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.
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.
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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Italy – Artificial Intelligence, School, and Vocational Training: The Salesians of Italy at “Didacta” 2025(ANS – Florence) – The Salesian network for vocational training and education will participate in the “Didacta Fair” to discuss artificial intelligence, employment, business, and school education.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – International Women's Day: Salesian Missions highlights educational programs that empower women and girls(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 celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8. The day honors the economic, political and social achievements of women while focusing the world’s attention on areas requiring further action.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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WE ARE DON BOSCO TODAYTHE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDB
Dear friends and readers, members of the Salesian Family, for this month's greeting in the Salesian Bulletin I will focus on a very important event that the Salesian Congregation is holding presently: General Chapter XXIX. This assembly, the most important one that the Congregation can experience, occurs every six years along the Salesian Congregation’s journey.