Tiruchy, India – August 2024 – On the occasion of its Silver Jubilee, the Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT) has developed a Policy for Integral Ecology with a vision of "A healthy and Sustainable World, where the Integrity of God's Creation is Valued, Protected and Promoted". For the past 25 years, the Province has been involved in various environmental protection initiatives, spearheading in organising 585 eco clubs with 11,480 young people in the southern part of Tamil Nadu. Pope Francis’ Laudato Si ’and the call from the Congregation, urged the Provine to develop a holistic and inclusive policy for Integral Ecology. After extensive discussion with lay mission partners, young people, and every community in the Province, the Province released the "Policy for Integral Ecology." Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDB, the Vicar of the Rector Major, released the Policy and the first copy was received by Fr Biju Michael, Regional Councillor for South Asia. Fr Agilan Sarprasadam, Provincial, Fr Recopar Royan, Delegate for Don Bosco Green Alliance, and SYM leaders Alex and Priyadharshini were present for the occasion. The policy is sure to guide and direct the path in preserving the integrity of God's creation.
Turin, Italy – 11 August 2024 – Presiding over the Eucharist with young men and women at the Salesian Synod of Young People, on Sunday, 11 August, Card. Ángel Fernández Artime officiated at his last Mass as Rector Major in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin. At the end of the celebration, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco also placed his signature in the register of bishops and cardinals at the sanctuary and basilica, in memory of this historic circumstance.
(ANS - Cuenca) - The Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS) of Ecuador celebrated its 30 years of educational service with a solemn ceremony that brought together students, faculty, authorities and distinguished guests. The event, held on Wednesday, 7 August 2024 at the P. Carlos Crespi University Theatre on the Cuenca campus, was an opportunity to reflect on the results obtained and future challenges in the field of higher education.
(ANS – Vientiane) – During the weekend of 10-11 August 2024 Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the Missions, visited the Don Bosco Youth Vocational Training Centre, a vocational training centre for young people located in Vientiane, the only Salesian presence in Laos.
Yakutsk, Russia – August 11, 2024 – After completing the 2 years of formation necessary to recognise and consolidate their vocation, Nikolay, Ekaterina and Eugenia, three parishioners from the Catholic community of Yakutsk, capital of the Republic of Sakha-Yakutia, Russia, have made their apostolic promise as Salesian Cooperators. In recent years they have been guided by the Salesian Cooperators of Slovakia, Mária and Pavel Jarkovskí, the Rector of the Salesian community, Fr Ján Krupa, and the parish priest Fr Pavol Michalka. The solemn promise was made in the presence of the Provincial of Slovakia, Fr Peter Timko, and the Horňák husband and wife team, Salesian Cooperators from Slovakia. The new Salesian Cooperators thus expanded the ranks of the Salesian Family in Russia and joined their brother and sister Cooperators already active in Moscow. At this time the words of Don Bosco resonate above all: "The work of the Cooperators will spread to all countries, it will spread throughout the Christian world, supported by the right hand of God!" And now, even in the coldest place in the world. The city of Yakutsk is located in the far northest of the country where winter temperatures drop below -50°C. The promises of the new Cooperators deepens the joy in this jubilee year for the Yakutsk Salesians who this year are commemorating 30 years and the establishment of the parish, as well as 15 years since the consecration of the only Catholic church in the Republic of Sakha-Yakutia.
Bangalore, India – August 2024 – "Dream Your Dream" is a musical tribute to Don Bosco's transformative dream, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary, newly released by Salesian Cleric Martin Joshua Savio, a student of Visual Communication, belonging to the Salesian Province of Bangalore. The musical piece draws inspiration from the unique moment in Don Bosco's life — his profound dream he experienced at the age of nine, where the Blessed Virgin Mary instructed him to transform "wolves into lambs" through the power of love. Conceptualised and coordinated by Fr Jiji Kalavanal SDB from the Salesian Province of Bangalore, the project utilised cutting-edge AI tools in its production, showcasing the innovative and creative approach taken. The collaborative effort from a group of friends working remotely from various parts of the country further brought this vision to life, a testament to the power of technology and teamwork. A karaoke version will soon be released for those interested in creating their renditions.
The song is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W9M2SinOeKI
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Italy – Fr Gildasio Mendes: "Salesians today promote justice, peace and solidarity through social communication"(ANS - Rome) – "Salesians today promote justice, peace and solidarity through social communication". This was stated by the Salesian Congregation's General Councillor for Social Communications, Fr Gildasio Mendes, during an interview conducted by Fr João Carlos Ribeiro and journalist Jocasta Pimentel from "FM Don Bosco" radio station in Fortaleza, in the Province of Recife, Btrazil (BRE), during a break in the "Shaping Tomorrow" World Congress held in Rome from 1 to 7 August 2024. Below is an extensive summary of the interview, the full audio of which was broadcast by the "Tempo de Paz" radio program and the full text of which is available in the Portuguese version of the article.
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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Spain – 2024 Pastoral and Theological Updating(ANS – Santiago de Compostela) – The two Provinces of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Spain, Saint James the Greater (SSM) and Mary Help of Christians (SMX), are organising their Theological and Pastoral Updating meetings this year for the second part of July. This is an event that has become traditional, organised by the Formation Delegates of both Provinces, and aimed mainly at cultivating spirituality and ongoing formation among Salesians throughout the country.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Peru – From dreams to jungle: a spiritual and cultural journey in the unknown Kuyuntsa(ANS - Kuyuntsa) – Several decades ago, young Salesian missionary Luis (Luigi) Bolla left his life in Italy, driven by an inner voice that called him to explore lands unknown to him, but known to God. "You will have to walk a long way, carrying my Word," said the mysterious character who would change the course of his life.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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Between Admiration and PainTHE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime
I cordially greet all Don Bosco’s friends who come here with interest. Today, I greet you for the last time from this page. As of August 16, the day on which we commemorate Don Bosco’s birth (August 16, 1815), my service as Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco ends. There’s always a reason to give thanks, always. Thank you! Thank you—to God, above all, to the Congregation and Salesian Family, to so many dear people, and to so many friends of Don Bosco’s charism, many of them benefactors.