- The first Christians in Greece, Egypt, Antioch, Ephesus, Alexandria and Athens called the Blessed Virgin Mary with the name of "Help of Christians";
- Mary Help of Christians interceded in the battles of Lepanto and Vienna;
(ANS - Rome) – On the occasion of the beginning of the Marian month – May -, Fr Eusebio Muñoz, Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family, renews the invitation to the groups of the Salesian Family to participate in the VIII International Congress of Mary Help of Christians, to be held from 7 to 10 November 2019 in Buenos Aires (Argentina); its title: "With Mary, Woman who believes". All information on how to participate is available on the web cited below.
(ANS - Rome) – Given last year's success, the experience of the world novena to Mary Help of Christians is being repeated in 2019, with testimonies on the sanctity of the Salesian Family and the comment of the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime.
(ANS - Rome) - On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, sent his greetings and a message to ADMA members and to all the members of the Salesian Family, highlighting the value of the Eucharist and entrustment to the Help of Christians in Salesian spirituality.
There are 31 groups of the Salesian Family
Groups founded by Don Bosco:
1) Salesian Society of St. Francis de Sales - SDB (1859)
2) Institute of Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (1872)
3) Association of Salesian Cooperators (1876)
4) Association of Mary Help of Christians (1869)
The more recently founded groups:
1) Volunteers with Don Bosco (1994)
2) Witnesses of the Risen Lord (1984)
3) Sisters of the Visitation of Don Bosco (1983)
4) Fraternidad contemplativa Maria de Nazaret (1983)
(ANS - Rome) - Don Bosco loved his era, his people. He studied to be loved and he dreamed, for time and for eternity, a better life for all his children. There are many ways in which the Salesian Family responds to these requests in many countries around the world: educational, missionary and charitable tasks and commitments. A presence wherever the last wait for an answer of humanity, all pointing to the one goal of Don Bosco: "My dear children in Jesus Christ, near or far I always think of you. One is my desire: to see you happy in time and in eternity." The 8th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians, which will be celebrated in Buenos Aires (Argentina) from 7 to 10 November 2019, with the theme "With Mary, a woman believer", is part of this journey of the Salesian Family.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
-
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
-
“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
-
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
-
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
-
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.”