(ANS - Palabek) - "In 2015, Pope Francis invited Congregations not only to work in refugee camps, but also to live there. So we Salesians accepted the challenge to be inside Palabek. Other organizations work there, but they don't live there. They leave every day, but we Salesians are the only ones authorized to live in places like Palabek or Kakuma, Kenya." These are the words of Br. Máximo Herrera, a Salesian coadjutor from Argentina, who is a missionary in Africa.
(ANS – Bombo) - Poor youth gaining their education through Don Bosco Bombo schools, located in Bombo, Uganda, had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Rise Against Hunger, an international relief organization that provides food and life-changing aid to the world’s most vulnerable. The rice-meal shipment was distributed in the second quarter of 2022.
(ANS – New Rochelle) – Nearly 15,000 Salesian priests, brothers, and novices are working in more than 130 countries around the globe bringing education, workforce development, and social programs to poor youth and their families. They work in some of the most challenging circumstances and are among the first to respond during humanitarian crises or natural disasters. On the occasion of World Day of the Poor, celebrated yesterday, Nov. 13, 2022, for the sixth time since it was established by Pope Francis, “Salesian Missions”, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, highlights unique educational and social programs that are helping poor and at-risk youth meet their basic needs, receive an education, and find a path out of poverty, bringing them hope for the future.
Kampala, Uganda - August 2022 - Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere, archbishop of Kampala, presided over the priestly ordination of three young Salesians at the beginning of August. Also present at the celebration was Fr. Pierre-Célestin Ngoboka, Superior of the Africa Great Lakes Vice Province (AGL), who announced what will be the apostolic fields of the three new priests. Fr John Paul Kato was sent to the community of Buterere, Burundi; Fr Jonathan Ayaku to Namuguongo (Kampala, Uganda); and Fr Joseph Musagala to Kamuli (Uganda).
Palabek, Uganda - April 2022 - On April 22 Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Councilor for the Africa-Madagascar Region, made a brief visit to the Salesian work in Palabek, in northern Uganda, in the Africa Great Lakes Vice-Province (AGL). During the visit, Fr Owoudou was able to get to know the presence and mission that the Salesians have been carrying out in favor of thousands of displaced persons and refugees. Among the many pastoral sectors animated by the Salesians, the Regional Councilor was especially interested in a large agricultural project. Fr Owoudou suspended his Extraordinary Visit to the Africa Congo Vice-Province (ACC) until the end of April, to join the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, who is visiting the ZMB VP.
(ANS – New Rochelle) – In the Declaration of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sport’s role in social progress is acknowledged: “Sport is also an important enabler of sustainable development. We recognize the growing contribution of sport to the realization of development and peace in its promotion of tolerance and respect and the contributions it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people, individuals and communities as well as to health, education and social inclusion objectives.” So, for the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which is celebrated each year on April 6, “Salesian Missions”, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, highlights sports programs in countries around the globe.
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.”