NEWS
(ANS – Lisbon) – From 29 August to 1 September 2024, Fatima will host the 9th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians. The main aim of this Congress is to get to know, further explore and spread devotion to Mary Help of Christians. A press conference was held on 15 March, in Lisbon, also involving the Provincial of Portugal, Fr Tarcízio Morais, to present the event. Further relevant information about this important event of the Salesian Family was offered there.
(ANS – Kadambur) – A novel and path-breaking joint venture has just been completed by Niraivagam with a colourful and meaningful valedictory ceremony on 17th March 2024 at Don Bosco Centre in Kadambur. The novelty is that while the financial funding was provided by a group of families of a Salesian priest, the year-long transformative training programme, “Life Skills for Empowered Living” (LSEL) was conducted by Niraivagam – Don Bosco Institute of Psychological Services of the Salesian Province of Chennai. This Empowerment Project was launched by Dr. Fr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB, a Development Psychologist and Psychotherapist, the Founder and Director of Niraivagam and a Professor at Salesian Pontifical University, Rome.
(ANS – Rome) – Setting up the mood for the Salesian Youth Synod, the song, “In the Shape of Your Dream” composed by Emanuel Geraci (ISI), was chosen as the official theme song by the Core Group of Salesian youth – Pablo Osorio (SSM), Marta Radic (CRO), Kasia Grabek (PLE), Kyle Portelli (MLT), Teaghan Dolan (AUL), Jennifer Lie (INA), Wendy Ponce (BOL), Santiago Roda Cano (COM), Maria Belen Gisbert (ARN), Joao Pedro Maximiano (BBH), Noah Rodrigues (INP), Leander Pereira (INB), Faddyl Fabrice Yadolo (AON), and Danwell Phoues (ZMB).
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
-
Democratic Republic of Congo – Fr Owoudou on the situation in the eastern parts of the country: “No matter how dark the night may seem, dawn will inevitably come”
(ANS - Goma) - During his latest phase of the Extraordinary Visit to the "Mary Most Holy Assumption" Province of Central Africa (AFC), Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa Madagascar Region, conducted an interview with the magazine "JAMBO VIJANA," representing the youth engaged in the Salesian works of the Province's Eastern Delegation. Addressing the ongoing violence and conflicts in the region, Fr. Owoudou expressed hope, saying: "No matter the length of the night, dawn will inevitably come."
EDITORIAL
-
“Speaking with the Heart”: A great Antidote for the Ills of today’s world
‘Revolutionize the world with your kindness, by speaking with your heart’, is the dream that Pope Francis envisions for humanity through his 57th World Communication Day message, that falls on this Ascension Sunday, 21st May 2023. ‘Speak with your heart in truth and charity’, and this is the best antidote that can cure the ills of today’s society.
EVENTS
-
Italy – "Labs To Future": the final event of the "Labs To Learn" project in Valdocco
(ANS – Turin) – The final event of the "Labs to Learn" project was held on Tuesday, 5 March 2024, entitled "Labs To Future: The path – The results – The challenges" . The project was selected by the "Con i Bambini" social enterprise within the framework of the Foundation for the Fight against Child Educational Poverty and came into being with the intention of combating early school leaving and preventing educational poverty, increasing the number of young people with difficulties who fulfil their school obligation, access higher education and/or job placement, and opening the way for personal growth according to their inclinations and aspirations.
SPECIAL REPORTS
-
Peru – Centenary of the High Altar of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima
(ANS – Lima) – The centenary of the consecration of the high altar in the Crypt of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima was celebrated on 19 March, on the feast of St Joseph and in homage to Fr José Calasanz Marqués, then Provincial of the Salesians in Peru and Bolivia – now recognised as Blessed by the Church – on account of his name.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
-
DREAMS THAT KEEP COMING TRUE!
THE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB
When reflecting on all this, I feel I have a little authority to say: “Dear Don Bosco, your Dream is still VERY ALIVE.”