(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honouring International Day of People with Disabilities. Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has outlined and reiterated its commitment to calling for the creation of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable societies and communities. In 1981, the U.N. proclaimed Dec. 3 as a recognized day for the celebration of the achievements of people living with disabilities across the world.

(ANS – Rome) – Currently, around 33% of the population across the Americas live on less than 2 dollars a day and unemployment has increased to 10.7% of the economically active population, decreasing the labour participation mainly of women, informal workers, young people and migrants. Furthermore, poverty gaps persist in rural areas, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants and children. This social inequality drastically affects access to opportunities and the exercise of the rights of girls, boys, adolescents and young people.

(ANS - Rome) - The third of the ten monthly articles presented by the General Councillor for Social Communication, Fr Gildasio Mendes, on the theme "Don Bosco and the Digital and Virtual Reality", deals with yet another peculiar aspect of the communication of the Saint of Youth, namely, on how he was able to inspire so many people thanks to the development of meaningful personal relationships. Here is Fr Mendes' reflection: