Turin, Italy - 1961 - On 11 June 1961 the first stone of the temple at Colle Don Bosco was laid. In the photo we see, in the background, Don Fedele Giraudi, who helped the designer to create the work and, later, Mgr. Fossati, in one of his last public appearances. Further behind, however, we see the little singers and chirichetti of Valdocco.
(ANS - Bujumbura) – Taking place on Saturday 28 November 2020, the day on which the universal Church celebrates the anniversary of the first Marian apparitions in Kibeho, Rwanda, at the Salesian house of Buterere, in Bujumbura, the consecration and inauguration of the "Mary Help of Christians" shrine, which falls within the territory of the Salesian parish "St John Paul II" of Buterere.
Madrid, Spain - 1905 - On 12 October 1905, on the feast day of Our Lady of Pilar, the ancient church dedicated to Mary Help of Christians was inaugurated in the Atocha district of Madrid. About 50 years later, the latter was demolished and construction of the current Shrine began in the same location.
(ANS - Lima) - Sunday 26 July, in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude, the opening of the celebrations for the Jubilee centenary of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Lima, the cultural and historical heritage of the city of Lima, was celebrated. The ceremony included a solemn Eucharist presided over by Msgr. Carlos Castillo, Archbishop of Lima, and concelebrated by several Salesians, including the Provincial Vicar, Humberto Chávez, SDB, and Fr Santo Dal Ben Lava, parish priest of the Basilica.
(ANS - Rosario) - In Rosario, Mary dresses as a Help of Christians. The Salesian community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus accompanies the families of Ludueña and Barrio Industrial in this socio-health-related emergency. Latin America is now the continent with the highest number of sick people; Brazil is second for the highest number of infected and deceased people due to Covid-19. In Argentina, 23,620 cases of infection have so far been confirmed, 693 dead, with 7,305 people healed; thus, the quarantine has been extended until 28 June and, meanwhile, poverty continues to increase.
Dalat, Vietnam - May 2020 - On May 24, the Salesian community of the post-novitiate and the "Don Bosco" parish in Dalat celebrated the feast of the Ascension of the Lord and the feast day of Mary Help of Christians in a solemn way, since the restrictive measures were revoked. About 4,000 people attended the event.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Hong Kong – A nativity scene in times of pandemic(ANS - Hong Kong) - Salesian Brother Paul Li, 85, Economer of the Salesian Missionary House in Hong Kong, is also known for his ability to decorate Salesian churches and houses on the occasion of various holidays. For Christmas 2020 he created a very current pandemic-themed nativity scene.
EVENTS
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Italy – VII Don Bosco Conference: "Educating ... A choice that is a sign and bearer of hope"(ANS - Sesto San Giovanni) - As usual, in view of the Feast Day of Don Bosco, the “Don Bosco” Social Works of Sesto San Giovanni are promoting a high-level educational conference. This year the organizers have chosen a theme that combines education, at the center of the Salesian charism, with the theme of hope, delivered by the Rector Major to the Salesian Family through the Strenna for 2021. Title of this seventh edition of the conference - which this year will not be in attendance, but in live streaming - is in fact: “Educating… A choice that is a sign and bearer of hope”. Leading the work sessions, on January 20, from 14:30 to 17:00 (UTC + 1), will be Fr Fabio Attard.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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Democratic Republic of Congo – Jean-Claude Michaël Imani returns to family(ANS - Bukavu) - Jean-Claude Michaël Imani is a young man born in 2003 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A problematic boy, who already around the age of seven was able to leave at will and at any time without saying goodbye and return after many days, was welcomed at the Don Bosco center in April 2019, after spending more than 7 years on the street. Recently, thanks to the Salesians and the commitment of many people, he has been able to reunite with his family.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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DON BOSCO – THE GENIUS WHO KNEW HOW TO MAKE HIS BOYS HAPPYDear readers and friends, this January issue coincides with the great worldwide celebration of Don Bosco’s feast on January 31. And there is something else: