ZAMBIA: Salesians improve chapel at Don Bosco thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
More than 50 Salesians and 200 youth use chapel
ZAMBIA
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to improve and furnish the chapel at Don Bosco in the Sacred Heart of Jesus post-novitiate community in Zambia thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With significant growth in the post-novitiate community over the last several years, the previous infrastructure was no longer serving the community.
With donor funding, Salesians expanded the sacristy and other related rooms in the chapel, installed new electrical lighting, and remodeled the design of the windows and doors to complement the overall architecture of the chapel. Salesians also installed items to enhance the spiritual ambiance, including religious icons, wall art, and color schemes to reflect the cultural and religious significance of the chapel. To make the space more comfortable, Salesians purchased furniture in line with the design of the altar and overall aesthetic of the chapel.
A Salesian explained, “The chapel is benefiting more than 50 Salesians and over 200 youth that use the chapel during pastoral moments with the Salesian seminarians. With these changes, we have an overall environment that encourages reflection and spiritual growth.”
Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.
Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.
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Sources:
Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)
Salesian Missions – Zambia
UNICEF – Zambia
