(ANS - Rome) - In today's world, an increasingly active and incisive role is played by the organisations of the so-called Third Sector (considering governments and businesses as the first two). And it is precisely on the non-governmental organisations that the missionary reflection of Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for Salesian Missions, focuses this August, with the aim of fostering awareness of these organisations and networking in support of integral development.
(ANS - Rome) - After long months of preparation at all levels, the Salesian Youth Synod will finally begin on Sunday, 11 August 2024, at the cradle of Salesian charisma, Turin-Valdocco, a synodal experience in which around 300 young people of the Salesian Youth Movement will share dreams, perspectives, spirituality, dialogue, reflections and Salesian joy. Here is the detailed programme of activities.
(ANS - Rome) - Everything is now ready for the start of the long awaited Salesian Youth Synod (SYS, in English), the large gathering of boys and girls from the Salesian Youth Movement promoted by the Salesian Youth Ministry to celebrate the Bicentenary of Don Bosco's Nine Year Dream and to imagine, together with its protagonists - the young people - the Salesian educational and evangelizing action of the future.
(ANS – Rome) – After so much waiting, whole months of preparation and an increasingly intense work of attention to detail in recent weeks, the World Social Communication Conference organised by the Sector for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation and the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences of the UPS, entitled "Shaping Tomorrow", is finally about to start in Rome at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS). As scheduled, today, the first day, is dedicated to receiving and welcoming participants from all over the world, while the official opening will take place on Friday, 2 August 2024.
(ANS – Rome) – Everything is now ready for "Shaping Tomorrow", the World Communication Conference scheduled from tomorrow 1 August 2024, until Wednesday 7th, at the facilities of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome, jointly organised by the Sector for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation and the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences (FSC) of the UPS. The event, thanks to the contribution of speakers and experts in the sector, will address many topics central to today's communication and, through a series of outings and visits, will allow participants to have a rich and complete experience of significant appointments.
Rome, Italy – July 2024 - The Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, met on 26 July, at the Salesian Headquarters in Rome, with the representatives of the Salesian Historical Institute (ISS), Fr Thomas Anchukandam, Director; Fr Aldo Giraudo, Councillor; Fr Hendry Dominic, Councillor; Fr Stanisław Zimniak, Coordinating Secretary and Editor-in-Chief of the "Ricerche Storiche Salesiane", as well as Secretary-Treasurer of the Salesian History Association (ACSSA). On behalf of both the ISS and the ACSSA, they expressed their gratitude to the Rector Major for having had his constant and concrete support for research and study on Salesian memory. On this occasion, the first issue of this year's "Ricerche Storiche Salesiane", with dedication, and the volume: "Giovanni Bosco, Predicazione", edited by Fr. Aldo Giraudo and Fr. Massimo Schwarzel, were handed over to Cardinal Fernández Artime. The meeting ended with best wishes to Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime for a fruitful service to the Church.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Italy – Fr Gildasio Mendes: "Salesians today promote justice, peace and solidarity through social communication"(ANS - Rome) – "Salesians today promote justice, peace and solidarity through social communication". This was stated by the Salesian Congregation's General Councillor for Social Communications, Fr Gildasio Mendes, during an interview conducted by Fr João Carlos Ribeiro and journalist Jocasta Pimentel from "FM Don Bosco" radio station in Fortaleza, in the Province of Recife, Btrazil (BRE), during a break in the "Shaping Tomorrow" World Congress held in Rome from 1 to 7 August 2024. Below is an extensive summary of the interview, the full audio of which was broadcast by the "Tempo de Paz" radio program and the full text of which is available in the Portuguese version of the article.
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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Spain – 2024 Pastoral and Theological Updating(ANS – Santiago de Compostela) – The two Provinces of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Spain, Saint James the Greater (SSM) and Mary Help of Christians (SMX), are organising their Theological and Pastoral Updating meetings this year for the second part of July. This is an event that has become traditional, organised by the Formation Delegates of both Provinces, and aimed mainly at cultivating spirituality and ongoing formation among Salesians throughout the country.
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.