(ANS – Madrid) – A meeting of Provincial Delegates for Youth Ministry from the two European Regions (Mediterranean and Central and Northern Europe) was held in Madrid from 5 to 9 February, convened by Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councillor for Youth Ministry.
(ANS – Santo Domingo) – Saturday morning, 10 February, marked a significant milestone in the community of Villa Altagracia, where about 800 young people from Santo Domingo joined Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, in a day of tree planting. The initiative, promoted by the Salesians, aimed to promote an ecological sensitivity among young people and the population and an awareness of the importance of nature conservation.
Makati, Philippines, February 2024 – An "Encounter" event took place from 9-10 February, bringing together over 2,000 students from the Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) of the Province of the Northern Philippines (FIN). The event, which made its official return after a five-year break, was focused on the theme "The dream that makes you dream", inspired by the Rector Major's Strenna 2024. It was a success, characterised by various activities that involved students and fostered a sense of teamwork and rapport with their teachers. “Encounter” is designed to demonstrate the skills and talents of CFP students and formators and promote fellowship and networking among them. The following spoke: Fr Juvelan Samia, SDB, who spoke on the subject; Fr Gerardo Martin, SDB, FIN Provincial, with the "Salesian Goodnight"; and Fr José Dindo Vitug, SDB, Executive Director of Don Bosco-One TVET Philippines, Inc, with the closing address.
Kigali, Rwanda – February 2024 - On 10February the Don Bosco kindergarten and primary school in Kimihurura, in the city of Kigali, celebrated the feast of Don Bosco. The event was made even more special by the celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism and First Communion for children studying in the school and the blessing and official opening of the new school buildings. Fr Celestin Ngoboka, Superior of the Africa Great Lakes (AGL) Vice-Province presided at the Mass attended by young people, relatives, school teachers and representatives of the local government.
Tarnowskie Góry, Poland – February 2024 - "Lovers of Jesus Christ – devoted to young people", this was the motto with which the Provincial Chapter of the Salesians of the Province of Poland-Wrocław (PLO) began on Monday, 5 February. 46 Salesians from all communities arrived a The Provincial Chapter is a meeting that seeks to answer urgent questions about the identity of every Salesian living in the modern world, among confreres, in the community – said the PLO Provincial Fr Bartłomiej Polański, SDB, and President of the Chapter, in his introductory conference on the prophetic gaze on the future of the Salesian Congregation. During the meetings in seven minor commissions, the Delegates of the individual religious houses discussed important issues related to Salesian life, and subsequently, in a plenary meeting, they summarised and collected the most important conclusions and indications for the development of the charism. Fr Paweł Druszcz, moderator of the Provincial Chapter, and the moderators of the commissions helped to make the event a time of deep reflection, prayer and decision regarding further activities and directions of development for the Salesians of the Province of Wrocław. One of the days of the Provincial Chapter was spent together with the laity who collaborate daily in the Salesian mission, and it was stressed by the Salesians that without them the Salesian charism would be incomplete. The Chapter ended on 10 February with the Eucharist and the closing ceremony presided over by Fr Polański.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – February 2024 – In the evening of Saturday, 10 February 2024, in San Juan Bosco Parish Santo Domingo, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, presided over the Eucharistic celebration during which over 150 Salesian Cooperators renewed their promises. The celebration, which was attended by numerous members of the Salesian Family, was organised by the National Council of Salesian Cooperators of the Dominican Republic, and was broadcast live on the YouTube channel.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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RMG – The missionaries of the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition: Guy Roger Mutombo Mutshi, from the Vice-Province of Africa Congo Congo (ACC) to the Province of Southern Italy (IME)
(ANS – Rome) – The final word from the new Salesian missionaries comes from Congolese Guy Roger, a missionary in the Province of Southern Italy. "My plans and dreams for my missionary life are to live in communion of spirit and action with my Salesian brothers in IME for the salvation of poor and abandoned young people, according to the heart of Don Bosco and to the greater glory of God".
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 – Presentation of the volume "Giovanni Bosco, Predicazione"
(ANS – Rome) – Last Friday, 22 November 2024, at the UPS, the Salesian Historical Institute (ISS), in collaboration with the Don Bosco Study Centre (CSDB) at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome, presented the volume Giovanni Bosco, Predicazione. Introduzione, testi critici e note a cura di Aldo Giraudo e Massimo Schwarzel. (= ISS – Fonti, Prima Series, 18). Rome, 2024. The symposium involved numerous scholars who were able to illustrate the originality and specific value of this new text on St John Bosco.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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RMG – Called from every nation, to go forth to all nations!
(ANS – Rome) – We are approaching the eve of the Holy Year. Today, the 11th of the month, the General Councillor for Missions, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, shares his reflection on the mystery of the Church, its relationship to the Kingdom, its mission in today’s world and Don Bosco's love for the Church.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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A BIG HEART LIKE THE SHORES OF THE SEA
THE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDB
A new time is given to us: from the Heart of God to the heart of humanity, mirrored in the great heart of Don Bosco.
Dear friends and readers, in this December issue I address you with my best wishes for a new year! We find ourselves in a new time that is given to us to live with intensity and with "newness of life," which I make my own, as a propitious and opportune wish. I am speaking of the gift that the Holy Father has given us in recent days: his Encyclical letter Dilexit Nos on the human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ.