(ANS – Madrid) – In many countries, the Christmas we are about to celebrate will be very different from last year. Wars and natural disasters have increased poverty and the needs of much of the world's population. In fact, if this year the Child Jesus were to be born in Bethlehem, he would be born in the rubble, due to the conflict that began two and a half months ago in the Gaza Strip. Children who cannot enjoy their childhood due to violence, insecurity and lack of educational opportunities express in their Christmas letters a single wish for their lives and that of their families: peace.
(ANS – Rome) – Italy's Salesian National Office of Missionary Animation, following the worrying situation in the Middle East, is launching an invitation to once more and together invoke “Pacem in Terris”, on 11 October, the liturgical memorial of Saint John XXIII.
(ANS - Nazareth) - The Salesian Family of the Holy Land and the Province of the Middle East (MOR) inaugurated the celebrations for the centenary of the consecration of the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent in Nazareth, on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September 2023. The celebrations were presided over directly by the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, accompanied by, among the many present, the Regional Councillor of the Mediterranean region, Fr Juan Carlos Pèrez Godoy, and the MOR Provincial, Fr Alejandro León.
Jerusalem, Israel - September 2021 - On September 20, the Professors and Students of the "Studium Theologicum Salesianum" (STS), Jerusalem campus, affiliated to the Faculty of Theology - Salesian Pontifical University, commenced the new Academic Year 2021-2022, with the Mass presided over by Fr David Neuhaus, SJ. The Principal of the Institute, Fr Andrzej Toczyski, SDB, welcomed all the professors and students, thanking them for their numerous services in the "STS". During the Eucharistic celebration, the Professors renewed their faith in Christ and the teachings of Mother Church.
Jerusalem, Israel - May 2021 - In the Salesian Monastery of Ratisbonne, on the solemnity of Pentecost, the Perpetual Profession of five young Salesians was celebrated: Philip Stener (ZMB), Sylvester Kuli and Bernard Kaiau (PGS), Somesh Tudu (ING) and Henry Ssemakula (AGL). The ceremony took place at the Salesian church in Ratisbonne and was presided over by Fr Emmanuele Vezzoli, Vicar of the Salesian Province of the Middle East (MOR), concelebrated by Fr Swamikannu Stanislaus, Rector of the Community of Ratisbonne, in the presence of the Salesians of various communities, religious and collaborators of the Salesian mission. The event was also broadcast in live streaming.
Jerusalem, Israel - May 2021 - On 7 May the Salesian community of Ratisbonne celebrated the conferral of the Ministry of Acolyte and Lectorate to 16 Salesian students of Theology. Six were established as Readers and ten were established as Acolytes. The celebration took place in the church of the Ratisbonne Monastery, presided over by Msgr. Giacinto-Boulos Marcuzzo, Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine, in the presence of Fr Emanuele Vezzoli, Vicar of the Salesian Province of the Middle East (MOR) and Fr Stanislaus Swamikannu, Rector of the Community.
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.”