(ANS - Turin) - Docility, fidelity and hope: these are the three attitudes proposed to the Chapter members during the opening Mass of the 28th General Chapter, presided by the Rector Major, and which involved his Vicar, Fr Francesco Cereda, and Fr Enrico Stasi, Provincial of the Circumscription based in Turin, as first concelebrants. A Basilica crowded with many faithful participated in the solemn celebration.
(ANS - Turin) - In April 2018, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, with the consensus of the General Council, appointed Fr Stefano Vanoli as General Chapter 28's Regulator: today Fr Vanoli illustrates the specific features of GC28.
(ANS - Rome) - On Sunday 16 February, during the celebration of the Eucharist, the Salesian Cristóbal López Romero, archbishop of Rabat (Morocco), took cardinal's possession of the title of San Leone I, which was granted to him by Pope Francis when he appointed him cardinal on 5 October 2019.
Rome, Italy - January 2020 - Near the peripheral district of San Basilio, in the city of Rome, stands the "Teresa Gerini" Vocational Training Center. It offers 650 young people from 27 States and 11 religious denominations the opportunity to live a formative and professional experience in the classic Salesian educational style. This year, on the occasion of the celebrations for the Saint of Youth, the "Oscar Don Bosco" was held, a quiz competition on the life and teachings of the Salesian Family founder. The students' adrenaline, enthusiasm and participation made the event special. Winning the "Oscar Don Bosco 2020" was Azzurra, an Italian student of Catholic religion, belonging to the Electro-Wellness sector, while in second place came Madhub, a Moroccan student of Muslim religion, belonging to the Mechanics-Car Bodywork sector.
(ANS - Turin) - "We are in Valdocco, we are from Valdocco": not only a statement, but also greetings for the Salesians arriving in Turin - Valdocco to participate in General Chapter 28. These are the words expressed by Fr Stefano Vanoli , Chapter Regulator, in what can be called the pre-chapter "Good Night" on the evening of Saturday, 15 February.
(ANS - Rome) - The dialogue between generations to revive the commitment towards a more open and inclusive education: this is the answer that the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) and the Faculty of Educational Sciences "Auxilium" of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) have given to Pope Francis' invitation to prepare the "global compact on education." For this reason, a forum has been organized, its title: "We are, We share, We care." It shall be held at the "Opera Nazionale delle Città dei Ragazzi" in Rome, a symbolic site of youth participation and protagonism, The date: Saturday 22 February. Young people and adults, students and teachers, workers, entrepreneurs and institutions shall meet to together develop a common educational alliance.
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."