NEWS PHOTOS
Uskovnica, Slovenia – August 2024 – In July and August, three weeks of spirituality for young people aged 15 to 29 were held in Uskovnica, a Salesian alpine refuge. These days, called "Uskovnica", have been held for almost forty years and aim to promote integral human and spiritual growth for young people from parishes, oratories, youth centres and other places of activity for young people in Salesian presences. This year's programme was prepared and implemented by young Leaders, accompanied by Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, under the guidance of the Salesian Youth Ministry in the SLO Province. The theme of the event was "Družinaje zakon", which in Slovenian literally means "The family is the law", but which is also a play on words: "law" in Slovenian means "marriage", but also, in popular language, excellent, good. Participants listened to guest testimonies and lectures and discussed in groups the importance of the sacrament of marriage, family relationships and challenges for the family in today's society. All this was interspersed with moments of joy, fraternity and prayer.
Brazil – August 2024 – In the afternoon of Sunday, 18 August, Fr Gabriel Romero, Councillor for the America South Cone Region, blessed the new Indigenous Training Centre in San Gabriel de Cachoeira, in the Province of Manaus, Brazil. The house now has a group of ten aspirants from different ethnic groups in the area, who participate in catechetical activities and youth groups of the Salesian works in the Rio Negro region: San Gabriel, Maturacá, Iauareté and Santa Isabel. The formation community comprises the rector, Fr Gaudencio Campos, Fr Adail Brito Acosta and practical trainee Patrick De Lima Santos. Br. Giuseppe Gulli was in charge of accompanying and supervising the construction of the new house. The Indigenous Formation Centre was built thanks to the support of the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, through the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, "Misiones Salesianas" and the Polish "Salesjanski Osrodek Misyiny" Mission Office. It was possible to build a welcoming and pleasant space for young indigenous people, so that they can discern their vocation with accompaniment and support. The opening was attended by the two communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, other sisters in the city, the diocesan seminarians with their own formator, the Salesian Cooperators and the lay collaborators of the work.
Tete, Mozambique – August 2024 – The Salesians of Mozambique had the joy of welcoming two young people who made the definitive commitment to follow Jesus in the footsteps of Don Bosco. These are Custósio Maneira and Valentino Cesário, who, on 11 August, made their Perpetual Profession before Fr Adolfo de Jesus Sarmento, Superior of the Mozambique Vice-Province. The celebration was held at the parish of Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceição do Zóbuè in Tete, and was attended by many faithful and family members of the two young people.
Gabutu, Papua New Guinea – August 2024 – On 15 August the Don Bosco Technical School in Gabutu, Port Moresby, staged a musical based on Don Bosco's Dream at Nine Years of Age, bringing together the entire school community, representatives of different religious congregations, Salesians, students and members of the Salesian Family. The show highlighted the parallels between the time of Don Bosco and the present day, underlining a shared vision and mission: to feed a heart that transforms wolves into lambs. Each student brought their unique talent to the stage, helping to create a vibrant and dynamic ensemble that vividly represented the life and dreams of Don Bosco. The show fascinated the audience with its emotional depth. A distinctive feature of this year's musical was the inclusion of original songs, composed specifically for the production by screenwriter and director, Rica Lavilla. The show was a testament to the commitment of young people and their educators, who helped them realise their potential both on stage and off.