Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People:

Greetings and blessings on this special weekend. Yesterday, the 11th of November, we celebrated Veterans’ Day, remembering and honoring all the men and women over the years who have served to defend our freedoms. May we never forget the blessings we have received because of the veterans who have sacrificed, many with their lives, so that we can live in peace and freedom. And let us pray in thanksgiving for all veterans throughout the world.

This Sunday, the 13th of November, is the first liturgical celebration of the Feast of St. Artemide Zatti, SDB. What a joy and privilege for us who participated in the canonization of this humble and saintly Salesian coadjutor just a little over a month ago. We have had reflections from members of our Province who were there, Brother Reegan Ledet and Student of Theology Damien Ho. And in this issue we have another reflection from Fr. Alejandro Rodriguez. I know in my heart I am grateful for the opportunity to be present at the canonization and also still inspired to do my best to imitate the simplicity and generosity of St. Zatti.

This coming week we await the arrival and visit of the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime from the 15-20 November. I once again encourage you to join us in welcoming “Don Bosco” among us. He is here to celebrate with us 125 years of Salesian presence in the United States which began at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in San Francisco and 75 years of service of the Salesian Mission Office in New Rochelle.

If you are not able to join us in any of the celebrations, then at least I ask for your prayers for all of us Salesians in the United States in our continued service to the young and to the Salesian Mission. I also ask prayers for the Salesians in our Province who celebrate their anniversary of profession this year. They are:

Br. Bruno De Pretto 75 years
Br. Larry King 65 years
Br. Joseph Reza 60 years
Br. Joseph Lockwood 60 years
Fr. Ted Montemayor 50 years
Fr. Andrew Ng 40 years
Fr. Tho Bui 25 years
Br. Alphonse Vu 25 years
Fr. Steven Way 25 years

Thank you and may God bless you always.

Sincerely in Christ and in Mary,

Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB