INTRODUCTION
The Maltese Past Pupils of Don Bosco
NSW Australia Incorporated is an Association of Salesian old boys who
frequented in their youth a Salesian college, school, oratory, etc. In
addition to the above, the Association embraces in its fold, men and women
who although did not frequent in their youth any Salesian college, etc.
nevertheless, because of their strong desire to get to know the work of
his Salesian Congregation, are welcome to join the Association, provided
they are willing to accept and abide by the rules and regulations of the
Constitution of the Association.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Association was originally founded
in 1972 as "The Salesian Old Boys Association of NSW", by three "old boys"
of the Salesian Oratory in Sliema (Malta), namely Fr Carmelo Sciberras,
Alfred Fenech, and the current President, Joseph Zerafa. Members such as
Charles Catania, Philip Bonnici, Charles Muscat, Joseph Borg, Victor
Fenech, Louis Sammut and Albert Borg (deceased), were among the thirty
original members that formed the nucleus of the fledgling Association.
They were a happy group of ex-Sliema Oratorians, who had migrated to
Australia in the early fifties. By the early seventies as hard working
family men they felt the need to somehow rekindle their enthusiasm for
their Salesian upbringing and love for Don Bosco, by forming the original
Association known then as mentioned earlier, as "The Salesian Old Boys
Association of NSW." However, the Salesian Old Boys Association of the
seventies, which was neither incorporated nor established on fundamental
professional lines, lasted unfortunately for about seven odd years.
Nevertheless, a lot of good and worthwhile time was had by all, as we had
already formed by then a very strong bond of Salesian friendship between
us.
RE-BIRTH OF THE ASSOCIATION
It was in the latter stages of 1986
when the well-known Mark Caruana, an ex-Sliema Oratorian himself, on a
visit to Malta, was greatly encouraged by the Rev. Fr. Joseph Mangion SDB,
(deceased July 1997) to try to resurrect the Association from its long
slumber. Mark did not waste any time, and true to his promise, on his
return home contacted Joseph Zerafa, and together started the ball rolling
to once again hoist the banner of Don Bosco and his Salesians by the
ex-Salesian Oratorians of both Sliema and Victoria (Gozo).
The year 1987 will always be one to be
remembered. For exactly in January of that year, all those ex-Salesian
Oratorians, who were contacted earlier, assembled in a festive mood for a
historical reunion at La Valette Social Centre in Blacktown, NSW.
The Rev. Fr. Paul Barron OFM Cap. And
the Rev. Fr. Ugo De Maria OFM Cap. Graciously accepted to celebrate Holy
Eucharist in the St. Francis Chapel, which was packed for the occasion. A
memorable, moving homily on the life of Don Bosco was given by Fr. Ugo
thus providing a very strong impetus to the re-forming of the
Associatiuon. One cannot but thank both Fr. Paul and Fr. Ugo for their
part they played on that unforgettable day.
MOMENTOUS DECISION!
On that same evening, during a social
get-together that took place after the religious service, it was
unanimously and happily agreed upon, to immediately go ahead with plans to
re-establish the Association, on proper solid foundations and guidelines.
An interim Committee was then formed
and, with the help of God and Don Bosco, the Association slowly but surely
started gaining momentum. One can truly say in all humility, that the
rebirth of our Association was nothing short of a living miracle.
On advice from the hierarchy of the
Salesian Congregation, the original name of the Association (Salesian Old
Boys Association) was changed to "Maltese Past Pupils of Don Bosco"
to properly reflect the composition of the Association, having already
embraced both male and female participants.
In compliance with established
standards, steps were taken to ensure that the Association was legally
incorporated, and subsequently registered and approved as an authorised
fund raiser Association.
These measures were the first
initiatives which the then Management Committee took to build the
Association as a truly professional movement, inspired by the charisma of
Don Bosco and the Salesian way of life.
THE AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION
Once it was agreed upon to reorganise
the Association in accordance with proper requirements, and have a written
Constitution to provide the necessary guiding principles, no time was
wasted in clearly explaining the primary scopes of the Association, which
all members pledge to observe to the best of their ability. These are:
"to help spread the spirit of Don
Bosco by observing and practising the
principles of Salesian Catholic education, and
to generate charitable activity to help
alleviate poverty, promote the
advancement of education and pastoral work, especially in Third World
countries."
Considering the nature of its very
existence, and the visionary goals the Association has set to achieve,
then one can really appreciate how significant the Association's motto
"to give and not count the cost" has become to the hard
working members, and the many friends and generous sponsors that together,
make this Association a truly Salesian Family of Don Bosco."
The professional way with which the
affairs of the Association are conducted, and the integrity of the
leadership and general membership alike, have been instrumental in
attracting others to become also part and parcel of this Salesian Family
of Don Bosco.
With great pride and joy, the
Association has welcomed with open arms a good number of exemplary men and
women, who although originally were never in contact with the Salesians of
Don Bosco in their youth, nevertheless, they too have been attracted by
the charisma of Don Bosco, and today are playing their part in helping the
Association to live up to the aims and objectives it has set from the
outset.
DONATIONS MADE
At the time of compiling this report
(December 1998), the Association had already donated $163,000.00 to
various sources, where the need is felt most. For example,
financial assistance has been provided to Salesian Missions in many a
Third World Country (India, Sudan, Ruanda, Brazil, Peru, etc.), Australia
and Malta. It is envisaged that by the end of the current financial year
(30/06/99), the sum of $190,000.00 will be reached, God willing.
We can, in all sincerity, say that
these donations were made possible because:
* The Almighty Lord and our Patron Saint, John Bosco, want this
Association of ours, and has been amply blessed to continue to work for
the goals it has established;
* The dedication and firm belief of the entire membership of the
Association in the aims they have set to achieve;
* The integrity and professionalism with which the leadership of this
Movement has shown in dealing with the administrative aspect of its
operations;
* The generous support, financial assistance by so many SPONSORS,
big and small, who have consistently come to the Associations aid to carry
on with its God-given task.
INTERESTED
We sincerely hope that you the reader
of this brief but incisive history of our Association "The Maltese Past
Pupils of Don Bosco", was given adequate information to appreciatively
understand what our Association is all about.
Should you wish to enquire further
about our Association, please contact:
Jospeh Zerafa on 9636 8095 or
Joseph Fabri on 9802 6886
E-mail: guzepp@ozemail.com.au
SOME OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
* The membership of the Association consists currently of 180 members.
* Annual Membership fees are: $12.00 for a married couple; and $10.00 for
a single mmebership.
* Bi-monthly meetings are held for the benefit of the entire membership -
the scope being:
--- To foster solidarity among members; consolidating of our Salesian
spirit which unites in one Salesian family of Don Bosco;
--- To provide up-to-date information regarding the affairs of the
Association, be they social or religious in nature.
(Issued by the Management Committee of the Association. December 1998)
READ ABOUT THE LIFE-STORY OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
DON BOSCO'S STORY
VIEW ASSOCIATION PHOTOS
Feast of Don Bosco
Association's Logo
Meeting Malta's Prime Minister
With the then Rector Major
President Joseph Zerafa
-----------------------
Return to Main Page
