Bomboiza, Ecuador – March 2025 – On March 22, the Salesian Mission of Bomboiza celebrated the opening ceremony of a new Artisan Training Center with great joy and enthusiasm.
Salesian collaborators, members of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), and the Daughters of the Divine Savior (HDS) came together to bring this important project to life.
During the ceremony, the facilities, equipment, instructors, and students were blessed, symbolizing divine guidance and protection for those who will participate in courses such as:
Bakery and Pastry Information Technology Hairdressing and Aesthetics Carpentry
The Rector of the Salesian Mission in Bomboiza, Fr. Marcelo Bravo, emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to community members to reduce social gaps and promote entrepreneurship.
He also highlighted that the Artisan Training Center is designed to equip participants with practical skills, enabling them to improve their quality of life and develop their talents.
Salesian Fr. Vicente Jiménez, in his opening address, underlined the values guiding the mission’s work, such as interculturality, intergenerational unity, harmonious coexistence, and respect—all crucial for fostering growth and development within the community.
The center has already welcomed 92 participants, marking the beginning of this transformative initiative.
Campo Grande, Brazil – March 2025 – Don Bosco Catholic University (UCDB) in Campo Grande has achieved a major environmental milestone by receiving certification from Raízen Power. The certification confirms that 100% of the university’s electricity consumption in 2024 came from renewable and incentivized sources, including wind, solar, biomass, Small Hydroelectric Plants, and Generation Hydroelectric Plants.
Thanks to this initiative, UCDB reduced its CO₂ emissions by 260 tons, equivalent to planting 1,818 trees, reinforcing its commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable energy model.
The Raízen Power certification highlights the university’s dedication to energy transition and sustainable development, reducing the environmental impact of its electricity consumption.
"This achievement is the result of our energy management plan and environmental sustainability policy. Caring for others and for our world is an integral part of the Salesian DNA. As a community-based educational institution, this concept extends beyond philanthropy to include the protection of the common good—our 'Common Home,' as Pope Francis calls it," stated Taner Douglas Bitencourt, UCDB’s Vice Rector for Administration.
Raízen Power, a division of Raízen, is one of the leading energy companies in Brazil and globally, specializing in renewable energy commercialization. In 2019, UCDB was recognized by the United Nations (UN) for its good environmental practices.
Milan, Italy – March 25, 2025 – The newly elected Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Fabio Attard, was greeted by young people at the Salesian school in Milan while passing through on his way to Turin. At Turin, he assumed his new position through the solemn profession of faith as the new leader of the Salesian Congregation.
(ANS – Turin) – The 29th General Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales elected Fr. Stefano Martoglio as the Vicar of the Rector Major, confirming him in the role already entrusted to him by the previous Chapter. The election took place at 10:45 a.m., and a long and warm round of applause in the Teatro Grande of Valdocco welcomed the outcome of the vote.
(ANS – Turin) – Congratulatory messages and best wishes are pouring in from around the world for Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, who was elected by the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation as the Rector Major for the six-year term 2025–2031, and as such, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco. Trust, appreciation, esteem, gratitude, and prayers for his mission are the sentiments shared by the various personalities who have expressed their thoughts.
(ANS – Rome) – "Mexico" frequently appears in international media, whether due to U.S. tariffs, the historic election of the country's first female president, issues related to drug trafficking, or its role as a transit country for migrants seeking entry into the United States. For many, Mexico is seen as a dangerous place for priests, journalists, human rights defenders, and especially for its children and youth. However, Mexico is also a country of great resilience and hope, with a population of nearly 130 million, 31% of whom are young people. It is a young nation, blessed with the immense gift of the Virgin Mary.
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 – Don Bosco’s Letters Return back to Valdocco, Turin!(ANS – Turin) – On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, the city of Turin, particularly Valdocco, will commemorate the publication of “The Letters of Don Bosco” (edited by Francesco Motto, Rome, LAS 1992-2024). Two distinct events will be held: one in the morning, open to the general public, and another in the evening, exclusively for Salesian family members and well wishers. These events will serve as a platform to highlight the significance of Don Bosco’s letters.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – World Water Day: Salesian Missions highlights projects that ensure clean water for youth(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 World Water Day. Led by U.N.-Water, the organization that coordinates the United Nations’ work on water and sanitation, the day has been honored on March 22 every year since 1993.
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.
