(ANS – Ankililoaka) – In Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, about 60% of the population are under the age of 20. And it is precisely alongside the young Malagasy that the missionaries of Don Bosco, in 1981, began their journey on the island, offering a valid alternative to poverty through education, literacy, education and professional training, with schools, technical institutes, pastoral activities and oratories, now located throughout the country.
Rome, Italy – January 2024 – A meeting of the Coordinating team for the National Office of Parishes and Oratories of the Italian Conference of Salesian Provinces (CISI) took place on 11 January. On the agenda was evaluation of the national seminar on the identity of the parish entrusted to the Salesians, held from 14 to 16 November 2023 in Rome. The programme was then planned to continue the reflection and study to be offered to the entire Salesian settings in Italy on this issue, and the study of the recent document on the oratory produced by the Youth Ministry Sector of the Salesian Congregation. At the end of the work, the Eucharist was celebrated at the altar of Mary Help of Christians in the church of the Sacred Heart: it was the way to celebrate the Bicentenary of the Dream at nine years of age as a National Office. It was, in fact, at that altar that Don Bosco understood the words spoken by the "Lady of stately Appearance" he saw in the dream: "In good time you will understand everything". It was 16 May 1887, and Don Bosco still had a few months to live.
(ANS – Bellflower) – In Bellflower, California, a group of 17 young leaders individually dedicated over 200 hours to serve at Camp Savio, over 3,400 hours combined. Camp Savio is a summer camp well-known for its impact on the local community. Two months after their service concluded, these passionate individuals – 17 Salesian Youth Leaders and Jc Montenegro, PhD – came together to celebrate and reflect on their experiences and the profound lessons they gained. Here, they explore the wisdom they acquired during their journey, showcasing the transformative power of youth engagement and community service.
(ANS – Madrid) – Last Saturday, 16 September 2023, the Salesian houses of Atocha in Madrid, Ourense and Deusto in Bilbao hosted formation days for leaders at Salesian youth centres, an event attended by about 600 young people. Under the motto "Growing up and believing", these days offered the hundreds of participating boys and girls a common programme based on developmental psychology and the pedagogy of faith.
Caracas, Venezuela - August 2023 - The Salesian Youth Ministry Sector for St Luke Province Venezuela is conducting the "Oratory on Holiday" (Ovas, in Spanish) 2023 programme over these weeks in all Salesian works and presences. Its motto is "Like Mary, do what Jesus tells us to do." Over 7,000 children, teenagers and young adults are participating in the various summer activities, carried out with the aim of continuing to educate and evangelise Venezuelan youth even during the school break. Last week, leaders and participants experienced their activities in an atmosphere of connection and spiritual communion with the more than one million pilgrims who came to Lisbon for the great event of World Youth Day. Through their testimonies, the youngsters are happy to be part of the great movement of young people who continue to seek Jesus in their lives and their vocation.
(ANS – Vatican City) – For the fourth consecutive year, what is happening in many other Salesian oratories and summer centres around the world is being renewed in the shadow of the Dome of St Peter's: Estate Ragazzi (Summer Youth). Coordinating what is not only time for play and recreation, but also of formation, socialisation and friendship is, as in past years, Salesian Fr Franco Fontana, chaplain of the Directorate of Security and Civil Protection Service and the Vatican Museums, the one whom Pope Francis last August called “the spiritual soul of the Vatican”.
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.”