(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.
(ANS – Quito) – As part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the Salesian presence in Macas and for the 30th anniversary of the foundation of the Salesian Polytechnic University (UPS) in Ecuador, the late Salesian Fr Siro Maria Pellizzaro (1933-2019) was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to the development of Macas and the country, as posthumous recognition of his missionary and scientific-cultural work.
(ANS – Legnano) – Following the decree of Venerability of the Servant of God Fr Carlo Crespi, SDB, issued on 23 March, 2023, the"Associazione Padre Carlo Crespi" has created, through the work of the cartoonist Mario Lisi, a "Comic Book" Biography of the Salesian missionary entitled: "From Legnano to Ecuador. Father Carlo Crespi the ‘all round’ Missionary". The story is aimed at everyone, but in particular at young people who will certainly be fascinated by the adventurous life of the character who loved God, his neighbour and creation with all his heart, so that they too will be encouraged to dream and fulfil their dreams.
(ANS – Pordenone) – It is a story of 70 years of service to young people among young people and a passion for holy pictures. This is the story of Silvano Gianduzzo, 90 years old on 19 January. He was born in the train station on the Venice-Bologna line in Stanghella (Padua) and has been a Salesian Brother for more than 71 years. The most fascinating result of this wonderful little "hobby" of this Son of Don Bosco, who arrived at the Don Bosco College in Pordenone in 1973, is a rich collection which tells the thousand faces of the faith including through mobile exhibitions.
(ANS – Rome) – For the Christmas greetings 2023 and New Year 2024 by Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, a large detail of a painting by the painter Giuseppe Rollini (1842-1909) depicting the Archangel Gabriel was chosen.
(ANS) – Twenty-five Salesian musicians engaged in different countries of Latin America met in an online meeting under the direction of Fr Gildasio Mendes, General Councillor for Social Communication, on Friday, 24 November 2023, to coordinate actions and initiatives capable of promoting evangelisation through this form of art.
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.”