(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.
The term derives from the Latin praesaepe, meaning crib, manger. Another hypothesis that gives rise to the term is from praesepire, that is to enclose.
The tradition of setting up the nativity scene originated at the time of St. Francis of Assisi who in 1223 made the first representation of the Nativity in Greccio.
(ANS - Turin) - “The enchanting image of the Christmas crèche, so dear to the Christian people, never ceases to arouse amazement and wonder. The depiction of Jesus’ birth is itself a simple and joyful proclamation of the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God. The nativity scene is like a living Gospel rising up from the pages of sacred Scripture.” So writes Pope Francis in the opening words of his Apostolic Letter Admirabile Signum. And it is for this reason and with this spirit that the tradition of the Exhibition of Nativity Scenes in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians is renewed again this year in Turin. With a novelty: that this year it will be open to visitors online, in order to offer anyone who wishes the opportunity to share the pleasure of the nativity scene in a free and open manner.
Bethlehem, Palestine - The International Nativity Scene Museum is located in the heart of the city of Bethlehem, on the ground floor of the historic Salesian convent. It can boast a collection of over 200 cribs from different parts of the world. Each nativity scene in the museum is a source of inspiration, representing the birth of Christ in different places and times and through the most varied cultural and artistic perspectives.
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.”