Don Bosco Novitiate, Morogoro Inaugurated
Don Bosco indeed!
A playground…a large group of boys gathered round a friendly priest in their midst… some young men assisting! Such was my first glimpse of the new Don Bosco Novitiate as I arrived here on a Sunday evening in late September, 2009. Overlooking this bright scene was the fine new building. This was a most pleasing and really Salesian introduction to the house, soon to be followed by a very warm welcome. Most readers will be familiar with the story of the transfer of novices from Moshi several months ago, the professions and the start of the new novitiate year in August. By the time I came to join the staff, the six novices and three Salesians had already gelled into a warm little Salesian family, rich in the joyful and positive spirit of Don Bosco. And the local youth could sense it! I felt so encouraged on seeing the young Oratory in action and just at the time of the prayer and good word following the games. In spite of language problems, our four Sri Lankan novices work ably alongside the Kenyans in building up youth activities. “Don Bosco” is clearly much more than just a name!
Trice blessed
Most of us have been (or will be) sanctified in status by the three sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy orders (or matrimony). So it was for Don Bosco and in a way also for this Don Bosco Novitiate! The Foundation Stone was blessed and laid by Fr. Provincial on July 3rd 2008, a kind of baptism! By way of confirmation, the advancing building was blessed early in life on February 15th 2009 by Don Francesco Cerreda, a superior from Rome. The building was still very far from completion. What next? By happy inspiration the plan was suggested to hold and “inauguration” ceremony, combined with the blessing of the new chapel, due to be completed by December 8th. The chapel in fact was far behind the rest of the building, but every effort would be made to ensure its readiness. With great faith, such as Don Bosco showed in his many building enterprises, the decision was made and invitations sent out far and wide.
In the mean time…
Meanwhile, the going was rough for the new novices and staff! The new building, partly in use by us, was swarming with workers. Every day-time activity was bedevilled by banging hammers, thumping generators, screaming drills, screeching grinders, loud shouting and general mayhem. We had to move frequently from one room to another according the stage of work. All meals and many classes meant a long walk back to the old house. And no Tanesco electricity! In spite of all, a virtually complete program of studies and formation was scrupulously maintained. In addition, our priests frequently provide daily Mass for three convents. We are in fact very blessed by the cooperation of other religious, especially the Carmelite Sisters who live and work right beside us. The oratory work continued to develop (including tuition classes). Local people also joined us daily in October for a special rosary
The Great Day!
Thanks to a great effort by the builders and much hard work by novices and staff all was reasonably ready for the Inauguration on December 8th, preceded by a fervent novena. His Grace Archbishop Joseph Chennoth, Apostolic Nuncio to Tanzania, had very kindly agreed to preside at the Mass and ceremonies. The local Bishop was absent in Rome but was ably represented by the Vicar General. Our own Provincial was with us, with Fr. T. J. George, the Provincial Economer (much involved in the construction), several Salesian Rectors of communities and other Salesians. There were twenty one concelebrants, including the local Parish Priest and superiors of other congregations. A large number of Sisters were also in attendance and many other people. A local choir provided a fine musical accompaniment to the Mass, served by altar boys from the parish. Among the many guests were some junior seminarians from Don Bosco Junior Seminary, Mafinga and from Dodoma. The Blessing, Mass and homily were very moving and well worthy of the occasion and of this great feast of Our Lady, so dear to Don Bosco and so significant in Salesian tradition.
After Mass there was a short interval. Then all gathered in the lovely new chapel for a program (the Blessed Sacrament was not reserved). Several fine speeches followed, interspersed with enjoyable entertainments. Outstanding among these were the efforts of our fledgling Oratory, especially a lively drama depicting the famous dream of young Johnny Bosco about his future mission to youth. The children from the Carmelite Sisters’ school also a gave a delightful performance of song and dance.
This was followed by the unveiling by the Archbishop of two beautiful commemorative plaques recording the three events ( Foundation Stone, Blessing of the house and Inauguration with Blessing of the chapel).
Fittingly there followed a sumptuous meal for the very large number of guests. Congratulations to Fr. Michael Kalathipullatt and Bro. Baron for the wonderful organization, set up in very difficult circumstances. We thank our superiors in Rome for the financing and also Fr. Provincial, Fr. T. J. George, Fr. Thomas Punchekunnel, Bro. Alfonso and all others involved in this great achievement. We must mention in particular the fine work of our trade schools: Iringa (furnishings), Oyster Bay (altar, ironwork), Dodoma (ironwork) and Boystown (tabernacle). Heartfelt thanks to His Grace the Apostolic Nuncio for honouring and encouraging us with his presence and to all who helped in any way or came to share our joy on this great day.
