Bogotá, Colombia – April 2024 – In the week from 7 to 12 April, the Salesian Saint Petero Claver Province of Bogotá held its 30th Provincial Chapter, in preparation for GC29. Common work with the communities and the participation of young people and lay people engaged in the Salesian mission were highlighted during the meeting. At the end of the Provincial Chapter, Fr Rafael Andrés Lasso was elected as Delegate for the General Chapter, while Fr Luis Fernando Velandia Urrego was elected as substitute. At the conclusion, Fr John Jairo Gómez Rúa, COB Provincial, expressed his gratitude to the provincial community and the Chapter members, for their fidelity to the call to give themselves passionately to Jesus Christ and to dedicate themselves to young people, thus realising the dream of St John Bosco.
(ANS – Medellín) – On Wednesday, 10 April St Louis Bertrand Province of Medellín , Colombia, was issued the ISO 14001 certification for Environmental Management Systems from the Colombian Institute for Technical Standards (ICONTEC). This ISO 14001 is an intentional standard whose purpose is to protect the environment and respond to changing environmental conditions, creating options to contribute to sustainable development.
Medellín, Colombia - April 2024 - Last Friday, April 5, the San Luís Beltrán Province of Medellín, Colombia (COM) celebrated the launch of its new pastoral proposal, called "Let us dream of fraternity". The event, held together with the celebration of the new school year for the students who will finish their studies this year, featured an atmosphere of joy and unity in which Salesians and young people gathered to experience this new stage of their lives together, full of dreams and commitments. The pastoral proposal "Let us Dream of Fraternity" is an invitation from the Educative and Pastoral Community addressed to everyone, so that together we can build a more just, supportive and fraternal world, being inspired by Don Bosco's message of love and service.
Bogotá, Colombia – April 2024 - Responding to the appeal of the Rector Major, the Regulatory Commission of the 30th Provincial Chapter for the Salesian Province of Bogotá, Colombia (COB), began the Pre-Chapter process on 2 February 2024. A tour among the different Salesian presences along the Magdalena River towards the east of the country. The objective was to develop the Chapter methodology through a travel suitcase called "Don Bosco's Suitcase", together with the involvement of the Salesian Family, to understand the situation of each community in relation to the questions and core areas of GC29. Concluding the journey, "Don Bosco's Suitcase" arrived at the opening of the Provincial Chapter as a sign of community discernment. The Provincial Chapter (7-12 April) is chaired by COB Provincial, Fr John Jairo Gómez Rúa, and by the Moderator, Fr Luis Fernando Velandia Urrego, who invited the participants to "Share life and vocation to strengthen our charismatic identity to the point of committing ourselves to greater passion for the Lord Jesus and dedication to the mission entrusted to young people".
Copacabana, Colombia – April 2024 – The 22nd Provincial Chapter of the Province of Medellín Colombia (COM) began on 6 April in Villa de Sales, in the light of the guidelines of the Salesian Congregation preparing for GC29. involving 48 Salesians, the opening session was held, chaired by Fr Luis Fernando Valencia, COM Provincial, and Fr Óscar José Holguín, Moderator, who also provided for the simulation for the respective assemblies that will take place during moments working on the core formation areas. The secretary and moderators of the Chapter were then elected. The retreat began on Sunday 7 April aiming to strengthen the Chapter dynamic through an understanding of Holy Scripture, starting with the care of the Salesian, young people and creation.
Bogotá, Colombia – April 2024 - Casa Bosconia, with its symphonic program for young people, is not only training musicians but is shaping citizens who are aware, sensitive and committed to their environment. The example that took place in recent days, therefore, is a symphony of hope for Bogotá and an inspiring example of what music can achieve in society. The symphony, made up of young talented individuals from different backgrounds, is a clear example of inclusion and excellence. Every note that resonates in the Casa Bosconia is testimony to the dedication, effort and commitment not only of young musicians but also of teachers and people who, day after day, make this project possible. Music, in this case, goes beyond being a simple artistic expression, it becomes a powerful tool for personal and collective development, promoting values such as discipline, respect, cooperation and perseverance. Attending a symphony rehearsal means witnessing how music breaks down barriers and unites people, regardless of their origin or social status. It means seeing in action how children and adolescents gain power through music, gaining self-confidence and designing a future full of possibilities.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Italy – A Salesian on the front line of the war in Ukraine: "Being close counts, words come later"
(ANS - Rome) - As he tells with a gentleness that does not seem to come from horror, he is "resting a little bit" in Rome these days. Fr Oleh Ladnyuk is a Ukrainian Salesian priest who is a military chaplain at the front, among the soldiers who fight in defence of their country and among the civilians who for over two years have seen their lives wiped out. He brings humanitarian aid where the missiles fall and from those places he helps with the evacuation of young people and adults - so far at least 500 people, but there are probably many more. These days the Salesian – who carries out his ministry in Dnipro and teaches History in a state school in the city – is in Rome to take part with two other priests and a dozen lay people from his country in the "Accompanying when Trauma Hits" course hosted by the Pontifical Salesian University in collaboration with the Faculty of Educational Sciences, with the DON BOSCO NEL MONDO Foundation and the Don Bosco Network. A project that aims to provide theoretical and methodological tools to deal with the traumas caused by war.
EDITORIAL
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Myanmar – Tragedy of Innocent Children in the midst of Armed Conflicts
(ANS – Naypyidaw) - Myanmar finds itself immersed in profound grief and anguish as innocent lives, particularly those of children, continue to be mercilessly lost in the enduring armed conflicts. Families are left devastated by the tragic loss of their loved ones while the relentless violence shows no signs of abating. This week, a heartfelt plea from Myanmar reached our community, shedding light on the heart-wrenching death of a young girl Juliet in a military airstrike, prompting a unified call for prayers and action.
EVENTS
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Italy – "Education and culture of safeguarding in sport. Towards the establishment of protection and prevention models": PGS conference with UPS
(ANS – Rome) – The synergy between the Salesian Youth Sports Centres (PGS) and the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome gave rise to the conference on "Education and culture of safeguarding in sport. Towards the establishment of models of protection and prevention", which will take place on 13 April, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., at the UPS facilities in Rome.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – INT’L DAY FOR STREET CHILDREN: Salesian Missions highlights programs that provide shelter and support
(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian and international organizations around the globe in highlighting the plight of homeless children on the International Day for Street Children. The day provides organizations and the millions of street children in countries worldwide with an opportunity to have their voices heard while ensuring that their rights are not ignored.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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I’M A SALESIAN AND I’M A BORORO
THE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB
Diary of a Happy and Blessed Missionary Day
Dear friends , I’m writing to you from Meruri in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. I write this greeting almost as if it were a journalistic report, because it has been only 24 hours since I arrived in the middle of this Brazilian state.