Category Archives: Don Bosco Relics Tour India

October 10, 2011 · 9:07 am

Former Salesian Gifts Institutions in Kerala and Sharjah to Don Bosco

Fr. Tomy Kuruvilla

ATHIRAMPUZHA, Kerala, (C.M. Paul) – In a gesture that was both historic and dramatic, a priest handed over his will and testament giving two educational institutions which he founded while a Salesian of Kolkata province to the Salesian provincial of Kerala.

Fr Tomy Kuruvilla gifted the Marian Career Guidance Centre (MCGC) at Maduravelli near Kaduthuruthy in Kottayam district, and Rhythm Education Centre (REC) in Sharjah which he founded and runs, to the Salesians of Don Bosco Bangalore province at brief ceremony in front of Don Bosco Relic visiting St Mary’s Church Athirampuzha, 10th October.

The parish priest of Athirampuzha church, Rev. Fr. Mani, spoke on the significance of this offer by the donor, who happens to be from Athirampuzha parish, to the Salesians of Bangalore/ Kerala, in the context of the visit of the Relic of Don Bosco.
Pls chk the link for YouTube video.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=1h3jqPw5mPo

In a brief talk Fr Kuruvialla said “it was a historical divine intervention of Don Bosco in his life, so as to fulfill the long cherished dream of his parents who longed to see the Salesian presence in this region.”

First batch of 2011-2012

After the first batch of eight MCGC students sang the hymn “Don Bosco who was consumed by the zeal for the young” Fr Mani handed over the official file containing the Will of Fr.Tomy and a few other documents  to the Provincial of Bangalore / Kerala.

Solemn Eucharist and the veneration of Don Bosco’s relic followed before the casket left for Don Bosco Puthupally.

“I consider Don Bosco relic visit to my parish as a miracle,” says Fr Tomy Kuruvilla who belongs to Athirampuzha, St. Mary’s Church in central Kearla.

Fr Kuruvilla worked and ministered in Sharjah for 18 years raising funds to purchase the property and start MCGC dream project for underprivileged but intelligent boys.

The property at Maduravelli is over 5 acres and has over 18,000 sq ft of built up area with a foundation for two floors. It has dormitory facility for 75 students and quarters for administrative staff while the common facilities like dining room and chapel can accommodate 150 students.

“I did not leave the Salesian congregation but the Salesians left me,” says Fr Kuruvilla who was laicised on 6th December 2010.

Rhythm Education Centre Sharjah

The overjoyed priest confesses, “I see the visit of Don Bosco Relic not just as a sheer co-incidence but the will of Don Bosco himself giving me a wonderful opportunity to hand over to him personally what I have been doing for the Saelsians of Don Bosco Bangalore, over these years.”

“The gift is totally unconditional,” Fr Kuruvilla told the provincial “and all my request to you is, to treat MCGC and REC as well as me (Fr.Tomy) in a way Don Bosco would treat anyone who loves him and has dedicated his life for his cause.”

Commenting on the event, Provincial of Bangalore province who received the will in person says, “I made it a point to be present to accept the gift as a gesture of “expression of intent” as well as be a sign of appreciation to honour the parishioners who were generous to sent several of their sons to Don Bosco Mission.”

L to R: Provincial, Kuruvilla & Mani

The MCGC property and building in Kerala is priced at INR 16 crores (USD 3,2o0,000) while the licence for running Music Academy in Sharjah alone is priced about  50 Lakhs (USD 100,000). For MCGC location and building pls watch YouTube video at  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVlgNAcTxZc

Laicised Fr Kuruvilla (55 year old) is currently living a retired life in priestly status, with the permission of the Bishop of Changnacherry.

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August 14, 2011 · 5:02 am

Pot Shot at Salesians

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – On Tuesday, Aug 9, 2011 at 11:48 PM, Mr. Allwyn Fernandes wrote the following in “A Communicating Indian Church,” e-group which he manages (I am also part of the group).  In this particular dispatch Mr. Fernandes raised several issues on the current pilgrimage of Don Bosco’s Relic across India. Here is the entire text of the Times of India journalist from Mumbai:

“Has any Salesian raised his voice against this weird spectacle that the Salesian order is promoting in India?

Because only a Salesian is best placed to do it — any other religious doing it will only result in a war of religious orders.

Are we a medieval Church to have a dead saint’s right hand (whenever and for whatever reason it was cut off or removed has never been explained anywhere), embed it in a wax replica of his body and take it round the world to mark his 200th birth anniversary to come in 2015?

To me, this is the ultimate disrespect to a saint – to severe part of his/her body and then take it round for “veneration”. I can understand they had to do that 200 years ago to prove to theVaticanthat St Francis Xavier’s body was not corrupted. Even that repels me. But to take part of the body round embedded in a wax cast of the body in 2011???

Couldn’t the Salesians have thought of a more constructive and long-lasting way of celebrating the bi-centenary of Don Bosco’s birth? He was a man who responded in a unique way to the needs of his time in the city where he lived. What would he have felt the need to do were he to arrive in theIndiaof today?

As I write this, we need a Don Bosco in the streets ofLondonto get those young men off their destructive course of action, whatever be the reasons for it. Come on Salesians, put your heads together and choose a tough new way of responding to the needs of the time to commemorate the birth of your great founder. This way of doing it does not enlighten us about who Don Bosco was and how he responded to the needs of his time. It is promoting idolatory in another form. That is evident from the write-up below with its patronising headline.”

The above piece by Mr Fernandes received just one comment from a group member:
“There is nothing so enticing to an Indian than the miraculous tinged with the sacred. Consider the huge expense, the organisation, time, effort  and devotion . Of course these are needed elsewhere but it is easier to arouse interest and endorse a once in a life time event that will soon be forgotten. The dividends from it cannot be seen nor counted.” (Therese Almeida Date: 11 August 2011 12:03).

Here is the piece that tickled Mr Fernandes

John Bosco brought ‘alive’ to Indians
Posted by: “Bombay Catholic Sabha, Kalina” MangaloreanCatholics@gmail.com
Wed Aug 3, 2011 2:48 am (PDT)
John Bosco brought ‘alive’ to Indians

Published Date: July 29, 2011

John Bosco brought ‘alive’ to Indians thumbnail

Millions thronged to venerate Saint John Bosco’s relic as it was taken to different parts of the national capital.

On July 30, a sea of humanity assembled at the Sacred Heart Cathedral as the relic was brought there.

A pontifical concelebrated Mass led by Archbishop Vincent M Concessao and assisted by scores of priests was held on the occasion.

The prelate urged the faithful to emulate the saint in “our daily life”.

Lauding John Bosco’s contribution to the youth, he said the saint taught that laziness was the root cause of all evil.

He was all praise for the “good work” done by the Salesians in the field of education and that of empowering the poor.

After Mass huge queues were witnessed, as people pushed and shoved to kiss the casket and receive the saint’s blessings.

“I am very much excited to be able to get so close to a saint’s relic,” said Arush Michael, a class VII student.

“I prayed for good results as the saint was a friend of children,” he said.

The relic, the right hand of the Italian saint placed inside a metal box and embedded in a wax replica of his body, arrived in the national capital on July 28.

While waiting in the heat to see the relic, Amit Alfred Kujur, a college student, said he came to seek Don Bosco’s special blessings. He said it is a “rare chance, blessing and inspiration.”

Agnes Michael, a teacher, said ”she felt privileged to get a chance to see the replica of the much-loved saint.”

Rosy David, a housewife, said “we have come as a family for it was only after praying to the saint that my husband, a lawyer, achieved success in his profession. With this relic arrival, Don Bosco has been brought alive to Indians,” she said.

Father Jose Mathew,SalesianProvincesaid, “This is the first time in history that any catholic saint’s remains are being taken all across the world.”

From the Cathedral, the relic was taken to Najafgarh for a night-long vigil service. The relic was taken to most of the Salesian institutes in the national capital. It will also visitChandigarhand other areas before leaving for Mumbai.

The pilgrimage is part of the preparations for the 2015 bi-centenary celebrations of Don Bosco’s birth. It also marked the 150th year of the foundation of the Salesian congregation.

The casket began its journey in 2009 fromItaly’s Valdocco and is set to travel five continents where Salesian members are serving the youth.

It came toIndiain the last week of April and has already visited the north-east states.

Founder of the Salesian Society, John Bosco was born atPiedmont,Italy, August 16, 1815 and died January 31, 1888. He was canonized in 1934.

http://www.cathnewsindia.com/2011/07/29/don-bosco-relic-arrives-in-delhi/

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July 20, 2011 · 5:09 am

Kolkata Gifts Young Salesian to Don Bosco World Mission

Fr Shiju with lone Italian missionary in Kolkata city, 89 year old Fr Stroscio Rosario

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – In a touching farewell ceremony to Don Bosco Relic visit to Kolkata province, Fr Provincial presented Fr Shiju James Thottupurathu leaving for overseas missions.

“It is our humble gift to Don Bosco on his visit to our province,” said Fr Thomas Ellicherail at the solemn Eucharist marking Provincial Community Day and farewell to Don Bosco, 19 July 2011.

In a faith filled statement Fr Provincial added, “we in the province felt that this is something that the Lord will bless.”

The celebrations held at Nitika Don Bosco opposite the Provincial House had over 80 priests and some 10 Brothers participating.

Fr Shiju, 33 year old young priest from Kerala has been nursing the missionary dream for over ten years even though his companions and superiors tried to remind him of the missionary challenges to be faced in Latin America.

L to R: Fr Provincial & Vice Provincial with Fr Shiji at Farewell Mass for DB Relic visit, 19 July 2011.

“I always wanted to be a missionary. I had expressed my desire as a young Salesian, but my superiors insisted that I should take time to discern,” said Fr Shiju addressing confreres gathered for the farewell to Don Bosco.

“Even though we are short of personnel to man various works in the province, I am glad that Fr. Shiju has volunteered for mission ad gentes, inspiring in us the missionary zeal,” said the provincial stating the acute shortage of personnel he is facing.

A house like Don Bosco School Park Circus which normally had more than 20 confreres, has currently just seven confreres (five priests and two lay brothers). They run Primary & High School, andTechnicalSchool, as well as Night School and Non-Formal Technical school. The community which used to have 7 or 8 clerics doing practical training and college studies, today has no clerics in training at all.

On a positive note and as sign of the tangible assistance of divine providence to this generous act Provincial announced the good news of a missionary returning to the province after 26 years of missionary work in Bolivia. The missionary Fr Joseph Punchakunnel was principal of Salesian College Sonada Darjeeling and several years Novice Master before he left for South American missions.

Director of Don Bosco Vocational Training Institute Monsadah and Warden of St Albert’s Home Monsadah on Indo-Bangladesh border Fr Shiju is expected to leave forRomeearly August. He will participate in the annual international missionary preparatory course held at the Salesian University Rome before he leaves for Guatemala.

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July 18, 2011 · 12:02 pm

Park Circus Cooperators Re-born after 33 years

New batch of Don Bosco Park Circus Salesian Cooperators take pledge, 17 July 2011

KOLKATA – A group of ten teachers of Don Bosco School Park Circus took their pledge as Salesian Cooperators at the solemn Eucharistic celebration with Don Bosco Relic during the Salesian Family Day held 17 July. They took their pledge in the presence of Salesian Cooperator’s provincial coordinator Mr. Benedict Beck and in the presence of some 700 Salesian Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Cooperators and Alumni.

The new members prepared under the direction of Rector & Principal Fr Siby Vadakel are: Brothers Paul Jacob & Sunny Thomas, and Sisters Annie Thomas, Christina Raphael, Devamanohari Fernando, Sherry Taylor, Bipasha Biswas, Jyoti Harney, Suma Thomas and Cicily James. Seven more members are in the ‘come & see” stage of formation.

“It has been a much considered decision for me to join the Salesian Cooperators,” says Mr Sunny Thomas, only Catholic Teacher of neighbouringBirlaHigh Schoolwho took the pledge along with his wife Suma, a Don Bosco school teacher.

Cooperators take pledge with Don Bosco Relic at Don Bosco Park Circus, 17 July 2011

For local co-ordinator of the Cooperators, Mr Paul Jacob, “the thought of being a part of the Salesian Family” was a great motivation. Mr Jacob was already engaged in several youth related activities like YCS and Scouts.

Speaking at the occasion Fr Provincial Thomas Ellicherail exhorted both the new  cooperators and the entire Salesian Family to grab the occasion of the presence of Don Bosco Relic to re-new, re-live and re-vive their Salesian commitment.”

The Northern India Zonal Secretary Mr. Francis Mondal of Bandel (Auxilium) Unit is of the opinion that “regular formation meeting in the Project of Apostolic Life and a greater knowledge of Don Bosco and his Preventive System is a must for the success of a unit.”

And that too he says “depends on the enthusiasm and energy of Salesians in loco.”

Last year Mr. Mondal visited Don Bosoc schools in Park Circus, Bandel, Malbassy, Mirik and Azimganj as well as the Salesian Sisters in Kurseong to encourage the formation of Cooperator’s Unit.

The Don Bosco Park Circus Unit which rendered yeoman service and provincial level leadership in 1970s had been defunct since 1978, though a fresh attempt was made also in 1994.

The Cooperator as originally envisaged by Don Bosco is a true Salesian in the world. The Cooperators may well claim to be the eldest born of the Salesian Family, for they continue in the steps of the clergy and laity who were Don Bosco’s help before he founded the Salesian Congregation. They are the “extern Salesians” always and inseparably linked with the Salesian Congregation.  To be a Co-operator is a practical and up-to–date way of living the love of Christ and participating in the unique mission of the Church.

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July 16, 2011 · 6:45 pm

Lone Italian Salesian in Kolkata Recalls City in Don Bosco’s Dream

Fr Stroscio Rosario and his dream Church at Auxilium Church Kolkata.

KOLKATA, (C.M. Paul) – An Italian Salesian missionary in Kolkata city, spoke at a public function marking Don Bosco Relic visit at the Auxilium Church Gobra, 15-16 July 2011. The 89 year old Sicilian priest gave a vivid presentation of Don Bosco’s 9th April 1886 dream (almost two years before his death on 31 January 1888) where he saw Calcutta as one of the major hubs of Salesian activities.

Earlier at the homily during the Solemn Eucharist celebrated by five bishops and 41 priests, Salesian Archbishop Lucas Sircar of Kolkata confirmed that there are two letters of Don Bosco still preserved in the Archbishop’s House archives.

The short-built and soft-spoken missionary Fr Stroscio Rosario has lived at the Auxilium parish presbytery for over 30 years now.

The parish plans to offer financial assistance to make 200 houses for t’e  poor to mark the bi-centenary of Don Bosco’s birth as well as his visit to the parish.

According to Fr Stroscio, a rare Italian who graduated with a Master of Arts degree in History fromCalcuttaUniversity, “it was the Auxilium church that Don Bosco would have seen in his dream as there are four Salesian institutions in this parish. They are theAuxiliumChurch, School and boys’ hostel under Salesians; the Salesian Sisters’ convent and girls’ Hostel, as well as Provincial head quarters, and Nitika Don Bosco in the parish territory.

It was Fr Rosario’s dream to have a magnificent Church built in honour of Mary Help of Christians, the Madonna of Don Bosco in Kolkata. The project began with the making of a plywood model of the Church in 1985. The dream was materialized only after 10 years under the direction of Fr K.K. Sebastian. Incidentally, Fr K.K. Sebastian has just returned as Parish priest atAuxiliumChurchafter almost 15 years.

Fr Stroscio, a former provincial of the Kolkata province (1967 to 1972) became a controversial figure during his missionary work in Maliapota (Nadia Dt) when government served deportation order on “conversion’ charges. It was then Mother Teresa who stepped in and requested the government to have him as her Chaplain to the Missionaries of Charity Sisters at neighbouring Prem Dan, a large rehabilitation center for T.B. patients. The authorities relented, withdrew the deportation order, and Fr Stroscio is stayed put at Auxilium since 1979.

The Salesians started Auxilium Parish in Tengra known as dhapa (dumping ground) an out-law area on the outskirts of the city in 1974 having relinquished the Cathedral Church on Portuguese Church street to Kolkata diocese in 1972. It was there Salesians started their first presence in Kolkata city in 1925 with the famous Catholic Orphan Press. Today, Auxilium is possibly the largest slum parish in Kolkata with several Mass centres including Motijheel slum chapel, the very place where Mother Teresa ofCalcuttastarted her street ministry.

Then Archbishop of Calcutta, Archbishop Henry Sebastian D’Souza, asked Fr Rosario to pray over the 87 year old Mother Teresa who had been hospitalized for heart problems. Mother Teresa was suffering from insomnia and acting strangely. The Archbishop said of the situation that, “when doctors said they could not find a medical reason for her sleeplessness, I thought she might be getting attacked by the devil.” After Fr Stroscio prayed over her, she was calm and slept peacefully. That was in 1997.

Fr Stroscio is also the national president of the Indian chapter of the worldwide Marian Movement of Priests.

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June 4, 2011 · 4:23 am

DB Relic Miracle Trail in Guwahati

Sr Grace Sebastian & Teachers await DB, 31 May.

GUWAHATI: During the pilgrim visit, Sr.Catherine K.P, addressed the gathering saying that “the relic of St. John Bosco is being  brought to our region so that it may bring blessing to the people and also serve as an inspiration to all those working on behalf of youth. It is a glorious moment for us to welcome Don Bosco in St. Mary`s Maligaon.”

Further addressing the young people of the school she said that they were the privileged group to witness this great and significant event. She quoted the words of Don Bosco to the young people, “For you I Study, For you I work, For you I Live, ….“

Sr Grace Sebastian from St Mary’s School reports, some extraordinary events that have happened since Don Bosco Relic visit, 31st May.

One of our senior teachers was attacked by terrorists, the very next day after she paid homage to Don Bosco Relic in St. Mary’s school Guwahati. She believes that Don Bosco saved her life as she was carrying a religious article she put on the relic of Don Bosco. She says, when terrorists saw the religious article, they left her without doing any harm.  This is her belief.

There are also reports of some inner healing for people. It is too early to gather all the information, she says.

However, she adds, “some people who were not talking to each other for one year, have started to relate. Also, some broken families have shown signs that they are beginning to get back to peaceful life.”

The Relic is currently in Shillong, the cradle of Salesian works in northeast India since 1922.

Some useful links on DB Relic Visit and Miracle:
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/05/31/no-magic-in-relics/

http://www.assamnewsonline.com/2011/06/01/don-bosco-relics-its-make-and-meaning/

Pls click the link or cut and paste to view a promo video on DB Relics visit to Shillong. http://youtu.be/_h0jjW2hBI8

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May 22, 2011 · 10:14 am

Don Bosco Relics Bless Hindu and Christian Believers in Dibrugarh

Dimapur Vice-provincial Fr Nestor Guria welcomes DB Relics to Don Bosco School Dibrugarh

DIBRUGARH, Assam (C.M. Paul) – In an earlier report of extraordinary happenings related to Don Bosco Relics Visit to Tinsukia, former vice-provincial of Dimapur province and Rector of Don Bosco School Dibrugarh Fr. Jonas Kerketta SDB reported two extraordinary blessings a Muslim family received. This time, Fr Kerketta reports on Don Bosco Relics Pilgrimage and extraordinary blessings showered on Hindu and Christian believers in Dibrugarh. From 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on 12th May 2011 Don Bosco’s Relic was in the Cathedral Church of Dibrugarh.

(a) Ms. Roseline Lakra (32) of Hathiali Tea Estate under Dibrugarh Parish, had been suffering from Gastric ailment and general weakness for quite sometime. The doctor had said she needed blood transfusion. On 12th May Roseline went to pray to Don Bosco in the Dibrugarh Cathedral. Touching the casket she prayed fervently. Before taking leave of Don Bosco’s Relics she picked up some flowers from the casket. On reaching home she ate some of those flowers. She became cured. She went to see her doctor. The doctor confirmed that she was strong enough and did not need blood transfusion. Her Gastric problem too disappeared. This morning (20 May 2011) I got this event confirmed from the diocesan Parish Priest-cum-Chancellor, Fr. Vijay Kumar Toppo.

People flock to pray and pay homage to DB Relics

Again, from 1.45 p.m. 12th May to 5.30 a.m. 13th May 2011, Don Bosco Relic was in DonBoscoSchool, Dibrugarh.
(a) Mrs. Purnima Saikia (45), a senior teacher in Junior Don Bosco School, Dibrugarh (Hindu by religion), was suffering from sleeplessness for the last two years. She had spent lot of money on doctors and even astrologers but without the desired results. As a consequence her health was deteriorating. On 12th May she prayed near the casket of Don Bosco. From that day onwards she has peaceful sleep. When I contacted her late last night (19 May 2011) she said she is still enjoying peaceful sleep and says she is very grateful to Don Bosco. She has shared this fact only with her son Anurag Saikia (22) in Bangalore, and a chosen few.

(b) Miss Anumita Saha is another Hindu teacher in Junior Don Bosco School, Dibrugarh. Her father Mr. Ranjit Saha (54) works in a transport office. For some days he had been experiencing anxious moments due to some problem in the office. On 12th May Anumita wrote a prayer to Don Bosco and dropped it in the petition box. On her return home that day she found her dad totally relaxed and happy….

Anumita lost her mother when her younger brother Debojit Saha (now 22) was 2/3 years old. He did not have a normal childhood. Somehow he managed to pass HSLC (School leaving) examinations and got a job. But he was very irresponsible and irregular in his work. Anumita (now acting like a mother in the family) was worried for him. In the prayer-note she prayed for her brother too. Anumita says, Debojit now has very much improved: he is showing signs of responsible behaviour and is regular in his work. Anumita continues to pray to Don Bosco and is very grateful to him.

Mr. Dominic Deposi, Dibrugarh DonBoscoSchoolclerk, on 12th May asked Fr Kerketta to request the congregation to pray for his 1st cousin, Mr. Gerard Frank,during Holy Eucharist. Mr. Frank (53) had been suffering from brain haemorrhage in a Kanpur hospital in Uttar Pradesh. On 8th May 2011 Frank went into coma. The doctors said he could not be operated upon. During the Mass on 12th May the congregation prayed fervently for Mr. Frank. On 13th May another doctor visited Mr. Frank. He said he would attempt to operate Mr. Frank. He did so immediately. The operation turned out to be successful! Today Mr. Dominic Deposi (our clerk atSchool) personally told me his cousin Mr. Frank is out of the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and is beginning to recognize people.
Fr. Jonas Kerketta SDB may be contacted at frjonassdb@gmail.com
Please click or cut and paste the link for a report on “Don Bosco Relics Bless Muslim Teacher“ https://cmpaul.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/don-bosco-relics-bless-muslim-and-hindu-teachers/

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May 6, 2011 · 2:22 pm

Don Bosco Relics Pilgrimage Prep Film Available in English, Hindi & Tamil

Don Bosco is with us.

CHENNAI, (C.M. Paul) – A short film in preparation for St John Bosco Relics Pilgrimage inIndiais currently available n three languages. The 9.51 minute film produced by DBICA Chennai is available in Tamil, English and Hindi. Other language editions are expected.
“Don Bosco’s relics coming toIndiais something fantastic, historical, gracious and memorable. I want all our young people really get charged for this great event,” says director and producer of the film Fr Harris Pakkam of Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts, Chennai.
He adds, “so far we have not done anything much to promote this film, except to give it to all our (ten) provinces so that they can diffuse it in as many languages as possible.”
The fast moving short film has a brisk and energetic narration explaining the meaning and purpose of relics in Catholic tradition. It also explains the meaning of the relics and the significance of the “right hand of Don Bosco” that is encased in the wax model statue of Don Bosco being carried around in an ornate casket.
The short film besides being an information documentary also acts as catechetical instruction and inspirational presentation. It is an ideal film to prepare young people in schools and the faithful in parishes.
Copies of the DVD of “Let’s Get Charged” is available from DBICA, the Citadel, Chennai 600010 or harrissdb@gmail.com
            Don Bosco Relics Pilgrimage started on 31st January 2009 from Valdocco, Turin to visit some 130 countries arrived in India on 29th April 2011 in Imphal (Manipur). It had an official welcome by members of the Salesian Family, as well as both civil and ecclesiastical authorities along with the Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh, local MPs and MLAs on 1st May 2011. The Relics are expected to leaveIndia on 30 November forSri Lanka.
 The Chief Minister of Manipur also released a 25 minute film entitled “The Hand,” a Dimapur-Guwahati production depicting the transformation Don Bosco’s followers wrought in India`s North East in the last 90 years. Salesians first arrived in Shillong in 1922.

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May 4, 2011 · 8:55 am

Manipur CM Releases “The HAND” Film, start of DB Relics India Tour

Manipur CM with Rishang Kieshing, MP Rajya Sabha & Dr. James Poonthuruthil, Provincial.

IMPHAL, (C.M. Paul): The Chief Minister of Manipur Shri  Okram Ibobi Singh released a film entitled “The Hand”, 1st May at Don Bosco School Imphal, capital city of Manipur in northeast India borderingMyanmar. The film on St John Bosco, a friend of youth, popularly known as Don Bosco depicts the transformation his followers called Salesians wrought inIndia’s North East in the last 90 years.
In a grand ceremony marking the arrival of Don Bosco relics in the city, Shri Singh handed over the first copies of the 25-minute documentary to Shri Rishang Kieshing, local Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha (Upper House,New Delhi).
“The people of Manipur are grateful and proud of what the sons and daughters of Don Bosco have achieved with our people in these past years,” commented Shri Singh handing a copy to provincial superior of the Salesians of Dimapur province Dr. James Poonthuruthil.
“It is significant that the film is released in the capital of Manipur where four young Salesian missionaries where martyred in recent years at Maram (1997) and Ngarian (2001). In fact, the shoot of the “The Hand” film commenced from Ngarian where three of them where shot down. It is also one of the high points of the film and is a pointer to the total commitment of the Salesians to the region,” said Fr. Poonthuruthil.
With its subtitle, “Fashioning a people and a region…” the film traces the arrival of the first Salesians in Shillong (Meghalaya) in 1922 and the many ways in which they endeared themselves to the people of the region and worked with them for development.

The Don Bosco HAND film DVD cover

“Shooting in all seven states of the region we tried to capture the intense relationship of affection that Northeasterners have for Don Bosco and the Salesians, as well as the Salesians have for North East and its people,” said award winning film maker of the region, Joseph Pulinthanath of Agartala (Tripura) who gave script and direction for the project.
General Secretary of Don Bosco Alumni Association Dimapur Dr. Stephen Kamson, endorsed the film saying, “this movie has the aroma of the special relationship that North East has with the Salesians.”
It is jointly produced by two northeast Indian Salesian provinces of Dimapur and Guwahati and three other Salesian institutions – Guwahati-based Don Bosco Institute of Management, Bosco Reach-Out, and Sampari Pictures of Agartala.
The ‘Hand’ production team included technical experts from Don Bosco IMAGE,Kochi(Kerala).  Jiji Kalavanal sdb of IMAGE, himself a filmmaker of note, does the camera for ‘the Hand’ while Abhijit Bose of Kolkata (West Bengal) composed the background music score.
Postproduction of the ‘Hand’ was done at Don Bosco IMAGE Kochi.
Soon after the release ceremony, film buffs were seen making a beeline for stalls that sold DVDs of the ‘The Hand’.
“A tribute both to the Salesians and to the people of North East, the film is well accepted by all,” says Dimapur Salesian Mission Office Director Fr Elow Samuel.
“The demand for DVD copies is so much that we need to think of getting additional copies done quickly,” he added.
According to the producers, the film would accompany the relic in its tour of North East and be available at all venues.
“There is great enthusiasm among the people for the film. We did not expect such overwhelming response,” says Cyriac Pulinthanathumalayil sdb of Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) responsible for concept and production design of the film.
“I have a feeling that all 1,000 copies of DVD will be sold out in Dimapur province and we need to make additional copies for Guwahati province,” he added.
The DVD is available at an affordable price of INR 100  (about USD 2.oo or Euro 1.70) at all DB relics Tour venues of northeast India.
The arrival of the relic in Imphal also marks the beginning of the India leg of the relic’s worldwide tour.

LINKS to newspaper coverage of The Hand film release in Imphal, 1st May.

UCANews.com
http://www.ucanews.com/2011/05/02/india-marks-bosco-arrival-with-dvd/

MORUNG EXPRESS with Photo
http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/65426.html

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