Santiago, Chile - 7 August 2021 - Under the motto "With an open house, let's renew the Kairos", more than 80 young animators from the different communities of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of Chile met online on Saturday 7 August to live the sixth edition of the Salesian Spirituality Day. It centered on the document of the Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean. The day included a space for prayer led by the Salesian aspirantate and pre-novitiate community, followed by a presentation of the theme and finally by work in small groups, with the young participants debating on two of the 14 themes proposed by the ecclesial assembly, such as: violence in society, post-pandemic poverty, young people as social actors and managers of culture, women and their participation in society and in the Church ... The day ended with a plenary assembly to share what emerged in the individual groups. They plan to draw up a final document with recommendations to be sent to the Latin American Ecclesial Assembly to be held next November.
(ANS - Rome) - In its intent to promote animation, debate, sharing and, ultimately, the leading role of young people who frequent the environments of the Salesian Family, the August monthly video of the "CaglieroLIFE" feature column, promoted by the Salesian Congregation's Missions Sector, focuses on a very compelling theme: how to build a Church that welcomes? And who can do it?
(ANS – New Delhi) – National Youth Sunday is a day observed by the Church in India as an opportunity to celebrate young people, recognise young people as a gift in the Church and affirm their contribution to the Church and those who collaborate with them. It was celebrated on Sunday, 8 August, and all over the country there were significant activities and events.
(ANS – Roma) – “Through the Sacrament of Baptism, all Christians are part of the people of God and share in the mission of the Church. Every lay person together with consecrated women and men and ordained ministers is co-responsible for the Church’s mission,” says Fr Alfred Maravilla, SDB, General Councilor for the Missions, in his message for the August missionary magazine “Cagliero 11”. Below we report his reflection on the role of the laity in the Church.
São Vicente, Cape Verde - 1967 - In this photograph, it is possible to see what the Church of the Salesian School of Arts and Crafts of São Vicente looked like in 1967.
(ANS – Bruxelles) – Don Bosco International (DBI) recently issued a public statement on the European Union’s (EU) New Pact on Migration and Asylum, through a set of documents that have been co-drafted together with Caritas Europa, Churche’s Commission for Migrants in Europe -CCME, Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conferences in the EU - COMECE, Community of Sant'Egidio, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland, Eurodiaconia, International Catholic Migration Commission – ICMC and the Jesuit Refugee Service - JRS.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
-
Democratic Republic of Congo – Fr Owoudou on the situation in the eastern parts of the country: “No matter how dark the night may seem, dawn will inevitably come”
(ANS - Goma) - During his latest phase of the Extraordinary Visit to the "Mary Most Holy Assumption" Province of Central Africa (AFC), Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa Madagascar Region, conducted an interview with the magazine "JAMBO VIJANA," representing the youth engaged in the Salesian works of the Province's Eastern Delegation. Addressing the ongoing violence and conflicts in the region, Fr. Owoudou expressed hope, saying: "No matter the length of the night, dawn will inevitably come."
EDITORIAL
-
“Speaking with the Heart”: A great Antidote for the Ills of today’s world
‘Revolutionize the world with your kindness, by speaking with your heart’, is the dream that Pope Francis envisions for humanity through his 57th World Communication Day message, that falls on this Ascension Sunday, 21st May 2023. ‘Speak with your heart in truth and charity’, and this is the best antidote that can cure the ills of today’s society.
EVENTS
-
Italy – "Labs To Future": the final event of the "Labs To Learn" project in Valdocco
(ANS – Turin) – The final event of the "Labs to Learn" project was held on Tuesday, 5 March 2024, entitled "Labs To Future: The path – The results – The challenges" . The project was selected by the "Con i Bambini" social enterprise within the framework of the Foundation for the Fight against Child Educational Poverty and came into being with the intention of combating early school leaving and preventing educational poverty, increasing the number of young people with difficulties who fulfil their school obligation, access higher education and/or job placement, and opening the way for personal growth according to their inclinations and aspirations.
SPECIAL REPORTS
-
Peru – Centenary of the High Altar of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima
(ANS – Lima) – The centenary of the consecration of the high altar in the Crypt of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima was celebrated on 19 March, on the feast of St Joseph and in homage to Fr José Calasanz Marqués, then Provincial of the Salesians in Peru and Bolivia – now recognised as Blessed by the Church – on account of his name.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
-
DREAMS THAT KEEP COMING TRUE!
THE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB
When reflecting on all this, I feel I have a little authority to say: “Dear Don Bosco, your Dream is still VERY ALIVE.”