Rome, Italy - June 2024 - On Monday 24 June, the traditional Feast of Thanksgiving for Don Bosco and his Successors at the head of the Salesian Congregation was renewed for the 154th time. The Feast of Thanksgiving 2024 had its own evident special features that made it even more special than usual: first of all, it was once again celebrated in Rome, after the two years of celebrations in Turin. Secondly, and even more so, because it represented the last Thanksgiving Feast for Ángel Fernández Artime, 10th Successor of Don Bosco, Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation since March 2014 and created Cardinal in September 2023. He will receive a new appointment from the Holy Father Francis next August. Several Sons of Don Bosco of the community, who are celebrating their respective jubilee anniversaries this year, were also honoured.
Rome, Italy – June 2024 - On 22 June, at the Santa Maria della Speranza parish, nine Salesians of the Zeffirino Namuncurá International Community were ordained deacons by Bishop Daniele Salera, Auxiliary Bishop of Rome, Northern Sector. The new deacons, coming from the five continents, are a living expression of the interculturalism that characterises the Zeffirino House: Avil Dominic Correa (INB), Alex Jesús Pinilla (CAM), Erick Mwamodo Nyambu (TZA), Mikael Kanisius Konsensao (INA), Paweł Murias (PLS), Piotr Karos (ple), Raymmon Vale Dos Santos (BBH), Sebastião Dos Santos Monteiro (TLS) and Willy Ndayishimiye (AGL). The atmosphere of familiarity and fraternity which characterised the feast, was enriched by the presence of families of origin, friends, parish priests, and young people from the places of apostolate, Salesians, academic authorities of the UPS and members of the General Council, such as the General Councillor for Formation and the Regional Councillors of Interamerica, America South Cone and East Asia-Oceania. Having parents from Timor Leste, Poland, Panama, Brazil plus other relatives and friends from Indonesia, Burundi, Rwanda made one feel the breadth of the universal Church and also the breadth and variety of the presence of the Salesian Congregation.
(ANS – Rome) – During the days from 18 to 22 June 2024, the Continental Coordinators and the General Coordinator of the Salesian Higher Education Institutions (IUS) network met in Rome to hold their evaluation, review and design meeting for the period 2022-2026.
(ANS – Rome) – The Formation and Orientation Course for newly appointed Provincials concluded on Friday, 21 June 2024. Gathered at Salesian Headquarters, eight Superiors of Salesian Circumscriptions from four Regions participated in an experience of accompaniment and sharing that prepared them for their mission of guiding and governing their respective Provinces or Vice-Provinces.
(ANS – Rome) – In the last decade social media have become islands of evangelisation where more and more initiatives are flourishing. And, at the same time, new technologies are paving the way for innovative forms of communication, helping to influence evangelisation in uncharted waters. Younger generations are naturally becoming familiar with the possibilities that digital communication offers and are increasingly becoming key players through their concrete actions.
(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Hagiographic Calendar was presented and honoured at the opening and blessing of the new facilities of the Salesian General Postulation in Rome, at the Zeffirino Namuncurá Community in Via della Bufalotta 550 .
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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RMG – The missionaries of the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition: Angelot Dorisse Herimampionona Rakotonirina, from Madagascar (MDG) to the Albania-Kosovo-Montenegro (IME) Delegation(ANS – Rome) – Angelot, from Madagascar, is a new missionary in Europe, active in the new Delegation of Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, belonging to the Province of Southern Italy (IME). Regarding his plans, he says: "My dream and my project in my mission are nothing more than the project of Christ through Don Bosco: the salvation of souls".
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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Italy – The chapel of the relics at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin celebrates 90 years and celebrates them with an exhibition on the Shroud(ANS – Turin) – Again this year, on 14 September, on the occasion of the liturgical feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the day of the Opening of the Crypt, the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Turin hosted an evening dedicated to the Shroud, as part of the "Culture in the Basilica" exhibition, entitled "The Shroud: witness of great love".
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – Int’l Day for the Eradication of Poverty: Salesian Missions highlights life-changing programs that aid poor youth(ANS – New Rochelle) - Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty held on Oct. 17 each year. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and the 35th anniversary of the World Day to Overcome Extreme Poverty.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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OUR ANNUAL GIFTTHE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR,
Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDBTraditionally as a Salesian Family, we receive the Strenna every year - a gift at the beginning of the year. I hold it dear to look inside this gift with these few lines so as to welcome it as it deserves, without losing anything of the freshness of the gift.