(ANS – Rome) – Today it is quite easy to meet a Saint. But a century ago it was not so easy, so to have personally approached a saint was an experience that remained etched in the mind and heart of the lucky person. Such was the case with the French Trappist abbot Edmond Obrecht (18521935). Way back in 1934, when Don Bosco was canonised, three days after the solemn ceremony he confided to the editor of the US Catholic weekly, the “Louisville Record”, his great satisfaction at having personally met the new saint, having shaken his hand, indeed having had lunch with him.
(ANS – Rome) – In view of the next General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation (GC29 – 16 February - 12 April 2025), and a few days before the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the international Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome has organised a study day entitled "Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to young people". This is the first of two events that will involve some 20 Salesians invited to reflect on the theme of GC29 from a theological, spiritual, youth and cultural point of view.
Rome, Italy - June 2024 - The patronal feast of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Castro Pretorio, Rome, was celebrated on Friday, June 7, 2024, with a full congregation. The solemn Mass was led by Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, the titular Cardinal of the Basilica, accompanied at the altar by numerous Salesians, including the entire General Council of the Congregation, except for the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who was attending a Vatican engagement.
During his homily, Cardinal Versaldi, drawing from his farming background, explained the day's Gospel passage and the significance of the "yoke"—an agricultural tool carried by two animals together—to illustrate Jesus' promise that He will bear the greater burden. Following the Mass, the traditional procession of the statue of the Sacred Heart took place through the neighborhood streets, joined by about 600 people, including religious and lay individuals, many young people, and tourists.
(ANS – Rome) – Don Bosco had a great devotion to the Sacred Heart and he recommended it to his boys. This devotion was displayed in many forms and expressions during his life: writings, prayers, good advice and recommendations, and even churches. And his devotion was so compelling that it became part of the Salesian Charism itself, being spread by his Successors and Spiritual Sons to this day.
(ANS – Rome) – On 16 May 1887, Don Bosco celebrated his first and only Mass at the altar of Mary Help of Christians at the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the Castro Praetorium, in Rome, the church whose construction cost him so much effort and suffering in the last years of his life. In that Mass, interrupted by tears 15 times, Don Bosco, now close to the end of his mortal life, had the grace to understand the entire journey made in the thousand apostolates and in the infinite initiatives for young people throughout his life, and his childhood Dream suddenly became clear to him, thus also giving fulfilment to the prophetic affirmation of that dream: "In due time you will understand everything".
(ANS - Rome) - The Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration by the two newly consecrated Salesian Archbishops took place in the Sacred Heart Basilica, Rome at 11.30 a.m., on Sunday, April 21, 2024. Several Salesian Cardinals, Bishops, General Council members, Salesians, Members of the Salesian Family and Special invitees joined the celebration in this great Church built by Don Bosco himself. The Holy Eucharist was presided by his Eminence Cardinal Ángel Artime Fernández, while Archbishop Giordano Piccinotti preached the homily.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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RMG – The missionaries of the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition: Francis Trong, from the Province of Vietnam (VIE) to the Province of Chile (CIL)(ANS – Rome) – As the fourth interviewee among the missionaries of the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition, today young Vietnamese Salesian Francis Trong, destined for Chile, speaks to ANS, telling us about his missionary choice, urging young people not to be afraid.
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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Italy – The chapel of the relics at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin celebrates 90 years and celebrates them with an exhibition on the Shroud(ANS – Turin) – Again this year, on 14 September, on the occasion of the liturgical feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and the day of the Opening of the Crypt, the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Turin hosted an evening dedicated to the Shroud, as part of the "Culture in the Basilica" exhibition, entitled "The Shroud: witness of great love".
SPECIAL REPORTS
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United States – INT’L DAY OF PEACE: Salesian Missions highlights programs that aid youth in poverty(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 recognizing the International Day of Peace, observed on Sept. 21 each year. The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Peace as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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On WINGS of HOPETHE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Father Stefano Martoglio
While continuing my service as Vicar in the coming months, quietly, very simply, and completely in continuity, I’ll replace the Rector Major in leading the Congregation to the General Chapter, the 29th, in February 2025.