Something very great is happening when, after two thousand years of human history, we continue to feel today, perhaps more than ever, that She, His Mother, is our Mother also.
(ANS - Rome) - A little more than 10 days from the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, two important innovations arrive for Salesian Family members who intend to prepare adequately for this anniversary: first of all, the booklets to accompany them are now available online, booklets for the celebration of the world Novena promoted by the Salesian Headquarters; also, the program of the celebrations scheduled for 23 and 24 May at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin was officially clarified.
(ANS - Rome) - The videos of the world Novena to Mary Help of Christians (15-23 May) proposed by the Salesian Headquarters are already ready and will be made available in the next few days. The spiritual proposal for this year's novena, elaborated thanks to the collaboration between the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), the "IME Comunicazione" team, and the Salesian iNfo Agency (ANS), will focus attention on Mary as "Powerful Virgin," to be referred to with filial devotion in these pandemic times.
(ANS - Lima) - Sunday 2 May will remain marked as a memorable day in the history of the Salesians of Peru and of the entire Salesian Family in the country. In fact, around 9 am, the news was made public that the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima, inaugurated in July 1921 as a "National Tribute for the Centenary of Peru's Independence", was declared by the Peruvian Ministry of Culture as Cultural Heritage of the Nation. This is the highest official recognition of the cultural, artistic, architectural and spiritual contribution offered by the Sons of Don Bosco to the Peruvian Republic.
(ANS - Rome) - The tradition of the Novena to Mary Help of Christians, widespread since the time of Don Bosco within the Salesian Family, in recent years has increasingly taken on the dimension of international community prayer, of shared spirituality on a global level, thanks to above all to the initiative of the “worldwide” Novena shared through the channels of the Salesian iNfo Agency. This year the novena is characterized by fixing the gaze on Mary under the invocation of the "Powerful Virgin".
Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay - April 2021 - Last 22 April, the students of the Agro-Pastoral Institute "Carlos Pfannl" celebrated the beginning of the month dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. The celebration began in the Institute's courtyard with the presence of the second-year students, who went in procession with lighted candles, participating afterwards in the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr Justo Fretes. On the morning of Friday 23 April, the blessing of the statue of Mary Help of Christians took place in the area of the Institute.
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.