NEWS PHOTOS
Cebu, Philippines – July 2024 – On 13 July in the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, the members of the Music Ministry in this Parish, both choirs and musicians, received their second liturgical formation led by Fr Amelito Racelis, SDB, on the theme "The role of music in the liturgy". This session is one of the four parts of the Ongoing Formation Programme for the Music Ministry. In his talk Fr Racelis provided seven liturgical guidelines on the use of music and song within the Holy Mass. He also guided participants in understanding the principles of the liturgy outlined by the Second Vatican Council and introduced them to the beauty of Gregorian chant. At the end of his talk Fr Racelis gave the participants practical advice on how to maximise their ministry, participation and prayer while serving Mass.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – July 2024 – From 7 to 12 July in Sivaria Namona, Bomana, Cardinal John Ribat, MSC, together with the parish priests and chaplains of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby took part in the spiritual retreat led by Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF, Bishop of Bougainville, who focused on synodality in the parish community. Bishop Kaluza highlighted the encounter, listening, prayer and discernment where the Spirit leads. He encouraged everyone to see and recognise the Lord in ordinary events, in brother priests, and in the community. The mornings were spent in prayer, in the sessions and in the Eucharistic celebration. The second half of the day focused on “Conversations in the Spirit”, Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist, personal rosary and reflection. “Conversations in the Spirit” is what was used at the Synod of Synods. It consists of listening, sharing, praying, and discerning what the Spirit invites you to do. It was a time when each participant was able to gain an understanding of the priesthood, a deeper understanding of the Church that calls us to face the challenges we face in our ministry and in life.
Shillong, India – July 2024 – With the aim of empowering young people and strengthening their faith in God, the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in the parish of Nongstoin organised a one-day trip to the remote village of Mawthawniaw on 14 July, under the guidance of Salesian Brother Quirinus War and Banshai Wanniang. Over 140 young people from eight villages surrounding the parish took part enthusiastically in the spiritual programme. Fr Carmel Myrthong SDB, Assistant Parish Priest, spoke to the young people about the "Temptations of the Devil", warning them: "Be careful, dear young people, how the devil attracts you to worldly activities rather than to spiritual ones." He stressed the importance of vigilance against such temptations. In addition to the young people, the Sisters from the parish convents, chief catechist Babu Crispin, the elderly, women and children also participated in this Salesian faith formation program.
Pejo Fonti, Italy - The Salesians of Don Bosco have celebrated the 65th anniversary of their presence in Val di Pejo, in Trentino, at the "Casa per vacie Hotel Aurora" a hospitality facility that has been welcoming children, teenagers and young people for summer and winter holidays since the 1950s. At the solemn moment of the blessing of a shrine created by a young craftsman from Cogolo, in addition to the groups of children and young people present, the Parish Priest of Pejo, Fr Enrico Pret, the Assistant Parish Priest Fr Michele Canestrini, the Deputy Mayor Paolo Moreschini, some Councillors and several representatives, collaborators of the structure, friends and locals spoke. The Salesians included Fr Gianluca Marchesi, Economer of the Salesian Lombardy Emiliana Province (ILE) and Fr Giuseppe Battello, a 99-year-old confrere who opened the place at the end of the 1950s and was Reector of the House in the first thirty years of its activity. The Hotel Aurora, located in the Stelvio National Park, is a hospitality facility that over the years has been renovated by the Salesians with large internal and external spaces and a functional welcome for the activities of its guests. In the light of the Salesian mission, Aurora adheres to a Plastic-Free Project and carries out multiple solidarity initiatives, including the Merciful Hospitality projects of the Italian Religious Hospitality Association.