RMG – Presentation of the volume: "Called to Love with Hope. Salesian Strennas by FR ÁNGEL FERNÁNDEZ ARTIME, sdb"
(Rome, February 9, 2024) – The Strennas that Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, now Cardinal, has produced and disseminated in his 10 years at the head of the Salesian Congregation (2014-2024) are the subject of a publication by his Secretary and spokesperson, Fr Giuseppe Costa. The collection is entitled "Called to Love with Hope" and in the introduction among other things states, the authoritative contributions of journalist Enzo Romeo, professor of the Theological Faculty of Sicily Massimo Naro, and sociologist Cecilia Costa, of the University of Roma Tre, who, from their point of view, make a transversal reading of the volume.
The tradition of the Strennas by the Rectors Major of the Salesian Congregation represents a special element of Don Bosco's legacy. In the Salesian context, the Strenna is a symbolic and significant gift offered by the Rector Major – the Superior General of the Congregation – to those who share the Salesian mission in the world. It is usually offered at Christmas time, between Christmas and New Year, to inspire the pastoral care for the following year.
In addition to offering readers the full texts of the messages of the Strennas offered by the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, the book includes posters created by the Salesian Info Agency (ANS) on the occasion of the annual publication of the individual Strennas, and is also enriched with some other photos, provided by ANS and by "IME Comunications", relating to trips, visits, meetings and moments in the life of Ángel Fernández Artime.
On Thursday, 29 February 2024, the book will be presented at the Maria Santissima Bambina Institute, at Via Paolo VI, Rome, during an event that can also be followed remotely by watching the live stream available on YouTube.
The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. (UTC+1), with an introduction by Fr Giuseppe Costa, editor of the volume. Speeches will then be given by Valentina Alazraki, Vatican Journalist, correspondent for "Televisa" (Mexico); Roberto Cipriani, Professor emeritus of Sociology, University of Roma Tre; Marco Girardo, Director of "Avvenire"; and Arianna Rotondo, Professor of History of Christianity and the Churches, University of Catania and Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians. The moderator of the presentation will be Luca Caruso, Journalist, Press Officer of the "Joseph Ratzinger-Benedict XVI Vatican Foundation".
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Chile – Former Salesian student in the fight against Alzheimer's disease(ANS - Santiago) - Dr Nibaldo Inestrosa, graduate of the Salesian Institute in Valdivia and national prize of Natural Sciences winner, is a pioneer and expert in the study of Alzheimer's disease in the country. In this interview, he offers an insight into the current challenges, but not before reflecting on his formative experience at the Salesian Institute in Valdivia and how this influenced his interest in biology and science.
EDITORIAL
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RMG – Don Bosco: “The Fascinating Saint”(ANS - Rome) - Don Bosco is perhaps the most amazing and fascinating saint, history has ever produced. The humble work which he began for the welfare of his poor and abandoned boys in Italy has produced astonishing results, and today there are nearly 14000 Salesians working in 138 countries, and there are more than 200,000 members belonging to the 32 groups of the worldwide Salesian Family sharing the charism of Don Bosco and reaching out to the needy young people.
EVENTS
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India – INS youth solemnise Don Bosco’s Feast Day with ‘Ka Sur Kynud S-3’ Grand Finale(ANS – Shillong) – The Youth of St John Paul II, Shillong Province, celebrated the Feast Day of St. John Bosco with the Grand Finale of “Ka Sur Kynud, Season 3.” Organised by Don Bosco Media Network Television, the Social Communication Department of the Province, at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, this two-month-long singing competition, which imitates the global singing competition The Voice, concluded on 31 January 2025, coinciding with the Solemnity of St John Bosco.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – CATHOLIC WORLD DAY OF THE SICK: Salesian Missions highlights medical programs for people in need around the globe(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring the Catholic World Day of the Sick. Every year on Feb. 11, the Pope marks the day with a special message calling for spiritual and physical closeness to all those who are ill. Saint John Paul II instituted the day “to encourage the people of God, Catholic health institutions and civil society to be increasingly attentive to the sick and to those who care for them.”
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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WHAT A GIFT TIME IS!THE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR,
Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDBThe beginning of the new year is illuminated in our liturgy by the ancient formula with which the Israelite priests blessed the people: "May the Lord bless you, and keep you. May the Lord show His face to you, and have mercy on you. May the Lord turn His countenance to you, and give you peace."