BECCHI – DON BOSCO The Salesian Community Becchi - Don Bosco was canonically erected on 17th October 2001. Presently, there are 20 Salesians in the community: 3 Deacons, 1 third year students, 5 second year, 6 first year students, and 5 Salesians on the Staff, the 2 senior most residing at the Sacred Heart Seminary as Spiritual Directors. The Salesian staff also teaches in the Seminary. The Seminary is appreciative of the presence and influence of the Salesians working in the Seminary. The Rector gives the students fortnightly conferences and is available for the personal colloquy. Once a month, the students prepare in turns, a Salesian theological reflection, in which the entire community takes part. They have also published a short compilation from the goodnights of Don Bosco, and entitled, A Thought for the Night. Salesiana classes are animated by Fr. Rozario Krishnaraj sdn. On weekends the students of theology go to the parishes for a pastoral experience.
The Neighbourhood Apostolate The community runs an ‘Evening Study and Coaching Centre’ for poor children with qualified teachers. Special attention is given for the students of the higher classes in order to obtain better results. The Dean of Studies is fully involved in the animation of the centre, assisted by two students. The strength of the children attending the Evening Study has grown from 140 last year in Stds. I to XII, to 220 this year, from Stds. III to XII. They are assisted by 5 lay teachers, 3 Sisters. In addition, in the mornings special coaching in mathematics is given for those children preparing for the government examinations. The children who frequent the Evening Study Centre are taught the habit of saving at this early stage of their life. For this purpose, a small incentive is offered at the begining of the scholastic year. This is of great help to support their annual expenses like school fees, uniform, text books etc. Various animation and cultural programmes are also organized during the year to help the children develop their talents and imbibe the true Christian spirit. On September 11th, 2005, 3 Self-Help Groups were inaugurated, which, thanks to the good functioning of the groups and the active involvement of Surabi, made remarkable progress in saving and micro-financing. Now there are 7 women groups and 1 youth group. Some of the developmental initiatives are: type-writing & computer education, a provision store, embroidery & handicrafts, drawing class, power sewing machines & export tie-up, rearing of goats, public telephone booth, selling of sarees & dhotis, note book production, masala powder making, vending of fruits, etc. The groups have weekly meetings, regular training programmes and also celebrate joyfully feast days and festivals. Chaplaincy Becchi-Don Bosco community is actively involved in rendering pastoral ministry to the religious communities in the locality. The house is surrounded by 3 congregations, namely, St. Anne’s, Guntur, Seva Missionaries and St. Anne’s, Providence. Holy mass is celebrated at these convents once, twice and thrice a week respectively, in addition to spiritual animation in these convents and elsewhere on request.
becchi@eth.net; becchi@donboscochennai.org
Becchi – Don Bosco
Karayanchavadi,
Poonamallee
CHENNAI – 600 056.
Cell – 94448 42935
