Young people from  different places in Kabwe  gathered at DBYC to celebrate ‘love and friendship’.  Fr. Mariusz  shard some words about  the meaning of love and friendship and welcomed all the participants with the song  while everyone present  was going around shaking hands and repeating the words of the song:  ’I'm glad that you are here’. Indeed it was encouraging celebration. Congrats to all involved in preparations.

All participants greeting each other with the words "I'm glad that you are here".

New year, new things. Today the youth in the oratory elected their new leaders. Let’s hope it will be a good start  for Fr. Mariusz and his team as he begins his Youth Ministry in Don Bosco Youth center.

New Executive: Fr. Mariusz, Hellen, Bruno, Chanda, Julian and Dexter and Nelson not on the photo.

Oratorians performing short ketch

Members of the two Oratories from DBYC and Don Bosco Makululu  gathered in the afternoon to welcome Fr. Mariusz who is going to work in the Youth Center and help with the Youth Ministry in the Parish. Indeed it was a joyful moment as young people were happy to have someone to be and work with them  full time.  We had some games followed by sketches and song performed by different groups in honor of Fr. Mariusz. A very nice surprise came from the Basketball Team where two boys  presented poems about salvation of the young by the way of rapping.  It looks like  we didn’t know that there is a lot of hidden talent among the youth. The day ended with the Good Night talk from Fr. Mariusz and each one had a drink as we were leaving the place.

After the launching of the new theme for 2012 all the leaders from Small Christian Communities were called for the leadership seminar based on the theme: ” Kabwe Diocese Promoting Unity and Collaborative Ministry among Christ’s Faithful and all Peoples”. The seminar was conducted by the team of catechists from Sacred Heart, Railway and St. Mary’s Parishes.

Mr Bwalya giving input on the Laity in the Church

Youngsters from Makululu Oratory

For the people of St. John Bosco Church in Makululu it was not  only the Feast  of Don  Bosco  but also launching of the Theme for the Year 2012 –”Kabwe Diocese Promoting Unity and Collaborative Ministry among Christ’s Faithful and  All Peoples”.  Dispite the rainsjust before the Mass the gathering was  impressive both in the celebration of the Mass and  in cultural activities after the Mass in the afternoon.  Since we have no buildings suitable  for such activities  the youth performed  under the tree surrounded  by  hundreds of  people, mostly children and youth. Munkoyo, of course, had to be there.

Oratorians from DBYC practicing their sketch

On the 28th January, 2012  Saturday  we anticipated the Feast of St. John Bosco.  The  youth from some of our  outstation  were also present  in spite of  heavy rains.  The day  startedwith the celebration of the  Eucharist presided by the Parish Priest and homily preached by Fr. Andrew Zdzieborski.  Altar Boys , under the direction of Fr. Andrew Z. prepared short play  about the  beginnings of the Oratory which was acted before the homily. After  the Mass  representatives from of different youth groups participated in the Don Bosco Quiz; each participants was given medals with  the image of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians. There were songs, drama and sketches.  At the end of the  all seemed to be happy. After all  this what Don Bosco wanted, all young people  to be always happy.

Every year, it became a tradition now, we are preparing  munkoyo drink for all participants. Salesian Co-operators, including those in formation, as usual  are very helpful.

Almost ready

On the 22^nd of January  St. Mary’s Parish  was launching  the new theme  for  the year 2012,  “Kabwe Diocese Promoting Unity and Collaborative Ministry among Christ’s Faithful and all  Peoples”. The Holy Eucharist was presided by  our Bishop Clement Mulenga.   It was a great day  for our Parish since  all the faithful  were  waiting   for some years to have Bishop  in our  parish.  After the Mass we had simple  meal  with the bishop  where  the  representatives from all our centers,  including young people, were present. The  whole celebration  was a great  encouragement to  our faithful  to be more active members of the Church.

Bp. Clement Mulenga during the Mass at St. Mary's Church

Paul and Elizabeth Mwamba were taken back to school  for disabled children.  We are very  grateful to Don Bosco Missions in Turin  for offering their help to orphans and vulnerable children.  Thanks to their  generosity Paul and Eliza, among others, are able to study.  Indeed their  lives have changed since they started schooling.  Mrs. Christine Phiri, Salesian Co-operator, is  helping  us in  moments  like this.

Paul with Mrs. Phiri in front of Dagama School

Indeed a good way to end the year. The youth from our parish gathered in the Salesian House to celebrate the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012.  It was a time of prayer and fun. Around midnight we celebrated the Eucharist to thank God for all the gifts we received and look into the future with hope.

In the Chapel celebrating the Eucharist