Dear Salesian Family, Young People and Friends,

Greetings and Blessings! As we celebrate this great Salesian month, highlighted by the Feasts of St. Francis de Sales (24th) and St. John Bosco (31st), let us re-commit our call to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in being signs and bearers of God’s love for the young.

After a much needed couple of weeks with family I have resumed my Provincial responsibilities. At present I am in Rosemead for the Provincial Visitation of the Salesian community and the ministries at Don Bosco Tech and St. Joseph Salesian Center. In the Province there has been much happening, and I would like to give you updates on some of them.

Retirement of Dr. Sonkin:
— Dr. Daniel Sonkin ends on January 27 his almost two decades of work in the Province, having been instrumental in establishing and coordinating the various initiatives and the roles that go with them. He has been the Province Mental Health Advisor, the Victim Assistance Coordinator, the point person in our Accreditation with Praesidium regrading the Province “Safe Children Policy” and the Liaison between the Review Board and the Province. Thank you Dr. Sonkin for all the years of service in our process to promote the health and safety of the young people entrusted to us in all our ministries. May you enjoy your retirement years.

Personnel Change for Communications:
— Mr. Andres Neria, who for many years has been in ministry with us in the Youth Ministry and Social Communication departments, has moved on and is no longer associated with the Province. Thank you Andres and God’s blessings on your future endeavors.

Province Strategic Planning in Progress:
— Since August we have been in partnership with Ms. Julie LaNasa and her team to reflect and put forward the implementation plan (Province Pastoral Plan) of our 2022-2028 Province Organic Plan. This coming week, on January 23rd at Salesian Los Angeles and on January 27th at Salesian Richmond, we will present the initial strategic plan to the Province Leadership of the Province.

SEARCH:
— The LA/San Gabriel SEARCH community, based has been requesting a Salesian Spiritual Guide. I have officially appointed and delegated Mr. Johan Uriarte, a Salesian Cooperator, to be the Salesian formator to the SEARCH community. Thank you Johann, and (to your wife) Ana, for your commitment to this most significant responsibility.

Camp St. Francis:
— Camp St. Francis in Aptos sustained damages from the rainstorms that passed through California a few weeks ago. A few trees broke and one fell on the roof at the back of the dining room building. Hopefully insurance will be able to cover the costs to repair the damages. Luckily no one was hurt.

Prayer Intentions:
Finally, please keep in your prayers the following intentions:

— The Lucero family for the loss of Francisco Lucero, Fr. Jose’s brother. May Francisco rest in peace.

— Fr. Jim Nieblas who is recovering from a heart procedure, as well as other elderly and infirm Salesians.

May you have a blessed feast of St. Francis de Sales and of St. John Bosco! Also, to our Salesian Family members and Friends who will be celebrating the Lunar New Year– I wish you a blessed and prosperous Lunar New Year! You are all in my prayers.

Sincerely in Christ and in Mary,

Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB
Provincial