(ANS – Kigali) – At the end of the General Visit to the Africa-Madagascar Region, a regional meeting of Delegates and representatives of the Salesian Family was held in Kigali, Rwanda. The Regional Councillor, Fr Alphonse Owoudou, spoke today about this meeting and the state of the Salesian Family in the Region.
Africa-Madagascar – December 2023 – The fourth quarterly meeting of the Provincial Delegates for Missionary Animation (DIAM) of the Africa-Madagascar Region was held on 5 December. Fr Privat Fouda, Regional Delegate responsible for Missionary Animation, welcomed all the participants and thanked them for their work. Fr Eric Mairura, from the Missions Sector at Salesian Headquarters, then presented a brief description of missionary animation and the role of the DIAM, focusing on the missionary spirit. He also encouraged everyone to work together for the mission. There was the sharing of missionary activities by some Provinces. Marco Fulgaro, also from the Missions Sector, provided some information on Salesian Mission Day: 150 years of the Salesian missions. He also spoke about working with refugees and Muslims. The programme for the year 2023 was evaluated and Delegates were asked to submit their proposal to the group's platform. The meeting ended with a prayer by Fr Václav Klement, Superior of the AFM Vice-Province, CIVAM's reference person for Missionary Animation.
(ANS) – Young people in Africa face employment challenges, yet they are in a crucial transition stage from dependence to self-reliance. They constitute the continent's majority and are expected to drive social, economic, and political developments. It is, therefore, crucial to address the challenges the youth face in transitioning from school to work. Demographic pressure, low skill sets, social disintegration, lack of knowledge of the transition process, poor governance and economic stagnation are some factors impeding youth transition to work.
(ANS) – The first regional meeting for Africa of the Young Past Pupils (GEX) of the World Confederation of Past Pupils took place online on Saturday 23 September, involving GEX representatives from eleven countries: Uganda, Burundi, Madagascar, South Africa, eSwatini, Lesotho, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
(ANS - Maputo) – Africa - a continent full of diversity, challenges and potential. It was there that the Salesian media delegates met to discuss a common strategy for the future that will support education and evangelisation through mediaon the continent. This remarkable meeting took place from 16-20 September 2023 in Maputo in Mozambique and brought a lot of inspiration and ideas for action.
(ANS – Nairobi) – The Third Congress of the Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) from Africa and Madagascar took place in Nairobi, the capital of the Republic of Kenya, from 1 to 6 August 2023. The event served to develop the theme of the congress – "Being prophecy in Africa" – and was chaired by the President General of the VDB, accompanied by the other Volunteers belonging to the Central Council.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Democratic Republic of Congo – Fr Owoudou on the situation in the eastern parts of the country: “No matter how dark the night may seem, dawn will inevitably come”
(ANS - Goma) - During his latest phase of the Extraordinary Visit to the "Mary Most Holy Assumption" Province of Central Africa (AFC), Fr. Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa Madagascar Region, conducted an interview with the magazine "JAMBO VIJANA," representing the youth engaged in the Salesian works of the Province's Eastern Delegation. Addressing the ongoing violence and conflicts in the region, Fr. Owoudou expressed hope, saying: "No matter the length of the night, dawn will inevitably come."
EDITORIAL
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“Speaking with the Heart”: A great Antidote for the Ills of today’s world
‘Revolutionize the world with your kindness, by speaking with your heart’, is the dream that Pope Francis envisions for humanity through his 57th World Communication Day message, that falls on this Ascension Sunday, 21st May 2023. ‘Speak with your heart in truth and charity’, and this is the best antidote that can cure the ills of today’s society.
EVENTS
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Italy – "Labs To Future": the final event of the "Labs To Learn" project in Valdocco
(ANS – Turin) – The final event of the "Labs to Learn" project was held on Tuesday, 5 March 2024, entitled "Labs To Future: The path – The results – The challenges" . The project was selected by the "Con i Bambini" social enterprise within the framework of the Foundation for the Fight against Child Educational Poverty and came into being with the intention of combating early school leaving and preventing educational poverty, increasing the number of young people with difficulties who fulfil their school obligation, access higher education and/or job placement, and opening the way for personal growth according to their inclinations and aspirations.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Peru – Centenary of the High Altar of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima
(ANS – Lima) – The centenary of the consecration of the high altar in the Crypt of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima was celebrated on 19 March, on the feast of St Joseph and in homage to Fr José Calasanz Marqués, then Provincial of the Salesians in Peru and Bolivia – now recognised as Blessed by the Church – on account of his name.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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DREAMS THAT KEEP COMING TRUE!
THE MESSAGE OF THE RECTOR MAJOR, Card. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB
When reflecting on all this, I feel I have a little authority to say: “Dear Don Bosco, your Dream is still VERY ALIVE.”