NEWS PHOTOS
Bogor, Indonesia – September 2024 - Economers in the Indonesia Vice-Province (INA), have just finished their workshop held from 17 to 19 September at theErema Village, Cisarua, Bogor, two hours away from Jakarta. The Economer of the INA Vice-Province, Fr Yohanes Boedirahardjo Soerjonoto, SDB, led the activities to strengthen the capacity of economers, divided into 7 sessions, which had as their main source the document "Economy at the service of the charism and the mission", a document of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, one of the main references of the Economer General. Present at the conference was Fr Vincentius Prastowo, SDB, Superior of the INA Vice-Province who gave the final address.
Goa, India – September 2024 - "Remember that you are Don Bosco and that your mission is to tell young people about Don Bosco's dream and, in turn, help young people to dream," said the Rector Major Emeritus, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, during the annual retreat for the leaders of Panjim-Konkan Province (INP). Fr Chávez preached the annual retreat at the Don Bosco Province, Odxel, Goa, from 12 to 18 September. Rectors, the heads of the commissions and the members of the Provincial Council participated in the retreat, during which Fr Chávez explored the mission entrusted to Don Bosco, underlining the role of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of Our Lady. He stressed that this mission is still relevant in current times. Fr Chávez's search for Church documents established their interconnection with Don Bosco's mission and vision. He guided the retreat participants to meditate on the person of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Mary at every step of the retreat. Concluding the retreat, Fr Chávez said: "When Jesus said: I call you friends, it was an intimate invitation to share the mission of the Father and, therefore, we are called to be happy and fruitful in carrying out the mission that God has entrusted for the first time to our father and founder Saint John Bosco." During the retreat, the leaders witnessed the official launch of the new version of the Province's website: www.sdbpanjim.org by Fr Chávez.
Vaduthala, India – September 2024 – The Don Bosco Youth Centre in Vaduthala, Kochi, hosted the Don Bosco Vaduthalotsavam 2024 event, a four-day celebration on the occasion of the feast of Onam, from 13 to 16 September. The event served as a platform to highlight the community spirit, tradition and cultural heritage of Kerala, promoting a sense of belonging and unity. During the days, characterized by parades, dances, performances, cultural and recreational activities and exhibitions of the rich artistic traditions of Kerala, the "Snehasparsham" initiative was also launched, a program to financially support dialysis patients. It is a very important initiative which demonstrates the social commitment of the Youth Centre. Finally, thanks for the tireless efforts made in the preparation of this event went to Fr Gilton Manuel, SDB, Director of the Don Bosco Youth Centre.
Sliema, Malta – September 2024 – The Friends of Don Bosco Malta organised a unique formation course from 1 to 7 September, called "Out of the Blue", funded by the Erasmus+ programme, aimed at youth workers and educators. The aim was to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to deal with stress, depression and anxiety in young people. The course exploited the therapeutic benefits of blue spaces, such as coastal areas, to promote mental well-being. Using non-formal, experiential and practical learning methods, participants explored the links between water, youth work and mental health. The program included a series of activities, including stand-up paddle boarding, music workshops and free diving. By immersing participants in nature, the course focused on a deeper understanding of the problems and encouraged the development of inclusive strategies to support young people with fewer opportunities. The participants finished the course with new awareness and tools, which can be used daily in work with young people, promoting a positive impact on the mental health of the children they attend.