Next May 24 will mark the feast day of Mary Help of Christians, an anniversary particularly awaited by Salesians and members of the Salesian Family around the world.
(ANS - Rome) - Just a dozen days remaining until the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, and just three until the beginning of the novena in her honor. Thus, while the entire Salesian world is preparing to live this feast so important for the heirs of Don Bosco - with the hope, this year, of being able to live it again in many parts of the world with popular in-person celebrations and festivities - the preparations for the World Novena promoted by the Salesian Headquarters for all members of the Salesian Family are also advancing at a rapid pace.
On April 12, 1846, Easter Sunday, the Tettoia Pinardi was inaugurated, which was to become the small chapel where Don Bosco's activities were concentrated in the early years. On September 2 of the same year, Don Bosco purchased a papier-mâché statue of Mary Our Lady of Consolation (popularly known as the Consolata), Patroness of Turin.
(ANS - Rome) - On the occasion of the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians 2022, the videos and booklets accompanying the World Novena to Mary Help of Christians (15th-23rd May) promoted by the Salesian Headquarters shall be made available to all members of the Salesian Family who intend to prepare themselves adequately for this event.
Granada, Nicaragua - 1912 - On March 22, 1912, 110 years ago, the first Salesians arrived in Granada: Fr Giuseppe Dini, the seminarian Jorge Müller and the Salesian coadjutor Stefano Tosini. Here, they immediately began their mission in favor of young people. Fr Dini wrote: "When we arrived in Granada, the city already belonged to Mary Help of Christians". In this old photograph, in fact, the façade of the Chapel of Mary Help of Christians in Granada is depicted.
(ANS - Seville) - The youngest and most talented chefs on television returned to the Spanish network "La 1" giving an excellent representation of the Salesian spirit. The casting of the ninth edition of “MasterChef Junior” in fact included among the competitors Pablo and Sara, two students from the Salesian centers of Triana and Trinidad, in Seville, who were able to convey the same enthusiasm and values that they breathe at school.
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.”