Venerable teenager Angiolino Bonetta to become Blessed and Saint soon!

(Angiolino consoling mother on the day before his death)

Pope Francis approved the 'cause' of 'Servant of God' Angiolino Bonetta from Italy and declared him a Venerable on July 11, 2020 and it is expected to speed up this young teenager 'hero's' journey towards Sainthood.

Angiolino who was born at Cigole in northern Italy on 18th September, 1948 to a truck-driver father and tailor mother. He was described as a playful and mischievous boy during his early years but was very loving and virtuous. He excelled both at studies and in sports. But at the age of 12, when some pain developed in his knee, he neglected it and attributed it to his athletic activities. But when his mother observed him losing weight gradually and limping, she took him to a hospital for medical checkup. In the tests, he was diagnosed with bone cancer. Though he was a young boy, he submitted himself wholly to the will of God and endured willingly all the pains while undergoing chemotherapy treatment and the amputation of his leg. 

According to an account of his life in a book by Joan Carroll Cruz published in 2010 titles as 'Saints for the Sick', Angio always remained cheerful and accepted his pains and sufferings for the conversion of souls. Once when a nun suggested that he should offer up his sufferings for souls, he replied: “I have already offered all to Jesus for the conversion of sinners. I am not afraid; Jesus always comes to help me”...!

When people expressed sympathy on seeing him limping with much pain on crutches, he used to say thus, "But don't you know that at every step I could save a soul?" This shows the level of his spiritual maturity to know the value of 'souls'!

When the metastasis of cancer and medical procedures caused him extreme pain, he prayed ardently to the Holy Virgin Mother Mary and found solace in the Holy Eucharist which he received daily and in other Sacraments that were given to him. He also held a Crucifix always and a Holy Relic of St Dominic. 

The nuns in the hospital observed the extraordinary devotion of this young patient and requested him to pray for other patients in the hospital who found difficulty in suffering their pains. And Bonetta spent many nights praying 'Holy Rosary' for other suffering souls.

Angiolino Bonetta was often found on his bed in silent prayers. 'Saints for the Sick' mentions that the day before his death, ie on 28th January, 1963, he consoled his grieving mother saying, “I have made a pact with the Madonna (Holy Virgin). When the hour (of my death) arrives, She (Holy Mother Mary) will come to take me. I have asked Her to permit me to make my purgatory on this earth, not in the other world. When I die, I will immediately fly to heaven.”

Let the lives of such youngsters of our time, inspire us and our young ones also. Let everyone realise the need to lead a holy life, because it is absolutely essential for all of us to grow in holiness, as we are called to become holy... "just as HE Who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do" (1 Peter 1:15).

Christeen Retreat and Revival Center: For Kids, Teens and Youth

'Christeen', as the very name suggests is a Christian Spiritual institution founded exclusively for children and teenagers with the sole and noble intention of winning their precious tender hearts and souls for Christ. The very slogan and motto of this Retreat center is to gain 'Teenagers for Christ' and that is the absolute aim of this organization. Project Christeen is the outcome of saying 'yes' to the Divine promptings and callings by some virtuous persons! 

Christeen retreat center which came into existence more than 3 decades ago has now grown into a full-fledged institution catering to the spiritual, psychological, emotional, mental and social growth of hundreds of thousands of children and adults worldwide. Christeen, which was regarded as a great Blessing for God's own country in the beginning, has now become popular not only in the other states of India, but also in other countries as well, by spreading its fragrances. Through its selfless services and activities (particularly guiding the future citizens in the right direction) it has been receiving acclamation from many socially concerned persons, officials, institutions, leaders, politicians and governments . Though this retreat center gives priority for the spiritual and all round growth of children and youngsters, taking into consideration the need of the hour, continuous retreats are conducted for all age groups. Team Christeen which has now covered many countries with the Holy Word of God consists of totally devoted and anointed evangelists whose messages are effective enough to convert even the hardest heart and cure the most incurable diseases. 

Christeen also conducts periodical 'animators training programme' for leaders who wish to work among children and youth. It is ideal for Priests, Nuns, Religious, Seminarians and the laity who are interested to be instrumental in the spreading of the 'Good News' to the far corners of the earth. 

The different types of retreats conducted routinely in Christeen Center are:

1. Christeen Retreat: For children belonging to the age group of 9-20.

2. Angels Retreat: For kids below 8 years with their parents.

3. Family Retreats: For the family.

Christeen Central team Consists of some devout laity who are wholly committed and dynamic in the work of the Lord and the society:

1. Ms Marykutty P V: (the founder and director of the Christeen Mission who received Divine vision. She is a teacher turned renowned preacher, author and social worker. She has been working for the welfare of children and carrying the Holy Word of God in many countries around the world)

2. Bro Santhosh T: (is a gifted and acclaimed evangelist with the same zeal and goal to gain as many souls as possible for Christ. Had worked with popular Teams like Shalom and Divine. He is the one who received Divine inspiration to start vibrant initiatives like 'MISSION-2033' and 'Y-12 International). 

3. Bro Biju Thomas: (he is the 3rd in the trio who also shares the similar zest and strives tirelessly day and night to achieve the objects of the trust and the Center. Got voluntary retirement from the government service to work as a full-timer in charity. He is not only a devoted preacher but also capable in coordinating efficiently all matters relating to the trust, the vast campus and all its day-to-day activities). 

4. Bro Teneesh Mathew: (he has received anointing of the Holy Spirit at very young age and is in charge of the youth retreats and takes care of the different out reach programs. He serves as a model and inspiration to the youngsters by serving the Lord devoutly).

To strengthen the Gospel preaching more effective and interesting, sermons/classes of many other prominent visiting evangelists like Br Savi Joseph (Savichen brother), Bro Joseph Stanley, Bro Jiby Joseph etc are also held here. Christeen is also equipped with a team of talented musicians who teach and glorify God with their music and songs. To render various services to the participants and guests with a feeling of delight as doing to God, Christeen has an excellent team of staff and many dedicated volunteers who are willing and prepared to extend their services round the clock.

In addition to the retreats and other training programs by the Christeen Central Team, other popular Priests and Evangelists hold their retreats and healing/anointing services in Christeen campus regularly. 

1. 'Aradhana Abhisheka Dhyanam' by Rev Fr. Shaji Thumpechirayil and Br. Manoj of Samariya Ministry, Kottayam.

2. 'Thiru Raktha Abhisheka Dyanam' by Rev. Fr. Sebastian Manappathuparambil and Br. Shabu Parukannil of Sacred Heart Renewal Team, Kottayam.

3. 'Agni Abhisheka dhyanam' (fire Anointing Retreat) by Br. Shajan Arackkal, Paraclete Ministry (Ernakulam)

4. 'Parishuthanma Abhisheka Dhyanam' (Holy Spirit Anointing Retreat)' by Rev. Fr. Abraham Kadiyakuzhi and  Br. Sabu Aaruthotti, King Jesus Ministry, Kanjirappally.

5. 'Athma Abhisheka Dhyanam' (Spirit Anointing Retreat) by Bro Sajan Nellimalamattathil and team ETC are just a few to mention.

Christeen is also serving as the official retreat and training partner for many reputed educational institutions like 'Amal Jyothi College of Engineering'!

Book online for Christeen Retreats:

http://christeen.in/retreat.php

Donate for the cause of the Gospel, Children and Souls:

Christeen is a not-for-profit organization and collects only nominal fees that may be hardly sufficient for the delicious and nutritious food, accommodation and other needs of the participants. It also facilitates people to attend retreats free of charge who cannot afford to bear the fees. This is possible only with the generous contributions and donations from people who love Christeen and the work of God. Those who are blessed by God with surplus money and wealth and have a liberal heart are welcome to make donations, if prompted by God's Spirit. The whole Christeen family and the prayer warriors will pray specially for the benefactors of Christeen. Whoever gives for the Lord's work will receive abundant blessings.

http://christeen.org/Donation.php

Or Please contact:

http://christeen.org/contact_us.php

Phones: 0481-2570126, 2572715, (91)9495000236, (91)9495000233

E-Mail: info@christeen.org

Christeen, Kalathipady, Kottayam, Kerala, India, 686010.

Prayerful wishes for the Happy New Year 2012. Let's Thank The Lord for the year 2011.

All of us are busy preparing for welcoming another New Year, 2012. At the same time we are saying good bye to the year 2011. Every year will be leaving so many memories in everybody's life. Some are sweet and some are very bitter.

Those who faced much bitter things in their lives anticipate for an Year full of promising and Happy. Those in bad health due to various diseases , miseries, debts, financial crisis, family problems, threat, fear of many things, separation from dear and near ones, under natural calamities, clutches of devil, bad habits, etc look up for a solution to a their problems.

It is only the Lord who can be an answer for all these. He alone is the only solution. So never give up, rather hold on to Him and He will liberate all.

I whole-heartedly wish all who visit my blogs, a very Happy, Healthy, Prosperous and Promising New Year 2012.

Iam very grateful to the Almighty God for all the favors HE has bestowed up on me and my family. I thank HIM for all the good people He has given to us like Parents, the Loving wife and two children, Priests, Brothers, Sisters, Relatives and Friends who loved us and helped us in various ways in the past year with their Prayers, words and deeds.

If you want to wish your beloved ones 'A HAPPY NEW YEAR' or 'THANK' some one, Please make use of the comment box below. God Bless All...!