ANS FOTO - ANSFoto – February 2025 (Year XXIX No. 636)
01. Turin, Italy – February 2025 – On Sunday, February 16, Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, the Moderator, officially declared open the 29th General Chapter (GC29) of the Salesian Congregation at the theater of the Salesian Mother House in Valdocco. This formal act marked the beginning of a gathering of 230 provincials and delegates, united in strengthening Don Bosco’s charism, as expressed in the theme: “Passionate about Jesus Christ, Dedicated to Young People.”
02. Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Italy – February 2025 – The spiritual preparation of the GC29 participants, marked by a spiritual retreat preached by Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, concluded on February 20 with a pilgrimage to Colle Don Bosco, the symbolic birthplace of the Salesian mission.
03. Turin, Italy – February 2025 – On February 21, the first working session of the 29th General Chapter (GC29) took place, during which the organizational structure and operational procedures for the coming weeks were defined.
04. Turin, Italy – February 2025 – The principle: Knowledge for decision-making—guided the first days of assembly discussions at GC29. Contributions to the global overview of the Congregation were made by GC29 President Fr. Stefano Martoglio, General Councillors for various sectors, the Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat, and the Regional Councillors.
05. Madrid, Spain – February 2025 – The Salesian Mission Office, “Misiones Salesianas,” launched celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition (1875-2025) with a tribute to the Spanish Salesian missionaries sent out over the past 150 years. The event, which also included a book presentation, was attended by Salesian Cardinals Ángel Fernández Artime and Cristóbal López Romero, along with numerous missionaries.
06. Tokyo, Japan – February 2025 – To mark the 99th anniversary of the arrival of the Salesians in Japan, Fr. Francesco Atsushi Hamasaki, Provincial of Japan (GIA), presided over the opening Mass of the centennial celebrations at the Chofu Catholic Church. The Eucharist was concelebrated by over 30 priests and attended by many faithful and members of the Salesian Family.
07. Rome, Italy – February 2025 – From February 11 to 14, Rome hosted a meeting of Deans from the Theological Faculty of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), including representatives from the Turin and Jerusalem sections as well as affiliated, aggregated, and sponsored centers. 15 deans and principals participated, with Fr. Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, and Fr. Ivo Coelho, General Councillor for Formation, present on the first day.
08. Nairobi, Kenya – February 2025 – From February 3 to 9, the Salesian Formation Center for Africa-Madagascar (SAFCAM) held its fourth workshop on "Salesian Pastoral Accompaniment." The event featured three animators and ten participants from various Salesian Provinces and Vice-Provinces across Africa.
