NEWS PHOTOS
Australia – Conferral of the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte at the Formation House in Clifton Hill
Clifton Hill, Australia – November 2024 – The celebration of All Saints' Day was a special occasion for the Salesian community in Clifton Hill, as it marked another stage in the spiritual journey and commitment of five Salesian students currently studying at the Catholic Theological College. On this date the Ministry of Reader was conferred on Cirilo Boavida, Carlos Gusmao and Damien Taofinu'u while the Ministry of Acolyte was conferred on Foua Junior Tea Peato and Afia Enosa. The celebration was presided over by Fr Peter Hoang, Superior of the Australia-Pacific Province (AUL). During the homily, Fr Hoang stressed the importance of these Ministries, reminding those who received them of their vital role in the Church. He spoke passionately of the call to serve the faithful with all their heart, urging them to take up their commitments with dedication and love.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – October 2024 - Young people and students from various institutions in Port Moresby gathered at the Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko (DBTI), from 25 to 27 October, for the ADMA youth camp on the theme "I will give you a Teacher". The meeting was held with the aim of making young Catholics and non-Catholics aware of the importance of supporting Christian values in the Catholic faith. The sessions reminded the participants of the importance of praying the Rosary, trusting Mary, the Mother of God, to be witnesses of miracles; in addition, Don Bosco's Childhood Dream was explored, underlining the power of Mary's intercession, the importance of prayer and the dangers of sin. The programme fostered the spiritual growth of the participants and the power to become young leaders, promoting a network of young people united and devoted to Mary.
Ruvo di Puglia, Italy – October 2024 - The Sacred Heart Institute in Ruvo di Puglia participated in the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) event on 17 and 18 October. About 70 participants, including students, young adults and adults, explored and deepened the theme of DBGYFF 2024 "I Have a Dream - Youth and climate change - Making Mother Earth cleaner and greener". In preparation for the event, the organisers promoted the festival through a campaign with valuable information about DBGYFF, underlining its alignment with the vision of Don Bosco and Laudato Si '. The audience actively interacted with the themes of the film, triggering discussions on environmental responsibility. Participants reflected on impactful messages and explored practical solutions to reduce plastic use and promote recycling. The event was also featured on social media, expanding its reach and reinforcing the importance of youth-led media as a force for change towards a sustainable future.
Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil – November 2024 – On 1 November, the 55th anniversary of the inauguration of the statue of Father Cícero was celebrated in Juazeiro do Norte, one of the most evocative symbols of faith and religiosity in the Brazilian Northeast, also coinciding with National Pilgrim Day. Work began in 1967, under the direction of the then mayor Mauro Sampaio, sculpted by the artist Armando Lacerda and with a foundation project by engineer Rômulo Montenegro. Officially inaugurated on 1 November 1969, the statue is located on the Colina do Horto, a sacred space administered by the Salesians. This place has become a point of reference for pilgrims and a spiritual meeting point for believers from all over Brazil, especially from the Northeast. Fr Francisco Inácio, Superior of the Province of Recife (BRE), expressed the satisfaction of the Congregation in taking care of the place: "We, sons of Don Bosco, are fortunate to take care, together with the entire diocese, of this beautiful pilgrimage movement, especially here in Colina do Horto, a sacred place loved by Father Cícero as a point of encounter with God. The image of Father Cicero is not only a visual symbol, but also a symbol of testimony, of this great educator and catechist of the faith of the pilgrim people," said the Provincial.