(ANS – New Rochelle) - Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring International Day of Rural Women, which is celebrated each year on Oct. 15. This day, which was first established in 2008, recognizes “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including Indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security, and eradicating rural poverty.”
Kigali, Rwanda – October 2024 – From 2 to 4 October, Rectors of all the communities in the Salesian Africa Great Lakes Vice-Province (AGL) met for the first meeting of the pastoral year 2024-2025, held in the Kimihurura sector, Kigali. On the first day, Fr Gabriel Ngendakuriyo, Superior AGL, illustrated the role and responsibilities of the Rector, recalling that "his service aims to promote charity, to coordinate the work of all, to lead, guide, decide and correct so that our mission is accomplished". The second day of work focused on the review of the various provincial commissions and works and on the evaluation of the Provincial Guidance Plan for the 2020-2025 six-year period. The last day of work was also attended by the Economers of the communities, and Fr Ngendakuriyo insisted on good collaboration between the Rector and the Economer, before giving the floor to the Economer of the AGL Vice-Province, Fr Servilien Ufitamahoro, who presented best management practices.
(ANS – New Rochelle) - Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring World Teachers’ Day, which has been celebrated each year on Oct. 5 since 1994. The day honors the vital role that teachers play in the lives of their students and commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
(ANS – Muhazi) – The Salesian “Empowering Young People through Sports and Spiritual Activities at Don Bosco Muhazi Recreation Center” project in Rwanda has made significant progress in achieving its goals thanks to funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco.
Rango, Rwanda – August 2024 – From 7 to 10 August, the St John Bosco parish in Rango hosted a forum for young people from 26 parishes in the diocese of Butare. It was a time for formation, prayer and leisure that brought together a total of 653 participants. The young people were hosted by Catholic families in St John Bosco parish. At the close of the forum, characterised by joy and gladness, Bishop Philippe Rukamba, Bishop Emeritus of Butare, celebrated Mass.
Burehe, Rwanda – July 2024 - On Saturday, 20 July, Salesian Deacon Célestin Ntakiyimana, member of the Africa Great Lakes Visitation Group (AGL), was ordained priest by Bishop Papias Musengamana, Bishop of Byumba. Fr Pierre-Célestin Ngoboka, the Superior of the AGL Vice-Province, his Council and numerous Salesian, Diocesan and other Congregational priests were present at the celebration. There were also numerous members of the Salesian Family, collaborators and young people who came for the occasion.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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RMG – The missionaries of the 155th Salesian Missionary Expedition: Guy Roger Mutombo Mutshi, from the Vice-Province of Africa Congo Congo (ACC) to the Province of Southern Italy (IME)(ANS – Rome) – The final word from the new Salesian missionaries comes from Congolese Guy Roger, a missionary in the Province of Southern Italy. "My plans and dreams for my missionary life are to live in communion of spirit and action with my Salesian brothers in IME for the salvation of poor and abandoned young people, according to the heart of Don Bosco and to the greater glory of God".
EDITORIAL
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Myanmar – Tragedy of Innocent Children in the midst of Armed Conflicts(ANS – Naypyidaw) - Myanmar finds itself immersed in profound grief and anguish as innocent lives, particularly those of children, continue to be mercilessly lost in the enduring armed conflicts. Families are left devastated by the tragic loss of their loved ones while the relentless violence shows no signs of abating. This week, a heartfelt plea from Myanmar reached our community, shedding light on the heart-wrenching death of a young girl Juliet in a military airstrike, prompting a unified call for prayers and action.
EVENTS
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Italy - The reform of Technical and Vocational Education at the heart of the debate: a comparison on the development of the vocational chain and the 4+2 model(ANS - Rome) - Over 2.1 billion euro will be invested in 2023 for training and labour policies, of which 70%, 1.4 billion, will be earmarked for vocational training and 30%, 640 million, for active labour policies. These are the figures that will be presented next Thursday, 14 November 2024, at the ‘Sala Zuccari’ at Palazzo Giustiniani in Rome, during the annual seminar organised by the Centro Nazionale Opere Salesiane-Formazione e Aggiornamento Professionale (CNOS-FAP) and the PTSCLAS consultancy firm ‘on vocational training and employment policies.
SPECIAL REPORTS
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The Philippines – LAF Cebu: New Technology into Youth Ministry(ANS – Cebu) – Today’s youth ministry faces many challenges and new opportunities in connecting with young people, especially now that technology influences almost every aspect of life. Despite these challenges, digital tools like AI, Adobe, and Canva provide ministry leaders with easier ways to engage, inspire, and organize in creative and meaningful ways. By integrating these technologies, youth ministries can stay relevant and relatable, fostering connections in a language that today’s youth understand.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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OUR ANNUAL GIFTTHE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR,
Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDBTraditionally as a Salesian Family, we receive the Strenna every year - a gift at the beginning of the year. I hold it dear to look inside this gift with these few lines so as to welcome it as it deserves, without losing anything of the freshness of the gift.