NEWS
(ANS – Rome) – After so much waiting, whole months of preparation and an increasingly intense work of attention to detail in recent weeks, the World Social Communication Conference organised by the Sector for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation and the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences of the UPS, entitled "Shaping Tomorrow", is finally about to start in Rome at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS). As scheduled, today, the first day, is dedicated to receiving and welcoming participants from all over the world, while the official opening will take place on Friday, 2 August 2024.
(ANS – Bangalore) – Massive landslides wreaked havoc in the Wayanad district of Kerala leaving at least 84 people, including children dead and leaving several families missing. According to reports, the Mundakkai town was completely swept away by the landslide. Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were the other areas hit and cut off by the landslides.
(ANS – Venice) – The school sector also recognises the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the last year and a half, with the spread of generative AI in different areas, from work to everyday life, the debate on the use of this technology and possible developments has intensified more and more, also involving the education sector. Although it is an ever-changing technology, the potential benefits to support teachers and students are manifold. For this reason, for the new school year, the Salesian St Mark Province of North-East Italy (INE), supported by "MR Digital", an Italian integration and technological consulting company, has decided to adopt "Gemini AI", the innovative AI integrated into "Google Workspace for Education" throughout its network of schools.
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.