(ANS – Goma) – As part of his Extraordinary Visitation to the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC), Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Regional Councillor for Africa-Madagascar, is currently travelling among Salesian works in the east of the country, in the area of Goma which has been the scene of armed clashes between the army and some rebel formations for several months now. In this context of great suffering for the local population, Fr Owoudou has once again renewed the Salesian commitment to accompany, give hope and spiritual and human support to all those in need, and has received intense testimonies of how all the work done by the Salesians in this land really does make the difference between life and death for many people.
(ANS – Kadambur) – A novel and path-breaking joint venture has just been completed by Niraivagam with a colourful and meaningful valedictory ceremony on 17th March 2024 at Don Bosco Centre in Kadambur. The novelty is that while the financial funding was provided by a group of families of a Salesian priest, the year-long transformative training programme, “Life Skills for Empowered Living” (LSEL) was conducted by Niraivagam – Don Bosco Institute of Psychological Services of the Salesian Province of Chennai. This Empowerment Project was launched by Dr. Fr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB, a Development Psychologist and Psychotherapist, the Founder and Director of Niraivagam and a Professor at Salesian Pontifical University, Rome.
(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.
(ANS – Lusaka) – For many years, the Salesian Community has been carrying out their mission in the Makululu area of Kabwe city, Zambia, in very difficult circumstances. Makululu is a particularly deprived and disadvantaged area, characterised by lack of employment, high mortality because of HIV/AIDS infections, a high percentage of broken and separated families, heavy alcohol abuse, and extreme poverty. It is home to many children and young people who have been neglected and left to live in the streets. The main reason that they find themselves in this situation is because of family breakdown, as the father or mother may leave for work or take on new partners. The children are then left to fend for themselves. Other factors which drive children onto the streets are parental alcoholism, violence, poverty, and child abuse.
(ANS – Bari) – "The two youth emergencies are education and work": this was stated in an interview on the sidelines of the "Past, present and future of the Libertà district" event – one of the difficult districts in the Apulian capital – Fr Francesco Preite, National President of Salesians for Social APS, who for many years was the Director of the Salesian Redentore oratory in Bari. The Bari event was part of the Community Hub municipal initiative in support of some problematic districts such as Libertà and Enziteto.
(ANS – New Rochelle) -Top of Form Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring World Day of the Poor. The day, celebrated on Nov. 19, will be the 7th celebration of the day. This day was established by Pope Francis in 2016 at the end of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in honor of the poor.
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.”