NEWS PHOTOS
On 11 October 2022, the Salesian Society of Thailand organized the feast of the canonization of St. Bro. Artemide Zatti together with 350 members of the Salesian Family at the Chapel of St. John Bosco, Bangkok. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist was presided by Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, SDB. At the end of the Holy Mass, Fr. Dheparat Pitisant, the Provincial, having participated in the canonization of the new saint together with 5 representatives of the salesian brothers [THA], shared about his experiences at the canonization ceremony at the Basilica of St. Peter on the 8-9 October 2022. The provincial expressed his gratitude to the Bishop and the members of the salesian family who attended the celebration on this day. A buffet lunch was served for all the attendants in a family atmosphere. On this occasion, the sector of the Social Communications of Thailand arranged an exhibition on the history of the saint as well as compiled and published a short biography of St. Brother Zatti in Thai. A video clip of the interview of some salesian brothers was also presented. They shared their thoughts and joy on this canonization which encouraged the general public to know this new saint and to invite more vocations to salesian brotherhood.
Sangradouro, Brazil - October 2022 - About one hundred Xavante youth and adults received the sacrament of Baptism and First Communion on October 9 at the "São José" parish in Sangradouro, municipality of General Carneiro, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. With bodies painted for the celebration, indigenous people with their families gathered in the center of the village for the celebration. The sacraments were imparted by the pastor, Fr. Juan Carlos Uscola, SDB, and his vicar, Fr. Joseph Tran Van Lich, SDB. According to the parish priest, catechetical courses will now continue so that the Xavante will be prepared to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, which will be administered by the bishop of the diocese.
France - October 2022 - The year of the fourth centenary of the death of St. Francis de Sales has left a vivid imprint in the hearts of many members of the Salesian Family. The pilgrimage to the homeland of the Salesian spirit, held last October 2-4, involved more than a hundred Salesian Cooperators from Slovakia. The visit to the places, accompanied by a deepening of the importance and relevance of St. Francis de Sales, touched the hearts of the pilgrims. Three intense days found their content in the profound choices of the holy Bishop of Geneva. Inspired by him, the Salesian Cooperators reflected on three important decisions: the choice of goodness and gentleness in everything and in spite of everything; the choice of simplicity and poverty oriented for the service of souls; and the choice of abandonment to God's will with full trust in His love. "Accompanied by sunny weather, we experienced these days as if they were a caress from God," commented one of the participants. After two years, marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, this pilgrimage was a true revival of life in communion.
Fr. Pavol Grach
Salesian Family Delegate
La Paz, Bolivia - October 2022 - With much joy and cheer, the Salesian work "Don Bosco El Prado" organized a large procession through the streets of downtown La Paz to celebrate the canonization of St. Artemide Zatti. The route included departure from Camacho Square to the "Coliseo Don Bosco." Many Salesian works participated in the event, as well as all the various sectors of the "Don Bosco El Prado." The Eucharistic celebration took place in the "Coliseo Don Bosco" and was presided over by the Rector of the work Fr. Edwin Céspedes Bernal, SDB, and concelebrated by Fr. Alvaro Condori, SDB. "Today we are celebrating the canonization of the first non-martyr Salesian saint," said Fr. Edwin Céspedes Bernal, "so it is very important to know that we are all called to be saints and to live a life in fullness that is not only worldly, but that can serve as an example to other generations after our death."