VOCATION CAMP 2013 at Don Bosco Murunkan

Salesian vocation camp was conducted from 4th August 2013 to 7th August 2013 in Don Bosco Murunkan. 32 children from different parishes of the dioceses of Mannar and Jaffna participated in the camp. The camp was coordinated by Salesian fathers and assisted by brothers, aspirants and volunteers from India. The camp started with the registration of interested participants. The camp was inaugurated by Fr. Paul, Rector of Don Bosco Murunkan.  It was followed by division of groups, rosary, music class etc. The programme was directed and coordinated by Fr. Melvin and assisted by Br. Gnanaraj, Br. Sebagnanam and Br. Rogesious. The programmes in the camp comprised of teaching prayers, adoration, holy mass, classes on English and mathematics, tests, talks by fathers, different games, music, etc. During the camp the Rector interviewed all the participants of the camp. A film on Don Bosco was shown in the camp and it was coordinated by Fr. Reginold, Administrator of Don Bosco Murunkan. All the participants actively and enthusiastically participated in the programmes.  On the 7th of August 2013, the camp concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Dixon, Vice Provincial of the Vice-Province of Sri Lanka. The vocation camp was a golden opportunity for the participants to understand better the Salesian way of life.

Foundation stone laid for Don Bosco Aspirantate at Mankulam

The commemoration of the Birthday of Don Bosco, 16th August 2013, is a red letter day in the annals of the Vice Province of Sri Lanka. The foundation stone for the aspirantate for the Northern Region was laid on this day at Mankulam in the Kilinochchi District, witnessed by many salesians, priests, sisters, local parishioners, and neighboring people of other faiths. 

Rev.Fr.Nihal Liyanage the Provincil Superior of the Vice Province of Sri Lanka on this occassion thanked the Bishop of Jafna Most Rev. Thomas Soundranayagam for consenting to donate the land for the aspirantate. The Provincial Superior thanked the Rector Major, Very Rev. Fr. Pascual Chavez and Fr.Jayapal the Provincial of Chennai for the financial support for the construction of the aspirantate.

Fr.Nihal further thanked the Dean of the Mullaitivu Deanery, Fr.Javis, the parish priest of Mankulam, Fr.James Pathianathan, Fr.Pius, Sr.Rajeshwari, Fr.Shiran, the Provincial Economer and all those who were instrumental in making the aspirantate become a reality. He informed the gathering that the patron of the aspirantate  will be  ‘Blessed Michael Rua’ according to the wish of the Rector Major. The name of the Aspirantate will be Don Bosco Aspirantate

The foundation stones for the aspirantate was blessed by Fr.Javis and laid by Fr.Nihal, followed by Fr.Javis, Fr.James, Fr.Shiran, Fr.K.P.Paul the Provincial Councilor & Rector of the present aspirantate at Murunkan, Fr.Pius, Fr.Arokiasamy the incharge of Don Bosco Kilinochchi, Fr.Hemantha, Fr.Melvin and Sr.Rajeswari. The function concluded with a sumptuous lunch for all the invitees. 

Spiritual retreat for the Salesian Brothers

A retreat was conducted, from the 9th until the 14th of August 2013, for the Salesian brothers who renewed their vows on  the 14th of August 2013.  The main events of the retreat were Conferences, Adoration Services Daily Eucharist and meditation integrated with yoga exercises. Fr.Paul the director of Don Bosco, Murunkan animated the retreat. Two sisters of the congregation of the Blessed Virgin too joined the retreat.

Renewal of Religious Profession

14th August 2013 was a day of great joy for the Salesian community of Don Bosco Murunkan. Brothers Rogesius, Sebagnanam, Dilan and Nilanka renewed their religious profession after five days of retreat conducted in Don Bosco Murunkan. The Salesian  community and a group of Aspirants participated in the function.

THE PRESIDENT OF SRI LANKA VISITS DON BOSCO TECHNICAL CENTRE NEGOMBO.

On the 12 July 2013 Don Bosco Technical Centre Negombo celebrated 50 years of dedicated service to the underprivileged and marginalized youth of Sri Lanka.   His Excellency Mahindra Rajapaksha, President of Sri Lanka visited the Institution and graced this historic occasion.  Along with other eminent personalities present at the occasion were the Provincial Superior of Don Bosco Sri Lanka Rev. Fr. Nihal Liyanage, the Rector of Don Bosco Negombo Fr. Anthony H.Pinto and the Salesian community of the Negombo centre. While at high tea, which was organized at the institution, the President showered accolades for the extraordinary work which the Salesians have done so far for the youth of the country, especially for being the only private technical institution to offer the highest number of Government Accredited (NVQ) National Vocational Qualification courses in Sri Lanka.  In total Don Bosco offers 14 NVQ courses.

SILVER JUBILEE OF PRIESTHOOD

Fr. Anthony Pinto and Fr. Pius George, two exemplary Salesians of Don Bosco Sri Lanka, completed 25 years of priesthood.  A grand celebration to commemorate both Fr. Pinto and Fr.Pius was organized at Don Bosco Negombo on the feast day of St. Peter and St.Paul, 29 June 2013. Present at the celebration were a large gathering of Salesians and students.  The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist offering a Thanks Giving Mass in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.  During the felicitation, the Provincial Superior Rev. Fr. Nihal Liyanage gave an inspiring talk.  This was followed by a variety of entertainment and cultural programme performed by the children and youth from Don Bosco Institutions of Negombo, Pallavarayankattu, Murunakan  Dankotuwa and Uswatkiyawa including the past pupils.

SURVEY AND LEVELING CAMP AT DON BOSCO METIYAGANE

A three-day Survey Leveling Camp for Diploma civil Engineering students along with the ICBT (International College of Business and Technology) students was held at Don Bosco Metiyagane on the 23^rd of July 2013.  This is a programme which is a prerequisite for the students to attend before they are awarded their Diploma and higher Diploma. The camp was conducted under the auspices of the management of the Don Bosco Metiyagane Salesian community.  A total of 40 students from ICBT and 10 students from Don Bosco Metiyagana, attended the camp.  The students were guided by Professor Dr. Gamunu Gurusinke from Peradeniya University, Lecturer Mrs. Thaksika along with three technicians.