(ANS – Rome) – As one might guess, the presence of the Salesians in the area now entrusted to the ICP (excluding Lithuania) dates back to the time of Don Bosco and the founding of the Salesian Congregation. However, the actual history of the Special Circumscription “Mary Help of Christians” of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta (ICP) began about 33 years ago, when three Salesian Provinces in Piedmont were merged into one “Special Statute Circumscription” (Constitutions, art. 156).
(ANS – Turin) – On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the 29th General Chapter (GC29) of the Salesians of Don Bosco continued with commission and assembly work focused on finalizing the documents inspired by the key themes of the general work plan (especially the Core Theme 2), as well as those that emerged in recent weeks. Numerous contributions were made, all aiming to turn hopes and proposals into practical directions for the entire Congregation.
Rome, Italy – March 2025
On March 21, the Salesian Institute of San Tarcisio in Rome welcomed around 80 pilgrims from Salesian university colleges in Ancona, Forlì, Milan, Parma, Rome, Trento, and Verona. These young adults, from diverse backgrounds, came together for a shared journey of faith, personal growth, and community.
The first day focused on building relationships through social time, reflection, and the traditional Salesian “good night” message. The following day was dedicated to the actual pilgrimage, with stops at spiritually significant sites: the Basilica of St. John Bosco, Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, and the Sacred Heart Basilica. The high point was walking through the Holy Door of the Papal Basilica of St. John Lateran.
The pilgrimage concluded with a Sunday Mass celebrated by Fr. Marek, marking a memorable end to a profound spiritual experience.
(ANS - Turin) – For his first public meeting, the new Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Fabio Attard, chose the Ferrante Aporti juvenile prison in Turin. On Thursday, April 3, he visited the incarcerated youth at Corso Unione Sovietica. Behind juvenile delinquency, the Salesians of Don Bosco see the suffering of poor and abandoned young people.
(ANS – Rome) – In 1901, the Lombard Province and the Emilian Province were established separately, taking over houses that had previously belonged to the Piedmontese, Venetian, and Roman Provinces.
(ANS – Rome) – The National Salesian Center for Vocational Training and Professional Development (CNOS-FAP), in collaboration with the Salesian NGO “International Volunteering for Development” (VIS) – Angola section, and various African and European institutional partners, have joined an ambitious project called “CircuWasteVETAfrica.”
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Myanmar – Cardinal Bo, SDB: “A Ceasefire to Allow Aid Is Welcome. Our People Have Suffered Greatly – Now It’s Time for Peace”(ANS – Yangon) – Upon learning of the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, a Salesian of Don Bosco and Archbishop of Yangon, immediately called on the military junta—ruling the country since the 2021 coup—to implement a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach affected areas. “I am pleased that something is beginning to move in this direction. Today, I urge everyone to give peace a chance. Our people have suffered immensely. Peace is possible—peace is the only way,” he stated.
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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Italy – Don Bosco’s Letters Return back to Valdocco, Turin!(ANS – Turin) – On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the city of Turin, particularly Valdocco, will commemorate the publication of “The Letters of Don Bosco” (edited by Francesco Motto, Rome, LAS 1992-2024). Two distinct events will be held: one in the morning, open to the general public, and another in the evening, exclusively for Salesian family members and well wishers. These events will serve as a platform to highlight the significance of Don Bosco’s letters.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – World Water Day: Salesian Missions highlights projects that ensure clean water for youth(ANS – New Rochelle) - Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in celebrating World Water Day. Led by U.N.-Water, the organization that coordinates the United Nations’ work on water and sanitation, the day has been honored on March 22 every year since 1993.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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WE ARE DON BOSCO TODAYTHE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDB
Dear friends and readers, members of the Salesian Family, for this month's greeting in the Salesian Bulletin I will focus on a very important event that the Salesian Congregation is holding presently: General Chapter XXIX. This assembly, the most important one that the Congregation can experience, occurs every six years along the Salesian Congregation’s journey.
