Salesian Magazine - Winter/Spring 2015 Issue

SALESIAN®

Winter/Spring 2015

Hope for theChildren of India

– See page 10

Want to know who we are,where we began,

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

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

where the Salesians are working for theyoung, the poor and the abandoned.You will discover the many ways theSalesians offer a path for partnership.

Hope to see you soon!

INSIDE THIS ISSUE PG.

Escaping Poverty Through Tea . . 4

The SalesianClean Water Initiative . . . . . . 8

Notes From the Field:A personal account by SalesianLay Missioner, Matt Pirrall . . . . 10

Salesians in the U.S. and Canada –Holy Cross Parish,Champaign, Illinois . . . . . . 15

Salesian Snapshots . . . . . . . . . 20

The Salesians in Bethlehem . . 25

Leave a Legacyof Love and Hope…

And HelpMake the World aBetter Place.

One person, like you,can make a significant

difference. Your decision to rememberSalesian Missions in your Will can bringpositive change to the future of thousandsof needy children struggling each day justto survive.

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

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

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

Please remember Salesian Missionsin your Will…

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

TEL: (914) 633-8344

www.salesianmissions.org/giving

SALESIAN • Published Bi-Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710Issue 271• Winter/Spring 2015, Volume 67, No. 1 (Issn. 0036-3480)

3SALESIAN

Dear Friend and Partner in Mission!

Every January 31st, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. John “Don”Bosco, our founder.

As you know, his life-long devotion to poor and needy children hasinspired thousands of missionaries to follow in his footsteps, andnumerous caring friends like you to support our work. Thanks to you,we are making a profound impact in more than 130 countries worldwide.

It gives me great satisfaction to share the success stories made possible by your kindnessand generosity.

In this issue of Salesian Magazine, you’ll learn how the Bosco Tea Project is enablingimpoverished families to lead self-sufficient lives by cultivating their own land. You’ll see a listof recent accomplishments resulting from the Salesian Clean Water Initiative – evidence of howsomething so simple can make such a big difference. You’ll read how we’re rescuing child slavesfrom the brickfields of Bangalore, providing emergency food and water to drought-ravagedGuatemala, and saving thousands of children a day in our nearly 100 Salesian Medical Clinics.

The spirit of St. John Bosco is behind everything we do. He provides us with the strengthto endure challenges and crisis that are seemingly impossible. And he offers us the faith andhope that everyday miracles are possible. The evidence of his inspiration is featured on thepages that follow.

In particular, I think you’ll enjoy the tribute to St. John Bosco found on pages 28-29. Itcomes from the second graders at St. John Regional Catholic School in Frederick, Maryland.They honor their class saint for helping poor and needy children.

In similar fashion, I extend my sincerest gratitude to you – for making our work possibleand for perpetuating the vision of Don Bosco.

God Bless,

Fr. Mark Hyde, S.D.B

P.S. Throughout this issue of Salesian Magazine, you’ll discover a number of ways you cancontinue to demonstrate your love, compassion and kindness for the world’s neediest childrenand families. Whether it’s clean water, a chapel in your honor, a gift that will be multiplied 14times, or a charitable gift annuity that can provide you with guaranteed income for life, youroutstanding generosity will make a huge difference in the lives of those who need it most.Thanks so much for caring.

Letter from the Editor

Winter/Spring 20154

Escaping PovertyThrough Tea

In India, tea – its production, cultivation, marketing and sale –has evolved into one of the country’s largest industries andhas also grown to become a global empire. Yet, the very peoplewho help make this industry successful – the laborers who toillong hours in the fields – are consistently exploited by planta-tion owners in favor of high profit margins at any cost.

Many of these workers do own small plots of land, but demandingand exhausting work outside the home leaves little time to cultivateit for their own benefit. Further, most tea laborers earn less than $1per day– leaving them unable to cover basic expenses, let alone get

5SALESIAN

ahead. Forced to leverage theirland for the cash loans they needto survive, they become perma-nently trapped in the cycle ofpoverty.

In 2008, Salesian missionariesserving in the Indian province ofAssam recognized this injusticeand resolved to do somethingabout it. From there, the “BoscoTea Project” was born. With fund-ing from AIDA – the developmentarm of the Dimapur Province of theSalesians of Don Bosco – the proj-

ect today assists morethan 700 families seekingto establish self-sufficiency and anindependent livelihood.

Project participants receivestart-up support to begin cultivat-ing their own land – eitherthrough financial contributions,the donation of tea saplings, orboth. They also attend classes andworkshops to learn the businessand technical skills required tosucceed in the tea industry.Coupled with their established

Men pack tea leaves for transport. The leaves are sold by weightso speed and efficiency are imperative to make a profit.

expertise in working the land, par-ticipants are therefore well-equippedto develop a sustainable income andenvision a brighter future.

“This project has been a miracle,”says Lawrence Kerketta, one of theproject’s recipients in Golaghat,Assam. “I could not have affordedthe initial investment, but DonBosco motivated me to establish myown tea garden instead of only work-ing in someone else’s.” Last year, Mr.Kerketta harvested close to 1,000kilograms of tea leaves worth 18,000rupees – enough money to cover his

family’s living expenses and pay forhis son’s studies.

Thanks to the vision and dedi-cation of our missionaries – andthe many friends like you whomake our work possible – many for-mer plantation workers have dis-covered a renewed sense of self-worth and dignity. They are nowable to break the chains of poverty,one tea sapling at a time. Y

Winter/Spring 20156

The workday is long and exhausting, butthe families are content to finally earnenough money to support themselves.

Learn more about this work! Visit www.salesianmissions.org/tea

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(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)

� Enclosed is my gift of $16,000.00 to build a Village Memorial Chapel.� Enclosed is my gift of $21,000.00 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area.� Enclosed is my gift of $26,000.00 to build a Memorial Chapel in the most far removed

and neglected area.PLEASE CHECK ONE: � IN MEMORY OF: � IN HONOR OF: � DEDICATED TO:

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Is now this!Thanks to

generous peoplelike you!

Millions of people throughout Africa, Central andSouth America, India and Asia are celebrating Massand worshiping God in the most primitive conditions.Salesian missionaries are in desperate need of fundsto build simple and decent houses of worship.

You can have a Memorial Chapel built in honor ofyour favorite saint and dedicate it to anyone youwish – living or deceased. What a wonderful way toremember a loved one – and help the Lord’s mostimpoverished followers.

EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE DESIGN THAT REFLECTSTHE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY IT SERVES.

You can make an individual gift to builda Memorial Chapel, or groups or organizationscan pool their donations. If you wish, youcan also specify in your will that achapel be erected in your honor orfor anyone you choose.

Read more about our Chapel BuildingProgram by visiting us online at:www.salesianmissions.org/chapels

7

What was once sticks and straw...What was once sticks and straw...

Winter/Spring 20158

Thank you! Your support of our clean water program is savingmany lives, especially those of precious children. Throughout the globe,waterborne illnesses are the second leading cause of death for childrenunder five.

Together, we are providing children and families access to clean waterand sanitation facilities while promoting safe hygiene practices. You havehelped our Salesians fund various water projects throughout the worldwhich are either completed or currently under construction.

You have helped make this happen…

• Tumba Sector, Huye District, Rwanda, Africa: A modern plumbing systemand new bathrooms are under construction at the Salesian Youth Center. Theyoungsters will be able to use a clean, sanitary facility which will help reducethe risk of illness.

The Salesian Clean Water Initiativeis saving lives.We need you to do even more . . .

Above: A well being drilled and a newwater treatment facility supported by

the Salesians and you!

�� YES, Fr. Mark, I want help bring life-savingwater to the poor. I enclose my first monthly gift of:

�� $20 �� $15 �� $10 �� $________a month.I understand I’m not obligated to continue,but will try to help on a regular basis.�� Charge my credit card number:

Signature X __________________________________

�� I’d rather give a one-time gift of $________

Name ___________________________________________

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Return this coupon today to join the Salesian Clean Water Initiative!

Help bring clean water to those who need it most!For as little as $10 a month you can participate in the Salesian Clean Water Initiative to help

build wells and supply other sources of fresh water to those who so desperately need it.

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SALESIAN 9

• Port-Au-Prince, Haiti: A water purification system is beingbuilt to combat disease and promote the health of children andtheir families in the slums of Port-Au-Prince.

• Punganur, India: A water treatment and mineral water plant has beenbuilt to provide clean, healthy water to poor villagers.

• Moshi, Tanzania: A deep bore well was reconstructed to once again supplyclean water to this impoverished area.

• Goalpara District of Assam, India: A Salesian school educating 1,000children now has a new bore well to supply precious water. Previously, drinkingwater had to be brought into the school from distant sources.

• Karen, Nairobi, Africa: A deep bore well at Bosco Boys Town now bringslife-saving water to students who come from a very poor and desperatesegment of Kenyan society.

You can help us do even more by joining the Salesian Clean Water Initiative.

To make a secure, immediate donation on-line, go to: www.salesianmissions.org/cleanwater

Winter/Spring 201510

The Light of TruthSunrise. I’m awake, prepping my equipment and loading it into the jeep

before heading to the brickfields of Bangalore. The Salesian priest accompa-nying me says we need to get an early start, because this is when the chil-dren are working – before the heat of the Indian sun becomes too intense.

Slavery isn’t something weoften think about in a moderncontext. But here, in 2014 – bounc-ing along the cracked pavementtoward monstrous brown kilnslooming in the distance – I washeading to witness that very thing.Here children are forced into hardlabor with little or no pay, withouteducation and with little hope for abetter future. And, as a volunteerphotographer and videographer, Iwould bear that witness to thegreater world – capturing and doc-

Notes From the Field:A personal account

by Salesian Lay Missioner, (SLM)

MATT PIRRALL

SALESIAN 11

umenting this modern social injus-tice for others. Children in slavery.

Six months previously, theCatholic Volunteer Network had ledme to the Salesian Lay Missioner(SLM) program, which works close-ly with children in impoverishedregions around the globe. My desireto serve was strong, though I didn’texpect to discover my own missionbehind the lens of a camera.However, Adam Rudin, my SLM pro-gram director, was enthusiasticabout finding me a placement where

I could apply myfilmmaking and photographyskills to advance theSalesians’ work.

That placement wasBREADS Bangalore (a Salesianproject) which runs rescueand rehabilitation centers forchild laborers and streetkids throughout South India.Unlike typical volunteers,who serve in specific centersas caretakers and teachers, Iwas instead assigned to visiteach one. I would learn thechildren’s stories, give thema voice, and provide BREADSthe means to visually repre-

sent and share these stories withthe world.

These stories were at once har-rowing and heartbreaking: chil-dren – abandoned or sometimeseven sold by their families – forcedinto dangerous jobs or out ontothe streets. But, with the help ofthe Salesians through BREADS, andthe power of education, they werenow happy, healthy and eager tolearn. It was incredible to see thetransformation that had occurredin their lives.

Matt, an accomplished photographer,with a couple of local friends.


The Salesians provide schoolingto the children of the brickfieldsand work to educate parentsabout exploitation and optionsfor a brighter future.

Still, there is another kind ofstory I need to share – the story ofthose children not yet rescued.

Lisa Kristine, an acclaimedhumanitarian and photographer,recently observed that “people fallinto slavery, not because they’rewilling, and not because they’re stu-pid. It’s because they’ve been liedto.” This resonated with me,because it reflects exactly what Isaw that day in the brickfields.When parents aren’t always paidmore for their children’s efforts,even though their children’s faster,smaller hands make twice as manybricks – they are being lied to.When parents are told their chil-

dren cannot attend school,and that instead the wholefamily must travel from brick-field to brickfield “becausethey are migrants” – they arebeing lied to. And, when par-ents who are brick workersare told their children mustalways and forever be brick

workers themselves – they arebeing lied to. Families and childrenare fed lie after lie by dangerousand exploitive people who risk los-ing significant money should thetruth be known.

As we entered the brickfields,these people were who we faced.We feared we would be confrontedand chased away with no stories toshare. In fact, the opposite wastrue. As we moved among the seem-ingly endless piles of mud and rowsof bricks, the children and familiesworking there welcomed us.

I met a boy who makes 800 to1,000 bricks for his family, everyday, for less than $5 US. I filmed a

video of a 6-year-old girl wearing ayellow dress, expertly turningrows of drying bricks in the hotsun all day. I met their families –deliberately kept unaware of otheroptions for their children – andrecognized their naiveté in the faceof the lies they’d been told. I hopethe stories I documented will leadto greater awareness of theirplight – and that one day, they willreceive the justice they deserve.

I have learned that educationis the single most important toolin fighting the conditions that leadto modern-day slavery. When chil-

dren and parents learnthere is another way, when peoplearound the world see the horrorsthat exist, and when individualsare motivated to take a stand –only then can Salesian programslike BREADS, and others in theCatholic Volunteer Network, effec-tively counter lies with the truth.To the children and families I metthat day in the brickfields, I wish toshare the message of John (8:32):“The truth will set you free.” Y

God bless!Matt

SALESIAN 13

The Salesian Lay Missioners is a faith-based volunteer program that offers aunique opportunity to serve the poor children of the world. We sponsordomestic and international placements and require a 1 or 2 year commitment.

If you would like more information about thislife-changing program, please write to:

Salesian Lay MissionersAttn: Adam Rudin2 Lefevre Lane

New Rochelle NY 10801-5710

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

Watch an emotional video of Salesian work in the brickfields of India.Visit: www.salesianmissions.org/brickfields

YES! I want to be part of thismodern-day Loaves & Fishes miracle!

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

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You can be part of amodern-day Loavesand Fishes miracle!Every $1=$14Several organizations have partnered

with Salesian Missions because they have tons (literally!)of essential items that they want to donate free of charge…but they need our help to get them in the hands of poorchildren and families who need them the most.

That’s where you come in!We can pack a large container – about the size of a tractor-trailer truck –

with $70,000 worth of donated food, medicine, clothing or school supplies.But we need your help to pay the $5,000 overseas shipping cost.

Simply put, every $1 you give enables us to ship $14 worthof life-changing – and life-saving – supplies!

What’s more, your generosity will be a testament to the Loaves and Fishesmiracle when Jesus multiplied seven loaves of bread and a few small fish intoenough food to feed four thousand people!So much is at stake. Thank you for whatever you can give today!

� Enclosed is my gift that will multiply 14X! �$10 �$15 �$25 �$_____

Such has been the motto of HolyCross Parish in Champaign, Illinois, eversince Bishop Daniel Jenky of theDiocese of Peoria entrusted it to theSalesians in 2013. Having been on thelookout for a permanent place in thecommunity for quite some time, fourSalesian priests and four Salesian sistersare now happily settled in their newparish – and have assumed instrumentalroles in a variety of programs both with-in the parish, and on the University ofIllinois campus.

In all of their works, they remainfocused on improving the lives of young adults and families througheducation and practical spirituality.

SalesiansIn the U.S.

And CanadaIn 1897, the first Salesian missionaries set foot in California. The goingwas tough and slow – but the spirit of Don Bosco was with them and work

progressed. Today over 335 Salesians are present and working with theyoung throughout the United States and Canada.

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

Holy Cross Parish, Champaign, IllinoisSalesian Operated. Youth Focused. Family Centered.

SALESIAN 15

Father Dave Sajdak, SDB and theSalesians of Holy Cross Parish.

16 Winter/Spring 2015

Parish Activities at theChurch of the Exaltationof the Holy Cross

Father Dave Sajdak,SDB, is pastor of HolyCross. First established in1912, more than 1,000 fami-lies – many of whose ances-tors were founding members of theparish – participate in a full comple-ment of religious and communityprograms throughout the year.

From weekly to daily Mass,adult and children’s choir and otherreligious education classes, to Biblestudy, family formation programsand more, parishioners enjoy a wel-coming environment where theycan explore and deepen their faith,and learn to “Live Jesus.”

Holy Cross SchoolFor 101 years, Holy Cross School

has educated pre-K through 8th-grade children in the Champaign-Urbana area. Its mission focuses onbeing a faith-centered community fos-tering lives of service, integrity, andlife-long learning for girls and boys.

Salesian and lay teachers workto ensure that each child is pre-pared – both spiritually and intel-lectually – to succeed in highschool, as well as to be responsibleadults throughout their lives.

St. John’s Catholic Newman CenterThe St. John’s Catholic

Newman Center has enjoyed a longand positive relationship both withthe City of Champaign, and with thestudents, faculty and staff of theUniversity of Illinois – on whosecampus the Center is located.

At the same time Bishop Jenkyinvited the Salesians to Holy CrossParish, he also welcomed them tojoin the staff at the Newman Center,where they form an integral part ofits administration and ministry.

Salesian Sisters are enthusiasticsupporters of the University of

Illinois sports teams!

17SALESIAN

All of the Center’sactivities are organ-ized around the tenetof “LIVE, SERVE,LEARN.”

Students who LIVEat Newman Hall discov-er a new understandingand appreciation oftheir faith throughvolunteerism, socialevents, and spiritualgrowth opportunitiessupported by a commu-nal living environment.

Congregants of St.John’s Catholic Chapeladvance their faiththrough SERVICE ofGod and humankind. The Chapelpromotes ministries and programsthat enable participants to exploretheir spiritual paths throughprayer, fellowship and social justice.In addition to liturgical services,the Chapel offers retreats, Biblestudy, adult religious education,rosary groups and other opportu-nities for connection.

And, students of the Institute ofCatholic Thought LEARN – byengaging in teaching, research andintellectual exchange. The ICT

engages in scholarly research andpublishing centered aroundCatholic theology and encouragesacademic dialogue within thepublic university environment.

Both at the Newman Center,and in Holy Cross Parish, theSalesians have been graciously andenthusiastically welcomed. Duringthe years to come, they look for-ward to remaining a pillar of faith,compassion and enlightenment tothis community, especially to itsyoung people. Y

Fr. Dave is proud of the children’s accomplishmentsat Holy Cross Elementary School.

The Cost ofRestricted Donations

At times, some of our friends decide to give arestricted donation: a donation that the donorwants sent only to a specific Mission work orMissionary. This donation must be applied asrequested by the donor and cannot be used for any other purpose, even ifthere is an emergency somewhere in our Missions.

A restricted donation must be kept separate and given special attention.It requires a dedicated staff member, additional handling and specificprocessing which result in bank fees and service charges.

Over the past several years there has been a significant increase ofrestricted gifts. As more and more people request that their donation berestricted, our costs increase and less dollars reach the poor youth we serve.

The Mission Office has always absorbed these costs which, over time,has created a hardship for us.

Beginning January 2015 we need to ask anyone wanting to make arestricted gift to add a service fee to cover the applicable processing andbank costs.

This was a very difficult decision for us to make and we are sorry if itupsets anyone or causes any inconvenience. We pray for your understanding.

We don’t want to discourage restricted giftsbut we just cannot afford to take money away from

our Mission work to cover related costs.

I am informing you of this new policy in keeping with our promise toalways be open, honest and transparent with our supporters.

Thank you for understanding… and thank you for all you do for thepoor in our missions.

God bless you,


SALESIAN MISSIONSFINANCIAL PLANNING OFFICEATTN: ANNA MARIA LANG2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728,NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728

Send me more information about the returns and tax deductions I would receive under the SalesianMissions Annuity Plan. I understand that all personal information you receive about me will be keptabsolutely confidential. (Minimum amount for a gift annuity is $5,000 and the minimum agerequirement is 55 deferred to age 60, or age 60 for immediate annuity)

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A SALESIAN MISSIONS CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY not only helpspoor children all over the world, but it can provide the donor/annuitantwith a very attractive stream of income for life. For example, with a gift of$10,000, an individual, age 75 will receive a rate of 5.8%; at age 80, the rateis 6.8%, and at age 90, the rate is 9.0%.

In addition to a guaranteed annual income,other benefits include:•A current income tax deduction • Tax free incomeon a portion of the income received • Reducedcapital gain tax (on gifts made with appreciatedsecurities) • Possible reduction of estate tax• The opportunity to make a significant gift toSalesian Missions and make a real difference inthe lives of poor children by doing God’s work

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PLANNED GIVING:•Visit our website at: www.salesianmissions.org/giving

• Call or Email our Annuity Officer, Anna Maria Lang:Tel: 914-633-8344 Ext. 206 or Email: [email protected]

•Fill-in and return the form below.

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GIVE and RECEIVE!

GUATEMALA:A DevastatingDrought

The Guatemalan gov-ernment has declared astate of emergency aftera devastating droughtthis past fall ravagedthe crops – and liveli-hoods – of more than256,000 families. In acountry already bat-tling one of the world’s highestrates of chronic malnutrition inchildren under the age of five,the situation is desperate.Salesian missionaries haverushed in to help.

Up to 80 percent of corn andbeans – staples of the Guatemalandiet – have whithered on the stalkthis past season. Sadly, as a result,an estimated 500,000 children

under the age of five are at immi-nent risk of starvation, and peopleall around the country face a criti-cal loss of food security.

In response to the crisis,Salesian missionaries on the groundin the municipalities of AltaVerapaz, Peten and Quetzaltenangohave mobilized to assist morethan 130,000 people in desperateneed of basic assistance. Their


Salesian Snapshots... a scrapbook of stories

from around the Salesian world

Children are most affected by the food shortagein Guatemala. The Salesians are there to help.

21SALESIAN

Salesian Snapshots... a scrapbook of stories

from around the Salesian world

immediate concern isto provide rice, beans,clean water and medi-cines to address mal-nutrition. These mis-sionaries also hope toexpand relief efforts sothey can help morepeople and provideadditional services tothose in need.

SAMOA:Channeling theSpirit of Don Bosco

Inspired by St. John Bosco’stenet of “practicing what’s beentaught,” students at the Don BoscoTechnical School in Samoa havehelped furnish the libraries of 117primary schools. This project, incollaboration with several RotaryClubs throughout the islands,helped achieve the goals of a nation-wide literacy program – whileproviding hands-on experiencefor fourth-year carpentry students.

During an intensive four-dayproject, students constructed more

than 350 bookshelves using newtools and technology. “This hasbeen an opportunity for students toimprove their skill sets andresumes, which in turn will bettertheir chances of finding work whenthey graduate,” said Father ChrisFord, principal of the school.

Just as important, the stu-dents’ craftsmanship supports theSamoan community at large. Thenew bookshelves will soon housemore than 1,000 books – which willfoster literacy development in theearliest stages of childhood. Forpoor and vulnerable children, a

Samoan carpentry students are rightfully proud afterbuilding book shelves for 117 grammar school libraries!

solid foundation inreading and writing canbe the first step inbreaking the cycle ofpoverty.

INDIA: FormerDropouts TurnedCulturalAmbassadors

Former studentsfrom the Mising tribe are takingcenter stage to promote youthleadership in northern India. AMising youth group was asked toparticipate in the prestigiousNortheast Music festival, held atShillong, on September 23, 2014.

At the same time, they werecompleting the first phase of anextensive vocational educationalprogram run by the localSalesians. The program wasdesigned to promote youth leader-ship and social entrepreneurshipin their remote villages. TheSalesian program serves as atraining opportunity for school

dropouts between the ages of 16and 25.

“Marginalized youth can betransformed into leaders, whoin turn, transform their owncommunities. Through this pro-gram, students are steeped inand rooted in their own culture,turn into ambassadors and pro-moters, are proud of their iden-tity, and lead their villages toeconomic prosperity,” saysFather Thomas Kalapurackal,SDB, founder of the program.

Fr. Thomas has been honoredinternationally for his work withthe Mising people.


Former students and members of the Mising tribeparticipate in a Salesian cultural training program.

SALESIAN 23

SALESIANS:Serving theWhole Person

Every three sec-onds, a child dies froma preventable disease– simply because of alack of access to basicmedical care. In nearly100 medical clinicsand hospitals operatedby Salesian missionar-ies around the globe, we are takingsmall steps to change this heart-breaking reality.

Such “diseases of poverty” –malaria, tuberculosis, dysenteryand more – flourish in developingnations where unsafe drinkingwater, malnourishment and poorhygiene encourage their spread.

For example, in East Timor (acountry that suffers the second-highest rates of tuberculosis in theAsia and Pacific regions) theSalesians operate the MariaAuxiliadora Medical Clinic. Here,they provide preventive care and

dispense medicine for childrenand their families.

According to the most recentlyavailable statistics, in 2012 alone,more than 8,000 people – half ofthe area’s population – attendedthe clinic. For just one dollar,patients receive a check-up andany medicine and treatment theymay need. Recently, clinic staffidentified and successfully treated24 cases of tuberculosis. As chal-lenging health issues continue toface the people of East Timor, thisservice will remain a crucial part ofthe clinic’s work.Y

Salesian Medical Clinics serve thousands of childrenthroughout the world every day.

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Our missionariesservice up to 30villages in ruralareas. They havea great need forthese items for usein Eucharisticadoration and forspecial celebrations.

Memorials or Gifts… in memory or in honor of a loved one

…for a new priest as an ordination gift…for the Missions

Enclosed is my offering of: (A) Ciborium � Without engraving: $395.00 � With engraving: $410.00(B) Chalice/Paten � Without engraving: $395.00 � With engraving: $410.00Ciborium/Chalice/Paten Set � Without engraving: $790.00 � With engraving: $820.00(C) Cruet Set � Without engraving: $125.00 � With engraving: $140.00Special instructions for ENGRAVING:� In Loving Memory of: � In Honor of: NAME_____________________________

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SALESIAN 25

In 1863, two years after Salesian missionaries first arrived in Bethlehem,Father Antonio Belloni established the Salesian Orphanage – where young,impoverished or abandoned youngsters fromall over the Middle East found a safe, welcom-ing home and discovered new hope for thefuture through learning a trade.

In the century and a half since, the mission(now known as the Salesian Institute) hasbroadened to include a full complement ofintegrated programs and activities designed toimprove social conditions and economicprospects in and around Bethlehem. Fromtraining artists and craftspeople for in-demandcareers, to guiding at-risk youth through themany challenges of becoming good, honestcitizens, these programs and activities areavailable to all, regardless of race, gender,religion or background.

The Salesian Oven and BakeryOne of the first trades available for study at the Orphanage was bread-

making – a craft that has remained significant to this day and, in certain years,has played a pivotal role in the health and stability of the community at large.

Since the bakery first opened in 1863, students have trained around theSalesian Oven – practicing what they’ve been taught in the classroom, andperfecting their craft and skills for stable employment. Bread and pastriesbaked by students are available for sale to the general public. The proceedsprovide an important source of income to support the Institute’s vocationaltraining programs and other activities. When not in use by students, the oven

Children learn tolerance,acceptance and caring at the

Salesian Institute.

The Salesians in Bethlehem


is available to area charitable organi-zations as well.

In the early 2000s, during anextended siege of the city, theSalesian Oven was one of the few – ifonly – fully operating ovens inBethlehem, and provided critical sus-tenance for area families with little toeat. This response set a precedent ofcharitable food distribution thatendures to this day. Each year, theSalesians distribute free bread, under-written by generous benefactors, toas many as 200 poor, hungry families.

Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC)One of the oldest, most estab-

lished centers for youth in Bethlehem,the DBYC enjoys a positive reputationwithin the community as a place wherechildren, teens and young adults cangather to learn. Through organizedsports, cultural and artistic pursuits,summer day camps, scouting groups

and other activities, they learn val-ues of teamwork, cooperation andpeaceful co-existence.

Approximately 235 boys andgirls, ages eight and above fre-quent the center on a weekly basis.During the summer, the number of

participants increases as does thevariety of activities offered – all ofwhich focus on fostering youth tobecome good, honest citizens.

The Salesian Technical School (STS)This secondary day school for

impoverished and at-risk boys trainsstudents for in-demand vocations, aswell as for professions with significantlabor shortages. The six-year curricu-lum comprises coursework in mechan-ics, electricity and electronics, withnew subjects added according todemand. In order to ensure the highest

The Salesian Oven has beenfeeding needy families inBethlehem since 1863.

quality of education, the school also prioritizes efforts to upgrade the skills andknowledge of its teachers. It emphasizes modern instructional and communicationtechniques. Currently, 138 students are enrolled in STS; 50 graduate each year,ready to secure long-term employment and stable futures.

Vocational Training Center (VTC)Since at least the 13th century, arts and crafts have been central to

Bethlehem’s cultural heritage – which, in turn, has influenced the artistic tradi-tions of the Middle East as a whole. It is for this reason that the VocationalTraining Center exists. The Center prepares disadvantaged youth for careers thatwill not only provide a stable source of income, but will also contribute to thepreservation and promotion of the region’s craftsmanship.

Upon graduation, students earn a certificate accredited by the Ministry ofLabor – which competitively positions them for employment. More than 95%of enrolled students graduate each year.

International Nativity Museum andSalesian Artistic Center

Housed in the basement of the SalesianInstitute, this museum exhibits close to 200Nativity scenes from 60 countries aroundthe world.

Adjacent to the museumis the Artistic Center – whichoffers both professional-level and summer courses inthe areas of olive wood carv-ing, ceramics painting, andMother-of-Pearl crafting. While hobbyists are encouraged to attend, theCenter places specific emphasis on graduating certified artisans capable ofgenerating income in their selected field.

In addition to the activities of the Institute, the Salesians in Bethlehem runSacred Heart Parish – where they support the greater community through avariety of pastoral works. In all that they do, the Salesian community endeavorsto convey, and foster, a universal message of peace and coexistence. Y

The beautiful art created atthe Artistic Center is a sourceof income for many talentedyoung men and women.

SALESIAN 27


WIN/SPR 2015

Throughout 2015,Masses will beoffered for ourbenefactors at theBasilica of Jesusthe Adolescentin Bethlehemand here at ourSalesian Chapel.

Please send us your prayer requests:

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Dear Father Mark,

The enclosed cards were made by second graders atSt. John Regional Catholic School in Frederick, Maryland.

St. John Bosco, your founder, is our class saint. Wecelebrate his feast day every year.

This year we explored your website to see some of theplaces where you continue his important work.

We thought you would like to know that we are thinkingabout you and praying for you. Our cards say this for us.

God bless you in this work!

Your friends in Christ,Students at SJRCS

Mrs. Kyle, teacher

SALESIAN 29

Young Hearts for Don BoscoSecond-graders were taught about our founder and createdcolorful cards to celebrate his feast day this year on January 31st!

WISHES OF THE MONTH

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

God bless you! Fr. Mark

GRANT A WISH REPLY FORM WIN/SPR 2015

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

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

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

EXP. DATE (MO/YR)

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CARDNUMBER

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

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• Help us respond to the devastating drought in Guatemala. 500,000 children are atimmediate risk of starvation after 80% of the corn and bean crops have been destroyed.Your generosity has enabled us to reach 130,000 families with life-saving food supplies sofar. But more help is desperately needed now. See pg. 20.

• Empower families to rise above poverty. The Bosco Tea Project is teaching 700 familieshow to cultivate their own land, growing tea that they can sell for enough money to paytheir family expenses. With your support, they will no longer be trapped in poverty byworking for ruthless tea companies that pay as little as $1 a day. See pg. 4.

• Rescue child slaves in the brickfields of Bangalore. SLM Matt Pirrell is using his filmmakingand photography skills to expose the plight of innocent children forced into hard labor –in hopes that caring friends like you will respond. See pg. 10.

• Give school dropouts a second chance. Please support Salesian Fr. Thomas Kalapurackalwho has received international recognition for successfully transforming the lives ofschool dropouts from the Mising tribe of northern India. See pg. 22.

• Save a child from a preventable disease. Every three seconds, a child dies from a preventabledisease. Our almost 100 Salesian Medical Clinics around the globe treat – and save –thousands of children each day. Friends like you make this work possible. See pg. 23.

31SALESIAN

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

support our worldwide work for the poor andneedy, we periodically make your name andaddress available to other mailers. Theseinclude similar charitable and humanitarianorganizations and also companies which offerservices and products that we think you maybe interested in. We are extremely selective inchoosing the organizations and companies weassociate with in this way.If you prefer not to have your name and

address made available for this purpose and/oryou want to modify any mailing preferences,please call, write or email your request to:

Attn: Donor RelationsSALESIAN MISSIONS

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

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

CURRENTSWEEPSTAKES

WINNERS

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEOCTOBER 31, 2014

MRS. ANN CROWN, MILFORD NJ

WINNER OF GRAND PRIZESEPTEMBER 30, 2014

JANICE PINKERTON, SUNNYVALE CA

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEAUGUST 31, 2014

JOSEPH N. JACQUES, JAY ME

WINNER OF GRAND PRIZEJULY 31, 2014

ROBERT MARTIN, CLYDE OH

WINNER OF EARLY BIRD PRIZEJUNE 30, 2014

ELAINE C. SOPKO, TAMIMENT PA

December 12, 2014 markedthe one year anniversary ofthe passing of Fr. EdwardCappelletti.

As some of you know,Fr. Edward was a unique andvisionary Salesian Priest. Hedevoted his life to establishingthis mission office and hisgood work over the years hasbenefitted the lives of millionsof poor children.

With the approval of theNew Rochelle City Council, wehave been able to place anhonorary street sign in hismemory. The street leadinginto our mission office nowreads “Fr. Cappelletti Way.”

A Loving Memorial…

Non-Profit Org.

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Salesian Magazine - Winter/Spring 2015 Issue