(ANS – Rome) – The First World War was followed by a period of missionary revival in the Catholic Church. Thus, the period was marked by meetings and missionary exhibitions, a flowering of missionary youth groups and publications at all levels. In this atmosphere Blessed Philip Rinaldi founded the magazine “Gioventù Missionaria” (‘Missionary Youth’) to animate Salesian missionary groups. Finally, in 1922, he founded in Ivrea the first aspirantate which was meant for the formation of future missionaries ad gentes. The concept was that after secondary studies, the missionary aspirants were sent to the missions, where they began their novitiate and embark their initial formation with local Salesians.

(ANS - Rome) - Don Bosco is perhaps the most amazing and fascinating saint, history has ever produced. Every saint carries within him or her a particular charism and fascination, but in Don Bosco once can gauge a rich and perfect combination of human and divine qualities.  It is amazing to note, how a simple, poor, semi-orphan peasant boy from Becchi, could rise up to the founding of a congregation, and sow the seed for the rise of a great movement, the Salesian family which has more 400,000 members all over the world. Today his followers, the Salesians of Don Bosco are more than 14,000 and present in 134 countries of the world reaching out to the young people most in need.

(ANS - Rome) - Centered on the theme “Educating and Evangelizing Today in the Digital Habitat. Together with young people, toward the future”, the publication of the series of articles by General Counselor for Social Communication, Fr. Gildasio Mendes, continues. On today, Jan. 30, the fifth contribution is offered to ANS readers: How to Educate and Evangelize Today in the Digital Habitat.