InTouch Newsletter | Salesian Family Bulletin

Pope Leo XIV to Young People: “The Future Is Yours!”

Photo ©: Vatican Media (ANS – Bata) – The penultimate day of Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic journey to Equatorial Guinea, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, was filled with travel and significant engagements, including visits to Mongomo and Bata, before returning to the capital, Malabo, in the evening. Upon arrival at Mengomeyén International Airport, near Mongomo, the Holy Father proceeded to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV to Young People: “The Future Is Yours!”

Rector Major, Salesian Cooperators, Salesian World News

A Message of Hope from the Rector Major to the Salesian Cooperators

(ANS) – On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Salesian Cooperators of the Interamerica Region held their first Regional Formation Meeting of the year, centered on the theme: “From Celebration to Action: Salesian Cooperators, Believers and Free to Serve Young People.” The keynote reflection was delivered by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of John Bosco, who offered a profound and inspiring message. … Continue reading A Message of Hope from the Rector Major to the Salesian Cooperators

General Chapter 29, Rector Major, Salesian World News

Br. Karol Stefan Domagała, SDB: The First Brother Appointed Rector in the PLE Province

(ANS – Rome) – The global effort to embrace the new opportunities approved by the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation continues. In recent days, it has been announced that among the decisions made by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, with the consent of the General Council during its most recent plenary session, is the appointment of the first Salesian Brother as Rector … Continue reading Br. Karol Stefan Domagała, SDB: The First Brother Appointed Rector in the PLE Province

Salesian Education, Salesian World News

After Years of War, Salesian Education Reopens Its Doors to Thousands of Children

(ANS – Khartoum) – Three years after the outbreak of conflict in Sudan, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, and millions of children still lack access to education. With international attention focused elsewhere, the Salesians of Don Bosco, who were forced to leave the country at the height of the fighting, are now resuming their work in the capital, Khartoum—reopening schools and offering protection, food, … Continue reading After Years of War, Salesian Education Reopens Its Doors to Thousands of Children

Salesian Holiness, Salesian World News

63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Salesian Saints Proposed by CEI as a Guide for New Vocations

(ANS – Rome) – For April 26, 2026, the 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations, the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), through its National Office for the Pastoral Care of Vocations, led by Fr. Michele Gianola, is presenting both a poster featuring figures of holiness and a series of small cards highlighting these individuals one by one. The poster includes 20 figures from different ages … Continue reading 63rd World Day of Prayer for Vocations: Salesian Saints Proposed by CEI as a Guide for New Vocations

Fr. Ed Liptak, Gospel Reflection, Province News

Fourth Sunday of Easter: Christ Gate of Heaven / Puerta de Cristo del Cielo

By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Jesus, Good Shepherd, is a beloved title we and generations before us have used to describe our Divine Savior. We count on Him to lead us to heaven. However, there is another title by which Jesus described Himself. See the Gospel of this fourth Sunday of Easter: “ I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved.” That … Continue reading Fourth Sunday of Easter: Christ Gate of Heaven / Puerta de Cristo del Cielo

salesianfamilyApril 22, 2026

Province News, Salesian Holiness

The Passover Seder: A Night to Remember

A Reflection by Bro. Leo Adrian Imbert, SDB (Jerusalem, Israel) – Three years ago, after only living a month in Jerusalem, the war started. Since then, it has been a constant ebbing and flowing from moments of tenuous peace to soaring missiles and bomb shelters. This violent reality, often framed as Jews versus Muslims, is a strange backdrop for all of us, totally immersed in … Continue reading The Passover Seder: A Night to Remember

salesianfamilyApril 21, 2026April 21, 2026

Pope Leo XIV’s Appeal for a Nation of Justice and Peace: “Angola, Remain Faithful to Your Christian Roots!”

Photo ©: Vatican Media (ANS – Saurimo) – On Monday, April 20, 2026, during the eighth day of his apostolic journey in Africa, Pope Leo XIV spent a significant part of his visit in Saurimo, the capital of Angola’s Lunda Sul province. Though brief, the visit was meaningful, bringing attention and dignity to a region rich in diamonds yet marked by extreme poverty. Warm Welcome … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV’s Appeal for a Nation of Justice and Peace: “Angola, Remain Faithful to Your Christian Roots!”

Pope Leo Urges the Nation: Follow Mary “to Be, Like Her, Workers for Justice and Peacemakers”

Photo ©: Vatican Media (ANS – Luanda) – “I come to Africa primarily as a shepherd, as head of the Catholic Church, to be with, to celebrate with, to encourage, and to accompany all African Catholics.” With these clear words, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the purpose of his extended journey to Africa during the flight on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from Cameroon to Angola. Following … Continue reading Pope Leo Urges the Nation: Follow Mary “to Be, Like Her, Workers for Justice and Peacemakers”

Formation, General Chapter 29, Salesian World News

First Formation Meeting for Vice Provincials Begins

(ANS – Rome) – The first Formation Meeting for Vice Provincials of the Salesian Congregation is currently taking place from April 19–25, 2026, at the Salesian Headquarters in Rome. This event represents a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the service of animation and governance in the various Provinces around the world. The meeting brings together 16 Salesians from all eight Salesian Regions, fostering an atmosphere … Continue reading First Formation Meeting for Vice Provincials Begins

Formation, Salesian Education, Salesian World News

“Accompanying When Trauma Hits”: An International Group Working in the Most Vulnerable Communities

(ANS – Rome) – From April 7–22, 2026, the Pontifical Salesian University is hosting the second edition of a course titled “Accompanying When Trauma Hits.” The program is promoted by the Salesian University in collaboration with the DON BOSCO NEL MONDO Foundation and the Don Bosco Network, bringing together participants from various countries who serve in particularly complex and fragile contexts. The 25 participants come … Continue reading “Accompanying When Trauma Hits”: An International Group Working in the Most Vulnerable Communities

Formation, Salesian Education, Salesian World News

Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Teaching: Bootcamp for the “GO Beyond Traditional Education” Project in Bologna, April 23–24, 2026

(ANS – Bologna) – On April 23–24, 2026, in Bologna at the Salesian Beata Vergine di San Luca Institute, a two-day intensive course will be held for around 50 tutors and digital facilitators from Salesian schools and vocational training centers. The event is entirely dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and digital growth, and is organized as part of the “GO Beyond Traditional Education” project. The event … Continue reading Artificial Intelligence Is Transforming Teaching: Bootcamp for the “GO Beyond Traditional Education” Project in Bologna, April 23–24, 2026

Salesian Family, Salesian World News

Course for New Delegates for the Salesian Family, 2026 Edition

(ANS – Turin) – The 2026 edition of the course for new Delegates for the Salesian Family is taking place these days, from April 19–26, 2026, across Rome, Turin, and the Salesian sites of Piedmont. Coordinated by Fr. Joan Lluís Playà, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Secretariat for the Salesian Family, and Br. Domenico Duc Nam, SDB, World Delegate for Past Pupils … Continue reading Course for New Delegates for the Salesian Family, 2026 Edition

Fr. Ed Liptak, Gospel Reflection, Province News

Breaking of the Bread / Partiendo el Pan

By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Women reported the empty tomb. Peter and John verified it, and the appearances confirm that indeed Jesus had Risen. Peter’s Pentecost speech in Acts shows how deeply those appearances together with the Spirit’s tongues of fire had emboldened the faith of our infant Church. Peter, with the Apostles fearlessly proclaimed to the unbelieving crowd, “Jesus the Nazarene was a man … Continue reading Breaking of the Bread / Partiendo el Pan

Parishes, Province News, Salesian Spirituality

Upcoming Masses at Camp St. Francis

Dear friends, We’re happy to share the schedule for upcoming Masses at Camp St. Francis in Aptos, California, for April and May 2026. Please feel free to share the accompanying graphic for dates and times, and we invite you to join us in prayer and community during these celebrations. Please note: we are updating our email address to office@campstfrancis.org. We look forward to welcoming you … Continue reading Upcoming Masses at Camp St. Francis

salesianfamilyApril 17, 2026

Pope Leo XIV in Bamenda, Calling for Hope and Interfaith Cooperation

Photo: Vatican Media (ANS – Bamenda) – After leaving Yaoundé, Pope Leo XIV traveled to Bamenda, also in Cameroon, where he was welcomed by a large and jubilant crowd. This northwestern region has long been marked by tensions and violence—a crisis largely forgotten by the world—which over the past decade has resulted in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced people. Yet the … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV in Bamenda, Calling for Hope and Interfaith Cooperation

Pope Leo XIV: “The World Thirsts for Peace… Enough of War!”

Photo ©: Vatican Media (ANS – Yaoundé) – The third day of Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Africa saw him travel from Algeria to Cameroon, the second of four countries on his apostolic journey to the continent. Upon arriving in the capital, Yaoundé, the Holy Father met with political and institutional leaders, visited an orphanage, and held a private meeting with local bishops. On the … Continue reading Pope Leo XIV: “The World Thirsts for Peace… Enough of War!”

A Son of St. Augustine, Dressed in White, Returns to Hippo

Photo ©: Vatican Media (ANS – Annaba) – On his second day in Algeria, Pope Leo XIV traveled from Algiers to Annaba, the ancient Hippo, where Saint Augustine—of whom Leo XIV is a spiritual son—served as bishop for 34 years. The day’s schedule included several engagements, concluding with a return to the Algerian capital in the evening after Mass. After a flight of just over … Continue reading A Son of St. Augustine, Dressed in White, Returns to Hippo

Salesian Holiness, Salesian World News

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Prepares to Joyfully Celebrate the Canonical Coronation of the Image of Mary Help of Christians

(ANS – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) – On Saturday, May 2, 2026, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Anne in the city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will become the focal point of a historic day with the celebration of the Canonical Coronation of the image of Mary Help of Christians, who will be solemnly proclaimed Queen and Crowned Mother Help of Christians. The … Continue reading Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Prepares to Joyfully Celebrate the Canonical Coronation of the Image of Mary Help of Christians

Salesian Missions, Salesian World News

No School, No Childhood, and Constant Danger: The Current Face of Child Slavery Around the World

(ANS – Madrid) – Child slavery continues to affect millions of boys and girls around the world, even though it often remains hidden. To mark World Day Against Child Slavery, observed today, April 16, Misiones Salesianas, the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid, warns of a reality that takes many forms and reminds us that education and protection are essential to breaking this vicious cycle. These … Continue reading No School, No Childhood, and Constant Danger: The Current Face of Child Slavery Around the World

Province News, Salesian Clubs / Youth Centers

Blooming Together: April News from Salesian Family Youth Center

By Christina Mendoza (Boyle Heights, California) – Spring is here, and we’re excited for everything happening at our Youth Center! Our sports programs are in full swing, and March was packed with action and memorable moments. We can’t wait to keep the energy going this season as we gear up for an incredible summer camp! Leaders in Service: Girl Scouts Support Long Beach Clean-Up On … Continue reading Blooming Together: April News from Salesian Family Youth Center

Province News, Salesian Cooperators

Salesian Cooperators of the Interamerica Region Celebrate and Recommit to the Salesian Mission

By Judy Alvarez, Salesian Cooperator (Ver la traducción al español a continuación.) (Los Angeles, California) – Within the framework of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, the Interamerica Region has arranged for three regional encounters to help Cooperators move from celebration to apostolic commitment, deepening our identity and our Salesian mission. The first of these encounters will be held … Continue reading Salesian Cooperators of the Interamerica Region Celebrate and Recommit to the Salesian Mission

Announcements, Province News, Provincial

Provincial Announcement: Province Strategic Planning and Reshaping

Dear Confreres, Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the Salesian mission in our Province. In our Provincial Council meetings after the January Province Assembly Days, we have reflected on what was shared by the local communities and by many of you, and we have begun to make decisions to ensure that the Salesians, the local communities, and our lay partners in the mission are … Continue reading Provincial Announcement: Province Strategic Planning and Reshaping

salesianfamilyApril 15, 2026April 15, 2026