DASARA - NAVARATHRI - OCTOBER 6TH 2011

Dasara is celebrated all over India as a religious as well as a social festival. Nava meansnine and rathri means night and so Navarathri means nine nights. Some call it asNavarathri, some as Vijaya Dashami, and some as Dussehra. Doesn’t matter what you call, does it? This year Dasara is celebrated from September 28th – October 6th 2011. From day one of the festival, it is customary to keep a Kalasha, this is filled with water and 4 betel leaves are arranged as shown below in the pictures. Apply Haldi  , Kumkum and flowers, gejje vastra   as shown again. This Kalasha is kept in front of the Pattada Gombe which is given during the marriage to the bride. This signifies Lord Srinivasa and Goddess Padmavathi. Again, see pictures below. These are decorated with different jewelry, crown, bangles, and dresses every few years.

The pictures were taken this year 2011 during my visit to Bombay. If you are keeping an elaborate Gombe (Dolls), than the Kalasha and the Pattada Bombe are placed on the top shelf. And all other arrangements follow next. Even though all the 10 days and nine nights are important, there are a few major days where pooja is done with great devotion and pomp.

Those days are as follows:

·         Saraswathi Awahana – October 3th

·         Saraswathi Pooja – October 4th. Read all the details about the pooja here.

·         Durgasthami – October 4th

·         Mahanavami – October 5th

·         Vijayadashami – October 6th

DON BOSCO MISSIONARY ASPIRANTATE SIRAJULLI, GUWHATI, ASSAM

The first Missionary Aspirantate was started in India in the year 2011, in the province of Guwhati. The inauguration of the house took place in the month of November 22^nd 2011. There were number of important dignitaries present for the grand inauguration. The Missionary Aspirnate, the house is named after  a bishop called Huber D’ Rosario. A part from all the regular time tables of the house , also have four groups for boys which are named after these missionary who came to India and to Assam.

In the present blog let us view about Bishop Huber D’ Rosario SDB and Bishop Orestes Marengo SDB

Bishop Hubert D' Rosario sdb - 2nd Bishop of Dibrugarh 1964 – 1969 He was born on the 21st February 1916. He was ordained a Salesian priest on the 16th April 1947. He was elected Bishop of Dibrugarh on the 6th July 1964 and his Episcopal ordination was held on the 6th September 1964 in Bombay during the Eucharistic Congress. He was transferred to Shillong on the 6th June 1969. THY KINGDOM COME was his Episcopal motto. Bishop Orestes Marengo SDB - 1st Bishop of Dibrugarh 1951 -1964 Born to Mr. Lorenzo and Agostina in 1906, Orestes Marengo, after completing his preliminary studies, joined the Salesians at Valdocco in 1919. He was selected to come to Assam. He and his companions arrived at Shillong on the 22nd December 1923 under the leadership of Fr. Stephen Ferrando sdb. Archbishop F. Perier ordained him a priest on the 2nd April 1932 in the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Shillong. As a priest he toured the whole region and did real wonders. On 23rd July 1951 he received the official communication of the erection of the Diocese of Dibrugarh and his nomination as the first bishop of Dibrugarh. His Episcopal ordination was held on 27th December 1951 at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco, Turin. On the 18th May 1952 Bishop Marengo was solemnly installed as the first Bishop of Dibrugarh. He was transferred to Tezpur in July 1964 and left for Tezpur on the 27th August 1964, after presenting his successor, Bishop Hubert D' Rosario sdb, to the people. Bishop Marengo had for his Episcopal motto: TO SEEK SOULS.

MY VISIT TO SHILLONG

MAY 1ST MAHARASHTRA DAY

Tomorrow is 1^st May.  1^st May has its own importance.  1^st may is celebrated as Labor Day all over the world and is also kept as the social and economical achievement of labor. This celebration is resulted due to labor union movement.

1^st May is also important for Maharashtra and Gujarat state of India. Formation of the western Indian state of Gujarat and Maharashtra happened on this day. Maharashtra state government declared this day as Holiday as Maharashtra Day.  

Two days back, all my friend were very happy about 1^st May because it’s a holiday. I asked him, why its’ called Maharashtra day and importance of it. Then he answered me “Formation of two states”. People who are belonging outside from Maharashtra can get time to go at home because of long weekend. People who are belonging in different city and working in different city in Maharashtra can also get time to go at home.  So 1^st May is not important for them but three days, long weekend, is important. Same situation is in Gujarat too. Most of people are not interested in History, but today is tomorrow’s history.

            I also did not no anything except formation of two state but I have searched from net and gathered some information about this historical day and showing all events till 1^st May in sequential order.

1.   During British Rule, Western part of India under direct British rule part of Bombay    Presidency.

2.   1937 – The Bombay presidency became a province of British India.

3.  1947 – India got independency.  

India was formatted in different States based on language speaking by local public.  Most of Princely State (Native State or Indian State – not directly administrated by British, rather by an Indian ruler under form of Indirect Rule)  including the Gujarat States and Deccan states were merged with former Bombay province, which was renamed the State of Bombay.

4. 1956 – State of Bombay was expanding to incorporate Marathawada [Marathi speaking region of Hyderabad State] , Vidarbha [Marathi Speaking region of Madhya Pradesh], Saurashtra [Gujarati Speaking region] and Kutch [Gujarati speaking region]. Also some part of State of Bombay moved to some other state like Kannada speaking region moved to Karnataka [Karnataka was created on 1^st November 1956 under States Reorganization Act ].  So Only one state is in India where Marathi and Gujarati language was used as local language unlike as other state. So people called “State of Bombay” as “Maha Dwibhashi Rajya (The Great Bilingual State)”.

5.1960 – In between 1959 -60, Marathi and Gujarati desperately tried to get state based on their language. “The Maha Gujarat Movement” was led by Shri Indubhai Yagnik and “Unification of all Marathi speaking region under one state” was demanded by “Samyukta Maharastra Samiti”.  In early 1960, this movement was violated which partitioned “State of Bombay” into States of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

            State of Bombay had three chief ministers. Balashaeb Gangadhar Kher was first one followed by Morarji Desai and Yashwantrao Chauhan…………………

I AM THE GARDENER OF MY MIND

I just came across a beautiful story which i would like to share with you. It is from the Book called "100 Motivating Anecdotes" - by Bishop Percival Fernandez.

              James Alien in his book "As a Man Think" explains that a man's mind may be linked to a garden, which may be intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild. but whether cultivated or neglected, it must, and will, bring forth. if no useful seeds are put into it, then an abundance of useless weed seeds will fall therein, and will continue to produce their own kind.
             Alien continues, that keeping if free from weeds, and growing the flowers and fruits, which he requires, so may a man tend the garden of his mind, weeding out all the wrong, useless, and impure thoughts, and cultivating toward perfection the flowers and fruits of right, useful and pure thoughts. by pursuing this process, a man sooner or later discovers that he is the master gardener of his soul, the director of his life. he also reveals, within himself the laws of thought, and understands, with ever increasing accuracy. how the h tout forces and mind elements operate in his   character circumstances and  destiny.
             I believe in life that we are all the handiwork of the God, who had organised our intellectual and sensitive capacities as He alone could do. it is always, but particularly when we are very young, that we can sow seeds of goodness in our minds and hearts, and continue to do so as we grow in age and wisdom. We also need to avoid the weeds and take out the roots of them from our minds and hearts.. .....thank you Br. papireddy

My Friends at Don Bosco Bhavan . Nashik

Hi to all. You must be wandering from where on earth these cartoons have come. They are my friend salesians. On the right Clarence, Austin, middle Rick son and on my left Sumer. I thank God for these stars in my life who add joy and color. Thank you friends.

With Loving Smiles.............

                                                             What a look dudes.............

                                              Cheerful smile...........Lovely.....

                                Looks like a Star.............in a movie............

                                             Good Musicians...........

DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL, NALGONDA ANNUAL SPORTS MEET 24TH TO 26TH MARCH 2011

The sports meet was organized at Don Bosco High School grounds from 24^th to 26^th March 2011. The chief guests of the programme were Rev. Fr. Anand SDB, the director of the Don Bosco Academy, Rev.Fr. Balashowry the Principal of Don Bosco Degree and P.G College, M.P.P. Biksham garu, S.L.B.C area incharge Narashima Reddy garu. The programme commenced with a prayer dance invoking God’s blessings. After which Rev. Fr. Anand SDB about the rapid development of the School and the numerical growth of the students and congratulated the Head Master and all the staff members for the hard work and the generosity.

On celebrating the Sports Meet for the children, there were many track and throw events, 100mts, 200mts, short put, hopping race, and various other activities were conducted. All the students those who won in the competitions were awarded with the certificates, Gifts and Medals by the chief guest M.P.P. Biksham garu, S.L.B.C area incharge Narashima Reddy garu. There were also many culture Programmes were staged on this occasion.

The chief guest of the programme M.P.P. Biksham garu gave a message on this occasion saying that games and study are importance in the life of the student and he also promised to lay the

Rice Road

important of school gate. The prize distribution was also given to the students for all who those secured good percentage in studies. It was followed by announcement of the over all percentage by Rev. Fr. Anand SDB the director of the group in the school. After which Rev. Fr. Bhaskar SDB, the principal of Don Bosco High School read out the Annual Report of the school.

The programme concluded with a short prayer thanking God for his bountiful blessing on all.

DON BOSCO ACADEMY 15TH MARCH 2011 CELEBRATION OF SALESIAN BROTHERHOOD DAY

On 15^th March 2011 the community of Don Bosco Academy Celebrated the “Salesian Brotherhood Day”. The chief guest of the programme was Rev. Br. Gregory sdb. Rev. Fr. Anand sdb, the director of Don Bosco Academy welcomed brother solemnly and honored him with a shovel. As Br. Sangeet and Br. John members of our community were also celebrating the brothers day were honored. The programme commenced well animated Eucharistic Celebration in the morning. In the evening the presentation of the show on Br. Br. Zatti began at 6.15pm by Br. Gregory sdb, and he also shared on the important qualities of being a Salesian Brother.

Rev. Fr. Bhaskar sdb, spoke few introductory words welcoming brother and shared few words on the importance of the feast of Br. Artemedi Zatti. Rev. Fr. Balashowry sdb shared the significant of the feast stressing that Brothers play a major role, in reaching out to various places where the priest cannot. Br. Gregory sdb in his message shared the life story of Br. Zatti, and the qualities of his life like goodness, hardworking, gentleness, and patience. It was also a great opportunity for all the students for having watched a movie on life of Br. Zatti.

There was also a relic of Br. Zatti brought by Br. Gregory sdb. As the final hymns were being sung, all the students were invited to receive blessing of Br. Zatti and all of them kissed the relic of Br. Zatti.  The programme concluded singing a hymn to Don Bosco.

DON BOSCO HIGH SCHOOL, NALGONDA PICNIC TO NAGARJUNA SAGAR AND MOUNT OPERA

One of the famous saying of Don Bosco is: “Run, Jump and Play but do not Sin”. On the 12^th March 2011, the 1^st batch of all the class students of Don Bosco High School, Nalgonda has moved out for a day of physical relaxation. The two important places were Nagarjuna Sagar and Mount Opera were chosen for the picnic spot. The important and beautiful places seen by the students were the Buddhist Vihar, the Etthipothalu project, the beautiful shrine of our Lady (Sagar Matha), the boating etc and Mount Opera, which is famous for it water games, and other recreational games for children and adults.

There were 57 students who opted for Nagarjuna Sagar from class third to fifth, and there were 60 students from class sixth to eight to Mount Opera. Both the group were accompanied by the management and the teachers. Rev. Fr. Bhaskar, the Principal of Don Bosco High School shared important reminders to the teachers, parents and students in the assembly talk. He also stressed on the important aspects such as run, jump and play but do not harm oneself and the other. Rev. Fr. Anand, the director and Rev. Fr. Balashowry, the principal of Don Bosco Degree and P.G College were also present for the assembly and wished all the students and the teachers happy and joyous day.

At the end of the day all the students and the teachers were very grateful to the management for having organized the Picnic. It was really a great and memorable day for all the teachers, students and management, for having spent the time together merrily. All returned safe to the School and departed back home happily with their parents..

YOU DON'T NEED TO BE CATHOLIC TO APPRECIATE THE POWER OF PRAYER.

This Morning I just came across a beautiful mail in my inbox, I found worth sharing with you all please read it……………….

We don't know why John Paul II wanted to hide this picture for years. The Vatican published this picture recently, for first time. This picture was taken by one of his security guards just when the Pope was attacked and was falling down in his Papamobil. You can see the pain in his face. 

      Take a look at the above picture. You can see Mother Mary holding John Paul II in Her arms when he was shot in 1981.This happened on May 13, 1981. Pope John Paul II was shot as he arrived in St. Peter's Square to speak to the people who had gathered there. When he was shot, he was holding the rosary, which he always carried. When he fell to the ground, out of nowhere, a woman rushed to his side and embraced him. That pic is shown above. The picture is said to have been taken by one of the gathered people who was busy taking Pope's pics with his camera. The woman vanished as quickly as she appeared.

     The gunman was apprehended in the square and sentenced to life in prison. The pope was critically wounded but survived after surgery and a long recovery. The surprising fact is that all the bullets passed just past his vital internal organs. When he recovered finally, the first thing Pope asked for was his rosary. When he got it in his hands, he said that he felt Mother Mary directing the bullet's path through him. Sure, John Paul II was always in the habit of praying the rosary regularly. He had once said the best prayer I like is the Rosary.

     Joaquin Navarro Valls, who is the one spokesman from The Vatican, said that they made a lot of studies for years of this incredible picture and of course about the quality of the developing of the picture because when it was developed nobody could see very well because the image was not clear. Finally, and after so many controls and by looking and checking by all the experts in photography (around the world), they decided that there were no tricks in it and today they give us this beautiful gift from our Mother of God. You can see the Mother of God holding John Paul II in her arms. Beautiful right?

      I don't know whether You will believe me or not. But many do.. and among those who believed, Bishop Thomas Wenski recreated the picture on a glass window at his Florida residence. You can see that above............