Colombia - May 2023 - The "Salesian Pentecost 2023" event was held under the motto: "Unite with the Spirit". 805 young people participated, including Salesians and youth leaders of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM). This event took place on Saturday, 27 May in different locations: at the Centro Social Don Bosco in Barranquilla (North Zone), Ciudad Don Bosco (Central Zone) and San Juan Bosco Salesian College in Dosquebradas (South Zone and Eje Cafetero). The objectives of the meeting were to strengthen teenagers and young adults in their the knowledge of the action of the Holy Spirit; to foster an encounter with the Word of God; and to promote the pillars of Salesian Youth Spirituality in its Vocational and Associative dimension. "Salesian Pentecost" is a well-established formation experience where fellowship, formative opportunities and the Eucharist enabled the young participants to engage in responsible service in their area. The event was made possible thanks to the efforts of Salesian Youth Ministry in the Province of Colombia-Medellín (COM), the Pastoral Coordinators, and the young people of the Council and the SYM Province Animation Team.
Medellín, Colombia - May 2023 - The Colombian government's Ministry of the Interior and Icontec, a Colombian nonprofit organization for technical standards and certifications, have awarded the "Seal of Non-Discrimination" to the Salesian School "El Sufragio," belonging to the Province of Colombia-Medellín (COM). The Seal is an achievement that recognizes the relevance of the approach and inclusion of Human Rights in the delivery of the institute's educational-pastoral service, along a line of reflection proposed by the Sector for Youth Ministry and Don Bosco International (DBI) in the "No Hate Speech" campaign to combat hate speech. To develop this approach to Human Rights, inclusion, and non-discrimination with an educational perspective and Salesian identity, the Salesian Province of Medellín has implemented the Provincial policies issued on Human Rights. Thanks to the coordinated work between the Provincial Commission for Human Rights, the Provincial Office for Development, and the Educational-Pastoral Community (CEP) of the "El Sufragio" institute, the province has initiated an action plan that promotes respect for Human Rights and strengthens Salesian environments as protective environments, particularly for children and adolescents. The "Seal of Non-Discrimination," which will be valid for 3 years, certifies that the Salesian School "El Sufragio" prevents and eliminates various forms of discrimination, with a positive impact on the local social fabric. The challenge from now on will be to continue to work and improve every day in providing a meaningful, sustainable educational-pastoral service with an inclusive approach. With the awarding of the Seal, the COM Province becomes the first church organization and a pioneer in the Colombian educational sector to receive such recognition. This welcome news confirms the Provincial's firm commitment to equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of gender, ideology, nationality, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and social status, adding to an environment of opportunity, justice, and equity in Colombia.
Contratación, Colombia - May 24, 2023 - Thousands of people made a pilgrimage to the Monument of Mary Help of Christians in the municipality of Contratación, recognized as a diocesan shrine, to honor the Queen and Patroness of the community. The Salesian house of Contratación is part of the Salesian Province of Colombia-Bogotá (COB), and for 68 years the population has celebrated the patronal feast with a pilgrimage attended by faithful from various parts of the country and culminating with a solemn procession and a Eucharist featuring the consecration of various groups, including Volunteers, new members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA).
Cartagena, Colombia - April 2023 - On April 26 in the city of Cartagena the IV volume of "The Literary Adventure" by Salesian writer Father Mario Restrepo was presented, with participation, in addition to the author, of students, past students, staff, and Salesians of the "San Pedro Claver" Institute. The event began with the reading of an introductory text on the life of the Salesian writer, whose spirit and charisma won over the alumni fraternity, a work of which he was a member for 20 years where, through his service, he left a great imprint. Then journalist Karina Medina Pino spoke with Fr. Restrepo about his writings. As a gesture of appreciation, the journalist also published a review of Fr. Restrepo's new book in the newspaper "El Espectator", where she emphasized the human quality of a writer with a Salesian stamp. The journalist also highlighted the impact that the Salesian community has on educational and cultural environments, noting that in this way the Salesians of Don Bosco are forging the literary spirit.
(ANS - Medellín) - From April 25-29, at "Villa San Francisco de Sales" in Medellín, school leaders from the Andina - CINAB region (Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Peru) of four groups of the Salesian Family met: the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), the Daughters of the Divine Savior (HDS) and the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (HHSSCC). The purpose of the gathering was to reflect together on the journey of the schools concerning the use of new technologies in Salesian education, and to delve into some aspects of the Charter of Identity of the Salesian School in America (ESA, in Spanish), in preparation for the congress to be held in Guadalajara, Mexico, May 1-5, 2024.
Bogotá, Colombia - April 2023 - On April 26, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians celebrated World Appreciation Day around Mother General Mother Chiara Cazzuola. The Salesian Family joined in this special celebration of gratitude to Mother General for her task of animating and governing the FMA Institute in the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello. The event was centered on the motto "With Mary we generate a culture of peace." The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. John Jairo Gómez Rúa, Superior of the Salesian Province of Bogotá (COB), and concelebrated by various Salesians, who in a clear sign of fraternity and communion celebrated and thanked God for the service of Mother Chiara Cazzuola and for the mission carried out in the FMA world.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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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
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“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
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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
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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
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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.”