(ANS - Valletta) - It was made in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul, the 36th apostolic journey of the Successor of Peter, Pope Francis, to Malta. A short trip, the time of a weekend, but full of appointments, meetings, moments of great meaning and value; as well as clear words on many issues: hospitality, evangelization, care for one's roots, and all that is happening in these days in the world.
Malta - April 2022 - From April 2 to 3, Pope Francis made his 36th Apostolic Journey abroad, visiting the archipelago of Malta. Pope Francis is the third Pontiff, after St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, to travel to this island, which represents the heart of the Mediterranean. They were two intense days for the Holy Father who, during these two days, touched on numerous themes: prayer, the joy of the Gospel, welcoming and protecting the human dignity of migrants. Also during this trip, the Pope's thoughts went to the war in Ukraine, to the "humanitarian tragedy" of a "martyred" country, inviting everyone to never tire of praying and helping those who suffer because of this war.
(Foto: © Servizio Fotografico Vatican Media)
On April 2 and 3, Pope Francis will be in Malta for his 36th Apostolic Journey. On this occasion, the Holy See Press Office has published statistics on the Maltese Catholic Church.
(ANS - Turin) - Fr Daniel Antúnez, SDB, President of Missioni Don Bosco, returned to Italy a few days ago from a trip that brought him to meet with Salesians from Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine - in Lviv - and is handling the reception of a group of 39 refugees in Valdocco. "We want to be militants for peace," he says in response to those who generate war and violence. Fr Antúnez adds: "If the Pope will be in the condition to go in person, I and many others are ready to accompany him."
(ANS - Rome) - As is well known, Pope Francis, in communion with all the bishops of the world and their presbyters, will make the consecration and entrustment of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary next March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, papal almoner, will perform it in Fatima as the Pope's envoy.
Vatican City, Vatican - March 2022 - On Ash Wednesday, March 2, Pope Francis urged people to dedicate themselves to prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine. The Holy Father's start of Lent once again crossed paths with the Salesian University Institute Venice (IUSVE): with a click on the tablet of the Cube Radio delegation, Pope Francis officially kicked off the digital Way of the Cross, which juxtaposes a passage from the encyclical "Fratelli Tutti" (Brothers All) at each station. In this year's Way of the Cross, conceived by Marica Padoan, in each station, a young person is represented next to the suffering Christ, a way to recall the participation of the world of youth in this liturgical path, as well as an element linked to the earth and one linked to heaven, a sign of the Eucharistic Sacrifice that "unites heaven and earth." Clicking on each station will make available: the icon of the station, the text of the Gospel taken from the liturgical booklet of the Way of the Cross presided over by Pope Francis in 2021, and a phrase taken from the encyclical letter "Fratelli Tutti".
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.”