NEWS PHOTOS
León, Mexico – December 2024 - On Sunday 1 December, the city of León, Guanajuato, experienced a very special event: the promise of 10 new Salesian Cooperators. The celebration was held at the National Shrine of St John Bosco and was presided over by Fr Luis Antonio Álvarez SDB, accompanied in the concelebration by Fr Alfonso Díez SDB, from Sollano and Fr Ismael Hernández, SDB from the Province of Mexico City (MEM). The promises were welcomed with great joy by the Provincial Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators in North Mexico, Alfredo Algandar, together with the representatives of the provincial council, Martha Alicia Pérez Anguiano and Cynthia Verónica Ojeda Zárate, as well as the coordinator of León Centro Don Bosco, Rodolfo Guerrero.
(Los Angeles, California) – During Thanksgiving week, forty-five young people from the Salesian Family Youth Center programs participated in a transformative college tour of the San Francisco Bay Area.This experience shaped their dreams and informed their university choices, with visits to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and California State University East Bay.The group also toured Saints Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco, where Fr. Tho Bui, SDB, shared insights into the church's history, the Salesian presence in the U.S., and the inspiring story of Don Bosco. This visit strengthened their connection to their Salesian roots and exemplified the warmth of the Salesian community, fostering belief in their potential and bright futures.
São Sebastião, Brazil – December 2024 – Young people in the Salesian Province of Manaus, Brazil (BMA) gathered from 29 November to 1 December, to participate in the 2024 edition of Campo Bosco held in São Sebastião. Organised by the AJS (Articulação Juvenil Salesiana – or SYM, the Salesian Youth Movement in Brazil) from Santa Isabel do Rio Negro, the event took place under the theme: "The Dream that makes you dream". During the three days of activity, the participants immersed themselves in an atmosphere of Salesian spirituality, characterised by simplicity, joy and hospitality. Through moments of prayer, reflection, group sharing, celebrations, tournaments and numerous activities, the young people were able to strengthen their faith and deepen their knowledge of the life and work of Don Bosco. The event ended with the Eucharistic celebration in the parish church of Santa Isabel and with the awarding of the winning teams. Campo Bosco reinforced the importance of the work of the AJS in promoting the integral formation of young people, based on the principles of Salesian spirituality. The experience of Campo Bosco inspired young people to move forward, with the certainty that walking with God is the source of true happiness.
Świętochłowice, Poland – December 2024 – A meeting of young people from Salesian oratories in the Province of Krakow (PLS), called "Oratoriada", was held from 29 November to 1 December at the Don Bosko" School complex in Świętochłowice For three days, the young people associated with Salesian works in the south of Poland prayed together, shared experiences, participated in workshops and moments of play and fun. It all began with adoration led by Fr Adam Starzyk and accompanied by the "Pactum" band and the testimony of David Cmok, also known for the film "The Called". There was also a time for confession, prayer and singing. After the moments of integration, the rector of the local community, Fr Krzysztof Pyzik, addressed a few words to the participants. The second day began intensely with an inspiring conferences by Fr Adrian Chojnicki and the Missionary Sisters of Charity. Participants, divided into groups, took part in a series of workshops: drumming, folk dances, journalism (conducted by Radio EM), theatre, medicine, creativity, health, as well as interaction with alpacas. In the afternoon there was a cultural trip to the city of Świętochłowice and on the way back there were sports games, short friendly meetings and an original St Andrew's Day. The last day coincided with the beginning of Advent and the new liturgical year. The young people were introduced to this special time by Fr Mirek Kosiec, who encouraged everyone to reflect on their own intentions.
Text: Facebook Oratorium Świętochłowice
Photo: Oratorium Świętochłowice