(ANS – Miejsce Piastowe) – On Monday 27 November, Fr Joan Lluís Playà, the Rector Major’s Delegate for the Salesian Family Secretariat, visited the Mother House of the Michaelite Family in Miejsce Piastowe, Poland. He was welcomed by the Superior General of the Congregation of St Michael the Archangel (Michaelites), Fr Dariusz Wilk, by the Mother Vicar of the Congregation of the Sisters of St Michael the Archangel (also Michaelites), Sister Zacharia Depta, and by the members of both communities. Accompanying him were Bro. Dominic Nguyen, World Delegate of the Salesian Cooperators and Past Pupils, Fr Zygmunt Kostka, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Poland-Cracovia, and Fr Janusz Zapala, Secretary of the Councillor for the Central and North Europe Region.
(ANS – Rome) – There is nothing better than a visible, concrete and convincing testimony to be able to convey your enthusiasm and energy to others. That is why the coordination team of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days (SFSD) 2024, in the process of preparing for the event, has created a new animation video and encouragement to participate.
(ANS – Krakow) – A Meeting of the Provincial Delegates of the Salesians (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) with the Representatives of the other Groups of the Salesian Family in the Central and Northern Europe Region took place in Krakow from 22 to 25 November 2023, , following the program of meetings with the different regions of the Salesian world held in October and November.
(ANS – Palermo) – "The fragrance of Don Bosco must continue in Sicily, with new methods and approaches to guarantee the education of the young, especially the most needy, with a view to giving more to those who have had less, with the best human resources that the Salesian Family can offer." This was the exhortation and challenge launched by Valerio Martorana, member of the World Presidency of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, at the opening of the regional conference of the Salesian Family in Sicily on "Common dreams and strategies to face the new challenges in Sicily", which was held on Saturday 25 November at the Salesian Jesus the Adolescent Institute in Palermo.
(ANS - Rome) - With just over 50 days to go until the start of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days (GSFS) 2024 - scheduled to take place in Turin-Valdocco from 18 to 21 January 2024 - the Secretariat for the Salesian Family has released a short video in five languages inviting members of all groups to this great event of spirituality, communion and sharing.
(ANS – Marseilles) – Marseilles is undoubtedly a Salesian city where Don Bosco's presence is strong. For three years now, there has been a group called the Steering Committee which brings together the Directors of Social Action Centres (members of the Don Bosco Action Sociale - DBAS network) and those from the schools, under Salesian supervision. It is a solid network that can strengthen and develop teamwork at several levels and that has decided to produce a brochure to present the richness of the Salesian presence in Marseilles. This effort is being carried out by the Don Bosco High School in Marseilles.
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.”