Turin, Italy - November 2017 - On 25 November at the Casa Madre of Valdocco, the Salesian Circumscription of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta organized a spiritual retreat, open to all Salesians, centered on the figure of Blessed Titus Zeman, and were guided in meditation by Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family.
(ANS - Rome) - "From the age of 6 to 12, I played in the oratory, prayed, attended catechism and cinema, and I began to mature many of the passions that accompanied me as an adult. Around 13-14, the parish priest educated us to observe the neighborhood, to take on the problems of others, to participate ...". Many people, especially those born in the 1950s and 60s, can see themselves in this testimony of Nando Pagnoncelli, polling researcher and President of "Ipsos Italia", an important market research firm. Today, thanks to its own survey, IPSOS reveals how the oratory, in what is a deeply changed context, still shows surprising vitality.
Turin, Italy - November 2017 - 440 children of the Salesian Youth Movement from a number of Salesian and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians centers from Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta met on November 19 in Valdocco to discuss the theme of the pastoral year "#none excluded", as per the dynamic of "Already called, not yet perfect." The SYM youth proved to be ready to carry out a series of group activities guided by the animators with moments of animation – stage animation and games involving all the children in the different environments offered by Valdocco - and moments of introspection and prayer. Sister Carmela Busia, Delegate of Youth Ministry of the FMA of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta, commented: "The image that I take with me from this experience is the attentive gaze of these children who look on and listen desiring true and sincere words."
(ANS - Rome) - In Italy, NEET - or young people not in education, employment or training - represent 20% of the population: a waste of otherwise enormous potential. Vocational Training is an educational path that over the years has demonstrated its effectiveness in acting as a bridge between work and school; on this path, one must include the Dual System, which alternates formal class lessons and working internships inside companies and businesses. For this reason, the Salesians, who have always been active in Vocational Training, hope that the experimental phase will obtain "regulatory stabilization in the government's next budget," as requested by Fr Enrico Peretti, Director General of the National Center of Salesian Institutions – Vocational Training and Continuing Education.
Pavia, Italy - November 2017 – The 120 years of the Salesian presence in Pavia were celebrated in recent days. Sent by Fr Michele Rua, the first Successor of Don Bosco, it was exactly on October 21, 1897, when the first Salesians took possession of the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Current celebrations commenced on Saturday, October 21, with the First Vespers presided by the Bishop of Pavia, Msgr Corrado Sanguineti, and animated by the Corale of Oliva Gessi, birthplace of St. Luigi Versiglia, SDB. The following morning, Mass was presided by Mgr Mario Toso, SDB, Bishop of Faenza-Modigliana, and concelebrated by the Salesians of the house and other priests related to the house. Other events are planned to celebrate the anniversary, including a publication on Salesian history in the Pavia area and a recital being drafted by the young people of the Salesian house.
(ANS - Turin) - The mortal remains of Fr Luigi Ricceri, Fr Egidio Viganò, Fr Juan Edmundo Vecchi - respectively, the sixth, seventh and eighth successors of Don Bosco - arrived in Valdocco on the afternoon of Monday, November 20. Their remains lay in the Salesian cemetery at the Catacombs of San Callisto, Rome, until the morning of Saturday, 18 November, when they started their journey from the capital to Turin; in Turin, a delegation from the Community of Mary Help of Christians arranged for their placement inside the dedicated wing, namely, in the Chapel of the Relics of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians.
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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Myanmar – Tragedy of Innocent Children in the midst of Armed Conflicts(ANS – Naypyidaw) - Myanmar finds itself immersed in profound grief and anguish as innocent lives, particularly those of children, continue to be mercilessly lost in the enduring armed conflicts. Families are left devastated by the tragic loss of their loved ones while the relentless violence shows no signs of abating. This week, a heartfelt plea from Myanmar reached our community, shedding light on the heart-wrenching death of a young girl Juliet in a military airstrike, prompting a unified call for prayers and action.
EVENTS
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Italy – Don Bosco and his religious dimension today: an evening of in-depth study in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians(ANS – Turin) – The first of the three Tuesdays organised by the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in preparation for the feast of Don Bosco (31 January), on the theme "Today with Don Bosco, pilgrims of hope", took place as scheduled on the evening of 14 January.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – CATHOLIC WORLD DAY OF PEACE: Salesian Missions highlights programs that lead to peaceful, supportive environment(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 Peace. Every year on Jan. 1, the Pope marks the day with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. Pope Paul VI established the day in 1967. The day was first observed on Jan. 1, 1968.
United States – CATHOLIC WORLD DAY OF PEACE: Salesian Missions highlights programs that lead to peaceful, supportive environment(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 Peace. Every year on Jan. 1, the Pope marks the day with a special message inviting all people to reflect on the important work of building peace. Pope Paul VI established the day in 1967. The day was first observed on Jan. 1, 1968.Pope Francis focused his message for the day on the theme “Forgive us our trespasses: grant us your peace” inspired by his encyclical letters Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti. The day focuses on hope and reconciliation and represents “a call to conversion, not oriented toward condemnation but toward reconciling and being reconciled.”The Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development noted that by “considering the reality of conflicts and social sins afflicting humanity today in light of the hope inherent in the jubilee tradition of the forgiveness of sins concrete principles emerge that can lead to a much-needed spiritual, social, economic, ecological, and cultural change.”To mark Catholic World Day of Peace 2025, Salesian Missions is proud to highlight programs that address social and economic needs of youth that lead to a peaceful and supportive environment.DOMINICAN REPUBLICMore than 9,700 Haitian refugees and their families, who fled their home country due to the ongoing political crises and settled in the community of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, have received meals to support their nutritional needs. The meals were provided through a partnership between Rise Against Hunger and Salesian Missions. Daughters of Mary Help of Christians distributed the meals to families in need during the first half of 2024.Most of the recipients work in construction or engage in maintenance work at a Salesian school. Many workers are undocumented and live in isolated places with their families in small, rented houses. They are not always paid fairly and have few labor benefits due to their migration status.A Salesian explained, “The socio-political situation in Haiti continues to be a major difficulty, as workers are often exposed to unfair treatment, the risk of deportation and living in precarious conditions because they have entered the country illegally. The distribution of food helps to reduce some of these dangers. Some of them are very shy, and they show fear when you first interact with them and can resist help. However, the help they received has made them feel welcomed and has allowed them to integrate better into the life of the community and open up.”ECUADORYouth attending programs at the Salesian Madre del Salvador Center, in the Santa Marta neighborhood in the Parish of La Merced, Ecuador, have a new recreation and sports area thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions. Youth and their families in the area live in situations of vulnerability, poverty and danger from violence due to gangs and drug trafficking. Located on the Esmeraldas River, the area also suffers from flooding and high pollution.Youth need a refuge and a place to feel safe, and the donation impacted the lives of 143 youth. Salesians were able to use donor funding to make the recreation area of the center more welcoming, secure, and accessible so youth have a proper environment to play sports and engage in recreational activities with their peers.A Salesian missionary explained, “This project permitted the construction of a synthetic soccer field and additional recreational areas. The joy of the children and youth is evident. The new spaces have changed the environment, and youth feel a sense of belonging and dignity. This investment reinforces our commitment to providing a more dignified quality of life.”INDIADon Bosco Higher Secondary School, located in Perambur, Chennai, India, purchased 15 sets of interactive intelligent panel boards to facilitate a more dynamic and engaging learning environment for students. The boards were purchased thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.The boards have been installed for classes in eighth, ninth and eleventh grades as well as the audio video hall for staff. More than 700 youth will be impacted by this new technology. Most of the students are from challenging family situations. The technology will also support 63 staff people. On special occasions, other classes will have access to this technology.One young student said that he found it easier to concentrate and grasp concepts better thanks to the new boards. Other students have voiced the same opinion. Salesians report that many students thanked the school management for having brought about this enhancement into the classroom. Parents have also been pleased.UGANDASalesian missionaries with Don Bosco Children and Life Mission (Don Bosco CALM), in Namugongo, northeast of Kampala, Uganda, had the funding for a rain harvest water system thanks to the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative. The project was completed in June 2024.The new water system has ensured reliable clean water for the 558 students at the Salesian school along with staff, others on campus and people in the nearby community. The water is available for drinking, cooking and hygiene. The new system is also working to ensure that the campus no longer floods during heavy rains by controlling the impact of running water over the grounds. With the addition of the new system, Salesians are saving money on expensive water bills and can reinvest this money into the school.Okori Timothy, age 10, is one of the students who have benefited from the project. He explained, “Before the new water system, my friends and I struggled to have the water we needed for washing clothes and for bathing. During the rainy season it was difficult to play because the field would be flooded. This new water system is solving both problems. We have the water we need and can use the grounds to play and be with our friends.”Don Bosco CALM rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates street children back into society. Salesians meet basic needs and provide education, socio-cultural activities, and recreation such as sports programming to help youth have a bright future.
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."