(ANS – Rome) – The historic consistory of 25 May 1985, which saw the assignment of three red hats to the Sons of Don Bosco, also included the then Archbishop of Managua and Primate of Nicaragua, Archbishop Miguel Obando Bravo, a leading figure not only in the local Church, but for the entire nation, so much so that he was declared "national priest for peace and reconciliation" by a special law in 2016.
(ANS – Rome) – In the consistory of May 25, 1985 – for the only time in history – three Sons of Don Bosco were simultaneously created cardinals by Pope John Paul II: Curial Bishops Alfons Maria Stickler and Rosalio José Castillo Lara and the then Archbishop of Managua and Primate of Nicaragua, Archbishop Miguel Obando Bravo. Today our attention is focused on the second of this list, the Venezuelan Castillo Lara.
(ANS - Rome) - From the words of Mino Nomenjanahary Francois emerges all the awareness of the challenges of missionary life and at the same time all the confidence of someone who knows he will not be alone in facing them. This young man, barely 25 years old, originally from Madagascar and destined for the Salesian mission in Melanesia, in the Visitation of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, offers us his testimony today.
(ANS – Rome) – From the heart of Europe to the centre of the Church: this was the path taken by Alfons Maria Stickler, the fifth Salesian of Don Bosco, in chronological order, to be appointed and created cardinal. Unlike the other profiles examined previously, he expressed his episcopal and cardinal service not so much in pastoral activity, but in discreet but very effective work within the Roman Curia and academic circles – always manifesting the simplicity and humility so dear to Don Bosco.
(ANS - Rome) - Papua New Guinea must seem really far away when seen from the Republic of Congo. Or at least, so it must have been for the family of Lyonnel Richie Éric Bouanga, one of the missionaries of the 154th Salesian Missionary Expedition. Yet, there is no distance that this young Congolese man would not cover to fulfil his mission to proclaim Christ and serve his brothers in missionary service ad gentes. That is why, convinced even by his family, he can now set off with joy and conviction towards his destination.
(ANS - Rome) – From the Philippines to North Africa is the missionary journey that will be made by Salesian coadjutor Kerwin P. Valeroso after the ceremony to send the 154th Salesian Missionary Expedition. With his action and his whole being, Br Valeroso intends to correspond to the missionary generosity he received in his country by giving something to young people and to a population he does not yet know, but is eager to serve.
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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RMG - St. Francis de Sales Communicator: All for Love(ANS – Rome) - The figure of St. Francis de Sales, chosen by Don Bosco as an example of a communicator, teaches that communication is a matter of the heart. In his expression, "Everything in the Church is love: everything lives in love, for love, and of love," we understand his revolution in the way of communicating, and how communication becomes fruitful when it allows communion and the exchange of one's experiences in a path of accompaniment and collaboration in God's project.
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."