(ANS) - In our digital world, data is the bread and butter of life, often preceding information in importance. The accurate interpretation of data has made the use of various statistics widespread and popular. Ahead of the Communication 2024 Conference "SHAPING TOMORROW," which will be held from August 1 to 7, 2024, at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome, the Sector for Social Communication presents some intriguing statistics about the Internet and social networks.
(ANS - Rome) - At the General Council meeting on Thursday, 13 June 2024, the Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, with the consent of the other members of his Council, appointed Fr Néstor Ledesma as the new Provincial of the "Mary Most Holy Assumption" Province of Paraguay (PAR), based in the city of Asunción.
(ANS – Rome) – On June 12, 2024, the Rector Major appointed Fr. Marcello Baek SDB as the new Provincial of Korea for the next six years (2024-2030).
(ANS – Rome) – Work has begun in the summer plenary session of the General Council of the Salesian Congregation, the last "plenum" to be chaired by Card. Ángel Fernández Artime - Rector Major In the seven weeks of work, between now and 26 July, there will be numerous work sessions to accompany the ordinary leadership and government of the entire Congregation, as well as to prepare for some important milestones in the near future, such as the conclusion of the mandate of Card. Á.F. Artime as Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the next General Chapter, the 29th of the Congregation (GC29).
Rome, Italy - June 2024 - At noon on Thursday, 13 June 2024, in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Castro Pretorio, 38 priests from the Section for First Evangelisation and the new Particular Churches in the Dicastery for Evangelisation (formerly the Dicastery of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples or Propaganda Fide) gathered to celebrate the Eucharist and to thank the Sacred Heart for the pastoral year that had passed, for the work done and for the priestly anniversaries of some members. The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, former Prefect of the Dicastery and today Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelisation and the New Particular Churches, with Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Archbishop Secretary, and Archbishop Emilio Nappa, Assistant Secretary, at his side. The choice of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart for this celebration was motivated by the fact that the church, built by Don Bosco, is the International Church of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and for the Dicastery working for the Evangelisation of Peoples, priestly holiness depends on the link with the Heart of Jesus, from which the fruits for Evangelisation and Missio ad gentes also derive.
(ANS – Rome) – In many countries, summer is the time when many young people make themselves available for voluntary work experience. That is why in this month of June the General Councillor for the Missions, Fr Alfred Maravilla, shares some reflections on the Christian and Salesian meaning of volunteering.
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.