(ANS - Rome) - Fr Ferdinand Kubíc belongs to that group of Salesians from Eastern Europe who, due to the dangers and restrictions of communist regimes, had to carry out their religious formation clandestinely. His father never knew that he had a priest as a son and his mother only knew for sure towards the funeral of her husband, Fr Ferdinand's father. This is his story.
(ANS - Rome) - A moment of information, sharing, and community: as usual at the end of a General Council plenary session, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, described the work done in the past few weeks to the Salesians of the General House.
(ANS - Rome) - "Before the convocation of this Synod and on publication of this Preparatory Document, how do we feel challenged in our charismatic experience?" This is the question asked by the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, in a letter to all his confreres across the globe in view of the forthcoming Synod of Bishops on "Young people, faith and vocational discernment" (October 2018).
(ANS - Rome) - The water of life, the one only Jesus can give, and Salesian focus on the education of youth: these are the central elements of the Strenna 2018 theme: "Sir, give me this water. LET US CULTIVATE THE ART OF LISTENING AND ACCOMPANIMENT." The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, during the summer session of the General Council, presented the Strenna's theme and guidelines, which will be made available, as per tradition, towards the new year.
(ANS - Rome) - Millions of citizens from Europe and other Western countries are experiencing moments of great pessimism and anxiety, moments dominated by social tensions and uncertainty about the future. In this hazy scenario, the media forget important and positive events. There is one in particular that deserves mention: "the best news you don't know," according to the definition of Nicholas Kristof, the “New York Times” journalist.
(ANS - Rome) - In our world, in our families, with those around us we need amiability; more so with young people. We need to ask it as a gift, and to increase it as a virtue and through gestures that favor communication, relationships and make God's love evident. It all begins with a kind word, or a subtle, kind, courteous, loving detail.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Chile – Former Salesian student in the fight against Alzheimer's disease(ANS - Santiago) - Dr Nibaldo Inestrosa, graduate of the Salesian Institute in Valdivia and national prize of Natural Sciences winner, is a pioneer and expert in the study of Alzheimer's disease in the country. In this interview, he offers an insight into the current challenges, but not before reflecting on his formative experience at the Salesian Institute in Valdivia and how this influenced his interest in biology and science.
EDITORIAL
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RMG – Don Bosco: “The Fascinating Saint”(ANS - Rome) - Don Bosco is perhaps the most amazing and fascinating saint, history has ever produced. The humble work which he began for the welfare of his poor and abandoned boys in Italy has produced astonishing results, and today there are nearly 14000 Salesians working in 138 countries, and there are more than 200,000 members belonging to the 32 groups of the worldwide Salesian Family sharing the charism of Don Bosco and reaching out to the needy young people.
EVENTS
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India – INS youth solemnise Don Bosco’s Feast Day with ‘Ka Sur Kynud S-3’ Grand Finale(ANS – Shillong) – The Youth of St John Paul II, Shillong Province, celebrated the Feast Day of St. John Bosco with the Grand Finale of “Ka Sur Kynud, Season 3.” Organised by Don Bosco Media Network Television, the Social Communication Department of the Province, at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, this two-month-long singing competition, which imitates the global singing competition The Voice, concluded on 31 January 2025, coinciding with the Solemnity of St John Bosco.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – CATHOLIC WORLD DAY OF THE SICK: Salesian Missions highlights medical programs for people in need around the globe(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring the Catholic World Day of the Sick. Every year on Feb. 11, the Pope marks the day with a special message calling for spiritual and physical closeness to all those who are ill. Saint John Paul II instituted the day “to encourage the people of God, Catholic health institutions and civil society to be increasingly attentive to the sick and to those who care for them.”
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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WHAT A GIFT TIME IS!THE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR,
Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDBThe beginning of the new year is illuminated in our liturgy by the ancient formula with which the Israelite priests blessed the people: "May the Lord bless you, and keep you. May the Lord show His face to you, and have mercy on you. May the Lord turn His countenance to you, and give you peace."