DON BOSCO'S MADONNA Mumbai NOVEMBER 2010 vol.12 No. 7

CONTENTS

From The Editor's Desk: Free From Fear...... 3 11 - Gratitude in Action - Fr. Erasto Fernandez. SSS.....4 Beautiful To Be A Salesian Priest - Fr. Jayapalan, sdb...... 7 A Gift I Can't Help GIving Away - Elissa Kaupisch...... 8 Walking With the Church: Candles, Distractions and Basic Christian Communities - St. Martin's Messenger...... 10 Witnesses In And For Our Times: St. Martin of Tours (Nov. 11) - Mario Scudu...... 13 Lectio Divina: The Structure of the Lectio - Stefano Martoglio...... 17 The Virgin Mary Quietspaces: Our Prayers Assist the Faithful Departed offers - Pope Benedict XVI...... 18 Strengthened By Angels modern man - Sharon Wilkins...... 20 Don Bosco's Advice to His Boys: a vision That Most Beautiful of Virtues - Gianni Asti...... 23 of serenity and NewsBits...... 26 a word of Reflecting on Mary: Reflections on the "Hail Mary" (I) - Fr. Richard Loehrlein, SM...... 29 reassurance: In a Cheerful Mood...... 15 Loving Children to their Victory of hope Loving Mother...... 32 The Devotion of the Three Hail Marys...... 33 over anxiety They Are Grateful to Our Lady & Don Bosco...... 34 Thanks to Dear Cover: Christ the King St. Dominic Savio...... 35

November 2010 2 Don Bosco's Madonna Free From Fear here was a time when I felt sorry for that poor fellow in the Gospel parable who buried his talent inT the ground. When he was called upon by his master to give an account, he was dismissed as a ‘good-for-nothing servant’ and ordered to be thrown out into ‘the outer darkness where they was weeping and gnashing of teeth’ (Matt. 25: 14-29). I always thought that it was rather unfair that he was given such a harsh sentence, because the punishment he received was surely disproportionate to his crime. Admittedly, he wasn’t a very enterprising chap. He didn’t earn any interest on his master’s investment, but, on the other hand, he didn’t embezzle or squander it either. In fact, he returned the original amount, so the worst you could say about him was that he may have been unduly timid and acted in an over-cautious manner. However, my sympathy for this character soon faded away when I re-examined verses 24 and 25 and discovered a deeper meaning hidden there. At this point in the story the servant explained that his shameful inaction was caused by fear and that his fear was he saw his master as ‘a hard man’, who reaped where he had not sown and who gathered where he had not scattered.

Sooner or later, it seems to me, we all have to face up to a basic choice in life. We can either listen to those fears in our hearts which distort our vision and paralyse our movement, or we can listen to the words of Jesus, words that reveal the truth and set our spirit free. As the Gospel shows clearly, Jesus reveals God to us as a loving and merciful Father who is incapable of being mean or harsh. But if we allow our vision to be constricted by fear, we may tend to look on God as a ‘hard man’, who latches on to every little mistake we make and hands out punishment for every little offence we commit. Perhaps, we need to take more notice of St. Paul’s reminder to the Galatians that ‘we are led by the Spirit and called to freedom’. Perhaps, we need to remember, too, that if we allow our lives to be dominated by fear, especially the fear of failure or the fear of rejection, then much good is likely to be left undone. On the other hand, if we have the courage to let the Spirit guide our steps we will be in a better position to see God as he really is and to see ourselves as his children. In that case, we shall avoid the misery of feeling spied upon or watched and rejoice in the freedom of being welcomed and accepted. Fr. Ian Doulton sdb

November 2010 3 Don Bosco's Madonna CEL SERIES 11. GRATITUDE IN ACTION Fr. Erasto Fernandez, sss he melodic strains of a violin took a beating. His triceps muscle Theard one Friday evening from detached, and bone scraped away a lobby at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, from his elbow. Surveying the was the heartfelt gratitude of a damage, the orthopedic surgeon former patient who had almost lost Dr. Jay Keener who attended on the ability to play the instrument him observed, “I told him from the again. “I suppose it is a beautiful get-go that it was uncertain if he way of saying ‘thank you’ to the would ever be able to play the violin hospital and its staff, but it’s a lot of again, depending on the amount other things as well,” mused Ken of nerve damage, weakness and Wollberg. “It’s a way to share a stiffness he had sustained.” Keener beautiful thing.” re-attached Wollberg’s triceps muscle to the bone. Plastic surgeon Dr. Ida The Violin – His Passion Fox performed a skin graft to cover Wollberg, 58, began playing the the outside of the wound. A second violin in a fourth-grade music class operation last July released scar in Omaha, Nebraska, and became tissue and stretched the elbow. But ‘almost addicted to it, in a way.’ His it was only after several months of love for the instrument eventually painful gruelling exercises and led to a master’s degree in viola therapy visits that Wollberg performance from the University of gradually returned to teaching Iowa. Although he was passionately music as before. fond of playing professionally, his “That whole time, I didn’t realize real delight was teaching the viola how serious it was,” Wollberg and violin to enthusiastic young reminisces. “My hand worked, but students. Besides, he performed it was a struggle to play the violin with various music groups and again. It took a month, maybe, to symphonies, but it was hard to reach the bottom string.” He make a living off his music, as complains that his arm is still everyone in the profession knows weak, but nevertheless, last fall he only too well. So he and his wife, performed with the Paducah Peggy, decided to launch careers as Symphony Orchestra in Kentucky. truck drivers and in 2002 began When Wollberg returned to hauling rigs cross-country. Barnes-Jewish Hospital recently Eventually, they bought a truck for for a checkup, he brought along his themselves and leased their services. violin. “My desire was to show that Wollberg and his wife were hauling I had my violin-playing back under three flatbeds, piled up on the back control. I wanted them to see the of their truck on Dec. 27, 2007, when work they had done with such it struck a patch of ice in Montana loving dedication and care was and before they knew what was eminently successful,” he reflected. happening, they found themselves The doctors were immensely slithering across the length of about impressed and grateful and the four football fields before toppling hospital staff asked the patient to to one side. schedule another appointment - The driver’s side window had but this time as a performer. shattered, and Wollberg’s left elbow Wollberg and his friend, guitarist November 2010 4 Don Bosco's Madonna Jim Stieren, appeared that Friday at talents, the equivalent in modern the hospital’s Centre for Advanced currency being several thousands Medicine in St. Louis. Peggy of crores of rupees!) that would Wollberg joined them and sang a mean an extremely long sentence! few songs, including ‘Amazing And what about gratitude for the Grace.’ Cherry Brown, 58, paused gift of life, experienced through after a vascular test to join the recovery from a fatal illness, or crowd in the lobby and enjoy the when we escaped a near-death music. “The fact that he is able to accident? Does that ever really play after the accident is a make us begin life on a fresh page, wonderful thing,” she remarked. with a deeper trust in the Lord’s “That’s a God-given talent well providence and a greater readiness used.” to reach out to others, especially those for whom life is a burden in Gratitude Meaningfully Shown some way? How often does good Most people express gratitude health and physical vigour move us with a casual ‘Thank-you’ or to go out of our way to work for the sometimes with a heartfelt expression physically challenged and less gifted, accompanied by a gift of some kind. polio patients, accident victims and However, gratitude is best shown the like? by a change of life-style as did We would all acknowledge that Wollberg. How many of us pay it is fairly easy (even though heed to this aspect of gratitude? meaningful) to say a verbal ‘thank- Take the example of the gift of you’ for a favour received. But to make forgiveness which God gives us so that favour the springboard for a new graciously through the dying-rising level of living is something out of the of Jesus, his Son. The ideal way to ordinary! In 2 Cor. 5:14-15 Paul show one’s gratitude for this gift is reminds us that Jesus loved each of to avoid repeating the sin ever again us so much that he literally in one’s life, and at the same time to identified himself with us, taking share one’s forgiveness with the penalty of death on himself (one another, especially when the man died for all!). And so, he person has hurt us beyond our concludes, living persons should expectations. Only when our no longer live for themselves for gratitude for forgiveness includes him who for their sakes died and these two aspects can we say that it was raised. He not only taught this is genuine and complete – gratitude truth, but actually lived it. ‘For me,’ shown in action and not just in he avowed, ‘to live is Christ and to words alone. The express need of die a gain!’ What a difference it passing on forgiveness to others is would make if each Christian were brought home to us through the to realize this truth to the very parable of the unforgiving servant. marrow of his/her bones! Would However, what most seem to miss we not thank the Lord for all that in their understanding of this he has done for us?!? “What shall I parable is that when the first servant return to the Lord for all his goodness fails to extend forgiveness to his to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation fellow-servant, he loses the very gift and call on the name of the Lord” (Ps that he had received earlier – he is 116:12-13). thrown into prison until he had paid the entire debt. And considering the Other Inspiring Examples amount he owed (ten thousand A young Indian couple living in

November 2010 5 Don Bosco's Madonna America, own a Restaurant doing his/her best during the week – and pretty brisk business all week. They already thousands have responded decided one day to launch into a generously. One can give novel scheme. Every Sunday they personally or even through the serve their guests as usual, but NGO. Those interested could even when presenting the bill, the organize fund-raisers in the office, amount is always $0.00. When the neighbourhood or through Church surprised patrons seek an and other organizations. The idea explanation wondering whether is simply to dedicate the week to there is some kind of mistake or thinking less of oneself and more other, their answer is: ‘The previous of others around us and in this way guests who had a meal here have bringing joy to others. Professionals paid for your meal! They wanted like doctors, lawyers, accountants you to enjoy your Sunday meal and and others are encouraged to remember it for a long long time! It donate a few hours each day of the is absolutely free for you!’ Taken week helping others in need of their aback the guests would be tongue- professional competence. Besides, tied for a while, but invariably the NGO has developed several would offer to pay for those coming programmes designed to empower after them. It has been noticed that the poor and disadvantaged, Sunday is their busiest day – and giving people the skills, confidence never once have they got less than and support they need to improve what they would have, had they their lives as part of their work in charged their clients the full fare. the city. They work across areas Rather, it was always way above including childcare, women their expectations. Not only that, empowerment, youth empowerment several people offer their services, and HIV-AIDS among others. Here some as waiters, cooks and in too the experience cannot but be other capacities, all wanting to that those who receive will also vie join in this novel way of sharing with their benefactors to pass on and bringing joy to others. And some of their blessings to others in that is what the couple originally return. Thus, the chain would had in mind – to provide people hopefully extend well beyond the with the opportunity to think of stipulated week and possibly circle others and to share their blessings the whole world. with them generously. Their hope As we remember Wollberg and is that this experience will enable his almost childlike candidness in the people who go through it to wanting to thank the doctors who extend it to other spheres of their helped him get back the use of his lives. left hand, could we take a serious The ‘Joy of Giving Week’ was look at our lives and pick out one celebrated in India from September area in which we feel (or even ought 27 to October 3, 2009 in a nation- to feel) this kind of gratitude to the wide outreach, spearheaded by the Lord? How could we express this NGO Give India. The theme of the more meaningfully not just in week is ‘giving’ – whatever you can words, but in actions that will reveal to some needy person: a glass of the glory of what God has done for water, a smile, a hug or even a hot us? Maybe we too could come up meal, in short an act of kindness with a novel idea to encourage all extended to anyone, including to share, emulating the “Joy of family members too. This appeal Giving Week” and doing even goes out to each individual to do better!‰ November 2010 6 Don Bosco's Madonna VOCATION PROMOTION BEAUTIFULNews TO BE A SALESIAN PRIEST! Fr. Jayapalan, CCBI Executive Secretary for Catechetics, South Asian Salesian Coordinator for Catechetics

vocation is God’s call and it is A with a purpose for His mission. AI have experienced his great call for the past 36 years. He has spoken to me through the lives of committed Salesians who lived the spirit of Don Bosco. I was a boy in the Salesian boarding of Don Bosco, Katpadi in Tamil Nadu from 1968 to 1974. Today I am a happy Salesian priest because of the love and care of the Salesians. It was not merely their charitable work but their passionate service to poor youth. My most moving experience took place when I was not able to pay the monthly fee of Rs. 8 for three years. Every time we went for home holidays, the administrator, Bro. P.K.Antony reminded me about the fees. Once he realized that I was novice master, Fr. Antony Mampra, finding it difficult to pay even after told me to go ahead because he three years, one fine day he found no reason for my confusion. cancelled all my bills and wrote On 24th morning I went to the altar “Paid”. It was the loving kindness of of our Lady and after praying to her Don Bosco's preventive system that I asked her never to allow me to conquered. trace back my steps. There was As I was completing my Std.XI my no sign on that day and the Rector asked me what I wanted to profession went on. Today, 33 become, I had only one reply: ‘I want years later, I am proud to say that to become a Salesian’. our blessed mother has been my As Don Bosco said: every boy was constant protectress, guide and brought to the Salesian house by our inspirer. Blessed Mother, I can also say the God has guided me in my life to same of every Salesian who enters keep my focus on the poorest, the congregation. She is the through the material guidance of foundress and guide of our Salesian our blessed mother and fatherly congregation. inspiration of our Founder Don She gave me a wonderful Bosco. It has been a wonderful and experience of her maternal fulfilling life and mission all along. I intervention at the time of my have been loved by the Salesians profession. I was so very confused and today I long to be a loving at the time of retreat before my Salesian after the heart of Don profession on 24th May 1977. My Bosco for ever! ‰ For further contact Fr Brian Moras sdb: [email protected]

November 2010 7 Don Bosco's Madonna THE GIFT I CAN'T HELP GIVING AWAY by Elissa Kaupisch "My mother held onto her faith in Christ through the battle with cancer, never doubting that God had a perfect plan for her life." n my living room wall hangs on her for emotional support. In the Oan object that never fails to midst of her own pain, she lovingly bring tears to my eyes. It reminds cared for my father who was also me of a unique gift I received from suffering from cancer, until the time the lady who molded me into the of his death. woman I am today, my mother. It is Suffering was a constant unique in that I can keep it for companion to my mother. In myself, yet pass it on to others. accepting her own condition, but Some gifts are like that. not dwelling on it, she constantly My mother first received “the encouraged others by writing “just gift” while she was battling cancer the right note” in a get-well card, and it became her most constant often including a special scripture and vital companion. Through the for her friend. many years of living with cancer It was just a week before her and in the shadows of death, she death, and my mother knew her clung tightly to it. time was fast slipping away: Still Despite the cancer and focusing on others, her concern was accompanying pain, my mother did not for herself, but for me. As I was not become filled with self-pity nor leaving her hospital room one day, become self-absorbed. Keeping her she gave me the gift. All wrapped own suffering in perspective, she up between two leather covers it remembered others who were came - a special word from God. suffering too and reached out to He had chosen my mother to help them. Too weak to stand, she deliver it to me at this difficult often leaned against her stove, time. preparing meals for sick friends “Elissa,” she said, as she lifted and neighbours. Loving nature as my chin, trying to provoke a smile she did, she also sent cheer to these from me. “When you get home, friends in the bouquets of beautiful, open your Bible and read I fresh-cut flowers gathered from her Thessalonians 4:13.” Confused, I garden. shrugged my shoulders, and said My mother held onto her faith in “Okay, Mom. I will.” I fought back Christ through the battle, never a tear and hurried out, not doubting that God had a perfect wanting her to know how deeply plan for her life. Other cancer I dreaded leaving her. victims observed my mother’s When I got home, I read the strength and courage and leaned Scripture: “Brothers, do not be

November 2010 8 Don Bosco's Madonna ignorant about those who have fallen asleep, or grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.” (I Thess.4:13) The Scripture meant absolutely nothing to me - not then anyway. For years, I had prayed for my mother’s healing, and I just couldn’t face the possibility of losing her. My mother did not fight her death. She was ready and anxious to meet her Lord. But for me, it was a different story. I was angry with God. Why did such a loving, caring Christian have to suffer such pain deterioration? Why did it have to be my mother? She didn’t deserve it, and I was angry at God for allowing it. The anger did not pass, but time did. Restless one day; I opened my study group, was going through Bible, and it fell open to the page some very trying times. Her only where I had placed a bookmark – I child, three-year-old Brittany had Thessalonians. I searched for the been suffering from leukemia for passage my mother had given me, about two years. Brittany was in and carefully read the Scripture the hospital again, leukemia again, as well as the verses spreading through her little body, following it - this time pondering and the doctors were not giving her more on the words before me. parents any hope for her recovery. Suddenly it dawned on me! It was The shadows of death were moving like blinders being lifted from my in. eyes. I now understood what my One day I stopped by the hospital mother was trying to say to me. The to visit Karen and little Brittany, verse following the one my mother and found that Brittany had been had given me particularly spoke to placed in an isolation unit. Her me: “We believe that Jesus died mother had taken a short walk to and rose again and so we will get some fresh air, and I could not believe that God will bring with immediately locate her. As I sat in Jesus those who have fallen asleep the lounge waiting for Karen to in Him.” (I Thess. 4:14) return, I remembered the Scripture With this revelation and my mother had given me – I Thess. understanding, I felt my anger 4:13. I felt led by God to share these toward God melting away; I knew words of comfort with Karen. I He had touched me in a profound quickly jotted down the Scripture and personal way; and that He still on a sheet of paper. loved and cared for me. After my visit with Karen, I It wasn’t long, before I had the slipped her the piece of paper, opportunity to pass on “the gift.” telling her that the Scripture had Karen, a young mother in my Bible been given to me by my mother

November 2010 9 Don Bosco's Madonna before she died, and that I hoped it would give her comfort. Within a few days, the blond- haired, blue-eyed little girl had yielded her spirit to the Lord. In the midst of her sorrow, Karen found solace in that Scripture. Karen related to me how the Scripture had blessed her family. Several months later, Karen Candles, shared her story with the women Distractions and of our church. The experience of losing her daughter was a difficult Basic Christian one, but, with God’s help, Karen Communities was overcoming her grief. As she by St. Martin's Messenger was sharing the Scripture I had given her, I noticed several women copying it down on their programme booklets. Q. Why do we use candles at Mass God’s gift was being poured out to and at other religous ceremonies? more of His people. Today as I sit in my living room, A. The Romans used candles for contemplating that object on my a number of civic and religious wall, the calligraphied memorial occasions. However lights have about my mother’s life of service to been used by every religion as far others, tears well up in my eyes. But as mankind can remember. Light, they are no longer tears of sorrow. and especially from a flame, Yes, my mother is deeply missed, signified for humankind life, but my tears have changed to tears hope, joy, divinity - almost of joy and hope. everything that we consider good. Now I understand the The early Christians placed them significance of my mother’s final in front of tombs of deceased gift to me. She helped me focus, not members of the Christian on death and sorrow as many of us commnity and also in front of the are prone to do, but on the gracious images of martyrs and other gift of eternal life from our Heavenly saints. They symbolise Christ our Father to those who believe in Him. light and hope in our future Yes, Mother, I look forward with resurrection. Candles have been eagerness to that time when “we used at Mass since the 7th century. will be caught up in the clouds with those who have fallen asleep to Q. I get really distracted in prayer. meet the Lord in the air and we will As a matter of fact I never seem to be be with the Lord forever.” (I Thess. able to pray without distractions. Is 4:17) there any point in continuing to And as for me, 1 will continue to pray? pass on this loving message of comfort to others, because God’s A. Let's begin with asking a few gifts are like that. This Scripture fundamental questions. The first from God is one gift I just can’t is, What is prayer? For most help giving away! ‰ people it is 'saying' prayers,

November 2010 10 Don Bosco's Madonna addressing God as he praised himself. He was greatly consoled as he listened to himself! I might call his 'prayer' a 'prayer of distraction' but it was not prayer at all. The third question is, When do you pray? Most persons pray when they are ready, not when God reciting formulae that they were is ready or when he calls. To be taught or that they like from some ready they have to be in the right source. In other words, they either mood. But why not pray in every are using memory or a book to pray. mood. For example, if you have just There is nothing wrong with this lost your job, why not pray, discuss but I would prefer something better. it with God, then rather put off I regard prayer as dialogue or praying for the rest of the day or for conversation with God. For me there ever? Why 'punish' God who is are two parts in prayer: I listen to waiting as a friend to hear from God speak to me and I reply to God. you? Or do you pray only for Don't rush in and say you never yourself and your needs and never heard God speak to you. He speaks think of accepting God's will when to you in the Bible which you hear he does not 'answer' your pray your at Mass or read. Did you ever try to way? speak to him, discuss the reading? And my final word, because I do He can speak to you in the news not have the space, is keep trying you hear around you. You speak to converse with God. Do not be with your family and neighbours discouraged. The reward of about the news; why not speak to speaking with God as a friend is God. Think of how Moses and Job, eternal life. and many others, spoke to him. He can speak to you about his will for Q. What are 'basic Christian you in sickness, losing your job, communities'? problems in the family and so forth. A. A missionary once spoke of But why think about the bad things; basic Christian communities in why not add the good news about his parish in Uruguay. They are your family; the son/daughter who described as local groups of passed an examination, one who Christians who try to revitalise got a good job, the birth of a baby? their church by worshipping and The next question, what is it that studying the scriptures together, you are looking for in prayer? Many by using their personal gifts in people look for consolation. They the service of others, and by want to 'feel good'. They are 'in' becoming involved in common prayer for what they can get out of social action in their it. They babble on and on and never communities. The South give God a chance to interrupt. The American Bishops at their Bible tells us about the man who meetings in Colombia in 1968 went up to the temple to pray and and in Mexico in 1979 "said this prayer to himself!" (Lk. encouraged the formation of these 18:9-12). He was not really Basic Christian communities.‰

November 2010 11 Don Bosco's Madonna PROFILES

ST. MARTIN OF TOURS 317-397 (NOVEMBER 11) YOUR WILL IS MY INHERITANCE by Mario Scudu (TA/ID) e was not just another saint, First A Soldier of Rome Hhe was one of the most Then A Soldier of Christ outstanding saints in the great Martin was born on the border history of the early Church, between Hungary and Austria, of especially in the Church in France. pagan parents. His father was a He was called the “Apostle of the military tribune, and commanded Gauls” because of his efforts to a garrison of soldiers that guarded evangelize and organize the the borders of the empire. He was Church in that region. Because of soon transferred to Northern Italy, his wisdom and his zeal he was specifically to Pavia where little held up as a model for the entire Martin grew up. His father, a Gallic region. Although he was professional soldier dreamed of his born a Roman in what is today, young son having a brilliant career Hungary (then called Pannonia by in the Roman army. The battlefields the Romans) he is considered and compact cohorts of legionaries predominantly a French saint (a bit seemed to fascinate the young lad. like St. Francis for Italy). For this That was why he was called reason, the name Martin is very “Martin” meaning “dedicated to common in many European Mars” the god of war. The countries. His cult spread swiftly youngster’s military dream did throughout France and Italy too, come true but it would take a very where many churches were dedicated different turn because he would to him. This phenomenon is observed become a Christian and later a also in Spain, England, Holland bishop. Martin’s association with and of course in Hungary as well. Christianity could at best be defined In Germany he is honoured in one as curious. He met a family friend of the most beautiful Romanesque who was a Christian and the ten- churches (the great church of St. year old boy was captivated by the Martin at Cologne). The poet Christian way of life. At twelve he Fortunatus was right when he became a catechumen, and wrote: “Where Christ is known, committed himself to live by the Martin is honoured.” Gospel commandment: love of God November 2010 12 Don Bosco's Madonna and of neighbour. Later his is only a catechumen, covered me Christian friends advised him to with his robe.” That famous incident return home (from where he had was immortalized by various run away). He loved his parents painters such as Giotto and Simone very much and did not want them Martini (Assisi). In 339 at age 22 he to suffer such grief. His father was baptized but his long military forgave his simple adolescent service ended only around 356 impulsiveness of putting his duties when he was released from his as son over that of a soldier. He was contract to Rome. He was now free destined for the army and there to be a soldier of Christ, his new was nothing more to be said. commander. He did not have to use Roman law was firm and so Martin his strength to conquer empires but was bound. He was 15 years-old through love and solidarity he and at the right age to enlist. After could reach out to his neighbour. donning the uniform of a soldier After his discharge, Martin went he became a member of the cavalry to Poitiers to meet Bishop Hilary and was sent to Gaul, specifically who had probably encountered to Reims and Amiens. One night him as a soldier. Martin was while he was on sentry duty he saw captivated by him. Hilary was a a poor man freezing in the cold. learned man, a true pastor and a Martin drew his sword and cut his staunch defender of the Christian cloak in two and gave half to the Faith against Arianism but poor unfortunate. It is true that he precisely because of his courage, he was forced into military service but was sent to the East into exile. In the nothing prevented him from absence of his spiritual master, practicing his faith and of Martin returned to Pannonia where expressing his love for God and his he converted his mother and neighbour. It was said that the next proceeded from there to Milan. night in a dream (or apparition?) There he founded a hermitage near Martin saw Christ surrounded by the city and lived there as a monk. his angels who said: “Martin, who That was always his dream but he was chased away from there by the Arian bishop Assenzius the new bishop after the death of Dionysius. Having been banished he fled from Milan and sought refuge in Liguria on the island of Gallinara where he built a hermitage once more. He was informed that Hilary had returned from exile (the Arian leaders of the East found him unbearable for his astuteness). When Martin returned to Gaul, to Poitiers he was happy to meet Hillary again and it was there that he proposed to ordain Martin a deacon and a priest with a view to succeed him. It was thus that he tried to groom Martin to become his successor.

November 2010 13 Don Bosco's Madonna A Trap to Make Him Bishop This was a very strange Christ, all His reputation as a bishop, a decked-up and well-dressed like spiritual master and eloquent a trendy model. Martin gave him preacher soon spread beyond the one glance but refused to prostrate walls of his monastery. It reached himself before him. The Devil Tours. The Christians of that city screamed and said: “So? You do were desperately trying to find a not recognize your Saviour?” bishop. Knowing that Martin could Martin replied: “The Lord Jesus not be bought they tried subterfuge. did not say that he was coming Commissions, investigations, robed in purple and decked with consultations and even high-level jewels. According to me I will discernments, what times! Then believe in Christ only if he comes one of them came begging him to with the marks of his suffering and come and visit his wife who was his cross.” The devil left in disgust. ill. After much coaxing Martin Martin was a great bishop who conceded and went. It was a trap to watched over his diocese, making ambush him. He was accompanied numerous pastoral visits, and led to the Christian community preaching, visiting the sick, of Tours where even some bishops exorcising those who were were present. They were not very possessed, defending the poor edified with what they saw – to have and the victims of injustice Martin as a colleague “looking so whenever there was need. He pitiful with dirty clothes and courageously challenged political disheveled hair”... Moreover they authorities and those who were very disturbed by his long arrogantly oppressed the weak history as a Roman soldier. But the and downtrodden. Auxentius, people wanted him so he was the Roman legate was appointed finally ordained a bishop in 371. to clean up Gaul and Spain of all He fulfilled his duties with great political adversaries. The zealous dedication, authority and and efficient legate reached Tours apostolic courage “without with a large group of prisoners abandoning his commitment to intending to hold a cruel spectacle his monastic discipline. In fact he of torture, trying to make them went to live in a hermitage called “sing.” When Martin heard this Marmoutier not far from Tours. he presented himself at the There he became famous for his imperial palace. Nothing is transcription of the Bible. Many known about what happened but disciples joined him and all of we know the result. Auxentius them lived in poverty, penance did not carry out his cruel threat and prayer. He was never at a loss but instead he became Martin’s to live his Christian life seriously. friend and a great benefactor of the Martin became a great teacher of people of Tours and the rest of the spiritual life and he had the Gaul. That was truly a miracle. exceptional ability to recognize His apostolic activity continued the true from the false even the unabated and like a good soldier diabolic. The devil, who he fought for the kingdom of God constantly tormented Martin, up to that glorious day when he presented himself in the form of hastened to meet his commander, an illusionist disguised as Christ. Jesus Christ in the year 397. ‰

November 2010 14 Don Bosco's Madonna IN A CHEERFUL MOOD Reading Glasses Rustic Dining I took my 5 year old grandson to As a trail guide in a national park, the optometrist to pick up his new Danny ate with the rest of the glasses. The glasses were seasonal staff in a rustic dining prescribed “to help him read and hall, where the food left something be able to see the computer better”. to be desired. When they were When we got back home, he got finished with their meals, they on the computer to play a game. In scraped the remains into a garbage a few minutes he called me and said pail and stacked the plates for the there was something wrong with dishwasher. his glasses. One worker, apparently not too I asked him what was the problem happy after his first week on the and he said, “I still can’t read.” job, was ahead of Danny in line. As he slopped an uneaten plate of Fate food into the garbage, Danny heard A young pupil asked, “Master, him mutter, “Now stay there this what is fate.” time.” “Ah, my son, it is what has brought great nations together. It Store Safety has made the world a smaller place While attending college, I worked in which to live. It has inspired men evenings at a retail store. On slow of worth to work endless hours. It nights my co-worker Susan would often sing along with the radio will some day enable men to span while we did paperwork or the universe and light years of travel restocked merchandise. will soon become mere seconds in One evening as the manager was time.” leaving I expressed my concern to “And that, my master, is fate?” him about our safety, being two “Oh, fate! I thought you said women working alone at night. freight.” “Oh, you’ll be fine,” he said, waving of his hand. “If you see Dog Growth anybody who looks suspicious, A distraught dog owner called just warn him that Susan knows his vet pleading for an immediate karaoke.” appointment. He explained that his dog had a large growth or swelling Finally near the corner of its mouth. The vet As a professor at the Air Force told him to bring the animal right Institute of Technology, I taught a over. series of popular courses on When the man came in, the vet software engineering. The examined the dog as the man stood programme was highly by, anxiously waiting. At last the competitive and difficult to get into, vet turned to him and asked, “Do but one student made our decision you have any children?” whether to accept him quite simple. “Oh, good grief, is it contagious?” When asked to fax over his college the man gasped. transcript, the student told me, “No,” the doctor answered. “It’s “Well, I would, but it’s the only bubble gum.” copy I have.” ‰

November 2010 15 Don Bosco's Madonna THE STRUCTURE OF THE LECTIO by Stefano Martoglio he Word of God is God himself. it does not sink deep into them; THe is truly a person. St. John they believe only for a while but writes: “In the beginning was the when the time of testing comes, Word, the Word was with God they fall away. The seed that fell and the Word was God. He was, among thorns stands for those in the beginning with God…and who hear; but the worries and the Word became flesh and dwelt riches and pleasures of this life among us. We saw his glory, glory crowd in and choke them, and as of the only Son of the Father their fruit never ripens. The seed full of grace and truth (Jn. 1, 1- that fell in good soil stands for 2.14). It is the Word of God who those who hear the message and explains this to us: “No one has retain it in a good and obedient ever seen God: it was the only Son heart, and they persist until they of the Father who has revealed bear fruit” (Lk. 8, 11-15). him to us” (Jn. 1, 18). With this parable the Lord gives The Word that became flesh and us an all-inclusive method to lived among us was the “seed” understand the “lectio divina.” that God had “sown” in the The first thing to remember is Scriptures. What we now need to that “lectio” nourishes and know is what does this “seed” nurtures the Word of God like a contain? The parable in Luke’s seed that is already sown in the Gospel does this masterfully. Just human heart. This seed also is recall the conclusion: “This is composed of various elements: its what the parable means: the seed outer coat - its skin and its kernel, is the Word of God. The seed that that part of the seed which fell along the path stands for those contains the power to germinate. who hear; but the Devil comes Let us now apply these and takes the message away from components to the Word. The their hearts in order to keep them outer coat or the skin could be the from believing and being saved. literary styles of the various books The seed that fell on rocky ground of the Bible and the particular stands for those who hear the period of history from they message and receive it gladly but originate. The kernel of the seed November 2010 16 Don Bosco's Madonna is what our minds understand and as they spoke the message that it can only be grasped when we came from God.” (2 Pt 1, 20-21). allow it to take root in us over time. The Bible is the story of The End Is the Beginning salvation, which is why the Word The first thing to do when of God is read in Church. None of listening to the Lord when we us is the Church alone; none of us sense his consoling presence hears the story alone. through meditating on his Word, We notice the power of the seed is to enter the “room” of our as it begins to grow: “The hearts and close the door: “When Kingdom of God does not come in you pray, go to your room, close such a way as to be seen. No one the door, and pray to your Father, will say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, who is unseen, and your Father, ‘There is it!’” because the who sees what you do in private Kingdom of God is within you” will reward you” (Mt 6, 6). (Lk. 17, 21). The door of the heart will not close securely unless it is fastened by four bolts which are the so- called “cardinal” virtues: prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance. That is the first step that the Holy Spirit takes: “Wisdom will never be at home in a deceitful heart that is a slave of sin. Anyone who is holy has learnt to stay away from deceitful people. He will not stay around when foolish thoughts are being expressed; he will not feel comfortable when injustice is done” (Wis. 1, 4-6). Prudence: is necessary. Indeed, Try to make a comparison: the not everything that comes to mind outer shell is the Lectio and the comes from the Spirit therefore the content of the seed is the meditatio, Word must be read with “the the germ of the seed is oratio and Church.” finally the power of germination Justice: by ourselves we are is contemplatio. unable to understand everything. The contemplatio is not primarily We must knock, seek and ask for a human activity. It is first of all help. the work of the Holy Spirit who Fortitude: there are several nurtures within us a “taste” for things that are more attractive. the Word. This Holy Spirit Doing the Lectio takes much vigorously enlightens us to effort. understand the Bible. “Above all Temperance: is necessary for else however, remember that no us to do the Lectio: just because one can explain by himself a we can go through magazines, prophecy in the Scriptures. For no surf the television and read prophetic message ever came just newspapers we cannot pretend from the will of man, but men were that we will find it easy to take under the control of the Holy Spirit the time to open the Bible. ‰

November 2010 17 Don Bosco's Madonna DEDICATED TO THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED OUR PRAYE THE FAITHFU by His Holiness P

On Sunday, 2 November 2008, the Holy Father introduced the recitation of the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for All Souls Day. The following was the Pope's reflection translated from the original Italian. Dear Brothers and Sisters, Yesterday the feast of All Saints brought us to contemplate “your holy city, the heavenly Jerusalem, our mother” (Preface, All Saints). Today, with our heart still turned toward this ultimate reality, we commemorate all of the faithful departed, who have “gone before us marked with the sign of faith and who sleep in Christ” (Eucharistic Prayer 1). It is very important that we Christians live a relationship of the truth of the faith with the deceased and that we view death and the afterlife in the light of Revelation. Already the Apostle Paul, writing to the first communities, exhorted the faithful to “not grieve as others do who have no hope. "For since", he wrote, “we believe that Jesus

The Pope delivers the Angelus Reflection from an open window overlooking statues of Saints who have gone before us.

November 2010 18 Don Bosco's Madonna ERS ASSIST UL DEPARTED Pope Benedict XVI

died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (I Thes. 4:13-14). Today too, it is necessary to evangelize about the reality of death and eternal life, realities particularly subject to superstitious beliefs and syncretisms, so that Christian truth does not risk mixing itself with myths of various types. In my Encyclical on Christian hope, I questioned myself about the mystery of eternal life (cf. Spe salvi, 10-12). I asked myself: “Is the Christian faith a hope that transforms and sustains the lives of people still today?” (cf. ibid., n. 10). And more radically: “Do men and women of our time still long for eternal life? Or has earthly existence perhaps become their only horizon?” In reality, as St. Augustine had already observed, all of us want a “blessed life”, happiness. We rarely know what it is like or how it will be, but we feel attracted to it. This is a universal hope, common to men and women of all times and all places. The expression “eternal life” aims to give a name to this irrepressible longing; it is not an unending succession of days, but an immersion of oneself in the ocean of infinite love, in which time, before and after, no longer exists. A fullness of life and of joy: it is this that we hope and await from our being with Christ (cf. ibid, 12). Today we renew the hope in eternal life, truly founded on Christ’s death and Resurrection. “I am risen and I am with you always”, the Lord tells us, and my hand supports you. Wherever you may fall, you will fall into my hands and I will be there even to the gates of death. Where no one can accompany you any longer and where you can take nothing with you, there I will wait for you to transform for you, the darkness into light. Christian hope, however, is not solely individual it is also always a hope for others. Our lives are profoundly linked, one to the other, and the good and the bad that each of us does always affects others, too. Hence, the prayer of a pilgrim soul in the world can help another soul that is being purified after death. This is why the Church invites us today to pray for our beloved deceased and to pause at their tombs in the cemeteries. Mary, Star of Hope, renders our faith in eternal life stronger and more authentic, and supports our prayer of suffrage for our deceased brethren. ‰

November 2010 19 Don Bosco's Madonna Short Story STRENGTHENED BY ANGELS by Sharon Wilkins om, where’s my black “You’re going to be all right, Mjacket?” my teenage honey,” he reassured me as his daughter asked as she joined me tender arms embraced me like a in the kitchen while I prepared comforter. “We can bear this. After school lunches. all, we have the Great Physician “I don’t know, Jennifer. with us.” Wherever you left it,” I snapped abruptly, finding it difficult to Finally alone, I kept wondering: think about anything but cancer. If I die, who will take our daughters shopping for just the Tomorrow! My mastectomy is right outfit for their first date? tomorrow. The thought consumed Who will help them learn the me as the fear and helplessness importance of friendship, if I am that came with this disease roared not able to be their friend? Who like a ferocious lion inside me. will support my husband during My thoughts were interrupted the tough times, like when he again as my other daughter loses a job? And who will help Melissa exclaimed, “Look at my him find the simple things, like hair, Mom. My bangs need cutting. mayonnaise in the refrigerator? I can’t go to school looking like this.” Many thoughts paraded She held a pair of scissors in her through my mind. I had hand. supported friends when cancer “Sit down, Melissa, and give me had invaded their lives, but now I the scissors,” I said halfheartedly. had to accept the fact that this was While trying to focus on cutting not someone else’s nightmare - it her soft blond hair, the thought was mine! For years, God has occurred to me that some day I been my companion, but I’d never might not be alive to do this. Tears been terrified enough to fully “trust filled my eyes. in the Lord and be of good “Are you crying?” she asked. courage.” “What’s the matter, Mom?” The silence of our home was not “It’s just that I’m glad to be your a welcomed relief from the mother,” I spoke softly. I finished demands of my children. I was cutting her bangs and took my alone - alone with my thoughts, daughters to school. which kept overflowing like a When they left the car, I kept broken faucet. I curled up in my thinking about my husband of favorite chair and reached for my twenty-three years and our girls. Bible. I desperately needed solace. My fingers slowly turned the Returning home, I joined my pages, groping for words of husband for a cup of coffee on the strength and peace. I stopped in patio before he left for work. Luke and began reading the

November 2010 20 Don Bosco's Madonna while I was in the hospital. Reaching for the package, I recognized a friend and fellow teacher from years ago. “Hi, Pat,” I tried to sound cheerful. “Sharon, how are you?” she asked as she steered her cart closer to mine. It was strange how the depth of the question, “How are you?” had changed. It was no longer just a lighthearted social greeting. “Do you really want to know?” I asked as the knot in the pit of my stomach tightened. “Of course I do,” she replied sincerely. “They found cancer in my left breast, and I’m going to have a radical mastectomy tomorrow passage about Christ praying in morning. I’m not sure how far the the garden of Gethsemane: cancer has spread.” I fought back “Father, if You are willing, take tears. this cup from me; yet not my will, Pat listened intently as I shared but Yours be done.” An angel my diagnosis and biopsy from Heaven appeared to Him experience. and strengthened Him. (Luke “Do you remember Bert 22:42–43) I had read these verses Seacat?” she asked while softly many times but never realized touching my shoulder. “She’s a God sent an angel to comfort His teacher, too.” son. “Yes, I do,” I answered. “We “This is what I need,” I spoke taught at the same elementary aloud. “You sent an angel to school. I haven’t seen her in strengthen Your son. Please give twenty years.” me something to hold on to today. “Well,” Pat continued, “she had I need an angel.” a double mastectomy ten years ago, and she’s just as feisty as Routine household chores failed ever.” to free my mind from fearful I pushed my cart closer to Pat. thoughts. I needed a diversion “She is?” Hope began to flicker and decided a trip to the market within me. would help. At the store, my We reminisced for a while and grocery list helped me focus. What then we both continued shopping. a relief to think of practical needs I quietly thanked God for the like milk, bread and butter. I encouraging news Pat shared headed for the cookie aisle to stock about our mutual friend. My up on our daughters’ favourite heavy burden of anxiety began to cookies so they would have them lift. I no longer felt limited to my

November 2010 21 Don Bosco's Madonna breathless, as tears filled my eyes. “I’ll unpack your groceries, Sharon,” Pat offered. “Go and talk with Bert.” Bert put her loving arms around me and my fear began to melt away. “You can do it, Sharon,” she encouraged. “You can do it!” I dried my eyes while she began sharing her experience. “I thought I was going to die. I wondered how my husband and I would be able to accept the loss of part of my body. Many times, I thought my children might be left without a mother to love them. But look at me now!” shopping list and began to feel a she exclaimed. “I had both breasts sense of freedom. removed. Do you like the ones I had reconstructed?” she A few minutes later, I made my chuckled, pulling her shoulders way to the front of the store and back. looked down the row of fifteen “Your groceries are ready now,” checkout aisles. I saw Pat again, Pat interrupted. ready to unload her groceries. I “Remember, Sharon,” Bert steered my cart behind her. insisted, “you can do it! Call me anytime. I want to help.” We started to talk, but my eyes looked beyond her to the woman After paying my bill, I walked paying for her groceries. A strange out of the grocery store a much feeling came over me. I looked different person than when I had closer. No, it can’t be, I thought, entered. Never before had I ever as the woman turned, looked at felt so loved by God. My body was me and smiled. filled with His peace. “Hi Sharon,” she said sympathetically. “Pat was just Standing by my car, I looked up telling me what’s going to happen at the clouds. “Thank you, God, to you tomorrow morning.” for two special angels. I know I “Bert Seacat,” I replied, almost can do it! I can face tomorrow.”‰

November 2010 22 Don Bosco's Madonna THAT MOST BEAUTIFUL OF THE VIRTUES by Gianni Asti

n the previous articles we have Ireferred to several virtues. We shall now dwell on this virtue to which Don Bosco gave so much attention and offered several of his admonitions. In the prayer book that he wrote for his boys this was how he introduced this virtue: “Every sign of virtue in youngsters is like a precious ornament that renders them dear to God and to people but the queen of all virtues is the angelic who had preserved their baptismal virtue that is so precious to innocence: youngsters who preserve it. They “The shepherd said to me: ‘These are likened to the angels of God in boys have preserved untainted the heaven even while on their sojourn lily of purity. They still wear the on this earth: “They shall be like the spotless robe of innocence.’ angels of God in heaven” Our Lord I stood entranced. Nearly all wore said. floral wreaths of indescribable This virtue is like the hub around beauty. Each flower was a cluster which all the others gather and are of thousands of tiny, brightly hued preserved and unfortunately if this florets of unbelievable charm, each virtue is lost, the others are lost as with more than a thousand well.” (Il Giovane Provveduto or The colours… Companion of Youth - sadly only The boys wore ankle-length in Italian) garments of dazzling white In fact, the virtue of purity is a embroidered with flowers like those manifestation of God’s love for in their crowns. Sparkling light humankind, the sign of his presence radiated from these flowers that in our lives. bathed the boys in brightness and reflected their comeliness…. Never The Splendour of Pure Youth could I imagine such a fascinating, In a dream Don Bosco was given bewildering spectacle in heaven a glimpse of heaven. There he saw itself! youngsters who had practised this Yet that is not all. The sparkling beautiful virtue. His guide led him flowers in the boys’ crowns and through a meadow bedecked with their dazzling garments were various scented flowers and there mirrored in the flowers and he beheld a vision of youngsters garments of their companions. Let

November 2010 23 Don Bosco's Madonna me add that the brilliant him to be faithful to prayer, to his countenance of each boy blended duties, his studies, his employment with those of his companions and, or obedience to his parents. He in reflection, increased its own becomes more outgoing towards intensity a hundredfold, so that his friends, to the poor, to little those beautiful faces of innocence children, to the elderly and to the were clothed in blinding light; each sick too. boy mirroring the loveliness of his companions in unspeakable O Innocence! O Penance! splendour! I recognized some boys “Once I could tear myself away who are now here at the Oratory. from this heavenly vision, I asked Could they see but one-tenth of their my guide, ‘Are these the only ones present beauty, I am sure that they who never lost God’s grace?’ would endure fire and torture or the ‘Well,’ he replied, ‘don’t you think cruelest martyrdom rather than lose that their number is quite so large? it? (EBM 8, 362-363) Furthermore, the lads who have lost Purity is a reflection of the beauty, their baptismal innocence can still holiness and grandeur of God in follow their companions through human beings, especially in the path of penance.” youngsters. They experience in And this was the final piece of advance, as it were, what they advice Don Bosco gave his boys: would be like at the final ‘Oh fortunate souls who have not yet resurrection in heaven. lost the beautiful virtue of purity The beauty and charm that these redouble your efforts to preserve it.’ youngsters exude is extraordinary ‘Guard your senses, ask often for but they give the impression that it the assistance of Jesus and Mary, visit is no big feat. In the course of our Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament, go interaction with these youth, who often for communion, be obedient are often so preoccupied about the and pray ceaselessly. You possess shape of their bodies, their looks, such a beautiful treasure; it is so the clothes they wear, their hair wonderful that even the angels styles or the makeup they use, they envy you. Like our Saviour Jesus forget the beauty and the elegance Christ said, be like the angels.’ that their faces radiate when they And to those who had lost the live in the grace of God. virtue of purity he suggested: We have certainly seen the “And you who have had the radiant faces, the sparkling eyes misfortune to lose this virtue do not and the candid smiles of newly be discouraged. Prayer, frequent weds or of novices who are entering and good confessions, avoiding the upon their new lives or new priests occasions of sin; visit Jesus in the who have lived intimately with Blessed Sacrament to help you God as they prepared for their recover this virtue. Make every effort ordination. and do not worry, victory will be This virtue is fundamental when yours because God never refuses one is preparing to live his/her you his grace.” vocation well. It is the guarantee of From this exhortation we infer one’s total fidelity in love. that the virtue of purity is above all If a youngster lives this virtue of a gift to be continually implored for purity positively it becomes easy for from the Lord with prayer, frequent

November 2010 24 Don Bosco's Madonna communion and confession, if not the virtue of purity and to keep daily at least monthly. themselves chaste for the Lord. It was also a symbol of penance undertaken to A True Martyr purify their souls of sin.” (from the Don Bosco had another beautiful Life of Dominic Savio written by vision of youngsters living in Don Bosco). purity. It was in a dream that he We are moved by the thought of had at Lanzo Torinese in 1876 Dominic Savio’s struggle and before when he saw Dominic Savio. This him so many young saints among was how he described it: whom was St. Aloysius Gonzaga, “I watched in silence and I smiled. a real model of innocence, whom How beautiful he was! Don Bosco proposed as a model for He was draped in a special robe, his boys. a white tunic that descended to his Our boys and teenagers today are feet; it was all interwoven with gold also called to live the life of true and diamonds. A broad red sash martyrs. They should vehemently girded his waist…His head was commit themselves to fight against crowned with roses; his hair pornography on television, to flowed over his shoulders and gave overcome the temptation to surf him such a wonderful and their computers for some obscene charming aspect that he looked content. …he looked…like an angel!” They should reach that stage As he began to talk to Dominic where they can turn down the Don Bosco asked him the invitations of their friends and significance of the white robe he peers to participate in some was wearing. A heavenly chorus ambiguous entertainment laced responded on Dominic’s behalf: with loud music, alcohol or other “These are those who have girded stimulants that could deprive them themselves with mortification and of their innate modesty and self- have washed their garments in the composure. blood of the Lamb.” Don Bosco will have more But why the red sash around the suggestions for us in the waist asked Don Bosco once more, forthcoming issues. ‰ to which they replied: “They are those who have preserved their purity and they follow the Divine Lamb wherever he goes.” Don Bosco went on: “I understood the red band, the colour of blood. It was the symbol of great sacrifices made, strenuous efforts almost to the point of martyrdom to preserve

November 2010 25 Don Bosco's Madonna NEWSBITS SENDHWA – INDIA came into existence some 40 years Solar power, thanks to a Catholic ago when some leprosy patients nun’s farsightedness, has become began living together and sharing a blessing for leprosy patients in their earning from begging. central India. Some Christian lay people helped “Now, there is light in our homes develop the community before the and our lives,” says Supal Apsingh, nuns came, Apsingh said. “Without a long-time resident of Harsh the Sisters’ help, I would not be Nagar (city of joy), a community of alive, “ he said, adding that his wife leprosy patients, in Sendhwa and four children had chased him village in Khandwa diocese, away after he contracted the Madhya Pradesh. dreaded disease. Some 92 of 95 houses in the Rona Baba, 75, the newest enclave now use solar power resident, said his seven children because of the efforts of Sister Julia threatened to kill him if he didn’t Thundathil, an Augustinian nun, leave the house. “I feel comfortable the 50-year-old Hindu reported. here,” he said, as he was being “We are happy because we can treated by some nuns. sit together and share stories and Sister Thundathil said several ideas for longer periods at night, generous people and a nearby which was not possible before,” company helped raise funds for the Apsingh added. solar energy project. She said she is Another resident, Jagdish Lodhia looking for similar help to light up thanked the Church for helping other houses. them experience “the luxury of She said she opted for solar electricity in our huts”. He also said power because of frequent power he was touched by Church people’s cuts in the state. She also said she concern for those rejected by others was shocked when a woman died in society. after her hut caught fire from a The Augustinian nuns have kerosene lamp in a nearby village. looked after these residents since Sister Thundathil says she plans 1985. However, the community to introduce solar power to other villages to encourage people to use self-reliant techniques for energy instead of ‘cursing’ the state electricity board. HUE - VIETNAM Poor workers from Hue archdiocese in central Vietnam say they need more material and spiritual support from the local Church. Thirty years ago, Joseph Nguyen Van Hoai was given 30 Sr. Julia treats one of dong (0.2 cents) by his parish priest her patients to buy a bicycle to make a living.

November 2010 26 Don Bosco's Madonna Ten years later, he bought a Auxiliary Bishop Francis Xavier Le motorbike and works as a motorbike Van Hong and nine priests. UCAN taxi driver for a living. “I am grateful to the local Church TANGERANG - INDONESIA for giving me an opportunity to "Laypeople in the Jakarta support my family during that archdiocese increasingly need to turbulent time” following the fall of assist priests in their pastoral work Saigon in 1975 to communist forces, as fewer clergy minister to more Mr. Hoai told UCA News. However, and more faithful," says an that help was not enough. “I have Indonesian priest-lecturer. to work very hard and still can only Father Martinus Harun, a afford to live in a dilapidated lecturer at the Jesuit-run house,” he said. His children are Driyarkaya School of Philosophy studying and his wife suffers from in Jakarta and a Franciscan who tuberculosis, he added. The 55-year- served the Jakarta archdiocese from old father of four said 100 local poor 1971, told about 400 laypeople who people received money from his attended a seminar on May 2nd on parish and that some have repaid the role of priests that the the loan so that others may be imbalance in the number of priests helped. and laypeople was growing. But many still live in poverty and “When I first served in Jakarta, the parish never asks those who there were only 25 parishes with have done better in life to return the 70,000 Catholics,” he said. Now money, he added. Mr. Hoai there are 60 parishes with about suggested that the local Church set 400,000 Catholics served by 250 up vocational centres for children priests. This means there is just one from poor families who cannot priest for every 1,600 Catholics in afford to pay school fees, to help Jakarta archdiocese. them escape poverty in the future, “Some parishes have a he said. disproportionate number of priests Agnes Nguyen Thi Van, a 50- and laypeople. "This can lead to year-old farmer, said it is difficult exhaustion in priests," he said. for many farmers from her parish to Besides celebrating Mass, priests attend liturgical services at their also serve the sick, help those in church since they have to harvest need and lead funeral services, crops and cultivate the land. which can be done by laypeople, “Priests from rural parishes he pointed out. should adjust service timings Father Antonius Benny Susetyo, during harvest time so that we can executive secretary of the Indonesian actively attend church activities,” bishops’ Commission for Ms. Van said. Mr. Hoai and Ms. Van Ecumenical and Interreligious were among 150 bricklayers, Affairs listed reasons priests leaving carpenters, dressmakers, farmers the priesthood due to dissatisfaction, and motorbike taxi drivers who immature vocations, conflict with attended a gathering of manual superiors and interest in women. workers, held recently at Hue The most important thing, he archdiocese’s Pastoral Centre and said, was that laypeople and attended by Archbishop Etienne priests should work together and Nguyen Nhu The of Hue and his trust each other. UCAN ‰

November 2010 27 Don Bosco's Madonna REFLECTIONS ON THE "HAIL MARY" (exegetical & inspirational) Part I by Fr. R. Loehrlein, SM

Chaire! Kecharitomene, ho Kyrios the suffix, ia, would refer to meta sou. “Hail, full of grace, The Yahweh. This much we know Lord is with you.” about the virgin of Nazareth now f you read the Bible in Greek and betrothed to Joseph. Her name, Iyou come to Luke 1:28, you can Myriam, means she is “The Beloved read the words of Love from the Holy of Yahweh.” Spirit to the virgin of Nazareth, What then is this message from spoken by the angel and recorded the Holy Spirit to His Beloved? for us by St. Luke. Luke recorded for “Chaire! Kecharitomene, ho Kyrios us in Greek these words of the angel, meta sou.” Chaire! is a beautiful “Chaire! Kecharitomene, ho Kyrios greeting that the Greeks used. meta sou.” From those words we have “Rejoice!” they said to one another, our prayer to Mary as we say, “Hail, just as we say, “Hi, how are you?” Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with Now they weren’t necessarily you.” What are we to make of this? telling someone to rejoice, even What did Luke intend to say when though that is the literal translation he wrote this greeting of the angel of the word. The question “How Gabriel? What does “Hail, Mary, full are you?” usually doesn’t imply to of grace” mean? Do you know what most of us that you should tell them you are saying to her? exactly how you are. Sometimes First, Luke tells us that the angel though, “Good Morning!” will be was sent to a virgin of Nazareth, a wish of well being from the heart, named Mary. That in Hebrew is a like “Merry Christmas!” So, what name of love, Myriam. The first did the angel say to Mary in that woman in the Bible with that name greeting? It wasn’t written down was born in Egypt with her brothers in the original language. In the Aaron, and Moses. And just as their language of Mary, the usual names are Egyptian in origin, we greeting would have been Shalom! can suppose her name, Myriam, also which is translated as “Peace!” But originated in Egypt. In Egyptian the Luke doesn’t give us, Eirene!, the name Myr means “Beloved.” And Greek word for “peace”. He wrote

November 2010 28 Don Bosco's Madonna “Chaire,” which means “Rejoice!” So, on earth to those on whom his the question among scripture favour rests.” And Mary is scholars is this: What was the angel certainly one of those on whom trying to say to Mary, to greet her or to the favour of God rested. In the give her a message, to say “Hello!” or phrase Kecharitomene we are to say “Rejoice!”? going to see that the angel When St. Jerome translated Luke’s addressed Mary as a “highly Gospel from the Greek to Latin, he favoured daughter.” So, Shalom understood that the angel was would be a proper greeting of the saying, “Hello!” and he translated angel to Mary. Therefore, we Chaire! with the greeting that Romans could rightly greet Mary with gave to each other, Ave! He didn’t Shalom when we pray, “Peace, write Gaude! which means “Rejoice!” Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with because he didn’t think the angel was you.” However, which is it? Is telling Mary to rejoice. He believed the Chaire a translation of the greeting angel was just politely greeting her. Shalom, or is it a message for Mary And when the Bible was translated to rejoice? from Latin to English, the translators When St. Paul wanted to used, “Hail!” not “Rejoice!” But today summarize the works of the Holy there is a discussion among scholars Spirit within us, he wrote, “The about the intention of the Holy Spirit, Kingdom of God is ...a matter... of a discussion begun by some French justice, peace, and that joy that is Catholic Bible scholars. They believed given by the Holy Spirit” (Rom that the angel was to tell Mary to 14:17). In Luke’s Gospel, when the rejoice. angel appeared to Zachary in the The Hebrew people have a temple and gave him the message beautiful word for greeting someone, concerning the son his wife would Shalom! And it was a proper way for bear for him, the angel promised, the angel to greet Mary, for Shalom “Joy and gladness will be yours, carries the meaning of great blessings and many will rejoice at his from God. The gospels tell us that birth”...”and he will be filled with Jesus frequently greeted his people the Holy Spirit from his mother’s with this blessing of Shalom! And the womb” (Lk 1:14, 16). The evidence translations give us the word is that the Holy Spirit brings joy “Peace!” For example, John’s Gospel into the hearts of people. Finally, (20:19) tells us that when the risen Mary herself, once she was Jesus greeted his disciples, he pregnant, professed to Elizabeth, repeated his greeting, “Peace be with “My soul proclaims the greatness you,” Jesus is the one who brings of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God’s peace, and here he breathes his God my Saviour” (Lk 1:46f). Holy Spirit of peace upon them. Whether or not the angel was to However, at other times the greeting tell Mary to rejoice, this girl did Shalom! Is translated as a simple rejoice with her whole being. greeting, “Hail”, as when Judas But as I said, when Jerome greets Jesus in Gethsemane (Mt 26:49). translated Chaire, he wrote Ave, When Mary’s child was born the because he believed that the angel angels praised God in front of the was politely greeting Mary. And shepherds of Bethlehem, saying, in English we have “Hail!” Ave is “Glory to God in high heaven, peace also a good greeting. What does it

November 2010 29 Don Bosco's Madonna mean, and where did it originate? Whatever the intent of the Holy Ave is a greeting that came into the Spirit in the first word of the Latin language through the Roman greeting, the second word has an soldiers who picked up the word in even greater intent: Kecharitomene. common parlance as a way of St. Jerome translated it into Latin greeting one another. It originated in as, Gratia plena, and we have it in a Semitic language from the land of English as, “Full of Grace.” But Palestine, the homeland of Mary! what does the Greek mean? How And it meant, “Health!-May you be should we understand it? Do you in good health!” And that was see the word “charism” buried in translated into English as “Hail!” the Greek? “Charism” is the Greek You may be surprised to learn that word for gift or favour. “Hail” means the same as Ave, A literal translation of “Health!” Our present English Kecharitomene is hard to make in word comes from a Middle English English, but it would be something word, Heil, which came from an Old like, “O woman so completely Nordic word, “Heill,” which was an transformed by God’s Grace!” or adjective and it meant “healthy, “O highly gifted daughter!” This unhurt, entire, well, whole.” (Go look verb is so rare in Greek that it is in your dictionary.) It was used as used only two times in the New an acclamation for some great Testament. This verb ends with person, like a king, as in the Bible, “óò,” and it is a causative verb. “Hail, King of the Jews!” though, First, Kecharitomene means that it there, it is used in scorn. There the is being said to a woman or girl. soldiers did not mean that they Second, this type of verb is said to wanted Jesus to have health. They be causative, that is, “it indicates were mocking him. So, instead of an action which effects something “Hail Mary,” you could pray to in the object” (Ignace de la Potterie, Mary, “Health! Mary.” That is a SJ, translated by Bertrand Buby, good message for Mary who will bear SM, Mary in the Mystery of the Jesus. When you think about it, you Covenant, (Alba House, NY, 1992) might find yourself smiling. That’s p. 17). The favours of God were not good. She brings joy into our lives. just given to her; they caused her You might just hear her say to you to be whom she was. It means that one day with a big smile, “Hail!- To she was a highly gifted your health!” individual. The favors bestowed So, from three different languages upon her by God and their effects we have three different words that in her caused admiration in the express the angel’s greeting: Peace! angel. She was indeed Full of Rejoice! and Health! Each carries its Grace. own message. They are all good. The early Church Fathers and What did the angel mean to say later on the Church’s theologians when he greeted this young woman? began to see in the Greek phrase What do you want to say to her when and in its Latin translation, gratia you greet her? The occasion of the plena, a reference to sanctifying visit was a great moment in history, grace. She had the fullness of Grace. because God became man. Therefore But what did Luke understand? this is no ordinary meeting, it was Moved by the inspiration of the no ordinary greeting. Holy Spirit, Luke coined a word

November 2010 30 Don Bosco's Madonna that has come down to us and can be receives it” (Rev. 2:17). Mary had applied to no other person than the received this Gift at her Virgin Mary. While this verb is used conception, but it is now revealed twice in the New Testament, this to her at her espousals, shortly particular form of the verb is said only before she will conceive her about Mary. Mary is the firstborn son. This doesn’t sound Kecharitomene, the “young woman so scary, but the next words highly gifted.” Fr. Raymond Halter, conveyed a message which could SM, wrote, “This is her new name in put fear into her. the Kingdom of Heaven. This name Ho Kyrios meta sou-”The Lord came to her from God and from no is with you.” “The LORD is with one else and is strictly reserved to you” was no ordinary greeting. her.” The angel says this not because In the Old Testament it was said she will bear the Son of God as her when a command was given to child if she accepts, but the angel says carry out a difficult, and even it because she was already seen to impossible task. It was said to have the grace of God in an abundant Moses who must go back to Egypt way. This led the early Church Fathers and lead God’s people to freedom to consider Mary to be the all-holy one, (Ex 2:12), and to Joshua when he not because of her maternity, not was to lead the people to cross because of her virginity, but as a virgin the Jordan and conquer Jericho before motherhood she was seen to (Jos 1:9), and to Gideon who have become by the Grace of God all would drive out the hordes of the that she could be. She was a totally Midianites (Jg 6:12). Now Mary transformed human. There was in was chosen to carry out God’s Mary the virgin a fullness of God, even command. Today biblical before she conceived the Son of God. scholars agree that Mary was She was one with her Divine Spouse, maybe 12 or 13, at the beginning even before she was espoused. She of her puberty when she was was totally prepared for what she was espoused to Joseph. But she was now called to do. From this Greek totally prepared. Kecharitomene. word, Kecharitomene, therefore, we She was going to be asked to do can understand how the Church has something impossible and come to proclaim that Mary was perhaps even dangerous. The conceived immaculately. And we can command she was going to hear understand why Mary would tell St. was awesome! She would bear a Bernadette at Lourdes that, “I am the child who would be the Messiah. Immaculate Conception.” How did she react? She posed a Why was Mary so troubled? The question, “How is this to be done, Scriptures do not say, but is it because since I am a virgin?” What did God the Holy Spirit had bestowed she mean? Caught up in the upon his Beloved a new name: Mystery of God, her heart was “Kecharitomene, Myriam virginal. She had not taken a Kecharitomene”? Through the angel vow, but in her heart she had the Spirit said to Mary, “Rejoice, My entered into the New Covenant Beloved, O Most Gracious woman.” with God. And her heart’s desire This name was Mary’s white stone, was confirmed by the answer of “upon which is inscribed a new name the angel: she would remain a to be known only by the one who (continued on pg. 32)

November 2010 31 Don Bosco's Madonna LOVING CHILDREN TO THEIR LOVING MOTHER My heartfelt thanks to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Loving Mother Mary for the gift of a lovely baby girl to my sister Genevieve and also for protecting my sister from all dangers. Eric J. Chelvarayan, London I am deeply grateful to the Holy Spirit and Our Blessed Mother. I was diagnosed with ovarian cysts and was very frightened having heard stories of others who had suffered the same problem. I prayed fervently and the following month, the cysts disappeared. I am also grateful my father had a successful brain surgery after having been disgnosed as having a large blood clot in his brain. Rubina Gonsalves, Bangalore Thank you, Mother Mary for saving my husband and me and two of our neighbours from a terrible accident when the front tyre of our vehicle burst. We have a rosary in our car and I believe Our Lady saved us because of it. Mrs. E. D'Souza, Pune My heartfelt thanks to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and Mary Help of Christians for the gift of life and all that God has done for me. M.W. Dodd, Pune I had just got into a rickshaw and as it turned it was hit by a speeding car. I had my Rosary and prayer book in my pocket. All that happened was that I had a fractured collar bone and a bruised arm. What was most important was that I was able to walk out of the rickshaw and make my way to the doctor. Much to my relief I found our milk-boy who rushed to my assistance. Mother Mary was there to protect me and grant me the joy of seeing my grand children who were born on the 20th May this year. I'm most grateful dearest Mother. Colleen Traynor, Mumbai

REFLECTIONS ON THE 'HAIL MARY' PART 1 (from pg. 31) virgin and by the power of God - girl, Mary confided her Mystery she would become the mother of to her parents and to Joseph, her the Son of God. She was a virgin spouse. And the villagers? “The but espoused to Joseph. Mary LORD is with you, knew the danger of accepting Kecharitomene.” It was the Grace God’s plan. She would have to of Kecharitomene that had trust God completely, because she prepared her heart to be disposed needed the prudence of Esther for whatever God wanted. We can when explaining to anyone how see that her heart, full of joy, was she became pregnant. In Nazareth caught up into God’s designs it was forbidden for couples when she said, “Behold the engaged to be married to have a handmaid of the Lord, let it be child before marriage. The Law done to me according to your was severe against any girl who word.” With awe of her Elizabeth was found pregnant before would later say, “Blessed is she marriage (Deut 22:20-21). Would who trusted that the Lord’s words she have to fear most those whom to her would be fulfilled.” she loved the most: her parents and her spouse? Being a prudent (to be continued in the next issue)

November 2010 32 Don Bosco's Madonna THE DEVOTION OF THE THREE HAIL MARYS

The devotion of the THREE HAIL MARYS is a very simple yet most efficacious devotion. Everyday, recite Three Hail Marys, adding the invocation: "O Mary, My Mother, keep me from mortal sin." Many people recite the Three Hail Marys as part of their morning and night prayers. To practise this devotion in time of danger, stress, special need or temptation, is a sure means to obtain Our Lady's help. Our sincere and heartfelt gratitude for the many blessings and favours received through the recitation of the Three Hail Marys. Please continue to intercede for our family. Michelle Marie Albert, Malaysia Thank you, dear Mother Mary for a peaceful and wonderful wedding. Doreen Ivy, Abu Dhabi Thank you, Mother Mary for generously blessing me and my family. Flynn Pinto, Dubai, UAE One day I had gone to collect my son from school. On the way back he wanted to buy some sweets from a nearby shop. I first refused and he wouldn't listen so I agreed and we both got on my bike. I stopped and told my son to cross the main road which was rather busy. I saw that an oncoming bike was about to go into him when I shouted and he looked back at me. Just at that time the bike passed by without even grazing him. I am so grateful to Mother Mary for saving my son. I always make my son wear the scapular. I always pray the "three Hail Marys." Babuti Our sincere thanks to Mother Mary and Don Bosco for blessing us with a beautiful and healthy baby boy, Shaun Jason Dominic through the intercession of the three Hail Marys. Shanthi Rajesh, Bangalore Our sincere thanks to Infant Jesus and Mary Help of Christians for helping my daughter find a life partner and for the safe delivery of my daughter- in-law of her second baby boy all through the recitation of the 3 Hail Marys. Mrs. J. Silveira, Mumbai My sincere thanks to Our Blessed Mother for blessing me with a normal healthy baby girl and for a safe delivery. Thank you dear Mother all the favours and blessings received. Mrs. Rachel Martin, France My brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Amneeta were gifted with a child Natanya after 7 years. Suddenly a month later the child contracted meningitis. Our entire family had recourse to the three Hail Marys and the baby was healed. We are sincerely grateful to Our Lady, Don Bosco and St. Dominic Savio for all the graces granted to us. A Devotee Thank you dear Mary Help of Christians for the graces and favours received. (i) My son's success in his MBA and a raise in his salary; (ii) My sister's pension problems solved. Celine Rodrigues, Mumbai

November 2010 33 Don Bosco's Madonna THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO OUR LADY AND DON BOSCO My sincere and heartfelt thanks to Our Lady and Don Bosco for all the favours I have received. Sandra DeSouza, Canada My sincere thanks to Mother Mary and Don Bosco for the immediate relief to my three and a half year old grand daughter who was unable to swallow due to a severe throat and ear infection. A. Colaco, Goa My sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Our Lord Jesus Christ, Mary Help of Christians and all the other saints for all the favours I have received. I fell and bruised my knee and it took two months to heal. I am grateful that it has now completely healed. Helen B. Nazareth, Mumbai Thank you, Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco for all the favours that I have received. C. D'Cruz, Goa My sincere gratitude to Our Lord, Our Blessed Mother and all the saints for the many favours I have received. Mrs. H. Binny, Australia I am grateful to Our Lady, Don Bosco and all the saints for all the little and not so little favours granted to me. Sandra DeSouza, Canada Our grateful thanks to the Infant Jesus, Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco and Dominic Savio for a special favour received. Mrs. Ingrid D'Souza, Karwar My sincere thanks to the Most Holy Trinity, Mary Help of Christians, St. John Bosco and the other saints for a safe delivery and for blessing my daughter with the gift of a baby boy. M. D'Souza, Mumbai My sincere gratitude to Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco and all the Saints through whose intercession I have received many miracles. A Devotee, Mumbai My grateful thanks to Mother Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco for helping my daughter conceive after four years of her marriage and for the gift of a baby boy. Matilda Dias, Mumbai My heartfelt gratitude to Mother Mary Help of Christians for helping my daughter pass her Std. X board examinations with a first class. Dear Mother Mary be our help now and always. Mrs. Flora Mendes, Goa I am grateful to Our Lady for helping me secure a good job. Christopher, Mumbai My sincere thanks to our Blessed Mother for all the favours received. Please continue to shower on us your blessings and keep us in your care. Rosie Wang, Kolkata During my mother's cataract operation it was noticed that she had a retinal detachment. It was operated immediately. Even after the surgery it seemed there was no hope of her regaining her sight. We prayed to Our Lady Help of Christians and today she can see and even read perfectly well with that eye. Thank you Mother Mary for this miracle. Mrs Helen Pinto, Nerul, Navi Mumbai

November 2010 34 Don Bosco's Madonna THANKS TO DEAR ST. DOMINIC SAVIO Our grateful thanks for the safe delivery and the gift of a normal baby boy to our daughter on 8th February 2010. Every test during her pregnancy indicated that all was not well with the unborn child, but we continued the fervent recitation of the three Hail Marys and this baby is truly a miracle from God. Thank you Jesus, Mother Mary and St. Dominic Savio for your love and protection during the entire pregnancy. Marie Mendonca, Mumbai I am sincerely grateful for the gift of a baby boy and a safe delivery. Thank you, Mary Help of Christians and St. Dominic Savio. Mrs. Luiza Pinto, Mumbai My sincere thanks and gratitude to Our Almighty Father, Jesus Christ, Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco and St. Dominic Savio for helping my son secure a job in the Middle East. May they always guide and protect him. My youngest son too has passed his BA examinations with excellent marks. For all these favours I am most grateful. Mrs. Philomena D'Souza, Goa It was on 7th September 2009 that I got pregnant. Throughout the pregnancy I wore the scapular of Dominic Savio and on 20th May 2010 I was blessed with twins. We have named them Yohan and Simone. Thank you dearest Mother Mary and St. Dominic Savio and do continue to bless our home. Elvis and Chhaya Traynor, Mumbai Our heartfelt thanks to Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco and Dominic Savio for helping me to secure an admission at a good college. Pacellia Mendes, Mumbai My sincere thanks to Our Blessed Mother and St.Dominic Savio for the safe and normal delivery of my daughter-in-law and the gift of a healthy boy. Mrs. Elsie D'Souza, Mumbai APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER NOVEMBER 2010 Holy Father's General Intention: That victims of drugs or of other dependence may, thanks to the support of the Christian community, find in the power of our Saving God, strength for a radical life-change.

Missionary Intention: That the Churches of Latin America may move ahead with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, making it part of the universal missionary task of the People of God. Regd RNI no.9360/57; Registered MH/MR/North East/089/2006-2008 License no. 146 to Post WPP at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office, Mumbai 400 001, on 1st & 2nd of every month: Don Bosco's Madonna (Monthly) Subs: (One copy Rs. 20/-); Inland: Rs. 200 p.a; Airmail: Rs.500 p.a MARY WAS THERE One afternoon my daughter and her two girls were sitting and cutting some paper while I was cradling their little baby brother. I had allowed him to kiss the picture of the Sacred Heart and then signed them all with the sign of the cross on their foreheads. A few minutes later my six year old granddaughter in her excitement bent over the bannister and fell from the top floor. All of us rushed downstairs screaming. We found her at the bottom completely unhurt. It was certainly a miracle of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary Help of Christians. Mrs. S. P. Selvam, Chennai Don Bosco's Madonna, has developed to its present form from a folder published in 1937, by late Fr Aurelius Maschio, on behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bombay. The magazine is sent to all who ask for it, even though there is a fixed subscription (Rs 200/- India & Rs 400/- Airmail)). We trust in the generosity of our readers/benefactors. Whatever you send us will help cover the expenses of printing and mailing; the surplus if any, is devoted to the support of orphans and poor boys in our schools and apostolic centres. To help a poor lad to reach the priesthood, is a privilege You can help by establishing a Perpetual Burse with: Rs 5000/-, 10,000/-, 15,000/- for a boy studying for the priesthood; But any amount, however small, will be gratefully received. Send your offerings by Payee cheque or Draft on Mumbai banks; MO/PO/INTL MO/BPO/Bequests, Wills, Perpetual Burses, all favouring Don Bosco's Madonna or Bombay Salesian Society or Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, (Trustee). Please address all correspondence to: Rev. Fr. Edwin D'Souza, sdb., SHRINE OF DON BOSCO'S MADONNA, Matunga - MUMBAI - 400 019 - INDIA Phone/Fax: 91-22- 2414 6320, email: [email protected] http://www.donboscosmadonna.org/www.dbmshrine.org

November 2010 36 Don Bosco's Madonna