Žepče, Bosnia and Herzegovina, April 2022 - The Salesian Province "St. John Bosco" of Croatia (CRO) celebrated its 18th Provincial Chapter from April 18 to 21, 2022, under the title "The Grace of Unity: Mystics, Prophets and Servants". This Chapter was defined as "historic" because it was held for the first time outside of Croatia, that is, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the Salesians of CRO have only one presence, in Žepče. The Chapter was attended by 26 capitulars from all the presences in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, plus two external guests. The capitulars worked in small groups discussing how they could improve the Salesian life of the province, to reach a greater fidelity to the Salesian charism, trying to see how the advice of the Rector Major indicated in his letter after the extraordinary visitation of 2019 was fulfilled. In this sense, they sought to see how to invest in the quality of the province, in charismatic renewal, in reflection and practices on Salesian pastoral work, and in improving the economic situation of all the works.
Zagreb, Croatia - 1970 - This old picture, dating back to April 15, 1970, depicts a group of Salesians in front of the church of Mary Help of Christians in Zagreb. Two years later than this snapshot, the Croatian Salesian Province "St John Bosco" was officially established, and on January 24, on the occasion of the Feast Day of St. Francis de Sales, it celebrated the 50th anniversary of its foundation.
Zagreb, Croatia - January 2022 - On the occasion of the feast of St Francis de Sales, the Salesian Province of Croatia (CRO) opened the jubilee year which brings together three anniversaries: the 400th anniversary of the death of St Francis de Sales, the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the Salesians in Zagreb, and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Croatian Salesian Province "St John Bosco". Fr Tihomir Šutalo, CRO Provincial, addressing the Salesians, said: "The celebration of the Jubilee year asks us to open ourselves to the solicitations of the Spirit of God, to know how to discern what God asks of us, and, like the brothers who have preceded us, to respond to the challenges of the times in which we live. The Jubilee Year is a good opportunity for each of us to experience once again the love of God that has guided the Congregation and the Province throughout history. This Jubilee Year may help us to remember all the graces that God granted in the past to St. John Bosco, and through him to our Province, but also to apply active force, here and now.”
Zagreb, Croatia - September 2021 - On Saturday 11 September, eight Salesian novices made their first profession in the “Holy Mother of Freedom” church in Zagreb. The Eucharist was presided over by Fr Tihomir Šutalo, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Croatia (CRO).
Zagreb, Croatia - June 2021 - On June 26 in the “Holy Mother of Freedom” church, the Auxiliary Bishop of Zagreb, Msgr. Ivan Šaško, ordained Salesians Tomislav Lukač and Marijan Zovak as priests. Fr Tihomir Šutalo, Superior of the Salesian Province of Croatia (CRO), numerous Salesians and young people were present at the ordination. The novices of the Salesian novitiate of Genzano di Roma, with their Master Fr Antonio Sanna and his vicar Fr Juan José Castro González, also participated in the event, as Marijan Zovak spent the year of his diaconate as formator in the novitiate of Genzano.
(ANS - Zagreb) - From the evening of the feast day of Mary Help of Christians, Monday 24 May, until Friday 28 May, Fr Ivo Coelho, General Councilor for Formation, and his collaborator Fr Silvio Roggia, are in Zagreb to visit the Salesian presence in Croatia, to meet and exchange views with the local Salesians.
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.”