Lima, Peru – February 2024 – The first meeting of 2024 of the Salesian Rectors from St Rose Province of Peru (PER) took place from 7 to 9 February, on the theme "The Dream that makes you dream". The meeting was opened by Fr Juan Pablo Alcas, PER Provincial, who stressed, among other things, that the figure of the Rector represents Don Bosco and that every Rector must be in the Salesian house for which he is responsible. The first day focused on the study of the Rector's Manual and the analysis of the role of the Salesian Rector in the religious community. On the second day, various topics were addressed, including the presentation of the 2023 financial statement, the fundamental role of the Don Bosco Foundation, innovative Social Communication projects, the Evaluation of the 2023 Programming of Youth Ministry and the pastoral accompaniment process for works. On the last day the participants reflected on the challenges and opportunities in the vocational animation of the PER Province. At the end of the meeting, Fr Juan Pablo Alcas presided over the installation ceremony of the new Salesian Rectors for PER Province.
Walkerville, South Africa – February 2024 - The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Johannesburg celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco on Sunday 11 February at the Bosco Youth Centre in Walkerville. It was a beautiful meeting of the groups of the Salesian Family, SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, as well as former Salesian Volunteers and members of the SYM. The day began with the Mass presided over by Fr Václav Klement, Superior of the Southern Africa Vice-Province (AFM), followed by the video presentation of the Rector Major's Strenna 2024, followed by a debate. The day ended with a talent show with which the young people celebrated, with music and poetry, Don Bosco's Dream at 9 years of age of which this year marks the 200th anniversary.
Angadikadavu, India – February 2024 – Don Bosco College in Angadikadavu, Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious Deepika award, in recognition of academic excellence. The award was presented at the 137th annual celebration of Deepika, the pioneering Malayalam newspaper founded in 1887. The award was presented on 10 February, thus adding another recognition to the illustrious history of the Salesian institute. Fr Bastin Nellissery, Director of Don Bosco College, and Fr Francis Karackatt, Dean, had the honour of receiving the award from the Honorable President of the Legislative Assembly of Kerala, A. N. Shamseer. The Salesian Institute in Angadikadavu, attended by over 1,200 students from all over India, offers a wide range of courses, including ten undergraduate programs and eight postgraduate programs. This award testifies to the endless dedication of teachers and all staff and strengthens the institution's position as a pioneer in the field of education, inspiring future generations.
(ANS – Cisternino) – Several events were organised for the anniversary of the death of the Venerable Fr Francesco Convertini, SDB, which took place in Krishnagar, India, on 11 February 1976, and which sees the involvement and collaboration of the civil and church communities of Locorotondo and Cisternino each year, with the Pro-Marinelli Association animated by Giuseppe Convertini.
(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.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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RMG - Preparation, objectives, challenges and perspectives of GC29: in dialogue with the Moderator, Fr Alphonse Owoudou(ANS - RMG) - Just a few days before the beginning of the 29th General Chapter (GC29) of the Salesian Congregation, Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa-Madagascar Region and Moderator of GC29, recounts in detail, through an articulate interview, the work preceding and underlying this responsibility, indicating the spirit that will animate it and the attitudes and conditions to make it truly a Cenacle in which the Holy Spirit can act, for the benefit of the Congregation, the Salesian mission and the youth of the world.
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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GOOD, FAITHFUL, AND COURAGEOUS SERVANTSTHE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDB
During this Jubilee year, in this difficult world, we are invited to rise up, set out again, and, in newness of life, make our journey as human beings and believers.