(ANS – Rome) – Since gaining independence in 1804, Haiti has endured countless political crises. Each successive regime has brought its share of corruption and mismanagement, perpetuating an instability that seems ingrained in the country's history. Popular uprisings are frequent, and tensions between authorities and the opposition continue to escalate, fueling ongoing socio-political and economic turmoil.

(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Province of St. John Paul II, Shillong, stands as a testament to Don Bosco’s enduring legacy in Northeast India. This vibrant province, born out of a vision to expand and deepen the Salesian mission, has been a powerhouse of evangelization, education, and social transformation. With its foundation in 2012, the province has grown steadily, empowering young people, fostering faith, and building communities across Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, and the Barak Valley of Assam. This article delves into the journey of the province, its milestones, challenges, and the transformative impact it continues to make in the region. 

(ANS – Rome) – Pope Francis spent 38 days as a patient at Gemelli Polyclinic, from February 14 to March 23, 2025. These were challenging weeks for an 88-year-old battling bilateral pneumonia. Medical reports did not hide the gravity of his condition, the crises he faced, or the complexity of his clinical picture. Yet, throughout these difficult days, a flood of prayers accompanied his recovery—personal prayers, community prayers, Rosaries, and Eucharistic celebrations.

Thalavadi, India – March 2025 – The valedictory function of Niraivu – Psychological Empowerment Programme (N-PEP) 2.0 held on 23rd March 2025 at Don Bosco Evening Study Centre, Thalavadi (Nilgiris Hills), marked the culmination of a year-long training programme for the tribal children and the teachers of Don Bosco Evening Study Centre, run by Don Bosco Community in the Thalavadi region. This event served as a platform to celebrate the achievements, acknowledge the efforts, and encourage the continued progress of these children and their teachers. The function aimed to foster a sense of pride and belonging, while reinforcing the importance of holistic personality development within the tribal community. The event served as a source of motivation for the children, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. The speeches by educators and well-wishers and the distribution of Participation Certificates, mementos, and appreciation of the sponsors highlighted the ongoing support for the development of tribal communities. It is a novel initiative by Niraivagam – Don Bosco Institute of Psychological Services of the Salesian Province of Chennai, and its financial funding was provided by a group of families of Fr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB, a Salesian priest, a Development Psychologist and Psychotherapist, the Founder and Director of Niraivagam and a Professor at Salesian Pontifical University, Rome. Around 87 students from Std. 7 to 12, and 15 educators from 15 villages benefitted from this programme. The event served as a testament to the dedication of the organizers and the resilience of the tribal community. It is hoped that the momentum generated by this event will contribute to the continued progress and empowerment of tribal children by Don Bosco mission in the Nilgiris region.

Krakow, Poland – March 2025 – On March 8, the Salesian Seminary Theater in Krakow hosted the 2025 premiere of the Passion Play “Misterium”, coinciding with a Day of Thanksgiving at the Salesian Seminary.

For years, the seminarists and the Ziemia Boga (“Land of God”) community, under the guidance of playwright, director, and actor Marcin Kobierski, have dedicated themselves to presenting this moving depiction of the Passion and Resurrection of Christ. Each year, this performance serves as a spiritual preparation for Easter, offering audiences a profound reflection on the mystery of Christ’s suffering and victory over death.

Months of rehearsals and preparation bore fruit, as the audience witnessed a production that not only told the biblical story but also reflected contemporary life and struggles. Many viewers shared that the play helped them see themselves in the experiences of the characters, making it a deeply personal and transformative event.

The “Misterium” performance will continue throughout the weekends of Lent, drawing large crowds, particularly young people from Poland’s four Salesian provinces. It has also become a cherished tradition for adults, who can no longer imagine the Lenten season without attending this extraordinary production.

Text: Ch. Waldemar Szczepankiewicz, SDB
Photos: Mr. Maciej Dutczak

Cumiana, Italy – March 2025 – On Sunday, March 16, the monthly retreat for ADMA Piemonte-Valle d’Aosta and the Salesian Cooperators took place at the Salesian House in Cumiana (Turin). The gathering brought together 130 participants, including families and Salesian Cooperators, and concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Michele Molinar, the Vice Provincial of the Salesians in Piemonte and Valle d’Aosta.

This year, the ADMA group, led by Fr. Gabriel de Jesús Cruz Trejo, is focusing on the theme of prayer. After previous reflections on prayers such as the Morning and Evening Adoration, Hail Mary, Guardian Angel Prayer, and Eternal Rest, Fr. Roberto Carelli delved into the Act of Faith, emphasizing its foundational role in the Christian life.

Unlike a prayer that is simply recited, the Act of Faith is a prayer to be lived, beginning with the profession of belief: “My God, because You are infallible truth, I believe all that You have revealed.”

It continues by affirming the core truths of the Creed: “I believe in You, the one true God in three equal and distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

The prayer concludes with a plea for deeper faith: “Lord, increase my faith.”

Fr. Carelli reminded participants that this final supplication carries a hopeful message: those who pray are already embracing faith and seeking its growth. He encouraged everyone to preserve and nurture their faith, describing it as the seed of the Christian life. “Above all, we must not lose our faith but safeguard it. Lord, increase my faith.”