Hajja Salesjana Jan-Mar 2019

13 AJJA S ALESJANA 3. In which way are you part of the Salesian Family? I am part of the Salesian family as a Salesian Brother in initial formation in view of the priesthood. In fact, I started my vocational journey in 2009, in Lubumbashi where I continued all my studies for the Salesian religious life, until the beginning of my practical training. Practically this means that I have been an Aspirant in 2009, a Prenovice in 2011, a Novice in 2012 and a post novice from 2013 to 2016. This brings me to the period of practical training which I am currently undergoing as a member of the Salesian community at St. Alphonsus where I am co-responsible for the Salesian Juniors’ Club with another Salesian in practical training. 4. Who is Don Bosco for you and what strikes you most about him? Don Bosco is for me a model of a life given wholly for the good of young people and for the salvation of their souls. He is the icon of the religious priest I want to be. He is the author of the way on which I have decided to follow Jesus Christ more closely. Among many things that come to mind in Don Bosco's life, what strikes me most is to see him as someone who having himself lacked paternal affection, nonetheless he still became a teacher and a father, full of kindness and affection, for many young people, especially those marginalized by society. What message would you like to pass on to the readers of Óajja Salesjana? The message that I would like to pass on to the readers of Óajja Salesjana is for us all together to continue being signs and bearers of Christ's love in society and wherever we are, as Don Bosco would have done today. 6. 5. Is there a phrase or a sentence from Don Bosco that inspires you in your life? One of Don Bosco's phrases that inspires me the most, among so many others, is: ''... Learn to make yourself loved, instead of being feared...'' This well known saying of Don Bosco's, makes me reflect on how my interaction with young people, lay collaborators and even my brother Salesians should be. It is in our nature, to more commonly be feared, because of one’s physical strenght, intelligence, wealth or strong personality. However, Don Bosco reminds me that it is in acting out of love and with the right intention that we are actually loved.