Bydgoszcz, Poland - May 2022 - The Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians is always a great feast for the whole Salesian Family, and this year, for the community of St. Mark's parish in Fordon, near Bydgoszcz, it was an extra special day. After the evening Eucharist presided over by Fr Tadeusz Itrych, PLN Provincial, which was attended by numerous faithful, the plaque defining the area located next to the church parking lot, where a statue of the Blessed Virgin Help of Christians has stood since 2016, as Mary Help of Christians Square was unveiled. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the city of Bydgoszcz. After singing together, led by the children of the Salesian School, all the guests gathered for a moment of conviviality and sharing.
Darkhan, Mongolia - May 2022 - Last May 24, Salesians in Mongolia paid homage to Mary Help of Christians by gathering at the "Mary Help of Christians" parish in Darkhan. This date is especially significant for the Salesians of Mongolia, not only because it marks one of the most important feasts in the Salesian calendar, but also because it recalls the beginnings of the Salesian mission in Darkhan. Seventeen years have passed since the day the Salesians arrived here, called to educate and evangelize, in a mission that had zero Christians. Yet today, after so much work and so many changes, the Salesian charism continues to grow.
Nairobi, Kenya - May 2022 - Last May 24, the "Don Bosco Upper Hill" center in Nairobi celebrated the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. The main moments of the celebrations were the Eucharist, presided over by Simon Asira Lipuku, Provincial of the East Africa Province, and the subsequent procession with the statue of Mary Help of Christians, during which the different groups of the Salesian Family animated the recitation of the Rosary. During the celebrations, also, the first three members of ADMA issued their promises. Another especially important moment of the celebration was the canonical establishment of the Association of Mary Help of Christians at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Upper Hill. Fr. Abel Njeru, SDB, former Rector and Parish Priest of the Shrine, was appointed as spiritual animator at the local level.
(ANS – Parañaque) – The century-year-old and venerated image of Mary Help of Christians at the National Shrine and Parish at Paranaque City was granted the Pontifical Coronation through His Holiness Pope Francis on May 24, 2022, through a Decree issued by the Congregation for the Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments last November 16, 2021, with Protocol Number 225/21.
Turin, Italy - May 24, 2022 - After two years of waiting, the customary celebrations in honor of Mary Help of Christians returned to Turin on May 24, bringing together many faithful. On this occasion, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, presided at Mass in the Salesian basilica of Valdocco, reminding those present and the many who followed the event linked via the web that Mary "is a solid support for our faith." This was followed, as per tradition, by a solemn procession through the streets of Turin in the presence of Archbishop Emeritus of Turin, Msgr. Cesare Nosiglia, who led the long procession.
(ANS - Turin) - The Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians in Turin has finally returned to being what it always was: a celebration of the people, even before being a Salesian feast. Yesterday, May 24, the city of Don Bosco once again gathered safely under the mantle of the Help of Christians, to celebrate and honor her. "Mary always precedes us in faith and in the trusting and generous response to God in our lives, and she is a solid support for our faith," said the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, in the homily of the Mass he presided over in the afternoon in the Salesian basilica of Valdocco.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.