(ANS - Czerwińsk) – The flow of refugees who daily cross the border between Ukraine and Poland has slowed down in recent days: those who were able to escape from the most exposed areas have mostly already done so, while those who remained did so by choice or for lack of alternatives. However, following the foreseeable scenarios of war, the team coordinating Salesian activities in all the territories involved is preparing for a possible second wave, which seems more likely every moment.
(ANS - Bacău) - A new bud is about to blossom along the flourishing Salesian branch of Bacău: the Salesian Primary School "Don Bosco" shall open its doors to the first 22 young students of the preparatory class starting in September. The new school, on whose preparation the Salesians have been working for some time, will open a new field of service on the part of the Sons of Don Bosco, and it is hoped that it shall give way to a wider range of formation in the field of formal education: the dream of the Salesians, in fact, is to be able to give birth, in the near future, to the successive school levels.
(ANS - Lviv) - A few days into the second month of an absurd war, the emergency is gradually becoming a daily occurrence for the many Salesians and many more displaced Ukrainians welcomed in Salesian works in Ukraine and neighboring countries. For some time now, their bewilderment has given way to other feelings: resignation, anger, frustration... and for many the time has now come to make room for a positive attitude, commitment and collaboration. It happens especially to the youngest.
(ANS - Lviv) - The invasion of Ukraine and bombing have now lasted for 57 days and the conflict has already caused more than 11.3 million refugees, of which more than 4.3 million are refugees in neighboring countries. The priority for the Salesians continues to be the care of minors, some of whom are orphans, and of the many women and elderly people fleeing the war. To all of them, the Sons of Don Bosco continue to offer emergency aid, psychological, moral, and spiritual attention, and education.
(ANS - Rome) - Young people, as we know, are the first concern for Salesians: at all times, in all places, in all circumstances. All the more so when they are in danger, like during a war. That's why girls like Nastia or Dasha are welcome and housed today in Salesian centers in Poland and Spain after fleeing Ukraine.
(ANS - Warsaw) - According to the most up-to-date data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 4.6 million people have fled from Ukraine to neighboring countries since February 24, the date the war began. Another 6.5 million people are internally displaced within Ukraine, and an estimated 13 million people are stranded in conflict-affected areas or unable to move.
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.”