(ANS - Sesto San Giovanni) - As usual, in view of the Feast Day of Don Bosco, the “Don Bosco” Social Works of Sesto San Giovanni are promoting a high-level educational conference. This year the organizers have chosen a theme that combines education, at the center of the Salesian charism, with the theme of hope, delivered by the Rector Major to the Salesian Family through the Strenna for 2021. Title of this seventh edition of the conference - which this year will not be in attendance, but in live streaming - is in fact: “Educating… A choice that is a sign and bearer of hope”. Leading the work sessions, on January 20, from 14:30 to 17:00 (UTC + 1), will be Fr Fabio Attard.
(ANS - Cagliari) - They have formed generations of Sardinians who look to the Salesians, even after so many years, with affection and gratitude. The first presence of the Sons of Don Bosco on the island dates back to 1898: the first Salesian house with the Oratory and the vocational center was established in Lanusei. Now these institutes are no longer managed by the Salesians, but remain the symbol of a historical presence that has made the religious a point of reference not only for Ogliastra, but for the whole island.
Foggia, Italy - January 2021 - The boys and girls of the third year of middle school of the Salesian Oratory of Foggia, on their way to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, joined the #liberafoggiadallamafia campaign – freeFoggiafromthemafia - answering the question: "What can I do to contrast the Mafia?"
Varazze, Italy - January 2021 - The Don Bosco Oratory of Varazze created the Winter Youth Camp initiative, a project conceived with the aim of supporting families with working parents by giving children moments of serenity, in all safety and in compliance with health rules. The project was entirely conceived and implemented by very young coordinators who showed all their desire to make a difference, all their commitment to offer young children days of joy and recreation.
(ANS – Rome) - The Mother General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians is honored by the Legion of Honor.
Turin, Italy - 1961 - On 11 June 1961 the first stone of the temple at Colle Don Bosco was laid. In the photo we see, in the background, Don Fedele Giraudi, who helped the designer to create the work and, later, Mgr. Fossati, in one of his last public appearances. Further behind, however, we see the little singers and chirichetti of Valdocco.
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."