(ANS – Mumbai) – To celebrate the 150th anniversary of ADMA, worldwide, which coincides with the 10th Anniversary of ADMA Mumbai, the spiritual director, Fr Anthony Goyal, SDB, conceptualised the “Marian Magic 2019”, which was held on 24 May, 2019, on the occasion of the Feast of Blessed Mother, Mary, Help of Christians.
Montevideo, Uruguay - May 2019 - More than 1,200 people gathered on May 25 in the neighborhood of Villa Colón, in Montevideo, to celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians. The procession, the Mass, the various recreational and reflection spaces, the celebration and the meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) were the main stages of the event. Sister Laura Guisado, Superior of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Uruguay, began the procession and Fr Alfonso Bauer, Superior of the Salesian Province of Uruguay (URU), presided over the Eucharistic celebration.
Fortín Mercedes, Argentina - May 24, 2019 - With the motto "Blessed is Mary, Mother and Guide", the feast of Mary Help of Christians was celebrated at the Shrine to her dedicated in Fortín Mercedes, at the gates of Patagonia. In the sanctuary, the destination of many pilgrims, is the painting blessed by Don Bosco and given to Giovanni Cagliero for the missions of Patagonia.
(ANS - Turin) - The Feast of Mary Help of Christians isn't just one, but thousands: as many as the pilgrims who come to the Basilica of Turin, as many as the churches and chapels dedicated to her in the 134 countries where the Salesians have extended their works.
Turin, Italy - 2019 - As a well-known song to Mary Help of Christians reads: "Come and let us all run with flowers to obstinacy, with flowers to Mary, who is our Mother" (Venid y vamos todos con flores a porfía, with flores a María, que Madre nuestra es). Today the statue of Don Bosco's Madonna comes out in procession through the streets of Turin, dressed and adorned with dozens of white roses. The imposing basilica houses the statue of the Virgin under the title of Help of Christians.
(ANS - Madrid) - Celebrations in honor of Mary Help of Christians have been going on across all five continents for days now. Wherever there is a Salesian house there are activities that fill everyone's heart with joy and gratitude towards Don Bosco's Madonna. Sporting events, games for the little ones, Masses, processions, floral offerings to Mary Help of Christians, cultural activities, and more. All because Mary Help of Christians is ever more present.
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 Pain
THE 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.