NEWS PHOTOS
Celbridge, Ireland - December 2024 - On 8 December, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the second Sunday of Advent, a group of Salesian Cooperators and a number of aspirants met for a day of formation at the Salesian House in Celbridge. The meeting, focused on the theme of peace, began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Provincial, Fr Eunan McDonnell, together with the local Salesian community. After Mass, in a spirit of joy and as is traditional for the Salesian Family, dinner was shared. Afterwards, the participants gathered again for a lecture on St Francis de Sales, presented by Fr McDonnell, which was followed by an open discussion and question and answer session.
Van Phuc, Vietnam - December 2024 - On Thursday, 5 December, Salesian Economers (Bursars) from the “Our Lady of La Vang” Delegation in North Vietnam spent a full day at the Van Phuc community to meet, learn together and share administrative issues. Fr Thomas Vu Kim Long gave some suggestions on the role of the Economer/Bursar in the Salesian mission, in line with the future development of the Delegation. Mr Le Quoc Hieu, an expert in auditing, gave a talk on the importance of knowing how to compile proper reports, as well as property management. Salesian Brother Peter Nguyen Hoang Phi, Economer/Bursar of the North Vietnam Delegation, shared and updated the participants on the financial situation of the Delegation and the communities, and also explained the form of reports and how to exercise the role of Salesian Economer/Bursar. After lunch, Fr Francis Xavier Tran Cong Phan gave a talk on the Economer/Bursar in his evangelical dimension and the Salesian Mission, according to the spirit of Don Bosco. Finally, the Economers/Bursars briefly presented the current situation of local works and the financial situation of their respective communities.
Guwahati, India - December 2024 - The 4th International Conference on Education for Headmasters and School Administrators, on the theme ‘Creativity and Innovation in Schools: the Role of the Headmaster’, opened on 6 December at the Don Bosco School in Kharghuli. The event brought together educational leaders, headmasters and administrators to explore the crucial role of creativity and innovation in shaping the future of education. The keynote speaker, Prof. Amarjyoti Choudhury, former Chancellor of Gauhati University and former Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, reflected on the essence of creativity and innovation, drawing attention to the simple innovations present in everyday life. Prof. Choudhury also referred to scientific discoveries, noting how great leaders, spiritual and otherwise, have used creativity to drive change and attract followers. He then encouraged the headmasters to embrace creativity to address current and future challenges. Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, SDB, Superior of Guwahati Province (ING), emphasised that a headmaster must lead the institution through daily challenges, focusing on the moral development of students, the reputation of the school and the overall shaping of students‘ futures; and therefore urged the participants to inspire innovation and shape students’ lives with a vision for the future. During the opening programme, a book on social sciences written by Fr Rayappan of the Tezpur Catholic Board, published by Merina Publication, was also released.
RMG - December 2024 - On 6 December, the Missions Sector convened an online meeting of the Province Mission Offices from the East Asia-Oceania Region, led and animated by Fr Eric Mairura, Coordinator of the Mission Offices. In his address, the General Councillor for Missions, Fr Alfred Maravilla, emphasised the importance of having a clear understanding of the identity and mission of the Province Mission Offices, as outlined in the guidelines and orientations approved by the Rector Major and his Council (AGC 443). Fr Maravilla emphasised that adherence to these guidelines and orientations is essential for the effective functioning and strategic direction of each Province Mission Office. During his presentation, Fr Mairura expanded on the role and functions of the Province Mission Office. He clarified that it is an agency reporting directly to the Provincial and his Council and is a vital expression of Don Bosco's missionary spirit. The Province Mission Office plays a central role in the management, support and promotion of Salesian missionary activities. Although the Province Mission Office is not new, the meeting reinforced the central role that these Mission Offices play in promoting global solidarity, mobilising resources for missionary activities. The Missions Sector promotes networking, formation and collaboration through various workshops and events aimed at strengthening identity and fostering teamwork among the various bodies.