(ANS - Turin) - The month of October, the mission month, carries within itself the germ of reciprocity and the spontaneous act of giving to the other, to one's brother in difficulty. For the Salesian Mission Office in Turin, "Missioni Don Bosco", October is a time to celebrate the importance of being united as Christians in the name of solidarity and brotherhood. On this issue, the Pope has just signed the document on social friendship and fraternity, and with this third Encyclical, the Pope wants to give a strong message in this historical moment in which health is added to a socio-economic and ecological crisis, due to the coronavirus.
Carmagnola, Italy - 1857 - On an afternoon in October 1857, Don Bosco met Michele Magone, a 13-year-old boy, poor and abandoned to himself, at the Carmagnola station. Following a brief conversation, Don Bosco easily managed to gain his trust. Michael was later welcomed to Valdocco, where Don Bosco helped him study and learn a trade. That meeting at the station changed young Michele's life forever.
(ANS - Rome) - Yesterday, Thursday 15 October, the inauguration of the new academic year of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) was held; its theme: “Shared and convergent research”. The event, which also marked the end of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of its foundation, saw the participation of numerous authorities and illustrious guests.
Rome, Italy - November 2020 - Today, November 26, in live streaming, the inauguration of the new academic year of the Pontifical Faculty of Education "Auxilium" took place, presided by Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco and Grand Chancellor. The event began with a report by the Dean, Prof. Piera Ruffinatto, FMA, the greeting of the student representative Diego Dionisi, and the Academic Prolusion "Reinventing education today. The contribution of the University" by Mons. Vincenzo Zani, Secretary of the Congregation for Catholic Education. It then continued with words by Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, who proclaimed Prof. Ha Fong Maria Ko, professor of Sacred Scripture, Professor Emerita, and declared the new academic year open. Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and Vice-Grand Chancellor, also expressed her greetings.
(ANS - Torre Annunziata) - Last 6 October, at the Salesian house in Torre Annunziata, the final event of "Mani in Pasta", the first pizzeria laboratory of the "Casa Valdocco" day center, was held with the support and funding from the Banco di Napoli Foundation for Child Care. On this occasion, the students who attended the course received the Pizza Chef Certificate, recognized by the Campania Region and, subsequently, the students of the second course were introduced.
Today the invitation is made to everyone: Come! Get to know Valdocco. Browse around. Experience this place. Be still and listen to what the “walls are saying” because “at Valdocco, everything speaks”... What has taken place in transforming this space is much more than the mere remodeling of walls and rooms. A dream has come to life.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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RMG - Preparation, objectives, challenges and perspectives of GC29: in dialogue with the Moderator, Fr Alphonse Owoudou(ANS - RMG) - Just a few days before the beginning of the 29th General Chapter (GC29) of the Salesian Congregation, Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa-Madagascar Region and Moderator of GC29, recounts in detail, through an articulate interview, the work preceding and underlying this responsibility, indicating the spirit that will animate it and the attitudes and conditions to make it truly a Cenacle in which the Holy Spirit can act, for the benefit of the Congregation, the Salesian mission and the youth of the world.
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."