60 years of HARD WORK!!

On April 4th 2006 it will be 60 years of hard work accomplished at Don Bosco Panjim. But it is not just an isolated event. The salesian presence, in the persons of Fr. Giuseppe Carreno, Fr. Vincent Scuderi and Fr Giuseppe Moja, began right here but has spread not just to the whole of Goa but to the neigbouring regions as well.
Today, the salesians too are proud to say, that this region is an independent Vice-province separated from the mother province of Mumbai. It's only a proof of the dedicated work that still continues, and the spirit of Don Bosco that still lives on. The support of youth and people around, can never be denied. With Don Bosco, the salesian could say:"You are the reason for my existence!"
Many have fond emotional memories of the early beginnings. Yet many cherish the present moment. The youth and children are still attracted to this complex, and that's the salesian spirit which carries on inspiring many more. The Salesians are proud to welcome Fr Joseph Moja sdb, who will be coming from Italy, presently recovering from setbacks in health. But the spirit is still strong, and the initial beginnings have fresh memories in the Pioneer!

All humble beginnings, that have a deep spirit guiding them, grow beyond limits. The salesians works are still growing. This is a note of gratitude to all Salesians, cooperators, Past-pupils, lay collaborators, well-wishers, and present students - the members of the salesian family. The blessings of God will not stop on us, as they've not ceased on Don Bosco! 

Balmela at DB Hubli

This news was sent by Fr Leo, of a Balmela held in Buddershinghi, a village around Hubli. We have many such initiatives taken up by salesian, out of the regular structures, to reach out to the need. It takes a lot of effort and even more tedious months of preparation. But in all this activity, the centre is still the Child.
Kudos to the Salesian community at HUBLI, and hope other initiatives will find their space out here!
If you have any more suggestions for new activities... let's BLOG them! 

Don Bosco in Panjim...

SALESIANS to celebrate their diamond jubilee presence inGoa in early April. On the night of April 4, 1946, Fr V Scuderi landed in Goa. Freed from the post-war timeconcentration camp, he was to be deported to Italy. He choseto work in then 'Portuguese India' instead. The celebrationswill be marked with a cycle-torch rally culminating atPanjim on April 4 (Thursday), novenas to St John Bosco,a mando on Don Bosco (by S Cota, prepared in 1988), a seminaron Don Bosco's educative method, a youth fest, anaudio-visual programme on the early Salesians in Goa, a playin Konkani, a sports fest, mela for the marginalised. Thereare also suggestions for a jubilee project -- training forcivic and political leadership for youth (specially invillages and women), starting a community radio station toreach the youth, counselling services in Panjim, and a corpusfund for the education of deserving youth. (Goa News: Fred N)

The presence of Don Bosco Panjim has been in Panjim for the last 50 years! A lot has been done. Can you give your comments, suggestions, and be part of the mission. How according to you would the work of Salesians be more effective...

Village work in Hubli

Even in the bustle of ordinary life, we have streaks of the extra-ordinary that make life interesting and worth living. For many Don Bosco Hubli, is just a Open school, Technical centre, etc. But the village work here is equally demanding. And thanks to the spontaneous response by the villagers, especially the children, it builds our hopes.
Among the many villages, Buddershinghi has a story of its own to narrate. “Besides the basic education, the children here are taught to save money during the week”, says Fr Leo. And education that makes the child more involved in social issues at home, is the focus. And the difference is evident in the families, as it has brought a great sense of responsibility among the family members.
Just lately, there was the ‘Balmela’, where 575 children from 12 different villages were gathered together for the whole day programme. Games, cultural programmes, and activities that gave the children the joy of celebrating life with other children like them. It’s an occasion, that’s rarely possible in a village. The programme naturally included even the meals. So, Don Bosco, Hubli, means much to us and to those even far away in the villages around!