(ANS – Rome) – The Institute of Catechetics (ICa) at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), dating back to the 1953/54 Academic Year at the then Pontifical Salesian Athenaeum based in Turin, celebrates its 70th year. In 2023, among the many ordinary and extraordinary initiatives, the online "Catechetica ed Educazione" magazine published several contributions that together recall the seventy years of life and activity of the ICa, in particular the last twenty years. Recalling the Conference on the occasion of the 60th (15-16 May 2015) focused on the theme of catechesis as communication in the digital age and the consequent paradigm shift, the ICa now proposes a symposium on 8-9 November 2024, which intends to focus on the educational dimension of catechesis, for several linked and intertwined reasons.
Ruvo di Puglia, Italy – October 2024 - The Sacred Heart Institute in Ruvo di Puglia participated in the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) event on 17 and 18 October. About 70 participants, including students, young adults and adults, explored and deepened the theme of DBGYFF 2024 "I Have a Dream - Youth and climate change - Making Mother Earth cleaner and greener". In preparation for the event, the organisers promoted the festival through a campaign with valuable information about DBGYFF, underlining its alignment with the vision of Don Bosco and Laudato Si '. The audience actively interacted with the themes of the film, triggering discussions on environmental responsibility. Participants reflected on impactful messages and explored practical solutions to reduce plastic use and promote recycling. The event was also featured on social media, expanding its reach and reinforcing the importance of youth-led media as a force for change towards a sustainable future.
(ANS – Mestre) – The Centro Nazionale Opere Salesiane – Formazione e Aggiornamento Professionale (CNOS-FAP) Foundation, together with the Schneider Electric Foundation and Schneider Electric Italia, announced, on the occasion of the national meeting of the Electrical and Energy sectors of the CNOS-FAP ETS Foundation, held on 30 October 2024 at the Salesian headquarters in Mestre, the start of a new five-year project (2024-2028) aimed at enhancing scientific, technical, engineering and mathematical (STEM) and technical-professional skills in the electrical/electronic and energy sectors.
(ANS – Rome) – The first phase has begun of "Alice through the screen", the Image education project of the Salesian Cultural Centre in Rome, started as part of the National Plan for Cinema and Images for Schools, promoted by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education and Merit. The initiative, aimed at primary school pupils, aims to guide children, viewers of the future, in the use of media and the consumption of videos, promoting principles of inclusion, solidarity and participation.
(ANS - Rome) - A driving licence, the first voter's card, an important journey and many dreams to be fulfilled. These are the first things that come to mind when one thinks of turning 18, a milestone in life that is more like a departure, given the taste of autonomy and independence that it has always carried with it. Yet, turning 18 is not always a celebration. For young people placed in communities for minors, it is a time of great anxiety and concern, because coming of age means the end of many protections and support activities. It means taking steps in an often inhospitable society.
(ANS – Rome) – For 16 years, the Corsa dei Santi has gathered athletes and running enthusiasts on 1 November every year in an initiative that celebrates sport, honours the Solemnity of All Saints and supports international solidarity. This year the sports event through the historic centre of Rome seeks to highlight the project of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Ukraine to support, through sport, the morale and education of children and young people who remain in the country, as well as the social reintegration of those who have been disabled and mutilated by war.
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."