(ANS - Lima) - Sunday 26 July, in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude, the opening of the celebrations for the Jubilee centenary of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima, the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Lima, was celebrated. The ceremony included a solemn Eucharist presided over by Msgr. Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, and concelebrated by several Salesians, including the Provincial Vicar, Humberto Chávez, SDB, and Fr Santo Dal Ben Lava, parish priest of the Basilica.
(ANS - Rosario) - In Rosario, Mary dresses as a Help of Christians. The Salesian community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus accompanies the families of Ludueña and Barrio Industrial in this socio-health-related emergency. Latin America is now the continent with the highest number of sick people; Brazil is second for the highest number of infected and deceased people due to Covid-19. In Argentina, 23,620 cases of infection have so far been confirmed, 693 dead, with 7,305 people healed; thus, the quarantine has been extended until 28 June and, meanwhile, poverty continues to increase.
Dalat, Vietnam - May 2020 - On May 24, the Salesian community of the post-novitiate and the "Don Bosco" parish in Dalat celebrated the feast of the Ascension of the Lord and the feast day of Mary Help of Christians in a solemn way, since the restrictive measures were revoked. About 4,000 people attended the event.
Minga Guazú, Paraguay - May 2020 - On May 24, a multitude of vehicles participated in the procession in honor of Mary Help of Christians in the city of Minga Guazú. The manifestation of faith culminated in front of the Temple of Mary Help of Christians, where the Salesians of the community gave the blessing to the faithful. This year, due to health restrictions, the celebration of the novena and the central Mass were held behind closed doors and broadcast on various digital channels. In the evening, 27 artists participated in the online serenade broadcast via social networks, cable TV and local radio.
(ANS - Santiago) - In the last five months humanity has experienced a period of uncertainty due to the spread of Covid-19. Millions of people have been infected and thousands have lost their lives due to the pandemic. These are difficult times when the faith of millions of believers has been tried and tested. In response, the Church has firmly set foot into the digital courtyards, so as not to lose communion with the people of God who were forced to stay in their homes for security reasons.
(ANS - Melbourne) - While the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the lives of Australians, Catholic bishops have decided to entrust the entire Nation of Australia to the care of Mary Help of Christians. The act, through a prayer specially composed for the occasion, was carried out in many parishes and communities throughout the country, both on Sunday 24, in the traditional anniversary of the feast day, and on Monday, for those who postponed celebrations because of its concurrence with the solemnity of the Ascension.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Belgium – Isaac Kimeli, Past Pupil of the Don Bosco Institute in Hal, Olympic athletics finalist: "My past has made me who I am today"(ANS – Hal) – Belgian athlete Isaac Kimeli has competed in two Olympic finals in Paris: the 5,000 and 10,000 metres. In the first, he ranked eighth, in 13'18″10. Isaac arrived in Belgium at the age of 15 and was welcomed by the Salesians in Hal, near Brussels. In an interview with Don Bosco Magazine, he reviewed his career and his time at the Salesian school.
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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Brazil – 22nd National Meeting of Schools of the Salesian Network Brazil and 15th National Meeting of Local Economers(ANS – Brazil) – The 22nd National Meeting of Schools of the Salesian Network Brazil (ENARSE) and the 15th National Meeting of Local Economers (ENEL) took place online on 28 and 29 August. The event brought together the leaders of the schools and Provinces of the Salesian Network Brazil (RSB), with the aim of promoting ongoing formation in the managerial, pedagogical, pastoral, communicative and administrative-financial dimensions to strengthen the Salesian Educational Mission in the Network.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Peru – From dreams to jungle: a spiritual and cultural journey in the unknown Kuyuntsa(ANS - Kuyuntsa) – Several decades ago, young Salesian missionary Luis (Luigi) Bolla left his life in Italy, driven by an inner voice that called him to explore lands unknown to him, but known to God. "You will have to walk a long way, carrying my Word," said the mysterious character who would change the course of his life.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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Between Admiration and PainTHE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime
I cordially greet all Don Bosco’s friends who come here with interest. Today, I greet you for the last time from this page. As of August 16, the day on which we commemorate Don Bosco’s birth (August 16, 1815), my service as Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco ends. There’s always a reason to give thanks, always. Thank you! Thank you—to God, above all, to the Congregation and Salesian Family, to so many dear people, and to so many friends of Don Bosco’s charism, many of them benefactors.