Welcome to SDB Chingola web page! IMG-20191130-WA0073IMG-20191130-WA0072IMG-20191130-WA0068IMG-20191130-WA0060IMG-20191130-WA0017IMG-20191129-WA0011IMG-20191128-WA0011IMG-20191127-WA0005IMG-20191124-WA0109dav Recent postsSalesians of Don Bosco Celebrate 40 yearns of their work in Zambia4 May 2022(ANS – Rome) – Just a few days have passed since the conclusion of the Animation Visit that the Rector Major made to the “Mary Help of Christians” Vice-Province of Zambia-Malawi-Zimbabwe-Namibia (ZMB), and in the soul of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime the echo of all the experiences he lived still resounds strongly. “My heart is full of reasons to give thanks,” he said yesterday, Monday, May 2, in the “Salesian goodnight” to the community at Salesian Headquarters. “I came back really very, very happy!” he said. “Almost six years after my visit to Malawi and Zambia, I was able to see how the Province continues to make a beautiful charismatic journey, of true Salesian mission, with the poorest. I found so much serenity, a well harmonized Council of the Vice-Province and a Vice-Province that is blessed with so many vocations.” Recalling the recent events of his visit to the ZMB Vice-Province – embarked upon in the company of the Councilor for the Africa-Madagascar Region, Fr Alphonse Owoudou – the 10th Successor of Don Bosco spoke of the large number of meetings with the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement, with about 200 participants both in Hwange, Zimbabwe and in Kabwe, Zambia. From his stop in Hwange he also highlighted the gathering with members of the Salesian Family, and in particular the witness of faith and spiritual vitality offered by the Salesian Cooperators who had come to that destination from Namibia – having traveled 800 km – and from Malawi – about 1,200 km away. A worthy heir of Don Bosco, his thoughts soon turned to the many children and young people he met: “Young people of great maturity, of a strong spiritual beauty… I was struck to find them at 7 am praying the Rosary!” he exclaimed. “And at the same time, young people with a contagious sympathy, cordial and full of affection.” Among all the young people he met, the Rector Major wanted to mention one, for an episode that has remained indelibly in his heart: during his three-day stay in Hwange he was always greeted by a 12-year-old boy who, along with many others like him, dressed very shabbily, was not very clean and had no shoes. On the last day of his stay there, when Fr Á.F. Artime was taking his leave of all those present, the boy took his hand and handed over what was meant to be a tribute: a simple stone picked up from the ground, and a sheet of paper accompanying it, with the words: “My name is Samuel” written on it. The Rector Major, moved, thanked him, and took his stone and the paper with him, assuring the boy he would keep them in his office, even once transferred to Turin. “Samuel’s face still moves me. What must this boy have felt to make him think he had to pay me a tribute, even at the cost of taking a simple stone, having nothing else to give? This really speaks to us of how we, in our educational-evangelizing mission, can touch the hearts of children, sometimes in ways we don’t even know.” For this reason, reflecting on the Vice-Province’s future, also in light of the many Salesians currently in initial formation, the Rector Major shared how it is necessary to continue to discern where it will be possible to open new communities, keeping in mind what the real needs are and the possibilities for developing the charism, and maintaining and cultivating the missionary spirit and attention to the poorest already present. Finally, the interview given by the Rector Major to Fr Christopher Kunda, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry of ZMB, before his return to Rome, is also worth mentioning. On that occasion Fr Á.F. Artime spoke further about the life and future of the Vice-Province: “I have found a lot of life: missionary life, a life shared with young people, a desire to be close to the poor, serenity among my confreres, affection among the young people… This is a time of God’s grace for this Vice-Province. Forty years after its first presence, almost 25 years after the birth of the Vice-Province, it can give courageous, prophetic choices, identified with foresight.” “It would be a shame to live tranquilly: we must live in peace, but with the fire of desire, like Don Bosco, like St. Francis Xavier, with the will to arrive there where they are still awaiting us,” he added further. And, to a question about himself, he concluded: “My strength is that I continue to love young people profoundly, I feel very good among them, I am in love with God and Jesus and I am happy with my life. This is me.”... Read more...Ending of the first term of 2022!22 April 2022Closing school and going on holiday is every learner’s wish and, so today 13th April ,2022 , Don Bosco Technical Secondary School Chingola,closed school after succefully ending term one. This type of event or celebration must have a guest of honour and so, Father Leszek Aksamit sdb was that guest. The closure was preceeded by Holy Mass which was celebrated by the Rector of the Community, Father Leszek sdb with the assistance of Father Gabriel Mwenya sdb who is the Principal of the school. He talked about Jesus’ death and its meaning to Christians. Unlike other Wednesdays, learners’ enthusiasm and participation was top notch. They sang and clapped through out After the celebrations, there were various activities that characterised the day. There was poetry by Nchimunya,Natasha and Tecra. The boys who did cultural dancing made the spectators cheer through out. It was a blissful moment to both the teachers and the learners. Afterwards, the guest of honour and Rev Father Gabriel Mwenya sdb awarded teachers and learners who performed outstandingly in the previous composite exams of 2021, which put the school in 3rd position out of more than 100 schools in Chingola District. Consequently, the school received a prestigious prize in form of a trophy 🏆. The icing on the cake was done when Father Leszeck sdb encouraging the learners to carry the name of Don Bosco higher after which he gave the final blessings and the school closed for the end of Term One. School re opens on 9th May, 2021.... Read more...Synopsis12 March 202258 years of God’s abundant blessing on His son! March 9th, 2022 marked a milestone in the Rector’s life, Fr. Aksamit Leszek Sdb, who turned 58 years old. Beautiful birthday celebrations were held at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School and College, and the Community of Salesians of Don Bosco with representation from Salesian Cooperators. These factions of the centre, expressed how Fr Leszek Sdb, has impacted their lives individually and severally; 1. The Technical Secondary School 2. The Technical College 3. The Aspirants (Formation House of the Sdb), as eloquently expressed below: The Technical Secondary School Today we gather here to celebrate a person that has not only made it possible for us to have a good school but has also imparted moral values in us. We thank God for giving you knowledge and wisdom of understanding. Your sermons are so touching and have inspired many of us in school to always strive hard to do the will of God, no matter how little. Father, as you mark your 58th birthday, we wish you good health, happiness, and lots of beautiful things in this world and hereafter.Thank you for your concern over our spiritual life. You are an exemplary and visionary church leader who has dedicated your life to Christ and His mission to win more souls into the kingdom of God. Your messages are always supported by good Bible quotations which are clear and understandable to the school. As you celebrate your special day, may the good Lord shower you with more graces and blessings!As you attain the age of 58, may God continue to increase you in knowledge and wisdom. May He grant you good health and strength to deliver His word to the people according to his will. Have a memorable birthday!We pray the good Lord continues to give you victory over all the challenges of life. The whole school will continue to follow the light you have shown to us and made us believe in. You are a blessing not only to us but to the coming generations. Have a wonderful birthday!May the Lord’s blessings continue to be with you and your family, and may His words continue to move you from strength to strength. I wish you all the best and many more birthdays to come. Happy birthday Father The Technical College What is well rooted, can not be pulled down, and, what is firmly rooted can not slip loose, it will be honoured from generation to generation. According to Psalms 139:1-5, it has been said that, the Lord has searched you, He knows you when you sit and when you rise, He perceives your thoughts from afar, He discerns your going out and your lying down, He is familiar with all your ways, before a word is on your tongue the Lord knows it completely. It is yet with great pleasure and honour to celebrate the birthday of a galant physically old yet young at heart, one who is to remain a youth forever filled with so much love, wisdom and compassion. His smile is so beautiful and cool, but, at the same time hot like a blast furnace, as it manages to melt hearts made out of iron. We are indeed a blessed generation as God gave us a gem, which he only gives once in a thousand years. Your presence makes this place conducive for everyone, we love you and we are really proud and happy to have you Fr. We love you with all our hearts, we love you and wish you more of God’s blessings and favour in all your endeavours. Happy birthday and we wish you many more happy returns. A lot has been said already though they say, “AGE is just a number, but, through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life”. May God bless you, as you are already a blessing to us. The Aspirants (Sdb Community) “The Rector of Chingola Don Bosco Community, Fr. Leszek Aksamit Sdb, Fr. Eugene Sdb: Vice Rector, Fr. Gabriel Mwenya Sdb: School and College Principal, Salesian Cooperators, Bro Olek Sdb: Vice Cordinator – Oratory, Mr Adslas Mangena: ICDL Teacher, Fellow Aspirants. I would like to say thank you for giving me this opportunity to stand in front of you on behalf of my brothers. Father, you are blessed and the love and kindness you show to everyone is really something else. God chose you when you were in your mother’s womb and He gave you your name then. He made your mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of His wings, He hid you. He made you a polished arrow in His quiver and He hid you. And he said to you, “You are my servant Leszek, in whom I will be glorified”. May He continue to protect you in your entire life. When a woman bears a son, she brings joy and happiness in the family, so we are also happy because you have brought us together to celebrate your birthday which will forever have an impact in our lives. We would like to appreciate you in everything you offer the Community especially the orphans and the young people that are lacking in financial help. We are wishing you a fantastic birthday. Let me quote from the Bible, “I am, because you are, you are because I am”, end of quote. So together, we are. Happy Birthday Fr. Leszek and we wish you many more happy returns. Thank you and may God continue blessing you.... Read more...THE GIFT OF CONFIRMATION8 June 2021Growth is vital to human life; the body and mind must grow to stay alive. Catholics believe that the soul also needs to grow to maturity in the life of grace, just as the human body must grow through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in the Holy Eucharist. It completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead. The Sacrament of Confirmation is a sacrament of anointing by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is one of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity; it is the final Sacrament of Initiation into the Catholic Church. The Bishop or Priest prays for those being confirmed to receive the Holy Spirit and his Seven Gifts, he is the comforter and helper that Jesus promised to send his Apostles, who came to them on the day of Pentecost. During Confirmation, the focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost and gave them courage to practice their faith. Catholics believe that the same Holy Spirit confirms Catholics during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives them the same gifts. Traditionally, the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are supernatural graces given to the soul. The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, long-suffering, mildness, faith, modesty, continency, and chastity — human qualities that can be activated by the Holy Spirit. It was another special occasion at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School in Chingola, where five young brothers who are aspiring to follow Jesus in Saint Don Bosco’s way of life, took a step ahead after their baptism, by receiving the Sacramentof Confirmation in the Catholic Church. Their parents, the Salesian family, students and pupils together with their teachers, witnessed this solemn celebration of Confirmation which was presided over by His Rt Reverend Bishop Clement Mulenga SDB of Kabwe Diocese in Zambia. This rite of Confirmation was conducted on Wednesday 2nd June 2021, during the School Mass.... Read more...CHINGOLA WITNESS TRIPLE CELEBRATION28 May 2021GRADUATION DAY – SOLEMNITY OF MHC – BLESSING OF PIETA Amid the anxious moments of pandemic, Chingola Caravario Mission at Don Bosco Youth Centre found a leaf of relief in the triple celebration: INTELLECTUAL – the Graduation Day; SPIRITUAL – the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians; HISTORICAL – the Blessing of PIETA. The 21st day of May 2021, Friday, the early morning hours, the nature friendly and green, beautiful lawn of DBYC welcomed students, teachers, parents, past pupils, Salesian Cooperators, Don Bosco Volunteers and friends of Don Bosco. In the cool atmosphere amidst the heavenly singing the Celebrants and altar servers entered the well decorated sanctuary and had the Solemn Celebration of the Holy Eucharist and Fr. Leszek Aksamit, sdb the Rector of the mission and Board Member, highlighted the importance of the events, Interventions of Blessed Mother in the life of the Mission at Chingola and a gave a short description about PIETA, the statue which is going to be blessed. After the homily, there was solemn blessing of the statue of PIETA by Fr. Leszek Aksamit, sdb and consecration of the whole mission to our Blessed Mother. The plaque in front of PIETA was unveiled by Fr. Thaikadan Joseph, sdb, a missionary from India, now Vice Rector and Director of DBYC oratory. The Plaque contained the information about the Jubilee Cross of “The Year of Mercy” which was erected already on 9 March 2016, and the statue of “PIETA” installed and blessed on 21 May 2021 – A DEDICATION TO YOUNG PEOPLE OF DBYC PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE. After the Holy Eucharist we had a colouful and joy filled welcoming of Graduates amidst the Drum beats, singing and DJ Music. They were led by the Chief Guest Mr. Elijah Sinyinza Mulonga, Manager, the Department of Water Maintenance, Fr. Leszek Aksmit, sdb, the Rector, Board Members, Br. Nyondo S Joseph, sdb, Principal and Representatives of Teachers and Parents. The event started with opening prayer by Fr. T.L. Joseph sdb. After listening to the Welcome Speech by Fr. Rector, Br. Nyondo S Joseph, sdb the Principal and Administrator introduced the guests and presented the Report. Mr. Elijah Sinyinza, the Chief Guest highlighted the need for preparedness as the graduates move from School to Work. After some mesmerizing cultural performances, the certificates and awards were distributed to the Graduates and meritorious students and pupils. In concluding notes the representative of the graduates thanked Don Bosco Technical College for the TRANSFORMATION the graduates underwent during their training period in the institute. Last part of the event was the sumptuous lunch and dances in tune with the DJ Music.... Read more...CELEBRATION OF THE SOLEMNITY OF ST. JOSEPH20 March 2021“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded.” (Matt: 1: 16, 18 – 21.) It was a bright morning in Chingola as learners found their way to the Oratory for the much-anticipated mass. It was a special day for us here in Chingola to celebrate the solemnity of St. Joseph this year because it is a year that we received the statue of our father St. Joseph the worker. Mass started at 10:30, with the rhythm of the drums, learners and the entire community felt the joy that was necessitated by the spirit of St. Joseph which was present among us. Fr. Joseph was given the privilege of presiding over mass by the Rector as it was a special day for him. In the opening remarks, the celebrant introduced the saint of the day and played for the congregation a song about St. Joseph with the message of St. Joseph as a good man. During the homily, Fr. Joseph informed the congregation that St Joseph was declared the Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius the IX He also informed the congregation that December 2020 to December 2021 is dedicated to St. Joseph. One outstanding quality of St. Joseph as indicated by Pope Francis is the nature of St. Joseph as a “sleeping Joseph”. He would sleep well at night after doing the will of God during the day. We were encouraged to do well whatever God tells us, If we do so, we will enjoy the peace of mind and joy in our hearts. It was also pointed out that The quality of a good dreamer is that one should not rest until they work to fulfil the dream that God has given us. We were encouraged to pray to St. Joseph to fill our minds with good dreams, to work towards achieving them and preserve purity of heart and mind. After thanksgiving the Rector invited the community to sing and wish a happy feast day to Fr. Joseph, Br. Joseph and all the Josephs that were present. We concluded with group photos. The congregants were very happy and this was evidenced by the active participation in the mass. May St. Joseph who is in our midst continue praying for us.... Read more...You are created to be happy11 March 2021Near or far, I am always thinking of you. My only desire is to see you happy both in this world and the next. My absence from you weighs heavily on me, and not being able to see and hear you hurts me more than you can imagine. Despite the new normal of the Covid19 pandemic, Fr Vaclav Klement sdb with the passion for the young, travelled all the way from Rome Italy, to witness himself and to give happiness to the young people of Africa especially in ZMB Vice Province. It was John Bosco’s wish, to see young people always happy, in this world and the next. In his remarks during the School Mass, Fr Klement sdb who is the delegate of the Rector Major, preached the message of happiness to the young people of Don Bosco Technical Secondary School. on 10th March. 2021. Fr Vaclav Klement sdb is in ZMB Vice Province to conduct an extra-ordinary visitation. This Vice Province comprises four countries; Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia.... Read more...WELCOMING MASS FOR FR JOSEPH SAINTS ALOYSIUS VERSIGLIA AND CALLISTUS CARAVARIO25 February 2021“…He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people” (Mark 16:15) . Monsignor Versiglia, who at the age of 12 had been sent to study at the Salesians’ in Turin in 1873, actually had the grace to meet Don Bosco, who once said to him: “Come and visit me, I have something to tell you”. “…Bishop, you will see me in China,” Fr Callistus told Bishop Versiglia in Turin in 1922 as he came to see and spoke to the missions, to the Brothers.”. This is the mission started by our Lord Jesus Christ, to proclaim the Word of Salvation to all the nations. Fr Callistus and Versiglia died with Jesus for their faith in China, in the mission of proclaiming the good news. Inspired by Don Bosco, it was a great day at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School as they were welcoming the new missionary Father, Fr Joseph SDB from India. Teachers, Students, Cooperators, Past Pupils, and the entire Salesian Community gathered together for Fr Joseph’s welcoming Mass to Chingola Community, on 24th February, 2021. In his introductory remarks before Mass, the Rector of the Community Fr Leszek SDB, said that he with the whole community were very happy to have Fr Joseph in the midst of the centre. The Don Bosco hall was filled with tears of great joy as they were welcoming Fr Joseph SDB. In his preaching, Fr Joseph SDB, gave a message of hope and faith in our mission as Fr Callistus and Fr Aloysius did in China, although, the political situation was very tense especially for Christians and, foreign missionaries. They bore witness to Christ before the world, and now in the ever-present Church, Christ in turn pays honour to them before His father, with strength to fight, to proclaim the Gospel and defend human dignity up to death.... Read more...THE FIRST SENDOFF (GRADUATION) 202013 December 2020Be patient, then, brothers and sisters until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains (James 5:7) Don Bosco Secondary School in Chingola which begun with only thirty Grade 8 pupils in 2016, has produced its first fruits. Complementing the words of Jesus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit (John 12:24)”. This was shown in its completion of twenty-five young people who completed their Grade 12 at Don Bosco Secondary School in Chingola. It has been a long term of advent (waiting) with a lot of struggles to reach this stage, but the graces of God seem sufficient. The Salesian, Fr Leszek who is the Rector of the community, and the Principal of the school, Brother Joseph Nyondo, were very happy to see the result of their hardwork, which begun in 2016. The school has fully grown now, going up to Grade 12 with not less than 417 pupils. The ceremony begun with celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the morning, presided by Fr Leszek SDB. In his remarks during the ceremony, Fr Leszek SDB, the Rector of the Salesian community in Chingola, congratulated the students for their cooperation and hard work. He also gave a word of gratitude to the parents for choosing Don Bosco Secondary School for their chidren. He encouraged the graduating pupils to continue working hard as they were now going out of secondary school, to be good citizens of the nation. “This is just the beginning of many graduations, continue to work hard as you still have a few days of examinations. If all of you pass with 9 points or better, I promise to give to all of you scholarships, “ The Principal of the school Brother Joseph Nyondo had the following to say: “The past five years has not been easy, especially this year with the global outbreak of the Corona Virus. Inspite of this, the school performed very well during the first Grade 9 Examinations of 2017. This particular class has been performing well in all its examinations whether at national or district level respectively. The Shool Board is very optimistic that the first Grade 12 results will not be disappointing. One of the teachers stated that due to the good performance of the students shown in the past years, the GCE Certificate results should be excellent.” The graduation ceremony was attended by the parents of the students, friends, all the students from Grades 8 to 12, School Staff of Don Bosco Secondary School, the Salesian Community, the Salesian Family, and different invited guests. The graduands together with their teachers, looked glamorous as they paraded in their graduation tassel caps, gowns and sashes. In her speech, the Head Girl gave a word gratitude to their parents, the Institution and Academic Staff for the support given to them from the time they joined the school as young learners. “We have leant a lot of things apart from academics, we will remember to use the Preventive System of Education of Don Bosco in all of our lives. Education is the matter of the heart.” She encouraged her fellow pupils remaining in the school to continue working hard as before, then we will be putting Don Bosco Secondary School on the map. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the individual achievements of the learners at the end of the school career at Don Bosco Secondary School. All learners received their Certificates of Achievement. Outstanding students were awarded for exceptional achievement in different fields and not only in Academia. It was a wonderful experience for all stakeholders.... Read more...THE GIFT OF PRIESTHOOD: FATHER’S JOHN AND JOSEPH SDB28 September 2020Priesthood is a gift given by Christ to a few for the good of the many. The priests’ mission is to serve Christ, the teacher, priest and shepherd, by whose ministry the Church is built and grows into the People of God and is empowered for its mission. So it is that each priest is consecrated to preach the Gospel, shepherd God’s people, and celebrate the sacred liturgy, especially the Eucharist. He will initiate people into the church through Baptism, forgive sins in the name of Christ and the Church, comfort the sick with holy oil, all while offering prayers of praise, thanks and petition to God for the Church and the world. On the 23rd of September, 2020, the Salesians of Don Bosco, teachers, staff members, students both from Don Bosco Technical College and Secondary School, gathered together for the Solemn celebration of the first Mass for Fr. John and Fr.Joseph, who were both ordained by Bishop Rodrigo Mejia SJ in Nairobi, Kenya on the 27th of June, 2020. They were ordained in Kenya and not in our ZMB Province due to the restrictions of Covid 19. In his remarks during the introduction of newly ordained priests, the Rector of Chingola Community (St. Callisto Calavario Community) Fr. Leszek Aksamit sdb described the event as ‘the’ gift from God. Their mortals, seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.” (Lk 12;31) “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.” (Ps 143;31) Fr. John and Fr. Joseph respectively indicates their complete trust and dependence on God. Celebrating Mass of the Feast of Saint Padre Pio, which started exactly at 10:30hrs, inside Don Bosco Youth Centre Hall, Fr. Joseph in his introductory rite, encouraged the students, teachers and Fathers inclusively, to follow the good example of Saint Padre Pio. He added that Christian life is not an easy life but a life of suffering as Padre Pio did. In his Homily, Fr. Joseph encouraged all the people who had gathered, that they have to be good Christians and honest citizens by their actions. The event also marked the reopening of both Don Bosco Secondary School and Don Bosco Colllege. The students were very happy to come back to school after a long period of time of due to Covi19 pandemic. The school hall was filled with great joy due to the gift of newly ordained priests, and the joy of coming back to school after a long break. Don Bosco Secondary School pupils together with their teachers helped the people to pray twice by their fantastic singing during the celebration of the Liturgy. The newly ordained priests were accompanied by Father Leszeck and Father Waldemar respectively. After the final blessings, the community had photos taken in the hall with the students and pupils, and classes continued as per normal programme.... Read more...
Welcome to SDB Chingola web page!
Welcome to SDB Chingola web page!
