NEWS^/en/sections/news
(ANS – Kramatorsk) – The echo of artillery shells broke the silence of the celebration. And the alarms went off several times. The sounds of war accompanied the beginning of the Jubilee of Hope in the Donetsk region. Because also in Ukraine the Holy Year opened along the front. It is the one that marked the entire oblast from which the Greek-Catholic diocese also takes its name, led by Salesian bishop Maksym Ryabukha. Unable to set foot in the cathedral in Donetsk city because it is occupied by the Russian army, he chose the church closest to the line of combat and the capital in the hands of Moscow for the rite of opening the Jubilee Door.
Cordoba, Argentina – December 2024 – Before the end of 2024, the Organic Coordination Team of the St Artemides Zatti Province of Argentina North (ARN) met in Cordoba, convened by the Provincial Superior, Fr Horacio Barbieri. The meeting served to strengthen the integration and coordination of the programmes and projects that guide the work of the Delegations, Sectors and Provincial Teams, and made it possible to evaluate and align the initiatives undertaken, to ensure the convergence and articulation of animation decisions and to ensure a global and coherent vision of the Salesian mission, also evaluating the relationship between the planned projects and pastoral realities. The meeting also reaffirmed the commitment of this team to accompany and respond to the needs of the Province and its evangelising mission. The team is coordinated by Fr Barbieri and includes among its members the Provincial Delegates for Formation, Fr Carlos Romero, SDB; Youth Ministry, Br Lucas Mautino SDB; Mission Animation, Br Juan Pablo Tobanelli, SDB; Social Communication, Romina Herrera; the Salesian Family, Fr Roberto Camusso SDB, also Provincial Economer; the Representative of Heritage Assets, Br Agustín Borzí SDB; the contact person for the Projects Office, Sofía Monserrat; and the Administrator of the Provincial Economer, Horacio Venosta.
Los Angeles, United States – December 2024 – A few days before Christmas, a group of volunteers from the Salesian Family gathered to bring support and assistance to the most vulnerable families in the city. From the Salesian parishes of Santa Maria, Santa Isabella and St Dominic Savio, to the Youth Centre run by the Salesian Family and the Bishop Mora Salesian High School, many answered the call. Thanks also to the generosity of some local families, toys were donated to the children and the little ones were involved in fun activities such as making bracelets. A small gesture has therefore really made a difference for so many people.
Yaoundé, Cameroon – December 2024 – The first edition of "Christmas in the street", a Salesian initiative dedicated to street children, was held in a spirit of joy and fraternity. This is an event organised by the coordination of the social works of the Equatorial Tropical Africa Office (ATE) that testifies to the constant commitment of Salesians towards young people in situations of vulnerability and social exclusion. As part of this initiative, the Salesians have committed to distributing meals to children, inviting them to consume them in a safe and welcoming environment. They then organised dances, games and many other activities, to bring a smile to the little ones. The day ended with a moment of prayer and reflection to remember that Christmas is above all a feast of light and love, even in the most difficult circumstances.