(ANS - Rome) - “When we received the ashes on our heads, on Wednesday of the beginning of Lent, we did not imagine that this climate of 'Holy Saturday' where everything is suspended would make itself felt earlier, a time when silence dominates and the sense of emptiness makes the setting unreal. Yet even Holy Saturday experiences a not desperate anguish, but confident; as believers we know that the victory over death and pain is certain, even if only Easter day will be fully participated." These are the words of Fr Roberto Dal Molin, President of "Salesiani per il Sociale APS", which frame the situation being experienced in Italy and in various other countries of the world due to the spread of the coronavirus.

(ANS - Rome) - The spread of COVID-19, which has been gripping Italy in recent weeks, has required exceptional prevention measures that are upsetting the normal habits and social life of citizens. With Don Bosco's own concreteness, the Salesians and young people permeated by his charism are, however, responding to these challenges with two weapons: solidarity and creativity.

Mestre, Italy - March 2020 – On March 3, the Veneto Councilor for Education, Formation, Work and Equal Opportunities, Elena Donazzan, took part in the conference on the future of the Vocational Training Schools in Veneto. It was held at the Salesian institute "San Marco" of Mestre. During the event, chaired by the Salesian VTC Director, prof. Alberto Grillai, the Councilor repeatedly emphasized the excellence of the Salesian school and formation as a point of reference for other institutions. In particular, the Salesian Institute "San Marco" is an "Apple Distinguished School", thanks to the exclusive agreement with Apple that provides the tools to the institute (iPads for teachers and students) and it also takes advantage of the "Google Classroom" platform, application of the suite that Google makes available to schools. All this to ensure continuous and updated training, in addition to the traditional classroom lesson. The councilor visited the institute, touching firsthand the available technologies and the quality of the services provided for e-learning.

by Francesca Bonotto

(ANS - Turin) - The 28th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, in progress in Turin, also implements the Decree of the President of the Italian Council of Ministers of 4 March 2020, concerning measures to combat, contain, inform and prevent COVID-19 nationwide.

Turin, Italy - October 1, 1947 - On October 1, 1947, a souvenir photo of the 108 Salesians of Don Bosco was taken at the "Valsalice" Institute in Turin, among Provincials and delegates from various parts of the world who participated in the 16th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, in which Fr Pietro Ricaldone was re-elected Rector Major. In that Chapter, the Spiritual Exercises were preached by Msgr. Vincenzo Cimatti and Fr Eugenio Ceria.

(ANS - Turin) - Tuesday 3 March was the day of the first harvest of results. Indeed, the day began with the sharing of the work done by the 4 commissions on the first group: "priority of the Salesian mission with the young." The approach followed was that proposed by the Instrumentum Laboris, inspired by the synodal journey: recognizing, interpreting, choosing.