The City of Saints teen conference offered an authentic and realistic perspective on how to live out our catholic faith. The speakers provided hope and encouragement to the reality that we are all necessary members of the church. They all emphasized that by praying and taking part in the sacraments on a regular basis, we can achieve holiness in the ordinary of our daily lives. … Continue reading City of Saints 2019
It has been a very exciting and blessed week at the Provincial House! On Sunday, three Sisters – Sr Melissa Benitez, Sr Quynh Pham, and Sr Monica Wheeler – renewed their vows, and on Monday, Sr Sydney Moss professed her perpetual vows as a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians! We thank them for their yes and pray more women may follow in their footsteps! Continue reading Salesian Sisters West
Photos from the 2019 Annual SDB Retreat at St. Francis Retreat Center in San Juan Bautista, California… Continue reading SDB Annual Retreat 2019
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven” (Matt 6:10) “GOOD CHRISTIANS AND UPRIGHT CITIZENS” Note: While I was presenting the commentary on the 2019 Strenna to the Salesian Family in Valdocco (Turin), some were already asking for the draft of the 2020 Strenna, so that they could have it for the beginning of the educational-pastoral year in some parts of the … Continue reading Strenna 2020: Presentation of the Theme
By: Sean Wilk Every year, a camper will begin doing Camp Savio for the first time, and for many, it will be the first of many summers that they come to enjoy their summer. Campers spend many summers at Camp Savio because of all the great and fun experiences it provides for them, and because of the friendships, they make here. Seeing the fun games, … Continue reading Camp Savio 2019
By: Johnny Martinez St. Joseph’s first Young Adult retreat: “Agape” took place this month on July 5th to 7th. The retreat brought in fourteen wonderful young adults ranging from 18 to 30 years of age. They all expressed their love and gratitude for the retreat. The retreat candidates were invited by word of mouth and by going out to college campuses where the young people are … Continue reading St. Joseph’s Young Adult Retreat: Agape
The 2019 Provincial Chapter took place June 16-21 in the little town of Three Rivers, CA near the entrance to Sequoia National Park. Twenty-four delegates and invited guests answered the general question of General Chapter 28, “What Kind of Salesians [are needed] for the Youth of Today?” At the conclusion of the Provincial Chapter a delegate and substitute were chosen to attend General Chapter 28 … Continue reading Provincial Chapter 2019 Results
Congratulations to our Sister Jubilarians who celebrated their anniversaries yesterday in San Antonio! Sr Rita Bailey, Sr Rita Fantin, and Sr Mary Tamayo celebrated 70 years of profession, Sr Lena Pinto 50 years, Sr Theresa Jones and Sr Lucy Yuen 40 years, and Sr Tuyet Nguyen 25 years. Thank you for your many years of service to the Church and to the young! Continue reading Congratulations to our Sister Jubilarians!
This new upcoming pastoral year will be filled with many exciting changes in the Province Youth Ministry Department and Office. We are excited to have Bro. Al Vu return as Province Youth Ministry Delegate while still taking on his role as Province Coordinator of Schools. We want to thank Fr. Mel Trinidad for his leadership this past year as the Province Delegate. Gina Robles (middle), … Continue reading Changes in Youth Ministry Department
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Laredo, Texas for two days visiting my family and the Parish of San Luis Rey. I came to San Antonio, Texas last Friday, after our Board Meeting at Don Bosco Tech. The FMA Sisters had invited me to preside at their Jubilee celebration which took place on Saturday. I am grateful for the invitation and for … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 24th, 2019
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP The topic of eating less sugar is not new. We have been told to pay attention to the sugar content of our intake to make sure we consume the appropriate amount of sugar. Louis, my husband, teaches the grandsons to read the label; any food that contains more than 4 grams of sugar they should consider how … Continue reading If sugar is so bad for us, why is the sugar in fruit OK?
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP You are going to laugh at me this week. Yes, I am showing you two charts comparing some of your favorite foods. The goal is for you to now look at the food item and determine whether the glucose content meets your dietary choice. It is a cliché; a picture is better than a thousand words. I, … Continue reading Know your glucose content and Make a Smart Choice
By Bro. Quang Nguyen Camp St. Francis 2019 is back in business again from June 30th – July 27th! We are on our third week of camp and the counselors are giving it their all to make it the best camp season for the campers! The young people have been longing all year to come back to camp! As campers arrive, camp St. Francis welcomes … Continue reading Camp St. Francis
By Marisol Becerra – Youth Ministry Office Support Assistant Hello my name is Marisol Becerra. I’m from Baldwin Park, California and my home parish is St. John the Baptist. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 2016 and I hope to begin a Master’s program in 2020 to become a licensed counselor. I have been a volunteer at my parish for the past 7 years. … Continue reading Meet the Youth Ministry Offices newest member!
By Tammy Tran Since our last article on our homeless mission, we have continued to grow with the grace of God. We would like to update you on our homeless Bible study. I’ve done many outreach from assembly line of putting goods together, serving Thanksgiving meals, passing out supplies at skid row, winter shelter at my parish, but nothing prepared me for a close up … Continue reading Homeless Outreach
By Sean Wilk Each day at Camp Savio is a day filled with fun and excitement for both campers and our counselors. Days are spent on campus, or on field trip days, and kids will spend their day at places such as the California Science Center, the beach, and Disneyland. The day starts early, with many counselors arriving at Camp Savio as early as 6:30, … Continue reading Camp Savio Second Week
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Los Angeles. I drove down yesterday evening, after visiting Camp St. Francis in Aptos. Today I visited Camp Savio in Bellflower. Tomorrow, I hope to visit our ministry in Boyle Heights. I am grateful to all those working hard to give young people a beautiful, enjoyable and Salesian summer experience. Wherever you go, you sense the … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 17th, 2019
By: Johnny Martinez World Youth Day Echo was a success! Over 200 young people gathered at St. Joseph Salesian Youth Renewal Center in Rosemead for an event with a purpose. On May 4, 2019 thousands were invited to participate in sharing the Panama World Youth Day theme “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word” Luke … Continue reading World Youth Day Echo 2019
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP I love what was described in the independent.co.UK website about certain facts of sugar. I hope you would enjoy reading the reason why many of us love sugary food. What happens to your body when you overindulge your sweet tooth? Sugar is essential for the human body as it powers the cells that keep us alive. However, … Continue reading Sweet Talk – Why Is Sugar so Attractive to Us?
By: Sean Wilk This summer, Camp Savio is going to be an opportunity for not only I but my fellow counselors as well, to grow both individuals and in our faith. This is my first summer doing Camp Savio, and already, I have seen many qualities from other counselors that I wish to gain over the rest of the summer. I have seen other counselors … Continue reading Camp Savio First Week
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Santa Cruz, at Villa Del Mar Retreat House ran by the Holy Names Sisters. The Provincial Council and I are here for a week of meetings: prayer, planning, reflection and some fraternal time together. We arrived on Sunday evening and will finish on Friday at noon. It is a beautiful setting, close to the ocean and … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 10th, 2019
By: Janelle Siqueiros With the introduction of a new camp season comes the introduction of new counselors, campers, staff, and new opportunities to show Camp Savios’ ability to be highly adaptable. Throughout the years, Camp Savio continues to be ever-growing, and while the ability to share this beautiful and unique experiences, that we at Camp Savio believe can only be delivered through the combined efforts … Continue reading Camp Savio Training Week
By: Christopher Green Hey everyone, I hope all has been well with you in the past week. Happy memorial of Saint Junipero Serra! I’d like to use this opportunity to let you know about my first week in Tijuana. When I left Los Angles on Saturday of last week, I was excited about this opportunity to clarify my understanding of God’s vocation for me through … Continue reading Candidate TJ Summer Experience
By Fr. Mike Mendl, SDB (Haverstraw, N.Y. – June 30) – After two years of intense planning by a committee of about a dozen Salesian Cooperators, a workshop called “Forming the Formators” took place at Don Bosco Retreat Center in Haverstraw, June 28-30. It was meant to address programs of both initial formation of SC aspirants and ongoing formation of those already committed by a lifetime … Continue reading Salesian Cooperators Address Their Formation Program
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP We need sugar and carbohydrates as our main source of energy, converted by the body to power our cells and keep us alive and growing. But I was shocked by this data reported from the independent.co.UK: the average adult consuming approximately 63 grams (2.2 ounces), nearly 16 teaspoons, of sugar each day. That’s over twice the recommended daily … Continue reading Sweet Talk – How Much Sugar Should We Eat Each Day?
By: Karen Krynen Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) has announced the appointment of Jeffrey Krynen as principal of the school, effective immediately. In this capacity, Krynen, who most recently served as assistant principal of curriculum and instruction, will work closely with the president and board to further the school’s mission of providing premiere STEM education to high school students. “The Bosco Tech community is … Continue reading Bosco Tech appoints Alumnus Jeffrey Krynen as Principal
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last night I flew in from New York, after attending the “Forming The Formators” Workshop being hosted at the Marian Shrine, a retreat house staffed by the Salesians, in Stony Point, New York. The workshop began Friday morning and ended Sunday afternoon with Mass presided by Fr. Tim Zak, Provincial of the New Rochelle Province. Overall, 90 people attended , … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 3rd, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Tomorrow, I fly out to Newark to attend the Formation of Formators of Salesian Cooperators workshop being held at the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY. The workshop will include the SDB and FMA delegates of each community where we have Cooperators centers. Also invited are those directing the formation of each center and others involved with formation of Cooperators. … Continue reading Provincial Letter: June 26th, 2019
Juniors at Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) are beginning exciting summer internships with noted area organizations including The Boeing Company, Los Angeles Pediatric Society, American Red Cross, and Pasadena Biotech Collaborative that will have them working under the direction of engineers, scientists and doctors in the coming weeks. “We’re very grateful to the companies and organizations providing these extraordinary opportunities for our hard-working students,” … Continue reading Bosco Tech students begin professional summer internships across L.A Area
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP Two weeks ago, for those who might miss reading our discussion on “Sweet Talk”, we began exploring what are the many faces of sugar. We recognize that sugar can be simple or complex and that their names usually end with “ose”. We also understand that sugar is part of the carbohydrates in our food. This week, I … Continue reading Sweet Talk – How Does Human Body Digest Food?
“We are the now of God.” This theme for SYLC 2019 was inspired from Pope Francis’ apostolic letter “Christus Vivit,” a follow up to the 2018 Synod of Bishops on Young People, Discernment and Vocational Accompaniment.The 86+ youth and adults at this year’s SYLC, which took place at Camp St Francis in Aptos, CA, from June 9-15, was another testament to the empowerment of youth … Continue reading SYLC 2019
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP As we are paying more attention to the increase in incidences of obesity and diabetes, we often focus on what we should eat, namely, how much “sugar and carbohydrates” is not considered excessive. I thought we might want to understand the many faces of sugar and how that relates to carbohydrates in the upcoming weeks. *Scientifically, sugar … Continue reading Sweet Talk – Types of Sugar in your Food
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Our Western Province of St. Andrew is preparing for our Provincial Chapter which will take place from Sunday, June 16 to Friday, June 21, 2019. This Chapter will take place at Three Rivers where we usually host one of our two retreats. This provincial chapter is in preparation for the General Chapter which will take place next year 2020 in … Continue reading Provincial Letter: June 12th, 2019
By: Fr. Beto Chavez, SDB – Associate Pastor (St. Mary’s Parish) The community of Saint Mary’s Parish in Boyle Heights celebrated our Mother’s, Mary Help of Christians, day with an enthusiastic attitude. Our pastor Fr. Rafael Saiz, SDB lead the celebration with a procession followed by Mass and then by a reception after with a live band. During our Novena celebration some confreres came to … Continue reading Marian Celebration
By: Elizabeth Gamarra (ASC – USA Western Province) This year’s celebration of this Solemnity was uniquely joyful for our Province, its Salesian Family, and the Association of Salesian Cooperators. On May 24th, six new Cooperators made their Promise during the MHC Bilingual Mass celebrated at St. Dominic Savio Parish in Bellflower and presided by Fr, Ted Montemayor, SDB Provincial of USA-West. These candidates had completed their … Continue reading Newly Inducted Salesian Cooperators
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP May 26, 2019 was a beautiful day of celebration at St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church in Chinatown, Los Angeles. Not only were we Salesians celebrating the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, but this was the occasion for the induction of 18 candidates to become Salesian cooperators. As usual, Fr. Ted, our Provincial, delivered a memorable homily … Continue reading Establishing a Healthy Relationship with the Seniors
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I just drove into San Francisco from Watsonville, where I attended a farewell and thank you party for Michele Bowling, which took place last night at a private home. Michele has worked with St. Francis High School since its beginnings when the Diocese of Monterey and the Salesians entered into a joint agreement to build a new high school on … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 29th, 2019
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP I have a confession to make. The sin was committed last week. It was the sin of omission. Last week in our discussion about the benefits of water, I pointed out that beer and alcohol should not be counted as part of the daily liquid intake. However, I forgot about a very important liquid that we should … Continue reading Say Goodbye to Soda for Good!
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, This Friday we celebrate the Feast of Mary Help of Christians! Happy Feast day to all the Salesian Family. As all of you well know, Mary Help of Christians meant so much to Don Bosco. From the age of nine years of age, when Don Bosco had that famous dream, Johnny Bosco saw Mary (the women his Mother taught him … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 22nd, 2019
Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will host its baccalaureate and commencement exercises for the graduating class of 2019 on Saturday, June 1, starting at 5 p.m. The Baccalaureate Mass will be held on the campus mall, with the traditional conferral of diplomas and graduation ceremony immediately following. This year’s graduation keynote speaker is Roger Gibbs. A 1974 graduate of Bosco Tech’s Electronics program, Gibbs … Continue reading Bosco Tech to Host Baccalaureate and Commencement Exercises on June 1st
By Patrick O’Driscoll Class of ’70 The annual all-school reunion of former 1960s and ’70s Salesian junior seminarians of St. Francis High School returned to the pastoral locale of our youth – East Lake Avenue in Watsonville – to celebrate in 2019. Fifty years after graduation, the St. Francis centennial class of 1969 (also known as “The Magnificent Seven”) was a focus of congratulations and … Continue reading 2019 St. Francis Seminary Reunion: Magnificent!
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP Sixty years ago, I could never imagine in my lifetime that we would pay for a bottle of water. Back then in Macau, water was the most undesirable drink that you could offer to a kid. A treat was, this is still very fresh in my memory, to go to the corner store down the end of … Continue reading Water: Good Water
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, On Monday, May 13th, the Salesian World celebrated the feast of St. Mary Dominica Mazzarello, who, along with Don Bosco, founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians or as they are more commonly known, the Salesian Sisters. We wish the Salesian Sisters a “Happy Feast Day” and pray that God will continue to bless them with many good and … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 15th, 2019
By: Karen Krynen ROSEMEAD, CA. – June 7, 2019 – Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will offer academic enrichment and review courses, as well as sports camps, to boys and girls in sixth to twelfth grade during the summer. Six-week high school courses begin on Monday, June 17, while five-week middle school courses begin on Monday, June 24. High school students can earn a full year’s … Continue reading Bosco Tech offers dynamic Summer Programs for Sixth through Twelfth Grader
North American Salesian Network (NASN) held its annual meeting from Monday, April 29, 2019 to Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at De Sales Center in Brooklyn, Michigan, which is also the site of the novitiate of Oblates of St. Francis de Sales (www.desales.org, 1124 Ventura Dr, Brooklyn, MI 49230). NASN, made up of groups that share in the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, facilitates the … Continue reading North American Salesian Network (NASN) Annual Meeting 2019
Members of Bosco Tech’s Spanish Club and National Hispanic Honor Society hosted a party for children at East Los Angeles’ Salesian Youth Family Center last Friday. The Tech students raised funds to host the party, provide lunch, and give gifts and gift cards to every child in attendance. Special thanks to the Tech’s Jacob Armas, Adrian Alvarado, Joshua Dueña, Adam Galaviz, Alexis Mendoza, Anthony Smith, … Continue reading Don Bosco Tech sponsor party at the Salesian Youth Family Center
By Sheila Kun RN, BSN, MS, CPN, FCCP When it comes to health issues and management, it seems like the Eastern and Western approaches often differ. However, the perception of water and its value to your health appears to be very similar. It is a popular belief in Hong Kong, Japan and China that you should drink two cups of warm water before eating breakfast. … Continue reading Water: How Much Do You Know about Water and Health?
On April 23 -25, over 9,000 Catholic educators from around the United States, as well as the UK, Australia, and Canada, took part in the 134th annual National Catholic Educational Association Convention and Expo (NCEA 2019) at McCormick Place-West in Chicago. This convention is the largest private education association gathering in the world, held in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Chicago. This was my first … Continue reading NCEA – Chicago 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, The last week was a very busy time as many of us participated and attended different events prepared for Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Mother General of the Salesian Sisters who was visiting the Western Province of the Salesian Sister. After spending several days right after Easter, with our brothers who were doing their annual retreat at St. Anthony’s Retreat, Three Rivers, … Continue reading Provincial Letter: April 30th, 2019
The St. Joseph Salesian Youth Renewal Center, World Youth Day Pilgrims invite you to World Youth Day Echo! A one day event that will bring the World Youth Day theme: Mary’s Fiat and recreate pilgrim experiences through witness talks, music, Vigil Mass, Adoration, art, food and more! Come and see what being a pilgrim is all about and explore the different ways you can say … Continue reading World Youth Day Echo
Mother Yvonne Reungoat has been visiting the various sites of our Salesian Sisters in the Western Province, here are some highlights. Continue reading Mother Yvonne’s Visit to Texas and California
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Happy Easter! I pray that this Easter Season may truly be a time of new life, deep peace and overflowing joy. Our faith in the Risen Lord encourages us to trust in Him and surrender our lives to his Kingdom. During the Holy Week services I attended, the presider told the congregation to allow God to catch you! We sometimes … Continue reading Provincial Letter: April 24th, 2019
Highlights from this years Annual Retreat at Three Rivers, CA. Continue reading SDB Annual Retreat
By Karen Krynen Communications Officer (Rosemead, CA) – Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will host its Open House for prospective students and their families on Sunday, November 18, 2018, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Middle school students are invited to tour the school’s extensive engineering and applied science labs and participate in Bosco Tech’s signature Explore and Create workshops. Offered to boys in … Continue reading Don Bosco Tech Open House – November 18th
By Izzy Shahmirza (Camp Counselor) (Camp St. Francis – Aptos, CA) – We had another successful camp season! Our incredible administrators, combined with our senior and assistant counselors, had the privilege of serving an energetic and intelligent group of young boys aging from five to thirteen years old at Camp Saint Francis in Aptos, California. Throughout the month of July, Camp Saint Francis 2016 would … Continue reading Camp St. Francis 2016: Positive Impact for Boys Ages 5-13
The Provincial’s weekly letter to the Salesian Family: Dear Salesian sisters and brothers, These days I am in San Antonio, Texas. Last week, I attended the CMSM (Conference of Major Superiors of Men) in Columbus, Ohio. I took a “red eye” flight from San Francisco to Columbus, Ohio, via Detroit. I left on Sunday and arrived on Monday morning. I was able to spend Monday … Continue reading Provincial: We Live Our Lives in the Spirit of Don Bosco Who Dreamt ‘Big’
By Dianna Rodriguez (Camp Savio 2016 – Bellflower, CA) – The entire camp met the beginning of the week with anticipation for the last day. The different grades started preparing the music and dances for the annual Talent Show and midnight spirit rally. The last week is always hectic because it forces the counselors to give more even when they are burnt out. Preparing for … Continue reading Camp Savio 2016: Last Week
By Salesian Deacons Fernando Javier Hernández Reyes, David Raúl Reynoso Ruiz, and José de Jesús Medrano Pérez (Camp Savio 2016 – Bellflower, CA) – The experience of only three days in the Salesian Community in Bellflower has been of a great wealth for our vocational and pastoral growth. This experience has a great value knowing that in one year we will finish our theological studies. We want to … Continue reading Camp Savio 2016: Visiting Deacons from Mexico
The Provincial’s weekly letter to the Salesian Family: Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today, Sunday, July 31st, I participated in the beautiful celebration for Fr. Tuan Nguyen’s 25th anniversary of Priesthood, which took place at our Vietnamese center, Mary Help of Christians, in Stockton. Bishop Steven Blaire was present at the Eucharistic celebration, along with 10 other priests. The Vietnamese Center community, which is overseen … Continue reading Provincial: May God Answer Our Prayers for Vocations
With loving gratitude to God, the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Province of St. Andrew the Apostle joyfully announce the Perpetual Profession of our brother Vien M. Nguyen, SDB on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Rite of Religious Profession will be celebrated during Mass on Monday, August 15, 2016 at 5:30 PM St. Dominic Savio Parish 13400 Bellflower … Continue reading You’re Invited: Salesian Perpetual Profession 2016
By Bro. Joseph Lockwood, SDB (Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club – San Francisco, CA) – On June 20th around 100 boys and girls (along with the club staff) loaded three buses at Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club, San Francisco to travel to Camp St. Francis, Aptos, CA for days of fun, excitement and adventure. The camp day began around 8:30 am with a wonderful and … Continue reading Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club in San Francisco at Camp St. Francis
By Karen E. Krynen (Bosco Tech – Rosemead, CA) – Many thanks to the golfers, sponsors, donors and volunteers who made the 27th Annual Bosco Tech Golf Classic on July 15 a very successful event. Held at the Montebello Golf Course, the tournament drew golfers for a fun day of competition and camaraderie. Through the generous support of many alumni and friends, Bosco Tech raised … Continue reading Bosco Tech’s 27th Annual Golf Classic
By Bro. James Nam Nguyen, SDB (San Luis Rey Parish – Laredo, TX) – Camp San Luis Rey in Laredo, Texas concluded its second week of summer camp this past Friday, July 15th. The theme for this year is “Be Who You Want To Be” based off the recent Disney movie “Zootopia.” There are a total of 226 young people this year: 156 campers and … Continue reading Camp San Luis Rey 2016
By Diego Buenrostro (Camp Counselor) (St. Dominic Savio Church, Bellflower) – Welcome to the first week of Camp Savio! We are overjoyed to have about 328 children attend our summer camp this year. We, the counselors, are thankful to the parents who are trusting us with the job of giving their little angels a fun and safe summer. Overview of our weekly activities at Camp! … Continue reading Camp Savio 2016: Week One
(Bellflower, CA) – The Salesians of Don Bosco have appointed Dennis Mulhaupt, as president of the 76-year-old all-boys, Catholic college preparatory high school. Mulhaupt succeeds Paul Escala, who served in that position since 2010, and will assume the role immediately in preparation for the upcoming academic year. “We are delighted to have Dennis join the St. John Bosco High School family as our new President,” … Continue reading St. John Bosco High School Names Dennis Mulhaupt as New President
By JC Montenegro (Salesian Volunteers, CA) – It could be said that the Salesian volunteers started back in the time when Don Bosco started his ministry with the young. The Salesian cooperators took upon themselves the mission of Don Bosco, to form good Christians and honest citizens. Later on, the volunteer program as we know it today started globally in Ecuador in 1974. Two young … Continue reading Salesian Volunteers: A Youthful Experience
By Dianna Rodriguez – Head Camp Counselor of Media (Bellflower, CA) – Over 270 teenagers have decided to spend their summer serving the kids living around the St. Dominic Savio parish. Many people are in disbelief by the amount of volunteers we have at Camp Savio and think we are crazy to keep so many teenagers in one place. As a Salesian camp, we believe … Continue reading Camp Savio Counselor Training Week (June 26th-July 2nd): 270 Teenagers sacrificing their summer vacation to serve!
By Fr. Jose Lucero, SDB – Vocation Director (California) – It’s been a blessing to be able to visit a few of our summer programs this past week. It began with visiting the Salesian Boys & Girls Club in Los Angeles. It was great to see Br. Tom Mass, Br. Steve Standard, and Jonathan Lee and the young people who were having a great time. The … Continue reading Visiting Our Salesian Summer Camps
By Fr. Jose Lucero, SDB (Vocation Director) (San Luis Rey Parish – Laredo, TX) – It was my first time experiencing the Jamaica at San Luis Rey Laredo Texas. What a great experience it was for me to see the parish so vibrant, active, and alive. The most important part of my visit was to be present to the local people to make an invitation … Continue reading 2016 Salesian Come and See – Laredo, Texas
By Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB – Pastor (St. Mary’s Church & School, Los Angeles) – Sr. Anna Bui, FMA, bid farewell to both the school and the parish. The audience filled the “banquet hall” each grade of the school presented special acts. One group of children dressed in the vocation that they expected to be a grownups: one wanted to be a priest, another a scientist, another a doctor, another a baseball player, another a Salesian … Continue reading Thank You Sr. Anna Bui, FMA!
By Fr. Gael Sullivan, SDB (Salesian Generalate – Rome, Italy) – A couple of months ago I had a call from Fr. Ted who in formed me that Fr. Tim Ploch had requested that I come to work for five weeks this summer in the office of the InterAmerican Region Councilor at the Pisana in Rome. Since the invitation was for a limited designated time period I … Continue reading Assisting Fr. Tim Ploch at the Pisana
By Bro. Jhoni Chamorro, SDB (Camp St. Francis, CA) – Two months ago, I flew from New Jersey knowing that I was making a complete transition back to my province. My Provincial assigned me to the community of Richmond so that I could finish my undergraduate degree at St Mary’s University in Moraga. I can’t express how full of gratitude my heart is for the 3 years I … Continue reading Renewal of Profession, a Renewal of Gratitude & Joy
By Andres Neria – Salesian Young Adult (Camp St. Francis, CA) – Salesian Youth Leadership Conference, or SYLC, just took place at Camp St. Francis in Aptos, California in the third week of June, where more than 75 youth leaders gathered to learn from and support each other in their ministries. The week started out with a bang with a musical about the life of Don … Continue reading Salesian Youth Leadership Conference 2016
By ANS (ANS – Bellflower) – Juan Carlos Montenegro is a past pupil of the Don Bosco Kennedy Salesian Technical Institute in Quito, Ecuador. From his years in the Salesian school he felt that his life “should not be a meaningless life.” As a student, he decided to go as a volunteer among the native Achuar people in Wasakentsa. “It was an experience that changed my … Continue reading Volunteering: A Risk Today, An Opportunity for the Future
