(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating Global Day of Parents, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The day, celebrated each year on June 1, honours parents throughout the world and provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their commitment to children.

(ANS – Rome) – “We believe that it is the Holy Spirit who formed within Don Bosco the heart of a father and teacher, capable of total self-giving to poor young people, and that Mary is our Mother and Intercessor. Like Don Bosco, we believe that Mary has guided and protected this Family for its growth in all continents. She inspires us to care for the well-being of the young generation so that they can have a better future”. Thus begins the Councilor for the East Asia - Oceania Region, Fr Joseph Thinh Phouc, in the letter he sent to the Salesians and the Salesian Family of his Region on the occasion of the Solemnity of Pentecost and the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, celebrated this year one after the other, on 23 and 24 May. Below is the text of his letter, in which he glances at the current state of the Region.

(ANS – Gracias) – The feet of Mary Help of Christians are the feet of a missionary evangeliser. The Scripture says: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the Good News” (Rm 10,15). Mary is the woman of the Good News; she is the one who gave her life for the Gospel. She is the one who has given life to the one who gives life and will say one day: ‘I am the life’. She is the one who taught how to walk the path of ordinary daily life, the one who will one day say: ‘I am the way’.