Kokopo, Papua New Guinea - May 2021 - May was especially intense for the educational-pastoral community of Kokopo. The students of the “Don Bosco” Technical Secondary School, together with the parishioners of the Mary Help of Christians parish, carried out a long journey of prayer throughout the month of May. Numerous activities were devised during this month, including an art competition focussing on the Blessed Virgin Mary. A significant moment was one dedicated to the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, which brought together students, parishioners, families and the whole Salesian Family of Kokopo. The community paid homage to Mr. Christopher Lee, a missionary recently arrived from the United States.
Concepción, Paraguay - May 2021 - On the occasion of the feast of Mary Help of Christians, on the afternoon of Sunday 23 May, a caravan of vehicles traveled the streets of Concepción. The procession was accompanied by hundreds of faithful, who decorated their vehicles and their homes. The procession finally culminated with fireworks in front of the large statue of Mary Help of Christians.
Lubumbashi, D.R. Congo - May 2021 - On Saturday 22 May, students and teachers from the Salesian Institute "St. Francis de Sales" in Imara, Lubumbashi, celebrated the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. The commemorative day began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Jonas Yav, who reminded all the participants how important Mary is in the life of every Christian.
Aracaju, Brazil - May 2021 - Last Monday, May 24, a Mass was celebrated in honor of Mary Help of Christians at the Salesian Institute in Aracaju. The celebration was presided over by the Director of the Institute, Fr Arlan Braga. Few, due to the pandemic, were able to physically participate in the Mass. However, many faithful followed the celebrations "virtually", connecting to the Institute's YouTube channel.
(ANS - Lima) - On the occasion of the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, last Monday, May 24, the ceremony for the recognition of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima as a Cultural Heritage Site of the Peruvian nation took place. The ceremony, held in the atrium of the temple, located in the Breña district, was attended by various civil and ecclesiastical authorities, including: Jorge Muñoz Wells, mayor of Lima; Leslie Carol Peña Urteaga, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage and Cultural Industries; Giancarlo Maria Curcio, ambassador of Italy to Peru; and Msgr. Juan José Salaverry Villarreal, auxiliary bishop of Lima.
The Salesian communities all over the world have been celebrating the feast day of Mary Help of Christians. Devotion to the Help of Christians is a distinctive trait of the Salesian charism and for this reason, Salesians, young people and families have paid homage to her. If last year we witnessed many "virtual" celebrations, perhaps through the screens of a smartphone or a computer, this year many faithful were able to return to celebrate this very significant date in person. Thus, in every part of the world, from Valdocco to the Palabek refugee camp, the one who “did everything” was celebrated.
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.