NEWS PHOTOS
Delhi, India – December 2022 – The 12th International Human Rights Award was conferred to Salesian Priest Father C. M. Paul for his contribution to peace with media reforms by All India Council of Human Rights, Delhi, at the Lodhi Road Islamic Centre Auditorium on International Human Rights Day, December 10, 2022. Accepting the award for his contribution to peace with the media ministry, Fr. Paul said, “This award is for all those who suffer injustice and human rights violation silently." Speaking at the panel discussion before the award function, he said, "If you have been a victim of human rights violation and injustice, only then can you be a voice for the voiceless. Let us pledge to protect human rights in our neighborhood, society, and country." Fr. Paul, from Calcutta Province, currently works as Vice Principal at Salesian College, Siliguri.
Slavina, Slovenia - December 2022 - Since last spring, due to the war, 20 children from the orphanage in Severodonetsk, Ukraine, together with the staff of the same institution, have found shelter in Slavina, a village near the town of Postojna, Slovenia, where they have been warmly welcomed by the locals. In November, the "Fundacija Don Bosko," of the Salesian Province of Slovenia (SLO), organized a campaign to help the little orphans called "Let's Give Joy to the Children"; and on December 6 in the orphanage in Slavina the feast of St. Nicholas was organized, St. Nicholas being in Slovenia and other Central European nations the patron saint of goodness, the bishop who, accompanied by angels, distributes gifts to the children. The feast was also attended by some young people from the Salesian school in Želimlje, whose animation made the children even happier. Their smiles, faces surprised by the gifts, and enthusiasm for the music and other events were the best rewards for all those who joined the campaign.
Cebu, Philippines – December 2022 - Different Salesian Family groups gathered in a day of reflection and fellowship on December 8, 2022 at Don Bosco Technical College-Cebu for the Salesian Family Advent Recollection and Christmas Party in this time of the celebration of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The entire gathering was spearheaded by Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB, FIS Salesian Family Secretariat, together with the Salesian Family Consulta composed of the different representatives of the Salesian Family Groups. The day started with the advent recollection by Fr. Rooney John Undar, SDB. In his talk, Fr. Undar highlighted that joy is a trademark of a disciple of Don Bosco and members of the Salesian Family. It was then followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB. The participants enjoyed the afternoon program hosted by Fr. Adriano Satura, SDB. Applause and laughter filled the gymnasium as the different groups rendered their Christmas presentations, followed by the exchanging of gifts. With this gathering, the Salesian Family looks forward to building camaraderie and fellowship among the various groups of the Salesian Family in the Province.
Gambella, Ethiopia - December 2022 - As Ethiopia celebrates the 17th Nations, Nationalities, and People's Day in Sidama Region, Hawassa, a similar celebration was held also in Don Bosco Catholic School in the Gambella region. The day was celebrated across the nation under the theme “National Unity for Sustainable Peace”. This celebration comes as a boost for National unity at a time when the peace and harmony of the country are being threatened by several internal and external factors. The celebration saw the wide participation of all the staff and students of Don Bosco School Gambella. Hundreds of students dressed up in the diverse cultural costumes of the country were indeed a welcome sight for all the spectators. "The day's celebration is important to create a common understanding among nations and nationalities as well as promote and appreciate their cultures, traditions, and values," said Fr. Lijo Vadakkan SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Gambella, in his opening speech. Several competitions were held between the students like the Quiz program, fashion show, poem and speech competition, etc. Prizes were distributed to the winners by Mons. Roberto Bergamaschi SDB, the Apostolic Vicar of Gambella Vicariate.