn helps us to look at others with
respect and love. There is a beautiful
statement that goes like this: Be kinder
than necessary, for everyone you meet is
fighting some kind of battle.
For Jesus it was a very important Christian
virtue. In Matt. 7:1 Jesus proclaims: “Do
not judge, and you too will be judged.”
Matt 7:2-5 “For in the same way you
judge others, you will be judged, and
with the measure you use, it will be
measured to you. Why do you look at
the speck of sawdust in your brother’s
eye and pay no attention to the plank in
your own eye? How can you say to your
brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of
your eye,’ when all the time there is a
plank in your own eye? You hypocrite,
first take the plank out of your own eye,
and then you will see clearly to remove
the speck from your brother’s eye.”
In John 8:1 – 11, we have the incident of
the woman caught in the act of adultery.
The Pharisees wanted to trap him. But
Jesus, the just one, makes that wisdom
statement that has gone down in history
as a truth statement: “He that is without
sin among you, let him first cast a stone
at her.” One by one each man dropped
his stone and walked away. Jesus reached
out to her and told her “Neither do I
condemn you”, but He adds: “Go and
sin no more.” There is no condemnation
there is just a prayer and welcome to
new life and to freedom.
None of us are perfect. We are all trying
to move towards perfection. Even saints
are not perfect. All of us make mistakes
and God forgives us our sins and
mistakes. Hence we need to imitate God
in this capacity to look with compassion
and forgiveness. Only God is perfect
and hence only He can judge. This is
the reason why Jesus said in very clear
terms: “Do not judge!” When our own
eyes are clouded and covered with a
big log, Jesus, is asking us whether it is
possible or just and right to look at the
small speck in our brother’s eye.
Jesus did not judge his
apostles even after the
Resurrection. Most of them
had abandoned Him and
betrayed Him. Yet after the
resurrection He did not ask
them for reasons for their
behaviour.
Jesus did not judge his apostles even
after the Resurrection. Most of them
had abandoned Him and betrayed Him.
Yet after the resurrection he did not ask
them for reasons for their behaviour. He
understood their weakness and forgave
them. Jesus, as the just judge, was against
sin and not the sinner. We must judge
or else we may not be able to discern
good from bad, proper from improper,
righteousness from evil. But we must judge
behavior, not the individual; the deed not
the doer; the choice not the chooser.
Jesus looked beyond the tax collector in
Matthew or Zaccheus. He saw dedicated
followers in them. We call St. Joseph
as the just man because he did not
want to create a scandal out of Mary’s
situation. He wanted to put Mary away
quietly in order to safeguard her and her
good name. Let us think of our times
when people and media are thriving on
scandals. There is a whole industry living
off scandal and deceit.
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
W E LL - B E I N G
Here is a small story with a big thought.
One fine day, a bus driver and conductor
went to the bus garage and began their
routine job quietly. It was their normal
route and there were no problems for the
first few stops - a few people got on, a few
got off, and things went generally well. At
the next stop, however, a big hulk of a guy
got on. Six feet, eight, built like a wrestler,
arms hanging down to the ground. He
glared at the conductor and said, “Big John
doesn’t pay!” and sat down at the back.
The bus conductor was five feet, three,
thin, and basically meek. Naturally, he
didn’t argue with Big John, but he wasn’t
happy about it. He was angry within but
he dared not express it. The next day
the same thing happened - Big John got
on again, made a show of refusing to
pay, and sat down. It became a routine
drama, everyday, the same route, the
same conductor and the same big John
refusing to pay. The regular commuters
began to look forward to this little drama
and the meek conductor’s reaction.
This grated on the bus conductor,
who started losing sleep over the way
Big John was taking advantage of him.
Finally he could stand it no longer. He
signed up for body building courses,
karate, judo, and all that good stuff. By
the end of the summer, he had become
quite strong; what’s more, he felt really
good about himself. So on the next
Monday, when Big John once again got
on the bus and said, “Big John doesn’t
pay!” The driver stood up, glared back
at the passenger, and screamed, “And
why not?” With a surprised look on his
face, Big John replied, “Big John has a
bus pass.” The bus conductor could have
confronted him without having judged him
in silence. He could have saved himself a
lot of humiliation.
Thus, often we are put to shame by our own
overdrive to condemn or put someone down.
Dr. David Burns says “It’s your right to
make a few mistakes. If people can’t accept
your imperfections, that’s their fault.”
Joe Andrew sdb
joeandrewsdb@hotmail.com
9
 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Melting glaciers, sinking isles:
Global warming hits India
W
ith India’s Himalayan glaciers
melting, its eastern islands
sinking and freak rain flooding
deserts, environmentalists say global
warming is already taking its toll on this
populous Asian nation.
The U.N. climate panel issued its
strongest warning yet on Friday that
human activities are heating the planet,
forecasting that temperatures would rise
by between 1.8 and 4.0 Celsius (3.2 and
7.8 Fahrenheit) in the 21st century.
In India, the signs already back up
forecasts that as the mercury rises the
Indian subcontinent, home to one-sixth
of humanity, will be one of the worst-
affected regions.
“We are already seeing glaciers are
receding at a faster rate and islands have
disappeared and then there is all this freak
weather phenomena,” said Shruti Shukla,
climate change officer for WWF India.
Experts say the melting of Himalayan
glaciers could have serious consequences
as more than 500 million residents --
almost half of India’s total population --
of the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra
river basins rely on them for water
supply. Research about the Gangotri
glacier -- which feeds the Ganges -- has
found the average rate of retreat has
almost doubled to 34 metres (110 ft) per
year compared to 19 metres in 1971.
“Glaciers are like a frozen reservoir
of water, so when glaciers recede ...
proportionally, there will be a decrease
in the water, which affects drinking water
supply, irrigation, hydropower,” says
glaciologist Jagdish Bahadur. This is
likely to exacerbate already widespread
water shortages.
10
In India, the signs already back up forecasts
that as the mercury rises the Indian
subcontinent, home to one-sixth of humanity,
will be one of the worst-affected regions.
VANISHING ISLANDS, said Sugata Hazra, who teaches
DESERT SEAS oceanography at Jadhavpur University
in eastern India, adding that 12 more
Rising temperatures will also hurt
islands were vulnerable. In western
the annual June-September monsoon
India, freak torrential rains flooded the
rains, which India is heavily dependent
desert state of Rajasthan, displacing
on for its crops. It is estimated that a
hundreds of thousands and killing 140
temperature rise of between 2 and 3.5
people last year.
Celsius would result in a loss of between
9 and 25 percent of revenue from While India is not required under the
agriculture - which makes up 22 percent Kyoto Protocol to reduce its energy
of India’s GDP and employs 70 percent consumption and cut greenhouse gas
of the workforce. emissions at this stage, experts say its
Besides, researchers say rising emissions are rising and could make
temperatures will mean vector-borne it a significant contributor to global
diseases. Such as malaria and dengue warming.
fever will spread to higher altitudes “Therefore the government and the
known for being free of mosquitoes. In people of India should come out with an
the Sunderbans, off India’s east coast,
immediate policy and implementation
scientists say two of the 104 islands framework to address the issue of
have disappeared over the past decade
energy for all while reducing carbon
partially due to rising sea levels.
dioxide emission.’ says K. Srinivas of
“Both islands were inhabited and Greenpeace.
thousands of people were forced to
Nita Bhalla
relocate to some of the other islands,” Source: Reuters
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009

Women’s Reservation Bill - A critique
T
he real test of democracy is the
creation of equality of opportunity
for the hitherto deprived sections
of society. It requires both a favourable
social atmosphere and an individual
attitude. Individual attitude and social
atmosphere is a sort of reversible
equation: one influences the other, in both
directions. In practical terms it means that
efforts have to be made at various levels
of society simultaneously. Every attempt,
in every direction, is bound to affect
adversely some vested interests. So, one
has to be prepared for a long drawn out
struggle on all the fronts. Democracy
in kitchen and bedroom goes hand in
hand with democracy in Parliament and
Panchayat. It has to become a way of life;
it has to be adopted in literary vocabulary
and in political discourse alike.
The idea of making a legal provision
for reserving seats for women in the
Parliament and State Assemblies came
into being during Rajeev Gandhi’s tenure
as the Prime Minister of India when the
Panchayati Raj Act, 1992 (73rd and
74th Constitutional Amendment) came
into effect granting not less then 33%
reservation to women in the Panchayati
Raj Institutions or local bodies. Prime
Minister H.D. Deve Gowda made the
actual promise for reservation of seats for
women in Parliament and State Assemblies
in 1996. I.K. Gujral proposed the present
form and shape of the Bill during his term
as the Prime Minister of India.
The Bill in its Current form envisages
reserving 181 seats in the Parliament
for women. In practical terms its efforts
would be that 181 male members of
Parliament would not be able to contest
elections if the Bill is passed. Also, there
is to be a rotation of seats, i.e., a male
member of Parliament can not represent
the same constituency for more then two
consecutive terms. Here lies the rub.
Democracy in kitchen and
bedroom goes hand in hand
with democracy in Parliament
and Panchayat. It has to
become a way of life.
These two very provisions are seemingly the
cause of the consensus arrived at by various
political parties to dump the Bill. 181 seats
in Parliament is too great a number to be
sacrificed for the mere ideal of women’s
empowerment or adequate political
representation, the very idea makes the male
politicians panicky. The clause of ‘rotation
of seats’ is seen by the opponents of Bill
to ‘strike at the very heart of democracy
and democratic values’ as, according to
their logic, the representative will not get
a chance to nurture his constituency nor
the electorate will get a chance to reward
or punish their representative, as a corollary
to it hardly any ties would be established
between the two.
Securing 33% reservation for women in
opening the doors of opportunity for
political empowerment to almost 50% of
our population. It will not only serve the
cause of democracy as the Panchayati Raj
Institutions are doing at the grassroots
level but will also go a long way in ensuring
political equality through active participation
of woman from both urban and rural areas.
Also, if social equality through political
empowerment is to be achieved the, Bill
should include clauses which guarantee
quota within quota to women belonging
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
me d i a matter
to scheduled tribes,
scheduled castes, other
backward castes, and
minority communities
so that a level playing
field is provided for
them as well.
It is also argued that the
Bill in its present form
would end up ensuring
seats in Parliament for
the female relatives of
those who are already
in power. To counter
this situation, provisions
can be added in the
Bill, which provides
for no reservation to
women who have close relatives in active
politics (An acceptable definition of
‘close relatives’ can easily be arrived at.)
While many alternatives are proposed for
the Bill the one which is slightly valid is
to increase the number of seats in the,
which is currently based on the figures
of the census of India, 1971, when
the population of India was 54 crores.
The numbers of seats were limited to
530 till further amendments. Now the
Delimitation Commission has been asked
to take the 2001 census as the basis for
delimiting constituencies. According to
2001 census, the population of India
has risen to 102 crores, therefore the
number of seats are bound to increase
before the next general elections. This
should be reason enough to pave the
way for the safe passage of the Women’s
Reservation Bill.
Moreover, when the so called backward
and fundamentalist society like Pakistan
can grant 33% reservation to women in its
Senate then why should India, the largest
democracy in the world, lag behind.
Aysha Sumbul
Source :PUCL Bulletin
11
 BIBLE
Personality for Imitation - 18
Solomon:
The Wisest King
B
ible accredits Solomon for his
proverbial wisdom, wealth,
building projects, and his writings.
His wisdom is associated with the story
of a disputed baby between two mothers.
His crowning achievement was the
finishing of the first ever-splendorous
temple in Jerusalem. He is historically
credited as author of Proverbs, the Song
of Songs and Ecclesiastes in the Bible.
Jesus compared the lilies of the field
with Solomon’s glory and alluded to the
famous visit of Queen of sheba to the
court of David.
The name Solomon means, “to be quiet”
or “peaceful”. True to his name, he was
least warlike of all the kings of Israel
or Judah. Jedidiah, meaning “Beloved
of Yahweh”, was his God-given name
through Nathan. He was the second
son of David by his wife Bathsheba. At
the age of 20, he succeeded his father
on the throne as the third and the last
king of united Israel and reigned for 40
years. He was the first king of Israel to
trade commercial goods profitably to
other nations. Under his reign Israel
enjoyed an era of security, prosperity,
and international political and economic
importance.
Solomon was made king shortly before his
father’s death. When David was old and
advanced in years, his elder son Adonijah,
being heir to the thorne, declared himself
as king. But Solomon’s mother along
with prophet Nathan induced David to
proclaim Solomon king. In response
Solomon was anointed king in public at
Gihon spring. At first he was faced with
opposition. Two of his father’s closest
12
advisors, Joab an army commander and
the priest Abiathar, sided with Adonijah.
But Adonijah was executed for seeking
to marry his father’s nurse Abishag and
Abiathar, the priest was exiled. He then
followed his father’s last instructions to
kill Joab and Shimei. Solomon, thus,
The name Solomon
means, “to be quiet”
or “peaceful”. True to
his name he was least
warlike of all the kings of
Israel or Judah.
overcame the last potential threats to
his kingdom. He then appointed his
friends to key military, governmental and
religious posts.
One of the first thing Solomon did as king
was to go to Gibeon to offer sacrifices
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
to the Lord. At
night God appeared
in a dream and
promised to fulfill his
desires. In response
he requested an
understanding heart
to discern between
good and evil. God was so pleased
that He granted Solomon’s request,
and also promised him riches and
honor if he would walk in the steps of
his father, David. As soon as Solomon
had settled himself in his kingdom, he
organized Israel into 12 administrative
provinces, each of which was responsible
for providing the court with regular
supplies. Administered by an able corps
of officers, Solomon strengthened his
kingdom through political marriage
alliances. As years passed, Solomon’s
court reached a standard of luxury that
had never existed in Israel’s history; he
accumulated enormous wealth. He had a
large share in the trade between northern
and southern countries. He established
Israelite colonies around his province
to look after military, administrative and
commercial matters.
The first and most famous incident of
his cleverness as a judge was when two
women came to his court with a baby
whom both claimed as their own. His wise
decision as to the owner of the living child
established his reputation for wisdom.
After this, Solomon’s fame reached far
beyond the national boundaries. He
composed 3,000 proverbs and 1,005
songs. One of the most celebrated visits
to Solomon was that of the Queen of
Sheba from southern Arabia, a country
rich in gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
Solomon needed queen’s products and
trade routes; the queen as well needed
his marketing. When the queen tested his
wisdom with riddles and questions,she
was amazed by his answers. After seeing
the extent of his empire and the vastness
of his knowledge, she confessed that
she underestimated him and delightfully
offered him gifts.

Once Solomon’s empire was tranquil,
he began to build the magnificent Holy
Temple in Jerusalem to house the Ark
of the Covenant. He received cedar,
pinewood and skilled artisans from King
Hiram of Tyre and imposed a compulsory
labor service on both the Israelites and
the foreign nations that were under his
control. This massive project took seven
years to complete which involved 70,000
workmen. It was built of stone and cedar,
carved within and overlaid with pure gold.
When it was done, Solomon dedicated
the Temple in a solemn ceremony with
long prayers and sacrifices that lasted for
seven days. After this, the Lord appeared
again to Solomon and warned him to
remain uncorrupted by other beliefs.
After completing the temple, Solomon
engaged in the erection of many other
buildings of importance in Jerusalem and
in other parts of his kingdom. He spent
13 years building luxurious palaces and
completed the defense wall around the
city, facilities for foreign traders and
a portion of the palace was set for his
queen consort. He erected cities for
chariots and horsemen and created
storage cities. He extended Jerusalem
to the north and fortified cities near the
mountains of Judah and Jerusalem.
Solomon’s decline and downfall came at
in his old age. Outstanding among his
mistakes was his polygamy, love for luxury
and building sanctuaries and shrines for
his wives Canaanite and foreign deities.
These brought him divine displeasure
and disloyalty to God, which in turn
resulted in the breakup of his empire into
two after his death, under Rehoboam’s
rule. Another mistake of him was placing
heavy taxation on the people. He also
made the people to work as soldiers,
chief officers and commanders of his
chariots and cavalry. He granted special
privileges to the tribes of Judah and this
alienated the northern tribes. These made
the people rebellious. Thus, he broke the
Mosaic law and violated the warning not
to stray from the path of his father David.
He died in Jerusalem after 40 years as
ruler of Israel.
King Solomon ruled as a grand monarch,
supreme in power and royal in splendor.
His reign in Israel brought changes not
only to Israel but also to his own life. It
brought forth great wealth, grandeur,
architectural magnificence, artistic excel-
lence, commercial enterprise, position of
dignity among the great nations of the
earth, besides his remarkable prosper-
ity in intellectual life. Guided by God’s
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
BIBLE
wisdom, he maintained the large empire in
peace. The glory of his empire was a re-
flection of his own royal tastes, which he
satisfied through a shrewd and successful
foreign policy. He is a merchant prince,
who encouraged and protected commerce.
He was the predominant partner in a great
trading concern, especially of the horses.
He began his reign as a deeply spiritual
leader of his nation, one who desired
nothing so much as wisdom adequately
to serve God and the interests of his
people. As a young man, with his wealth
and luxury, he seemed to be a person
of honor and integrity, the best ruler of
his day. He wished to construct temple
for the Lord than his own palace. His
prayer and his counsel to the people at
the dedication of the Temple show that
he stood close to God. Indeed, Solomon
experienced revelations from God
while he was at Gibeon and upon the
completion of the Temple. However,the
long life of luxury, with his many wives
corrupted him so that he finally became
an idolater. Though he built great
temple, he did not promote the religious
life of his people. Pleasures of wealth
and women weakened his own faith and
narrowed down his broader vision. These
two are the real dangers of human life,
which he regretted for later in his life, by
proclaiming, “all is vanity”.
Victor Antonyraj sdb
victoraraj@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Fr.R.Kirubagaran sdb., leaves
us as Sub Editor of Don Bosco
Bulletin. We thank him for the
commendable service he has
rendered for the magazine and
for winning many readers with
this articles. As he takes on his
new pastoral assignment, we
wish him God’s grace
for his Service.
13
 sa l es i an

A Road that Diverged in a Yellow Wood

F
or decades in history two Roads have influenced in discerning the salesian
and still been influencing many walks of life;
Between... lifestyle by tracing back the
Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken and The ‘the road of roots of Don Bosco. Yes, the
Road Ahead by Bill Gates. While it’s so true that both balance between the roads
these Roads have influenced many, they had the tinge of
challenge’ to salesian sanctity needs
difference in their perceptions. While Robert Frost gave a and the ‘road the clarity of choices in the
stress on the choice of The Road less travelled, Bill Gates post modern context.
differed in the angle of the perception slightly, by adding
of prudence’,
This perceptional balance
a ‘wait or a pause’ before making the choice of that “road one continues in choice, in other words
less travelled, in knowing the nuances of it. to strike the the striking of balance
These perceptions regarding the choices that one makes in perception in terms of
turns on or off totally the lifestyle and philosophy of
perceptional choices between these
life, he or she begins to believe in. For example, the life balance of choice two roads – (challenge Vs
philosophy of Robert Frost in toto stands in different tone prudence or adventurous
from the life philosophy of Bill Gates. While the choice
in discerning the Vs make-sure way) calls
of Frost calls for an adventures throw of life while Gates’ salesian lifestyle for a reflection that this
invites for a prudent and ‘make-sure’ way of life. Road has to be practical (a
by tracing back day-to-day thing) in every
Between these two above mentioned Roads, namely
‘the road of challenge’ and the ‘road of prudence’, one
the roots of Don possible way. By being
‘practical’ one could strike
continues to strike the perceptional balance of choice Bosco.

14 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009

 sa l es i an

the balance between these two roads. The salesian

lifestyle (Choice defines the lifestyle) needs to
be so practical that the ‘practicality’ of it makes
it more an in-thing for working and reworking,
living and reliving, rooting and returning to the
root etc.
And every other salesian in his choices makes this
perceptional balance rather the practical balance
even without his knowledge.
Here are the few to be mentioned.
1.) All people are called to holiness, not just a
select few. It is a “heresy” to banish the devout life
from any career or lifestyle.
2.) Since all people are called to holiness, then the means
to achieve that holiness must be readily available. One
lives this “Choice” by passionately and joyfully meeting
the demands of one’s state in life for the love of God and
for the love of Neighbour. It is not so much what you do in
your life but how and for whom you do it. We are called to
do the ordinary “passionately well.”
3.) This choice of life is relational. It is in the living out
of our relationships in love that one lives the choice he or
she makes.
4.) Everything in life is to be done through love and
nothing through force. Love in this case is an act of the
will, not a sentiment of the heart. It is seeing Good in
another and choosing and acting to make that goodness
grow. We should more accentuate the positive rather
than condemn the negative. We should assume a positive
stance towards everyone. “The measure of our love is to
love without measure.”
5.) “Humility” living in self-truthfulness about who we
are, both positive and negative, and about who God is
towards us ---is an essential virtue. “Come and learn
from me for I am gentle and humble of heart.” A Salesian
person is unpretentious, natural and approachable.
6.) Humility leads us “gentleness” towards our neighbor.
Because one is so aware of his/her own needs and
weaknesses, one extends to another person similar
understanding and compassion. Gentleness is not
weakness, but rather controlled, directed and loving
strength. It might also be described as knowing how to
react to life appropriately and proportionately. To quote
DeSales: “There is nothing so strong as gentleness and
nothing so gentle as real strength.”
7.) Civility and respect marks the behavior of a truly
“gentle,” devout Christian.
Everything
in life is to
be done
through love
and nothing
through
force. Love
in this case
is an act of
the will, not a
sentiment of
the heart.
8.) The “Present Moment” is where a Christian lives life.
The past is over. The future is yet to be. “NOW is the time
of salvation.”
9.) Because we have a Savior, we are always “optimistic’.
We already know how things are going to end. Sin, death
and the things which deny life will not triumph.
10.) The “choice” truly enhances, not detracts from, one’s
life. Real “Choice” never inconveniences others.
11.) The “Choice” of life is a process. It only happens
with grace, perseverance and patience over a lifetime.
One is always striving to makes this choice.
12.) Salesian choice is primarily a matter of the conversion
of the heart. It is therefore something interior.
13.) We are called to be patient with everyone, especially
ourselves.
14.) We are called to a “liberty of spirit”—something
which includes obedience but which excludes “constraint,
scruples and anxiety.” “Liberty of spirit” is to obedience
to lawful authority as jazz is to the rules of classical
music. Mature liberty of spirit in the Salesian tradition is
a “jazzy Choice.”
Gabriel Marshal.
gabriel2009@rediffmail.com
Courtesy: Desales University

Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 15

 st u d ents p l u s
17. Improving memory
D
ear Student, I am sure all of
you are reorganized yourself
by using the play way method
to memorize the subject easily
which I gave in the previous issue,
now I am presenting Link Memory
System , however, is just the tip of
the iceberg. If you review research
on memory and learning, you will
find that there exist a vast amount
of information on the subject. But in
learning to become more personally
and academically effective, you are
probably most interested in seeing
how this Link Memory System can
be put into practice.
The Link Memory System
(Memorize Anything)
When it comes to learning, memory
is king. By Organizing and ordering
information can significantly improve
memory. Imagine, for example, how
difficult it would be to remember
a random list of 62 letters. On the
other hand, it would not be difficult
to memorize the first sentence in this
paragraph (consisting of 62 letters).
Similarly, learning a large amount
of unconnected and unorganized
information from various classes
can be very challenging. So it can
be really sick if you’re a student
and you have a less than perfect
memory! Fortunately, memory can
be improved just like any other
16
“In order to remember
any new thing, it must
be associated, in some
ridiculous way, with
something you already
know or remember.”
aspect of our-selves. That’s where
memory techniques come in. One
of the simplest and most powerful
techniqes for memorization is called
the Link Memory System. If you
learn and practice the Link System,
you’ll be able to memorize anything
in half the time it takes you now, and
retain it for as long as you want. And
not only is the link system easy to
use, but it’s fun too!
Link System and how does it
work?
“In order to remember any new
thing, it must be associated, in some
ridiculous way, with something you
already know or remember.”
That’s all there is to it really.- Harry
Putting it into action
Say for whatever reason that you
needed to remember this list of 10
items:
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
shoe,
baseball,
lamp,
computer,
phone,
nail,
bottle,
fish,
window,
wheel.
The first thing you need to do is to
picture the first item on the list, in this
case a shoe, in your mind’s eye. And
really picture it. Visualize it. Make
it big and vivid. The easiest thing to
do is picture something familiar, so
picture your own shoe.
Next you will “link” the shoe to the
second item, the baseball. You’ll
do this by visualizing the baseball
interacting with the shoe in some
totally crazy and ridiculous way.
That’s the key to the Link System.
The links have to be crazy, ridiculous,
illogical or impossible. The crazier or
more impossible it is, the easier it is
to remember. it is important that the
images stored in your mind are as
vivid as possible, and that significant,
coding images are much stronger that
ones that merely support the flow of
linking the list of this ten items.

Really use your imagination on this.
Maybe the shoe is a monster and
it’s eating the baseball. Or may be
you could imagine a giant baseball
wearing shoes. Know what I mean?
Once you’ve got a crazy picture in
your mind, stop thinking about it and
start thinking the next ie., lamp, now
visualize the lamp with the baseball.
Like when we hit the baseball billions
of street light start glowing which
is very bright, from this brightness
Computer will start working imagine
instead of key board phone is used as
keyboard but to make call you have to
use Nail to hit with the harmer then
only your call will be connected.
When you are talking more than 5
minutes, it starts melting so we have
to keep in bottle, like this, link the
other three items. Even You can use
different imagination for these item .
There are five basic principles you
can apply in forming your mental
pictures which will help to make your
associations strong and long lasting -
OUT OF PROPORTION - In all your
images, try to distort size and shape.
In first item, you were told to picture
‘a shoe is a monster and it’s eating the
baseball’. Conversely, you can make
things microscopically small.
SUBSTITUTION – For example I
suggested that you visualise baseball
is kicking a computer around a
football pitch instead of a football,
or pens growing on a tree instead
of leaves. Substituting an out of
place item in an image increases the
probability of recall.
EXAGGERATION - Try to picture
vast quantities in your images.
MOVEMENT - Any movement or
action is always easy to remember.
For example, Tutorial i suggested
that you see yourself cutting into a
sausage and gallons of ink squirting
out and hitting you in the face.
HUMOUR - The funnier, more absurd
and zany you can make your images,
the more memorable they will be.
Applying any combination of these
five principles in forming your
images will help make your mental
Link Memory System ,
however, is just the tip of
the iceberg. If you review
research on memory and
learning, you will find that
there exist a vast amount of
information on the subject.
associations truly outstanding and
memorable.
At first you may find that you need to
consciously apply one or more of the
five principles in order to make your
pictures sufficiently ludicrous. After
a little practice however, you should
find that applying the principles
becomes an automatic and natural
process.
Quick Tip: If your imagination is a
little rusty, here are some shortcuts
to get you started: Make one of the
items giant. Give the items human
characteristics. Picture a million of
one item.
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
st u d ents p l u s
Next create an impossible association
between baseball and lamp. Here are
a few I can picture: A lamp with a
baseball for a lightbulb. A baseball
speeding across a living room and
shattering a lamp. A giant baseball
monster with a lampshade on his
head. See, isn’t this fun?
Go onto the next item and the
next, until you’re finished. Then go
through your links and see if you
can remember the whole list in order.
You might be surprised how easy it is
to recall each item in order.
The Link System is so great because
it uses the same “machinery” that our
brains use all the time to remember
stuff. Simply put, we remember stuff
that seems to stand out in some way.
Boring, non-interesting things never
stick very well in our memory.
Just like any other skill, this one
takes time to learn. You might think
this little exercise took longer than if
you had tried to memorize the list the
old way. It did because you were still
learning the technique. Once you
get some practice in you’ll be able
to remember it lists longer than that
one in way less time!
For a little fun, write a letter to us
if you can remember the list of ten
items from this article and share your
comment.
Merlyn Ross
merlyns@rediffmail.com
Dear students, write to merlyns@redif-
fmail.com about the problems and anxiet-
ies you face in your studies. They will be
addressed in the forthcoming issues.
17
 COVER STORY
From that Hour He took
her into His Own Home…
A
ugust 15 each year
is a day when the
Catholics the world
over commemorate
and celebrate the feast
of the Assumption. The feast reminds
that one day we all will be taken to
the heaven and shall be living with
God. This is our hope, aspiration and
assurance. The bodily lifting of the
Blessed virgin mother Mary by God
to the highest heavens so that she
remains with him for ever is what we
celebrate on the feast of Assumption.
Here we witness the flowering and
ultimate realisation of Creation.
God created man to be with him.
‘’He chose us in Christ Jesus before
18
Holy Mother had
lived with Him and
for Him and that
is why He decided
to take her away,
bodily, into the
heaven so that she
could be with Him
for eternity- that is
Assumption.
the foundation of the world to be
holy and blameless before him in
love’’. (Epesians 1:4). The purpose
of the calling of disciples was not
different. ‘’He went to the mountain
and called to him those whom he
wanted, and they came to him. And
he appointed twelve, whom he also
named Apostles, to be with him, and
to be sent out to proclaim the message
and to have authority to cast out
demons.’’ (Mark 3:13-14). What does
‘’to be with him’’ mean? It denotes
physical presence and personal love
and affection. When Jesus, sitting
on the mountain, called the Apostles
by name from the mountain called
the Apostles by name from among
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
the crowd which was scattered all
over, they approached him one by
one. Those who were sitting far
came nearer. That shows the physical
presence. All the apostles of Christ
had spent 3 years with him, and all
of them had loved him deeply. A real
disciple is one who revolves round
the master.
It was the Blessed virgin Mary that
was Closest to Jesus and who loved
him most deeply and dearly. She had
conceived the word of God, bore him
in her womb, gave birth to him and
looked after him, nurtured him, and
served him for nearly 30 years. There
is no body in history that is related
to Jesus as closely as the Blessed
virgin is. Thus the Holy Mother had
lived with him and for him and that
is why he decided to take her away,
bodily, into the heaven so that she
could be with him for eternity- that
is Assumption.
In the Christian view what is
heavenly life and the inevitable death
that precedes it? We should consider
death as an invitation to be with
Jesus Christ. But often we look at it
as a terrifying monster. If one thinks
about death in the light of the Holy
Bible, there is nothing, no experience
as exhilarating, joyful as death.
Death and heaven mean that we
are with Christ. Saint Paul wrote to
some Thessalonians who were sorely
grieving at the death of some of their

beloved: ‘’We will be with the Lord
for ever’’. (Thessalonians 4:17) Saint
Paul writes about his own death in
these words : ‘’My desire is to depart
and be with Christ’’. (Phil 1:23).
In his second letter to the Corinthians
he wrote: ‘’We would rather be away
from the body and at home with the
Lord.’’ (2 Corn 5:8). Not only Saint
Paul, but also Jesus Christ himself
looks at death in a similar fashion.
He told the thief hanging on his
right.’’ Today you will be with me
in paradise’’. (Luke 23:43). In short,
death is an invitation to be with
Jesus.
To understand death in the Christian
perspective, we have to think about
the death of Lazarus. Lazarus was
buried in the tomb and four days had
passed after his death. Jesus standing
near the cave in which Lazarus was
lying called out : ‘’Lazarus came
out’’ ( John 11:44). As soon as these
words were uttered, Lazarus walked
towards Jesus who was waiting with
stretched hands to embrace him. He
embraced him. Is not Christian death
an embrance of Jesus, who is waiting
for us with loving hands ? Death is
a loveable meeting with Jesus. It is
an experience which the disciples of
Jesus had in the mount Tabor. Or like
the experience that St. Paul had in
Damascus. From these experiences
one thing is crystal clear; death is a
pleasant meeting with Christ; death
is an invitation to be with him. If
that is the case we can conclude that
Jesus Christ was with his mother
at the time of her death and carried
her, body and all, with loving care so
that she could be with be with him
eternally in the Kingdom of heaven.
Today the Blessed Virgin Mary, who
is sitting with the Holy trinity, is
reigning as the queen of heaven and
earth. The duty of king and queen is
the welfare of the people. The Blessed
virgin Mother Mary is the one
appointed to look after our welfare
and also to request for the blessings
and graces that we need in our every
day life, and it is an indisputable fact
that She will carry out her mandates
without fail. What is impossible
for us now that our mother is the
heavenly queen? But there is one
thing. The Blessed Virgin will go as a
benefactor to her near and dear ones.
She had gone to Canada to attend the
marriage ceremony and to render
whatever help was needed. It was
reported to be the marriage of the Son
of her sister. She ran into the hillside
of Judea to help her aunt Elizabeth.
It is obvious that the Mother goes
with blessings to those who are her
relatives and friends. So those who
want to receive her blessings must
accept and acknowledge her as their
mother and live like her children.
The Blessed Virgin foresees the
needs of her near and dear ones and
gives them things even before they
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
COVER STORY
Death is a pleasant
meeting with Christ;
death is an invitation
to be with him. If that
is the case we can
conclude that Jesus
Christ was with his
mother at the time of
her death and carried
her, body and all, with
loving care so that she
could be with be with
him eternally in the
Kingdom of heaven.
ask her. She has the special blessing
of sensitivity. She realised the grief
and pain of the hosts at Cana, during
the marriage when wine ran out and
asked her son Jesus to work a miracle
and save them from disgrace. She
also went to the pregnant Elizabeth,
reasling that she needed her help at
that time. In a like fashion, if we are
near, and dear to her, she will come
to us, even without our asking with
her helping hand at the time of our
needs.
For that we must behave like John
under the cross, Jesus pointing to his
mother, said toJohn: ‘’Here is your
mother’’. The Bible further states
what John did at that time. ; ‘’And
from that hour the disciple took her
into his own home.’’
Let us also like John, bring the
Blessed Virgin to our hearts and
homes. Then she will be our real
mother and helper.
P K Joseph Dhar
19
 COVER STORY
Long Live Indian Independence!
A
fter 62 years Indian Inde-
pendence India could mange
itself well in the global re-
cession time. This year Independ-
ence Day marks a new and positive
beginning with a good and favorable
general and railway budget, which
aims in helping all classes of Indian
society.
15th August, Indian Independence
day will be celebrated with much fun
and fare, with Dr. Manmohan Singh
addressing the whole nation from the
Red Fort, and also taking the salute
from the three armed forces.
Independence Day Celebrations
This year Independence Day will
be celebrated all across the nation
with great enthusiasm, the day is
marked with the Indian flag hoisting
ceremony at Red Fort and Prime
Minister’s address to the nation. All
the state buildings and structures
of national importance are adorned
with ‘Tricolor’. In the evening, sky
is dotted with hundreds of colorful
kites symbolizing the freedom. The
soaring kites in the sky also signify
the soaring dreams of independent
India which wants to attain great
heights and give the message that
sky is the limit.
This year Independence Day will
be remembering the sacrifices of
its brave solders and sons, who
have laid life for upholding Indian
Independence. This general election
in India, educated young youth
(passed from Howard University and
other primary Institution) have come
forward and participated in election
and changed the old concepts.
They have brought with them new
20
Long years ago, we made a tryst with destiny and now the
time comes when we shall redeem our pledge... At the stroke
of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake
to life and freedom.”
management techniques which I
am sure these parliamentarians will
put in practice. Take Indian to new
heights.
World Bank has proposed to give aid
which shall be used in Gramin shadak
Yojana (Construction of roads) and
in village level health programs. In
this Independence Day many welfare
programs have been initiated.
This year Independence Day first
time India is called for G8 meeting,
where Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh was invited, it is great Honour
to Indian economy. conditions. They
even lack the necessary resources
to meet their basic needs like food,
clean drinking water and primary
health care.
India has the third largest scientific
and technical labour pool in the
world, and yet, whilst India’s
progress in space technology has
attracted worldwide attention, the
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
--- Jawaharlal Nehru
gap between the rich and the poor
grows ever more. Those who eke out
a living on the margins of society, the
poorest of the poor, Dalits, Tribals,
unorganized labor are all excluded
from this economic progress.
Fortunately, the worldwide economic
crisis has not impacted India
that much. But corruption,
fundamentalism and social
discrimination are real
social evils in our society.
This Independence Day
marks new horizon in Indo
American relationship. The
Indo US relationship has
reached and developed ex-
ponentially. According to
ambassador to US Meera Shanker “
It is a very important relationship for
India certainly, which we feel is es-
sential for meeting our development
aspirations, as well as for enhancing
global peace and security, and meet-
ing some of the common global chal-
lenges that we face”.
Therefore this year Indian Inde-
pendence plays very significant
role to development on economy,
development of International bi
lateral relationship, especially with
US. More close ties with neighboring
countries especially with China.
“Long live Indian independence “
Jayanthi Raman
Courtesy: Associatedcontent
 S a l es i an

‘Would that I had hundred

tongues to praise!’
A challenging personal story of a C.S.I.
turned catholic Salesian nun.
“The formation of Having been educated from the
childhood in an Institution
conscience and the run by Irish missionaries,
certain accomplishments
sense of duty given me such as singing and music
were given to me by my
by my father , a C.S.I. school and family.
Pastor, made me feel With this background
I started my life in the
proud to be a convent filling my days
between teaching and
non-Catholic.” enjoying the evenings

O
with my colleagues in
n 5th of August 2009, it the teachers’ quarters
makes fifty years since I that were a haven
made my first profession. of peace, joy and
‘The Almighty has love. The Salesian
done great things for me. Holy is sisters had a
His Name!’ In June 1951 as a timid friendly but firm
teacher 19 year, I entered the gate of attitude towards
St. Joseph’s Convent, Arni, North us, their staff
Arcot District. This was due to my members.
inability to get a teacher’s vacancy in
Chennai. After
a few
Protestantism had made deep roots months
in me from my childhood, rendering
me capable of quoting the scriptures
and of being impeccable in faith and
morals. The formation of conscience
and the sense of duty given me by
my father, a C.S.I Pastor had been
the only assets leaving me quite
ignorant of tact, prudence and
diplomacy. Hence my behaviour
was that of a person who was
proud to be a non-catholic.

Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 21

 S a l es i an
COUNSELLING: Sr.Alexandra amidst students
Sr.Rufina Michael, the headmistress
gave me a book titled, “The chief
differences between Catholic and
Protestant Creed”. I read this book
and came to a thoughtful halt at
the words quoted in the Book of
Revelations 14: 1-5. It was written
about the VIRGINS who sang a
special song understood by none
other than those Virgins themselves.
These words of God cut me through
as a double-edged sword and left me
with an ardent desire to belong to
that group of VIRGINS who sang the
special hymn to the Lamb. I felt the
need of ascertaining this from my
father who had a special knowledge
of the scriptures. His answer was
in the affirmative, so I proceeded
nurturing my desire to be a sister.
But How? Where? and When were
the questions that tortured me.
Sr. Lawrencia, a simple, humble and
hardworking sister in the convent
invited me to sing during the Holy
Mass. This Salesian sister attracted
me with her love, care and concern
and drew my confidence regarding
my desire to become a sister. My
valid baptism in the previously
adhered church stood against me for
the entrance in the Salesian Convent.
So I had to become a catholic first.
22
My father gave his consent with a
condition that I completed my 21
years.
When I completed my 21 years,
Fr.Schlooz took me
inside the Parish
Church, baptised
me and heard my
confessions.
I renewed my request to become
a catholic. Although he was not
against it, he refused
to encourage me to
be re-baptised. In the
convent the sisters
hesitated to take up
the full responsibility
of my baptism. Driven
from pillar to post I
approached the Parish
Priest of Arni – Fr.
Codello Sdb, an Italian
Missionary who took
up the responsibility
and sent me with a
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
Sr.Alexandra sharing a lighten moment
letter to Rev. Fr.Schlooz Sdb, the
then Parish Priest of Mater Dolorosa
Church at Royapuram, Madras.
On Saturday, 20th June 1953, I went
home for a weekend. The next day I
went to attend the Sunday Mass at
Mater Dolorosa Church. Soon after
Mass I met Fr.Schlooz and handed
him over the letter of Fr. Codello.
Fr.Schlooz took me inside the Parish
Church, baptised me and heard my
confessions. I experienced by me was
immense. When I returned home, I
did not reveal anything to my father
or brother in order not to disturb their
peace of mind.
Thus my new path of life continued
for the next two years when I had to
fulfil my secret desire of becoming a
sister. The doors of the Congregation
of Daughters of Mary Help of
Christians were closed for a convert.
While I continued praying for light
and guidance I met Fr. Pianazzi Sdb,
the Salesian Provincial of Chennai
Province who came to the convent,
where the morning school assembly
was going on. I was standing with my
class. Fr. Pianazzi pointed out to me
and told the Superior: - “I think that
teacher has vocation.” This superior
called me and told me to talk to Fr.
Pianazzi about my desire to become
a Salesian Sister and the difficulty
I was facing. So I went to him and
spoke to him. He encouraged me and

promised to recommend my case to
the FMA Provincial, Mother Cesira
Gallina. I was accepted as an aspirant
in the Institute of the Daughters of
Mary Help of Christians. For me
it was a real miracle of God who
wanted me to be a Salesian Sister
at all cost for His own purpose.
The good Lord who answered my
prayers did not spare me from trials,
temptations and misunderstandings.
But did he not say to his predilect
St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for
you?” The same he uttered to me in
my moments of agony and temptation
to leave and go back home.
Now I am completing my 50 years of
religious life during which I received
numerous graces and blessings from
the Almighty and from the second
loving family to which I belong. I
owe my special gratitude to Sr. Mary
Vaz FMA and the beautiful soul Sr.
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
S a l es i an
Catherine Mania who understood
me, loved me sincerely and helped
me to be what I am today. Would that
I had hundred tongues to praise God
and spend the rest of my days loving
him who has done marvels in me. I
am sure, he awaits me in heaven, in
order to seat me among the Virgins,
to sing that SPECIAL SONG forever
and ever. ‘May He be Praised and
Glorified.’
Sr.Alexandra F.M.A.
23
 COVER STORY

Salesian Buzzwords
Da Mihi Animas Cetera Tolle
The Latin motto of the Salesians, given to us by Don
Bosco himself, which means, “Give me souls, take away
the rest.” It shows the orientation of the SDB to save the
souls of young people – which means to work for their
holistic growth
Don
The title for diocesan priests in Italy. John Bosco was
affectionately called by his boys, Don Bosco.
EPC
Educative Pastoral Community is made up of the SDB,
youth, teachers, lay collaborators, parents, etc who work
together for the formation of a young person in a given
Salesian setting. Youth are the centre of the EPC and the Preventive System
Salesians its animating nucleus. Consultations are held in The system of education that is an ingenious creation of
a representative gathering called the Council of the EPC. Don Bosco, so called because it believes in preventing
the mistakes of youth by appealing to their reason,
Family Spirit using their sense of faith and through a loving presence
The style of Salesians as they live with and animate the among them. It is a pedagogical methodology that begins
young with familiarity and spontaneity with an experience of God, who guides His people
God Sees You through his foreseeing love and active presence among
A phrase that Mama Margaret used to tell his boys, them. The preventive system is built on three pillars of
became the spiritual basis for Salesian presence, which reason, religion and loving-kindness. It avoids corporal
is an imitation of God who is always watching over His punishment. It believes in explaining very clearly what is
people. expected from the ward. It consists in creating a family
atmosphere where young people can express themselves
Good-night spontaneously.
One of the long standing family traditions of the Salesians,
since the time of Mama Margaret, who would tell stories Salesian Spirit
to the boys before retiring to sleep. Today in most Salesian The style or the sum of the characteristics of the Salesians
communities all over the world, the practice of Good- that is expressed in their life and mission.
night consists in the Rector or another person addressing Salesian Family
the youth as the last thought of the day. Its main purpose is The umbrella movement made up of member groups –
to evaluate the activities of the day and draw conclusions religious and lay - which were directly started by Don
for the growth of the young people. Bosco or by Salesians. These groups draw inspiration
Joy & Optimism from Don Bosco and live his spirituality and contribute to
One of the pairs of Salesian qualities that is part of their the Salesian mission. The SDB (Salesian congregation) is
spirit Optimism is an attitude that every boy is basically the first among the groups and are given the responsibility
good, and joy consists in the celebration of life through to co-ordinate the Salesian Family.
festivities and the living out of daily life. VDB
Oratory Volunteers of Don Bosco are members of one of the
Originally simply means a place of prayer. It is a way- branches of Salesian family who make a promise to live
side chapel or a place where catechism classes are held. single lives and contribute to the Salesian charism.
The ingenuity of Don Bosco was to create oratories in
the playground, so as to accompany young people from Source: Selvam Resources
recreational activities to catechesis
24 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
 boo k rev i ew

The author’s inspiration from the teachers and her won

profession as a teacher speaks truth to the book.
I read this book cover to cover and that wasn’t such a good
idea, as I seemed to experience every imaginable emotion
in the process. Some pages made me want to revisit some
of my teachers, some made me want to feel them, others
gave me the opportunity to sit back and ponder life.
It is available at -----------------------

Tej-Prasarini
Don Bosco Communications,
Matunga, Mumbai 400 019. Price
Tel: (+91 22) 6500 7840/ 2415 0680 Rs: 400/-
E-Mail: tej_dbc@vsnl.net
Website: www.tejonline.com

L et’s feel good

about teachers.
St. Augustine said,
“those who sing well
pray twice.” Let us
together as children
of God, Pray – Sing

O ne’s life is lucky if he/she has a teacher. A teacher

at times and for some inspires more than a parent
even. The central focus of the book is on “Teachers being
his glory.
This book is a
improved version
stars” for the students.
the popular
Stars have a pleasant history in the life of the children. liturgical and para
Stars surprise them. Stars attract them. They lead them liturgical hymnal
to dream which in turn wished to come true in life. The – Pray-Sing by Fr.
author by personifying the teachers as stars makes an Peter Gonsalves
important note in the life of the teachers. A note which Sdb. Fr. Darry1 D’
could be a of shining guidance in leading the young Souza sdb reworked
the improvement
The basic proposal that the author presents (indirectly)
through provision
in this book refers, primarily, the need to rethink and
of musical notations, enhancing a better coordination for
reorient some educational dealings of fundamental
the choir-masters / song leaders.
importance because, although we are in the twenty-first
century, basic value systems still continue to be ignored It costs --------------- and available at ---------------
and because of this, many aberrations of the human
Let us and Pray and Sing.
current still happening.
For Teresa, Teaching as a profession and vocation is BETTER YOURSELF BOOKS
the fundamental knowledge that must be valued and 58/23rd Road, TPS III, Bandra (W)
Mumbai , Maharashtra 400 050 Price
revalued in view of the future of the growing generation, Rs: 45/-
regardless of the type of society and culture as they Phone: 022-26510023/26408557
E-Mail: stpaulsmarketing@gmail.com
relate specifically to the preparation and education of the
human condition.

Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 25

 sa l es i an news
BR I E F L Y
Fr.Harrie Kanters SDB to
get dutch award for his
work for justice, peace and
emancipation
Fr. Harrie Kanters SDB of
SAMEN, an organization
that has sent Dutch
volunteers to Salesian
projects all around the world
for the past 25 years, has
won a prestigious Dutch
award for the promotion
of for Justice, Peace and
Emancipation for vulnerable
groups in society. The news
of the award coincides with
Fr. Harrie`s arrival here at
Don Bosco Navajeevan,
Hyderabad, with a group
of 13 volunteers. We were
privileged to welcome him
as well as felicitate him for
his service that has got the
attention and recognition
of the Dutch people and
Government.
Foundation Stone laid
for the New Salesian
Theologate (INM+INT)
The foundation stone
for the new Salesian
theologate was laid
near the premises of
Don Bosco Anbu Illam,
Kavarapettai (50km from
Chennai). This Salesian
theologate is a joint
venture of the provinces
of Chennai and Tiruchy.
The programme started
with a short prayer
service, after which the
plaque was blessed and
opened by Most. Rev.
Dr. A. M. Chinnappa,
Archbishop of Madras-
Mylapore. The
foundation stones were
laid by Most. Rev. Dr. A.
M. Chinnappa, Rev.Fr.
Stanislaus Swamikannu,
Provincial of Chennai
Province.
26
Training Programmes for Minority candidates
The Tamil Nadu Minorities` Economic Leading companies in the city are coming
Development Corporation (TAMCO), Govt. forward to draw up Memoranda of
of Tamilnadu, sponsored SIGA Polytechnic Understanding with Don Bosco Institute
College, a Don Bosco Institute in Chennai, to of Graphic Arts (SIGA) for joint training
conduct a free Skills Development Training programme in areas of graphic design
Program on Computer Hardware and and packaging. The nearly 60 years of
Networking for 20 candidates from various accumulated experience of SIGA in
minority groups in Tamil Nadu. designing and implementing training
After the six month`s training that concluded courses in printing technology and allied
on 24th September 2008, certificates were fields coupled with the need-based approach
issued jointly by SIGA and TAMCO. of high profile companies will definitely
The efficiency of the programme was lead to greater employment opportunities
for thousands of youngsters across the state.
evident when the beneficiaries returned
The Principal of SIGA Polytechnic College
to the institute to thank their trainers with
is moving forward to get these programmes
appointment letters from companies. More
endorsed by the Government of Tamil Nadu
such courses are proposed for the benefit of
the minority communities, namely Muslims, through CIICP initiatives.
Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Parsis.
Curtains fall on INM Platinum Jubilee celebrations
It was a great day as Don
Bosco, Gandinagar jubilated
with the triple celebrations
- Conclusion of the 75 years
of joyful service of Chennai
Province to God, through
the Young; Golden jubilee of
the first profession of Fr. Joy
Panackal, Fr. Mariaselvam,
Fr. Raphael Appadan, Bro.
Joseph Das and Golden jubilee
of the ordination of Fr. Joseph
Vettom, and Feast of St.
Thomas, apostle and patron of
The province of Chennai concluded its Platinum Jubilee in a fitting
our province. Fr. Joy Panackal manner along with the Golden jubilarians through the blessings of
presided over the solemn St.Thomas, the apostle of India, at Don Bosco, Gandinagar, Vellore.
Eucharistic celebration. Fr.
Kenneth, Fr. Itiara and Fr. Joseph Forte were a memorable one. After the Eucharistic
also present and concelebrated the mass. Fr. celebration, the Jubilarians were felicitated
Stanislaus, provincial of Chennai province by Fr. C.M. Varghese and His grace, Rt.
in his homily appreciated and thanked all the Rev. Soundarajan, bishop of Vellore along
veterans of the province who worked hard with the priests of the diocese felicitated
in shaping the province to its glorius state. the jubilarians. The band players from
He also said that the 75th year is not only a Don Bosco, Tirupattur conducted by Mr.
milestone but also a stepping stone of `Yes` Devasagayam and cultural programmes
for the years to come and venture out into by St. Mary`s, St. Joseph`s and Don Bosco
the vistas of the kingdom of God. added colour to solemn celebration. The
directory of Chennai Province and a book
The well prepared liturgy by Fr. Christy,
Don Bosco Speaks - a compilation of Rector
enthralling singing by the choir conducted
Major`s talks were released.
by Fr. Xavier Pakkam made the celebration
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
 sa l es i an news

News From Anbu Illam for the Month of July BR I E F L Y

CHILDREN`S PARLIAMENT The
Children`s Parliament provides sustainable
and meaningful opportunities for children
between 9 to 14 years to engage in local,
national and international democratic
processes. The Children`s Parliament
challenges the notion that only the most
confident and articulate can understand or
participate in our society. It enables children
from all backgrounds and of all abilities to
PRIESTLY YEAR
work together to share experiences that make
CELEBRATION AT DB
active citizenship a reality. An independent
PARISH TIRUPATTUR
evaluation of the work of The Children`s
Parliament was completed by The Global
Citizenship Unit at Glasgow University. The
Children`s Parliament has recently completed
a Scottish Government funded project
exploring children`s rights in family life.
CHILDREN`S PARLIAMENT IN DON
BOSCO ANBU ILLAM, CHENNAI .

Former Councillor for Youth Ministry The premises of Don

-Fr Antonio Domenech has died Bosco, Don Bosco
Parish Tirupattur
The Rector Major and his Council announce celebrated the
the sad news of the death of Fr Antonio
inauguration of the year
Domenech Corominas, former Councillor
of the Priest on 28th of
for Youth Ministry, which happened at 6.30
June. This celebration
this morning (GMT+1) at the Salesian house
commenced at 6.00 p.m.
of Martí Codolar, Barcellona, where Fr
Antonio had been since last February. with a lot of devotion
and a special prayerful
“A day of sadness for the passing of Fr Rosary in procession.
Antonio, but also a day of joy because, This procession
as Don Bosco said: ‘when it happens that captured the attention
a Salesian dies working for souls, the of the local people to
Congregation has won a great triumph.’ Fr
the see the faith of
Antonio spent himself to the very end for the
Catholics in Priesthood.
Salesian mission with his witness, his activity
After procession,
and in the final days with his prayers,”
Fr Chávez said. girls from Mary
Immaculate Convent
On Saturday 18 July having been informed welcomed the priests
of the delicate state of health in which Fr and accompanied them
Domenech found himself, Fr Pascual Chávez to the Altar with their
and Fr Adriano Bregolin went to Barcellona, well and after a medical check-up it was beautiful performance
and after greeting the relatives celebrated discovered that Fr Domenech had a serious of dance. It was nice
Mass in his room. Fr Domenech joined in illness. After an operation halfway through to see little children
the prayers with a weak voice. At the end the August Fr Domenech, continued to devote dancing with their
Rector Major gave him the blessing of Mary himself to his mission in spite of the progress
costumes and their
Help of Christians. of the illness and his experiencing periods of
smiling faces.
Speaking with the relatives and Salesians peace but also of suffering.
Fr Adykala Raj SDB,
present, Fr Chávez, visibly moved, spoke The funeral will take place tomorrow 21
highly of Fr Domenech’s human qualities welcomed the gathering
July at Barcellona-Sarria. The Rector Major
such as his dedication to his work and with his introduction.
and Council will be represented by Fr Fabio
his austere life, as well as the Christian Then, Fr K.M. Jose, the
Attard, the successor of Fr Domenech in
and Salesian ones, expressed through his charge of the Youth Ministry Department, Rector of Sacred Heart
profound fidelity to the Congregation. Fr José Miguel Núñez Moreno, Councillor College Tirupattur,
for West Europe and Fr Pier Fausto Frisoli, presided over the Holy
In the summer of 2005, at the end of the
Councillor for Italy and the Middle East. Eucharist.
work of the General Council, not feeling

Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 27

 c h u rc h news
BRIEFLY Italy surprises UN with bid to end forced abortion
Top Vatican official con-
firms: no Communion for
abortion proponent
Cardinal Antonio Canizares
Llovera, the prefect of the
Congregation for Divine
Worship, has reiterated that
politicians who support legal
abortion should be barred
from receiving Communion.
Because these individuals
are engaged in gravely
sinful behavior, the Spanish
prelate told LifeSite News,
it would be an act of charity
for a priest to withhold
Communion, preventing them
from blasphemous reception
of the Eucharist.
Archbishop hails Russian
school move, though it
excludes Catholicism
Even though the Catholic
faith is not included in the
project, the Moscow-based
Catholic archbishop hailed
the Russian government’s
plan to reintroduce religious
education in public schools.
The plan, announced July 21
by Russian President Dmitry
Medvedev, demonstrates
that the anti-religious
sentiment that marked Soviet
communism no longer
dominates society, said
Archbishop Paolo Pezzi, head
of the Catholic Archdiocese of
the Mother of God in Moscow.
“In my opinion today there
is a very strong yearning, a
desire to find the meaning
of life, including through
religion,” the archbishop told
Vatican Radio July 23.
(CNS)
28
The Italian delegation to the UN, which
ordinarily supports legal abortion, has
introduced a strongly worded resolution
condemning forced abortion and calling
for a moratorium on the use of abortion as
Human dignity, rights always must be respected,
Vatican official says
Even in emergency situations caused by
war or natural disaster, the dignity of each
human person must be respected, said the
Vatican’s representative to U.N. agencies in
Geneva.
The right to freedom, to work, to family
reunion, to education and personal
development and other human rights “cannot
simply be discarded in emergencies,”
Archbishop Silvano Tomasi said July 20
during a meeting of the humanitarian affairs
segment of the U.N. Economic and Social
Council.
The international community must find
ways to guarantee an effective global
humanitarian response to disasters, he said.
Archbishop Tomasi repeated the Vatican’s
call for real action to ensure the safety of
women and girls in refugee camps around
the globe.
“The continued sexual violence perpetrated
against women and girls within and around
refugee camps violates all standards of
international law and leads to the emotional,
physical and mental devastation of these
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
a means of population control. The measure
also decries sex-selection abortion, noting
that the practice almost invariably targets
female babies for destruction.
women, which cannot be justified under any
circumstances,” he said.
While local governments and aid agencies,
including Catholic charities, usually have
the best knowledge of people’s needs,
the international community must have a
mechanism for stepping in when the local
government is unable or refuses to act or uses
a disaster situation for political purposes, he
said.
Archbishop Tomasi said the effort to feed and
offer other kinds of assistance to millions of
victims of natural and man-made disasters is
facing serious challenges today.
“The food crisis has led to a decrease in food
distribution in famine areas, in camps and
detention centers,” he said, and “the energy
crises have added drastically to the cost of
providing aid over long distances.”
“Now,” he said, “the global economic
crisis risks reducing funding to public and
civil society, humanitarian agencies and
organizations.”
The Vatican representative praised countries
and individuals who continue supporting
aid agencies, adding that “failure to remain
in solidarity with and provide for people in
humanitarian crises during this difficult
time will lead only to social and political
instability, which undermines society and
its ability to come together and resolve the
economic crisis.”
Archbishop Tomasi said the international
community must implement clear rules
for intervening to provide humanitarian
assistance.
“We must put at the center of all our
interventions the person and her material,
psychological and spiritual needs,” he said.
(CNS)

Public money must support life, not fund death,
Vatican official says
Especially at a time of
financial crisis, when
life-giving initiatives are
hurting for money, it appears
strange for a government
to expand public funding
for abortion, said the head
of the Pontifical Academy
for Life.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella,
the academy’s head, said
Pope Benedict XVI’s
encyclical, “Caritas in
Veritate” (“Charity in
Truth”), tried to explain
to people how welcoming,
defending and protecting
human life at every stage
is an essential part of
promoting real development
for individuals and communities.
The archbishop was interviewed July
22 by Vatican Radio before speaking at
a conference in Rome dedicated to the
encyclical, which was released July 7.
In the encyclical, he said, Pope Benedict
looks at development not simply as “a
process that must be undertaken to liberate
man from hunger, poverty, sickness or
illiteracy, but he enlarges the horizon,
saying that true and authentic development
requires progress for the whole person,
even at a time of crisis like ours.”
Archbishop Fisichella said people should
not be surprised the pope talks about
abortion, euthanasia or embryonic stem-
cell research in an encyclical examining
the economy.
“We should not forget that around these
areas there are huge investments, both
private and public,” he said.
“For example, it seems that in the United
States there could be a further increase
in public funding for abortion,” he said,
apparently referring to a provision in
President Barack Obama’s 2010 budget that
c h u rc h news
BRIEFLY
BRIEFLY
Viet head of state will
visit Vatican; diplomatic
ties to follow?
A Vietnamese government
delegation, headed by the
country’s president, will visit
the Vatican in November,
Cardinal Pham Minh Man of
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly
Saigon) has announced. The
announcement has spurred
hopes that Vietnam and the
Holy See may resume formal
diplomatic relations, after
several years of informal
talks. The meeting may also
help to ease rising tensions
between government officials
and Catholic activists
who have been pushing
for restoration of church
properties confiscated by the
Communist regime.
Indian cardinal assesses
would permit taxpayer funding of abortions Hindu fundamentalist
in the District of Columbia. persecution
An Indian Cardinal
At a time of economic crisis, he asked, Telesphore Placidus Toppo
shouldn’t resources be used “to promote life of Ranchi, capital of the
in every area and not to increase a culture of eastern Indian state of
death?” Jharkhand believes that
Hindu fundamentalists--
Asked about Pope Benedict’s meeting July
whom he estimates at 11%
10 with Obama, Archbishop Fisichella said of the nation’s population--
he believed the two had an opportunity to persecute Christians because
discuss very important themes, including they fear the prospects
those related to protecting human life and of a mass conversion to
freedom. Christianity among dalits
(untouchables). “In the eyes
“At this time, especially in the United States,”
of the fundamentalists, the
he said, there is a debate over the obligation to Muslims are also enemies of
respect the freedom of conscience of medical India, but Muslims retaliate
personnel who oppose abortion. Their right so they are leaving them
not to participate in the procedure often is alone. The fundamentalists’
“suspended or impeded,” he said. “focus is particularly on tribe
members, because the highest
According to a Vatican statement, the right number of conversions takes
of conscientious objection was one of the place among them, as among
themes the pope and Obama discussed the dalit, or ‘untouchables.’
during their meeting. Despite having undergone
many persecutions throughout
Before traveling to Rome, Obama told a group
history, the tribal groups
of religion writers that he expects an ongoing
have maintained their own
review of conscience clause regulations will language and social system,
result in a continuation of protections that so if they convert, they can
have long existed. (CNS) form a middle class.”
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 29
 va l u es

STORIES FOR RADIANT LIVING

BUILDING A TEMPLE
his nose whenever he met other dogs on the street. One
A long time ago a sage went to a construction site where day a hound brought him down to earth with some plain
he saw three men working and out of curiosity he asked speaking and when the dog learnt why the bell had been
the first workman “What are you doing, my good man?” put around his neck he slunk away in shame.
The workman looked up briefly “I’m working” he said
rudely and went back to his work Sometimes what appears to be a clap on the back is
actually a slap on the face.
Not satisfied with the
answer, the sage THE PAUPER AND THE BANKER
approached the Once upon a time there lived a pauper and a banker. The
second workman first was as poor as the second was rich. So it was inevitable
and asked him the that the rich man will be happier than the pauper. But
same question. their natures were
“You can see I’m opposite, for the
breaking stones” he poor man was happy
replied. The sage whereas the banker
was not satisfied with this answer either, was not. The banker
so he approached the third workman and asked the was annoyed of the
same question, “I’m building a temple” replied the third fact that while he
workman smilingly. The incident opened the sage’s eyes, tossed and turned
because all three of them were breaking boulders into in his bed at night,
smaller stones, but in their minds they were not doing the the pauper slept
same jobs.The third workman was working for a cause peacefully.
much larger than himself and it showed in his approach
to work. One day the banker
could stand it no longer. He decided to find out why the
You can just do a day’s work, or build a career, a team, an pauper was a happy man inspite of his poverty. So he
organization, or a nation called the pauper to his house and asked him his yearly
An individual’s overpowering ambition can be the glue income because he believed that happiness could only be
that holds together and powers forward a team, an army measured in terms of wealth
or a country. You choose your perspective and your role “I don’t count too well, nor do I really care. I live each day
in life. Can you be the one who builds the temple? as it comes and never worry about the next.”
CLAP OR SLAP “Well, then, just tell me how much you earn in one day,”
insisted the rich man.
There was once a dog that used to
run up quietly behind people and bite “I earn what I need and when I have earned enough I take
their heels. Fed up of the numerous rest.
complaints, the owner tied The banker liked the pauper. He wished to thank him for
a bell around the dog’s neck coming to his house, so he presented the poor man with a
so that the sound of the bell bag of hundred gold coins.
would alert people whenever the
Now, to the pauper these coins, which meant so little to
dog came near them.
the banker, seemed a great fortune. He decided to hide the
The dog felt the bell was a bag, so that he would have the money if ever he should
reward of some sort and became need it. So, when he returned to his house, he dug a big
extremely conceited, turning up hole in a corner of the garden, threw the bag into it, and
covered it with dirt.
30 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
 va l u es

But from that day on, the poor man’s life changed- he you. Now where is the logic in
began to worry about the safety of his money. Every that?”
night he slept a little less, and each time he heard the “You’re right!” cried the Turtle.
slightest sound, he became anxious about the safety of “Hop on!”
his coins.
The Scorpion climbed aboard
Finally, he could bear his unhappiness no longer. He and halfway across the river
went to the garden, dug up the coins and returned them gave the Turtle a mighty
to the banker. sting. As they both sank to
The pauper had learned an important lesson, and so has the bottom, the Turtle in despair
the banker said:
“Do you mind if I ask you something? You said there’d be
SIMPLE SOLUTION no logic in your stinging me. Then why did you do it?”
There was once a small boy who banged a drum all day “It has nothing to do with logic,” the drowning Scorpion
and loved every moment of it. He would not be quiet, sadly replied. “It’s just my character.”
no matter what anyone else said or did. Various people
who called themselves wise were called in by neighbors We have to be careful with whom we associate with.
and asked to do something about the child. THE MONKEY KING
The first so-called wise man told the boy that he One day long ago, some sailors set out to sea in their sailing
would, if he continued to ship. One of them brought his pet monkey along for
make so much noise, make the long journey.When
a hole in his eardrums; this they were far out at
reasoning was too advanced sea, a terrible storm
for the child, who was neither a overturned their
scientist nor a scholar. The second ship. Everyone fell
told him that drum beating was a into the sea, and the
sacred activity and should be carried monkey was sure
out only on special occasions. that he would drown.
The third offered the neighbors Suddenly a dolphin
plugs for their ears; the fourth gave appeared and picked
the boy a book; the fifth gave the him up.
neighbors books that described a
method of controlling anger through They soon reached
biofeedback; the sixth gave the the island and the
boy meditation exercises to make monkey came down from
him good-natured. Each of these remedies worked for the dolphin’s back. The dolphin
a short while, but none worked for very long. asked the monkey, “Do you know
this place?”
Eventually, a real wise came along. He looked at the
situation, handed the boy a hammer and chisel, and The monkey replied, “Yes, I do. In fact, the king of the
said, “I wonder what is INSIDE the drum?” island is my best friend. Do you know that I am actually
a prince?”
THE SCORPION AND THE TURTLE
Knowing that no one lived on the island, the dolphin said,
A Scorpion, being a very poor swimmer, asked a Turtle “Well, well, so you are a prince! Now you can be a king!”
to carry Him on his back across a river.
The monkey asked, “How can I be a king?”
“Are you crazy?” exclaimed the Turtle.
As the dolphin started swimming away, he answered,
“You’ll sting me while I’m swimming and I’ll drown.” “That is easy. As you are the only creature on this island,
“My dear Turtle,” laughed the Scorpion, “if I were to you will naturally be the king!”
sting you, you would drown and I would go down with A.J. Frank sdb
ajfrankie@gmail.com
Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 31
 h u mo u r

Humour
BANK ROBBERY
A man walked into a bank, got in line and when it was his
turn he pulled out a gun and robs the bank.
But just to make sure he leaves no witnesses,
he turns around and asks the next customer
CLASS ROOM JOKES in line, “Did you see me Rob this
Teacher: If I give you two rabbits and two rabbits and Bank?”
another two rabbits, how many rabbits have you got? The customer replies, “Well, yes!”
Paddy: Seven! The bank robber raises his gun, points it at his
Teacher: No, listen carefully again. If I give you two head and shoots him.
rabbits and two rabbits and another two rabbits, how He quickly moves to the next customer in line and says
many rabbits have you got? to the man, “DID … YOU … SEE … ME … ROB…
Paddy: Seven! THIS… BANK?”
Teacher: Let’s try this another way. If I give you two The man calmly responds, “No, but my wife did.”
apples and two apples and another two apples, how many
apples have you got? “Honey, you`re warm.”
Paddy: Six.
Santa was talking to his fiancee, Jeeto, and
Teacher: Good. Now if I give you two rabbits and two he said, “Be honest, how am I as a lover?”
rabbits and another two rabbits, how many rabbits have
To which Jeeto replied, “Honey, I would
you got?
definitely say that you`re warm.”
Paddy: Seven!
“Really?” Santa said excitedly.
Teacher: How on earth do you work out that three lots of
“Yes, In fact I would say that you`re the
two rabbits is seven?
dictionary definition of the word ‘warm’.”
Paddy: I’ve already got one rabbit at home now!
Santa was pleased until he went home and,
The teacher came up with a good problem. “Suppose,” just for fun, checked his dictionary and found,
she asked the second-graders, “there were a dozen sheep “WARM: Not so hot.”
and six of them jumped over a fence. How many would
be left?” SIDE EFFECTS
“None,” answered little Norman.
A man is cutting sides of a capsule before talking it. His
“None? Norman, you don’t know your arithmetic.” neighbour saw this and asked him, “Why are you
“Teacher, you don’t know your sheep. When one goes, cutting the sides of the capsule?
they all go!” He replied, “To avoid side effects.”
Q: What is a baby’s motto
A: If at first you don’t succeed cry cry again!
Romantic compliment
Increase My Salary
Wife standing in front of a mirror and telling to her
One employee told his boss, husband, “I am fat, old, wrinkled and no longer pretty.
“Sir, Increase my salary, Will you still give me a romantic
I got married recently.” compliment?”

The boss replied, “The Company Husband replied, “Your eyesight

cannot compensate for the is still excellent.”
accidents happened outside of the company.”
Joseph
32 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009
c h i l d ren ’ s p age

2 Connect the Dots and see

what you find

1 Finish This Picture

Fill in the missing pieces to make the 2nd
picture look just like the first.

4 Finish This Picture

3 Picture Scramble
How Many Tea Cups are in This
Fill in the missing pieces to make the 2nd
picture look just like the first.

Picture Scramble?

Don bosco AUGUST - 2009 33

c h i l d ren ’ s p age

5 Flower Maze 6 Picture Scramble

How Many Tea Cups are in This
Find the way out
Picture Scramble?

Finish This Picture

7 Fill in the missing pieces to make the 2nd picture look just like the first.

Printed and Published by Glorious Stephen on behalf of The South India Salesian Society Society 45, landons Road, Chennai 600 010
and Printed at SIGA Press, 49,Taylors Road, Chennai - 600 010.
Editor, Glorious Stephen
34 Don bosco AUGUST - 2009