(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.
(ANS – Aquino) – On Saturday, 9 March, in an evocative ceremony in the church of Santa Maria della Libera in Aquino, Salesian Fr Mauro Mantovani, Prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Library, was awarded the Saint Thomas Aquinas International Prize, awarded by the Circolo San Tommaso Aquino.
(ANS – Rome) – The Extraordinary Visitation to the Sacred Heart Circumscription of Central Italy (ICC), carried out by Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Councillor for the Mediterranean Region, on behalf of the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, concluded on 10 and 11 March 2024.
Messina, Italy – March 2024 - Capturing those small or large narrative elements hidden in the folds of life, of which everyone is both the author and the ideal reader, allows us to broaden our understanding of reality. The story thus becomes a showcase of writing and reading where you can learn to see more. Silvia Guidi, editor of the culture section of L'Osservatore Romano and the first female journalist to write for the Holy See newspaper, was the main speaker on 7 March at a conference entitled "Weaving the narrative - Why do we make so many stories?" The event was organised by the Saint Thomas Theological Institute (ITST) in collaboration with the Terremoti di Carta cultural association and the Democratic Teachers' Initiative Centre, Messina. The president of Terremoti di Carta, Nancy Antonazzo, planned the conference together with the Director of ITST Fr Giovanni Russo, SDB. Deputy Daniela Arena, the president of Cidi Messina, Francesca Giliberto, Silvia Messina and a religious of the Friars Minor, Francesco Chillari, coordinated the working groups together with Ms Guidi. The conference, held in the "Conti" hall, beganb with a greeting from Fr Russo and from the Rector of the San Tommaso religious community, Fr Giuseppe Cassaro, SDB.
(ANS - Castelnuovo Don Bosco) - On 9 and 10 March, the European Salesian novitiate at Colle Don Bosco, near Castelnuovo Don Bosco, received a visit from the General Councillor for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation, Fr. Gildasio Mendes. The visit was marked by various formative sessions with the novices focusing on the digital world and its connection to the youth sphere. It provided an opportunity for insightful discussions and learning experiences.
(ANS – Rome) – Today we are interviewing Fr Marco Panero, Salesian, professor of Moral Philosophy at the Pontifical Salesian University and Councillor of the Apostolic Penitentiary. His volume of meditations is in the bookstores and is particularly suitable for this time of Lent, with the intriguing title: "In the tent of meeting. Meditations on spiritual life " (Edizioni Ancora, 2023 – ISBN 978-88-514-2783-2).
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.”