NEWS PHOTOS
Byndihati, India – March 2025 – Kalung Angel, a brilliant student from Don Bosco College, Byndihati, has brought pride to her institution and the entire state by securing second place in the 2025 Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament competition organized by the Central Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Government of India. The event, held on March 27 at the International Centre for Performing Arts and Culture in Mawkasiang, witnessed enthusiastic participation from numerous young individuals across Meghalaya. This initiative provides young people aged 18 to 25 with a platform to engage in crucial discussions on national issues. The 2025 edition of the competition focused on the themes: “75 Years of the Indian Constitution: A Journey of Rights, Duties, and Progress” and “11 Sankalp Samvidhan Divas (Pledge of the Constitution Day): A Commitment to Strengthening India's Constitutional Values”. Kalung Angel’s outstanding performance and her insightful contributions during the deliberations earned her the prestigious second place. This remarkable achievement also secures her a spot among the top three participants selected to represent Meghalaya at the national-level competition. The Don Bosco College, Byndihati, expressed immense joy and pride in Kalung Angel’s success, recognizing her achievement as an inspiration for fellow students and a testament to the crucial role of youth in shaping a stronger, more progressive nation.
Liverpool, United Kingdom – March 27, 2025 – Twelve schools participated in the prestigious "Catholic Schools' Choir of the Year" competition, organized by Joe Watson, choral director of the Archdiocese of Liverpool. The event was held in the stunning concert hall of the crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The choir from St John Bosco Arts College secured first place after successfully advancing through the selection rounds and competing against seven other choirs in the finals. The event was attended by students, staff, parents, and members of the local community, all captivated by the performers' talent.
The accomplished St John Bosco choir delivered passionate renditions of "Hosanna" by Ligertwood and "Shine" by Emeli Sandé, impressing the judges with their powerful voices. The distinguished panel included Dr. Christopher McElroy, music director of the Metropolitan Cathedral, alongside Archdiocesan choral directors Samuel J. Ferry, Emma Baker, and Rebekka Irwin.
Malcolm McMahon OP, Archbishop of Liverpool, was the guest of honor and presented the awards to the winners. Monsignor Anthony O'Brien, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Liverpool, was also present at the event.
Christine Finnegan, choir leader, expressed her joy: "Winning this competition has been an unforgettable experience for our young singers." Pauline Ellison, head of performing arts at St John Bosco Arts College, added: "I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Christine and our school choir for winning the Catholic Schools' Choir of the Year competition."
Łódź, Poland – March 2025 – Every year, the streets of Widzew become the setting for the Mystery of the Lord’s Passion, attracting hundreds of believers. This is not merely a staged performance but a profound spiritual experience that blends prayer with a realistic presentation of Christ’s final moments.
The event involves diocesan priests, students, faculty from Salesian schools, and Salesian Cooperators. This year’s reenactment began at the Church of Mary Help of Christians with the Last Supper, followed by key scenes such as Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, His trial before Pilate, and the Way of the Cross. Essential moments, including the encounters with Mary, Simon of Cyrene, and Veronica, led to the final scene: the crucifixion of Saints Peter and Paul inside the church. The event concluded with the Adoration of the Cross in silence and reflection.
Each year, this event deeply moves the faithful, allowing them to relive the mystery of Christ’s suffering and redemption.
Hua Hin, Thailand – March 2025 – From March 17 to 22, the Youth Ministry Commission of Thailand organized the annual vocation camp at the Don Bosco Youth Center in Khao Takieb, Hua Hin, under the theme "Pilgrimage with Young People, Anchored in Hope."
A total of 89 young Catholics from different regions of the country participated under the guidance of Fr. Noppadol Joseph. The 30 support groups, consisting of Salesians, cooperators, former students, and aspirants in formation, acted as the organizing committee for various camp activities.
Now in its 54th year since its inception in 1971, the initiative aims to guide participants in discovering their vocation, learning about Don Bosco and his spirit, and making the most of their vacation time. Throughout the camp, the young attendees received formation on various topics and actively participated in liturgical celebrations, including Mass and the sacraments.
As part of the program, the campers made a pilgrimage to the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Ratchaburi in honor of the Holy Year. At the conclusion of the experience, nine young participants applied to join the Salesian aspirantate.