(ANS – Rome) – After weeks of anticipation throughout the Salesian Family, next Saturday, 30 September 2023, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, will be solemnly created a cardinal by the Holy Father Pope Francis, as part of an Ordinary Public Consistory that will see the creation of 20 other cardinals including archbishops, bishops, patriarchs and priests.
(ANS – Vatican City) – The Positio super Vita, Virtutibus et Fama Sanctitatis of the Servant of God Constantine Vendrame, Professed Priest of the Society of St Francis de Sales, was delivered to the Congregation of the Causes of Saints in the Vatican on 19 September 2023.
(ANS – Rome) – In the consistory of May 25, 1985 – for the only time in history – three Sons of Don Bosco were simultaneously created cardinals by Pope John Paul II: Curial Bishops Alfons Maria Stickler and Rosalio José Castillo Lara and the then Archbishop of Managua and Primate of Nicaragua, Archbishop Miguel Obando Bravo. Today our attention is focused on the second of this list, the Venezuelan Castillo Lara.
(ANS – Rome) – From the heart of Europe to the centre of the Church: this was the path taken by Alfons Maria Stickler, the fifth Salesian of Don Bosco, in chronological order, to be appointed and created cardinal. Unlike the other profiles examined previously, he expressed his episcopal and cardinal service not so much in pastoral activity, but in discreet but very effective work within the Roman Curia and academic circles – always manifesting the simplicity and humility so dear to Don Bosco.
Vatican City, Vatican - September 2023 - The new catechetical year is about to begin in parishes throughout Italy and after the Angelus prayer on 10 September, Pope Francis blessed the Elledici initiative, the Salesian publishing company which "today is giving people in St Peter's Square a booklet for catechesis entitled 'Step by Step': it is a beautiful gift!" The Pope took the opportunity "to thank the catechists for their valuable work and to wish the boys and girls attending catechism the joy of meeting Jesus." "Step by Step" is an original catechetical project that accompanies families in the Christian education of their children aged 7-12. It is designed for today's children, young people and families, tested extensively by catechists and parish priests, and put together with an innovative and engaging methodology. It is based on workshops and activities for children and young people, parents and catechists, structured in 6 interactive aids and 6 guides for the catechist.
Alessandro Di Bussolo
Vatican News
(ANS – Vatican City) – The director of the Vatican Press Office, Matteo Bruni, presented the 43rd apostolic trip of Pope Francis, which will be held in Mongolia from 31 August to 4 September. The first Pope in this country sandwiched between Russia and China, he will meet the representatives of the institutions and of the Church that today experiences its origins after being "reborn" in 1992. Central will be the Mass in the Steppe Arena, which will be attended by 1,500 local faithful plus a thousand from neighbouring countries, as well being an interreligious event
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.”