Turin, Italy - May 2021 - Yesterday, May 23, 2021, the celebrations for the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians began in the Basilica of the same name in Turin. In compliance with the current anti-Covid regulations, Msgr. Cesare Nosiglia, archbishop of Turin, presided over the evening mass at 18:30. Later, at 8.30 pm, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, presided over the recitation of the Rosary from the courtyard of Valdocco and subsequently offered the Salesian "good night". For the second consecutive year, the celebrations for Mary Help of Christians are marked by the pandemic and also this year we remember the words that Don Bosco addressed to his boys when cholera struck Turin in 1854: “You must remain calm, if you do what I tell you, you will be free from danger.” Let us continue to pray so that the Help of Christians continues to accompany and protect us.
Today the invitation is made to everyone: Come! Get to know Valdocco. Browse around. Experience this place. Be still and listen to what the “walls are saying” because “at Valdocco, everything speaks”... What has taken place in transforming this space is much more than the mere remodeling of walls and rooms. A dream has come to life.
On May 21, 1868, the first bells of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin were blessed.
The largest has a weight of 870 kilograms, the second 750 and the smallest 250.
(ANS – Turin) – Although General Chapter 28 concluded more than one month ago, at the moment 46 “survivors” (provincials and delegates) of GC28 are still living, working, praying and witnessing to their Salesian vocation at Valdocco. Most of them are GC28 delegates from South Asia - India, some from Latin America of from Eastern Europe, including also one PGS delegate and 3 Salesians from East Timor. Here Fr Robinson Parappilly, PGS Province Delegate to GC28, shares his experience.
(ANS - Turin) - "We are in Valdocco, we are from Valdocco": not only a statement, but also greetings for the Salesians arriving in Turin - Valdocco to participate in General Chapter 28. These are the words expressed by Fr Stefano Vanoli , Chapter Regulator, in what can be called the pre-chapter "Good Night" on the evening of Saturday, 15 February.
(ANS - Turin) - The offer of the "This is my home" program of the Salesians of Turin doubles: the inauguration of the new temporary residential shelter for young adults and of the new Caritas premises took place last Saturday, 1st February, at the Salesian oratory "San Paolo".
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.”