NEWS
(ANS - Caracas) - In recent years, Venezuela has been experiencing truly sad conditions. Who would have imagined hearing sad and dramatic stories of hungry or sick people dying from lack of medicine? A few years ago it was said of Venezuela: "the millionaire nation of America", or "Saudi Venezuela." Today, the images tell us of a country in a deep crisis, shaken by poverty and hyperinflation. In the midst of this chaos, men emerge who do not speak much, but do a lot for the poor, children and young people. This is the case of Fr Rino Bergamin, founder of the "Don Bosco House" in Sarría, in Caracas.
(ANS - Turin) - To bring the contents and spirit of the 28th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation to all the Salesian houses across the globe, there is nothing better than making it possible for everyone to access Valdocco, at least online. For this reason, also considering the popular results obtained, the live broadcasts on ANS Facebook page have multiplied: already tonight, 20 February, at 7 PM (UTC+1) it will be possible to listen to the Salesian "Good Night" of the Postulator General of the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, Fr Pierluigi Cameroni; while on Saturday 22, the Mass and the official opening session of the GC28 will be broadcast.
(ANS - Turin) - In the beginning homily, with the words of the 20th General Chapter, the Rector Major recalled that “True fidelity to Don Bosco consists not in copying him externally, but imitating Don Bosco in his fidelity to the motions of the Holy Spirit." And this is why February 19-20-21 are dedicated to reflection, study, prayer, personal talks: three days of spirituality and study to enter increasingly more into the General Chapter's atmosphere and contents.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Italy – GC28 - Fr Pascual Chávez: "There will be no other way to change society except through education"(ANS - Turin) - The representatives of the Salesians from all over the world have gathered in Valdocco, there to experience General Chapter 28. They speak one single language and walk with one feeling: the young. The Salesian charism, the option for young people, the gift of a great Father, Don Bosco, throbs in their hearts. In an interview conducted by Fr Daniel García, SDB, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, Rector Major emeritus, answers questions beginning from his experience of 12 years of service at the helm of the Congregation and of the last 6 years around the world, on issues touching the lives of the Salesians. His answers invite the Salesians to look to the Congregation from a current perspective "to continue to have efficacy and validity as Salesians of Don Bosco", and to collaborate to "give answers to a changing society and to a world and to a Church that expect, from us, an answer in favor of young people."
EDITORIAL
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2020: "Young people on the front line"Which young people should be the protagonists of history?
Young agnostics? Yes.
Young people who have a lukewarm faith? Yes.
Young people who have estranged themselves from the Church? Yes.
Every young person has something to say to others, to adults, to priests, to nuns, to bishops and to the Pope.
EVENTS
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Italy – Card. Cristóbal López Romero, SDB, takes cardinal's possession of Title of San Leone I(ANS - Rome) - On Sunday 16 February, during the celebration of the Eucharist, the Salesian Cristóbal López Romero, archbishop of Rabat (Morocco), took cardinal's possession of the title of San Leone I, which was granted to him by Pope Francis when he appointed him cardinal on 5 October 2019.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Italy – "In Valdocco everything speaks to us to continue to be apostles dedicated to the service of young people." Rector Major's homily for GC28's opening Mass(ANS - Turin) - Docility, fidelity and hope: these are the three attitudes proposed to the Chapter members during the opening Mass of the 28th General Chapter, presided by the Rector Major, and which involved his Vicar, Fr Francesco Cereda, and Fr Enrico Stasi, Provincial of the Circumscription based in Turin, as first concelebrants. A Basilica crowded with many faithful participated in the solemn celebration.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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THE POWER OF LOVEWe are approaching the time of Lent which will prepare us for the Passover of the Lord. At this Season, the Church proposes to us prayer, fasting, and charity help us along our path to Easter. With this my greeting I am proposing to you a reflection that has a great deal to do with an excellent way to prepare for Easter: The way to live more and better at all times by LOVING – but truly loving, as they say colloquially, “until it hurts.”