Anisakan, Myanmar - December 2020 - On 26 December, a meeting was organized at the Salesian "Nazareth House" in Anisakan to discuss social ecology and care for creation. The meeting saw the participation of 55 people, including Salesians, young people, volunteers and house staff. The theme of the "ecological vocation", which was already underlined by Saint John Paul II, was studied in depth, and the contribution of Pope Francis to the care of creation was reflected upon.
(ANS - Vatican City) - On January 1, at the beginning of each new year, the Church celebrates Mary Most Holy Mother of God and it is to her that the prayers and hopes of peace for the world have been entrusted in this 2021 which has just begun. In fact, January 1st is also the day on which World Day of Peace is celebrated.
Vatican City, Vatican - December 2020 - On December 24, Pope Francis celebrated Christmas Mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
(ANS - Vatican City) - "WITH A FATHER'S HEART: this is how Joseph loved Jesus, called in all four Gospels 'the son of Joseph'." Pope Francis begins with these incisive words in his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde, published on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Quemadmodum Deus decree, with which on December 8, 1870, Blessed Pius IX declared Saint Joseph Patron of the Catholic Church. And to worthily celebrate the anniversary, the Holy Father has also announced a special jubilee year in honor of St. Joseph. The news also filled the Salesian Congregation with joy and satisfaction, which also boasts the Artisan of Nazareth, the Carpenter, among its Patrons.
Vatican City - November 28, 2020 - With that of November 28, Pope Francis presided over his seventh Consistory and created a total of 101 cardinals, 73 of whom currently sit among those with the right to vote in the Conclave. The thirteen new cardinals, who had been announced last October 25 at the end of the Angelus prayer, are: Mario Grech, Marcello Semeraro, Paolo Augusto Lojudice, Mauro Gambetti, Wilton D. Gregory, Antoine Kambanda, José F. Advincula, Celestino Aos Braco, Cornelius Sim, Felipe Arizmendi Esquivel, Silvano M. Tomasi, Enrico Feroci and Raniero Cantalamessa. The latter four, aged over 80, are non-voters.
(ANS - Vatican City) - “I express my appreciation to the young people of the Salesian University Institute who are part of Cube Radio, for preparing an Advent journey inspired by the Word of God for each Sunday and by the encyclical Laudato si’. I invite you to involve other young people and users of the network in preparing for a holy Christmas by spreading – also through the social media accounts of Vatican News – the Word of God and inviting them to care for our common home. I pray for you and you pray for me.” Thus Pope Francis, in a video message, released yesterday, November 26, thanked the young people of IUSVE for their “Advent Green Dream” project.
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 HAPPY
Dear 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: