(ANS – Kraków) – As the Church prepares for the beatification of the nine Salesian educators and martyrs of World War II, they stand before us as witnesses of faith—persevering and faithful shepherds who remained steadfast despite the severe trials they endured. The recognition of their holiness will help preserve their memory for future generations, especially for today’s youth, living in a world where respect … Continue reading Towards the Beatification of Fr. Jan Świerc and His Companions, Polish Salesian Martyrs: Who They Were

(ANS – Kraków) – The beatification ceremony for nine Salesians—educators and martyrs—will take place on June 6, 2026, at the Shrine of St. John Paul II in Kraków. This beatification is a public recognition of their witness to the faith, a witness that proved stronger than violence, fear, and death. Amid the totalitarian hatred of World War II, they remained faithful to Christ, to the … Continue reading Towards the Beatification of Fr. Jan Świerc and His Companions, Polish Salesian Martyrs: June 6, 2026, in Kraków – 1

(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

(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

(ANS – Rome) – Along Via Marsala in Rome, near Termini Station, and in front of the Salesian Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Castro Pretorio, the third edition of the Way of the Cross dedicated to homeless individuals took place on Friday, March 27, 2026. The Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rome, Bishop Michele di Tolve, who presided over the celebration, … Continue reading In Search of Hope for Life: The “Way of the Cross of the Invisible” in Rome

(ANS – Turin) – This year, Holy Week—and in particular the Easter Triduum—at the Salesian Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin will have a special focus: it will be observed in a spirit of prayerful solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land, invoking the gift of peace for them. The Significance of a Spiritual Twinning The initiative, conceived and promoted by the Rector of the Basilica, Fr. Michele Viviano, is intended … Continue reading Holy Week 2026 at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians: Praying for the Holy Land

(ANS – Krakow) – Ahead of the beatification of Fr. Jan Świerc and his companions, Polish Salesian martyrs, scheduled for June 6, 2026, the St. Hyacinth Province of Krakow, Poland (PLS)—and specifically its Superior, Fr. Dariusz Bartocha, SDB—has prepared a brief presentation regarding this event, outlining the progress made so far and what remains to be done. In early December 2025, the Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the … Continue reading Towards the Beatification of Fr. Jan Świerc and His Companions, the Polish Salesian Martyrs: Preparations for the Event

(ANS – London) – Fr. Peter Pagac, SDB, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Battersea, hosted a meeting on March 5, 2026, to reflect on the hope and unity that Pope Leo XIV’s election might bring to the Catholic Church. Just under 200 people registered to participate, demonstrating the strong interest in the optimism that Pope Leo is already inspiring. The event’s organization and publicity were … Continue reading Unity and Hope: Where Can Pope Leo Lead the Church?

(ANS – Vatican City) — On February 6, 2026, the anniversary of the Servant of God Luigi Bolla’s entry into heaven, a communiqué was sent to the Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, stating that the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, in its ordinary Congress of January 14, 2026, had granted legal validity to the … Continue reading Validity of the Diocesan Inquiry into the Cause of the Servant of God Luigi Bolla

(ANS – Cuenca) – Saturday, January 31, 2026, was a historic day of faith and gratitude for the city of Cuenca, marked by the blessing of the chapel dedicated to the memory of Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi Croci, Salesian of Don Bosco, and by the final transfer of his mortal remains. They will now rest permanently in what was his home for many years: the … Continue reading Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi Croci, SDB, Returns Home: The Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Cuenca

(ANS – Vatican City) – On January 26, 2026, the General Postulator for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, received official notification that the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, during its Ordinary Congress on December 17, 2025, declared the diocesan inquiry into the Cause of Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Antonieta Böhm—a professed sister of the … Continue reading Diocesan Inquiry Into the Cause of the Servant of God Antonieta Böhm Declared Valid

(ANS – Macao) – On January 17, 2026, the Church of Macao experienced a day filled with memory, gratitude, and hope with the official opening of the diocesan inquiry into the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Gaetano Nicosia, a Salesian missionary who dedicated his life to the service of those afflicted with Hansen’s disease, whom he lovingly called, with … Continue reading Opening of the Diocesan Phase of the Cause for the Beatification of Fr. Gaetano Nicosia

(ANS – Vatican City) – On January 2, 2026, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute of the Vatican Secretariat of State, informed His Eminence Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, Archbishop of Bologna, that Pope Leo XIV had accepted the proposal to celebrate the Rite of Beatification of the Venerable Servants of God Ubaldo Marchinoni, diocesan priest; Fr. Elia Comini, Salesian of Don Bosco; and Fr. Martino Capelli, … Continue reading Fr. Elia Comini, Priest and Martyr, to Be Beatified on September 27, 2026

(ANS – Rome) – As is traditional, at the beginning of the new year the Dossier and Poster of the Salesian Postulation relating to the previous year are presented. Salesian holiness is a river of life flowing through history: the numbers speak for themselves and reveal a significant spiritual heritage. As of December 31, 2025, the Salesian Family includes 11 Saints, 116 Blesseds, 20 Venerables, … Continue reading Publication of the Dossier and Poster of the Holiness of the Salesian Family 2025

(ANS – Albiano Magra) – On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the parish of Saint Martin Bishop in Albiano Magra, in the Province of Massa-Carrara, celebrated the Blessed Titus Zeman, whose Liturgical Memory was on January 8th. The commemoration is part of the initiative “To YOU for YOU with JESUS” Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations, of the Albiano-Montedivalli Pastoral Unit. Many of the faithful took part in … Continue reading Blessed Titus Zeman Celebrated in Albiano Magra. A Day of Prayer for Vocations

ANS – Rome) — On Friday, October 24, 2025, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. During the audience, the Supreme Pontiff authorized the same Dicastery to promulgate the decree concerning: – the martyrdom of the Servants of God Jan Świerc and eight Companions, professed priests of the Salesian Society of St. … Continue reading Recognition of the Martyrdom of the Servants of God Jan Świerc and Eight Companions, Salesians of Don Bosco

(ANS – Rome) – The canonization of the first Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) after the co-founder of the FMA Institute, Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello, is a joy for the entire Salesian Family and for anyone who shares the missionary spirit and attention to those most in need – traits that characterized her entire life and in particular her service among the sick and … Continue reading Canonization of Sister Maria Troncatti: Scheduled Events and How to Follow Them

(ANS – Hong Kong) – 2025 is a year filled with sacred significance. The Universal Church will celebrate a solemn occasion – the Ordinary Jubilee, commemorating the 2,025th anniversary of the birth of our Saviour. For this Jubilee, Pope Francis chose the profound theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.” At the same time, for us, Chinese Catholics, 2025 holds another special grace: in this year, we celebrate the … Continue reading Pilgrims of Hope: Walking with the Martyr Saints in a Double Jubilee Year

(ANS – Rome) – On the evening of October 2, 2025, during the traditional Goodnight offered by Fr. Pier Luigi Cameroni, Postulator General of the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, at the Headquarters of the Salesians of Don Bosco, a moment of profound spiritual significance took place: the presentation of the relic of Blessed Maria Troncatti. This precious relic, a phalanx of her hand, … Continue reading Good Night at Headquarters: Presentation of the Relic of Blessed Maria Troncatti

(ANS – Rome) – On Sunday October 1, 2000, Holy Year, the Holy Father John Paul II celebrated the Eucharist on the parvis of the Patriarchal Vatican Basilica and proceeded with the Canonization of Blesseds AGOSTINO ZHAO RONG, presbyter, and 119 COMPANIONS, martyrs in China (1648-1930); MARÍA JOSEFA DEL CORAZÓN DE JESÚS SANCHO DE GUERRA (1842-1912), virgin, foundress of the Institute of the Servants of Jesus … Continue reading 25th Anniversary of the Canonization of Louis Versiglia and Callistus Caravario

(ANS – Rome) – The historical-spiritual-liturgical Commission established by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in view of the canonization of Sr. Maria Troncatti (1883-1969), scheduled for October 19, has drawn up a program to get to know the figure of the Blessed, her message and her relevance better – starting from the motto “Mother, missionary, craftswoman of peace and reconciliation’.” Thanks to this material, … Continue reading On the Way to the Canonization of Sr. Maria Troncatti, FMA: Her Mother’s Heart

(ANS – Rome) – In the second stage of the journey, preparing for the canonization of Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) Sister Maria Troncatti (1883–1969), the focus turns to her roots, and especially to her birthplace: Corteno Golgi. This small town of 2,000 inhabitants, located in Val Camonica in the Province of Brescia, Lombardy, is where Sister Maria Benvenuta Troncatti – her full baptismal … Continue reading On the Path to the Canonization of Sister Maria Troncatti, FMA: Corteno Golgi, Her Birthplace

(ANS – Rome) – Bl. Carlo Acutis and Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati, who will be canonized together in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, September 7 by Pope Leo XIV, embody the promise and dynamism of youthful holiness in the Church. This canonization, formally announced at Pope Leo XIV’s first Ordinary Public Consistory with the approval of the Cardinals, is greatly anticipated—not only because they are two … Continue reading Verso l’Alto! Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati: Models of Youthful Holiness for Today’s Generation

(ANS – Rome) – Carlo Acutis, the teenager who will be canonized on Sunday, September 7, 2025 by Pope Leo XIV, was also somehow inspired by Don Bosco’s spirituality in his journey of faith. His love for the Eucharist, seen as “the highway to Heaven,” was at the center of his life and actions, in Salesian spirituality that places the encounter with God at the center … Continue reading Carlo Acutis in the “Roundabout” of Salesian Saints

(ANS – Chimpay) – Thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the country came to the birthplace of Ceferino Namuncurá to touch his poncho, make a request, and give thanks. The simple faith of the people was on display this weekend. After the celebration of Mass on the Blessed’s liturgical memorial day, commemorating the 139th anniversary of his birth, the 55th pilgrimage of faith to Chimpay … Continue reading 55th Pilgrimage of Faith in Chimpay for Ceferino Namuncurá

(ANS – Buenos Aires) – August 26 marks the Liturgical Memory of Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá. On this day, which marks the 139th anniversary of the Blessed’s birth, Fr Darío Perera, Superior of the Salesian Province of Argentina South (ARS), sent a message to the Salesian community, inviting them to “celebrate the feast of Blessed Ceferino, committing ourselves to realizing his dream.” To this end, in the … Continue reading Fr. Darío Perera’s Message on the Occasion of the Liturgical Memory of Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá

Augusto Czartoryski was born on 2 August 1858 in Paris, France, the firstborn son to Prince Ladislaus of Poland and Princess Maria Amparo, daughter of the Duke and Queen of Spain. The noble Czartoryski Family had been living in exile in France for almost 30 years, in the Lambert Palace. Here, with the hope of restoring unity in Poland, they continued to direct activities between … Continue reading August 2 – Memorial of Blessed Augusto Czartoryski (Salesian Priest)

(ANS – Macao) – On July 16, 2025, Bishop Stephen Lee Bun Sang of Macao issued the Edict announcing the opening of the Cause for the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Gaetano Nicosia. Born on April 3, 1915, in San Giovanni La Punta (Catania, Italy) and deceased on November 6, 2017, in Hong Kong, Fr. Nicosia was a professed priest of the Salesian … Continue reading Cause for Beatification and Canonization of the Servant of God Gaetano Nicosia Begins

(ANS – Sucúa) – On the morning of Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the first session of the Tribunal responsible for the canonical recognition and preservation of the relics of Blessed Maria Troncatti (1883–1969) took place at the Vicariate Pastoral Center of Rio Blanco in Macas. Sr. Troncatti, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians and missionary in Ecuador, is set to be canonized on October 19, 2025. The ceremony was attended … Continue reading In Sucúa, Mission Land of Sister Maria Troncatti, the Canonical Recognition of Her Relics is Completed

(ANS – Meruri) – The sound of the bell, according to tradition, continues to call the entire community to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the indigenous mission of Meruri, located in the territory of the Boe-Bororo people. The village belongs to the municipality of General Carneiro, in the diocese of Barra do Garças. For almost a century, the Salesians have led the … Continue reading Salesians Gather in Meruri for the Opening of the Jubilee Year in Memory of the 50th Anniversary of the Death of Servants of God, Rodolfo Lunkenbein and Simão Bororo

July 7, 2025, is the 48th anniversary of the birth into heaven of Blessed María Romero Meneses (1902-1977), FMA of Central America, who, with a heart full of love, through her writings, her prayers, but above all through tireless catechetical work and a variety of initiatives, managed to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus throughout her life. Her prayer was, “Heart of Jesus, … Continue reading Celebrating Blessed Maria Romero Meneses, FMA

(ANS – Niterói) – The monument to Our Lady Help of Christians in the Santa Rosa neighborhood of Niterói has been officially declared intangible cultural heritage. The City Council approved the law proposed by Councillor Allan Lyra and published it in the Official Gazette on June 19, 2025. The monument, located on Morro do Alarico, is a six-meter-high statue with a 28-meter pedestal. It is accessed … Continue reading Monument Dedicated to Mary Help of Christians Declared a Cultural Heritage

(ANS – Rome) – The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, celebrated annually 69 days after Easter, will take place this year on June 27, 2025. To prepare for this important feast, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at Castro Pretorio, known as the Universal Temple of Devotion to the Sacred Heart and the Salesian headquarters, is offering a novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Heart of Jesus, pierced on … Continue reading Novena to the Sacred Heart: A Spiritual Preparation for the Solemnity on June 27

(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Family worldwide rejoices with immense gratitude and joy at the announcement of the canonization of Blessed Maria Troncatti, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), scheduled to take place on October 19, 2025. This eagerly awaited announcement was made on June 13, 2025, during the celebration of the Third Hour and the Ordinary Public Consistory for the Canonization of the Blessed, presided over … Continue reading Imminent Canonization of Blessed Maria Troncatti: A Joyful Milestone for the Salesian Family

(ANS – Chiari) – Once again this year the “Auxilium Don Silvio Galli”, a non-profit Association bringing initial assistance to the marginalized, and the Salesians of Don Bosco, Chiari, planned a “Three days with Don Galli”  event for the 13th anniversary of the death of Servant of God Fr. Silvio Galli, SDB (Palazzolo Milanese, September 10, 1927 – Chiari, June 12, 2012). On Thursday, June 12, … Continue reading Three Days with Don Galli 2025

(ANS – Vatican City) – On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the volume of the Positio super Vita, Virtutibus et Fama Sanctitatis of the Servant of God Andrej Majcen, Salesian missionary, was delivered at the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints in the Vatican. The Positio was presented by Father Szczepan Tadeusz Praśkiewicz, OCD, with Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, SDB, as Postulator, and Dr. Lodovica Maria Zanet as Collaborator. The structural elements … Continue reading Delivery of the ‘Positio Super Virtutibus’ of the Servant of God Andrej Majcen, Salesian Missionary

(ANS – Vatican City) – On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff issued the following notification regarding the Ordinary Public Consistory for the Voting on certain Causes of Canonization: On Friday, June 13, 2025, at 9.00 a.m., in the Consistory Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Leo XIV will preside over the celebration of the Third … Continue reading June 13, 2025: Consistory for the Canonization of Blessed Maria Troncatti

(ANS – Lima) – A story of silent holiness, woven between the rivers, the forest, and the indigenous faces of the Amazon – in Ecuador and, above all, in Peru over the last 30 years – is approaching a new dawn. On Friday May 30, coinciding providentially with the month of Mary Help of Christians, the diocesan phase of the process of beatification and canonization of … Continue reading  ‘Yánkuam’ Jintia’, the Star of the Forest on His Way to the Altars

(ANS – Turin) – The spiritual preparation for the 29th General Chapter concluded yesterday with the participants’ pilgrimage to Colle Don Bosco, the symbolic place of Salesian origins. Despite the cold temperature of -1°C, the welcome was warm, thanks to the dedication of the resident Salesian community, supported by a dozen volunteers. The director of the community, Fr. Vijaya Thathireddy, greeted them with these meaningful words: “You have returned … Continue reading The Spiritual Preparation of CG29 Concludes with the Pilgrimage to Colle Don Bosco

(ANS – Turin) – On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, during the third day of the Spiritual Retreat for the participants of the 29th General Chapter (GC29), the reflection presented by Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, focused on the “method” that can guide the spiritual experience. His discourse was designed as a guide to approaching – also in light of the experiences of great saints and … Continue reading The Mysticism of Salesian Life: The Experience of Encountering God Through Young People

(ANS – Rome) – Louis (Luigi) Variara was born in Viarigi, in the province of Asti, on January 15, 1875, 150 years ago, to a deeply Christian family. His father Pietro had listened to Don Bosco in 1856 when he had come to the village to preach a mission. When Luigi was born, his father Pietro was forty-two years old and was married for the … Continue reading January 15, 2025: 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Blessed Louis Variara, SDB

(ANS – Rome) – At the beginning of the Holy Year 2025, it is significant to present the Dossier of the Salesian General Postulation as a strong invitation to renew the universal call to holiness in the sign of hope that does not disappoint, as Pope Francis urges: “to bring hope where it has been lost: where life is wounded, in betrayed expectations, in broken … Continue reading The 2024 Postulation Dossier and the 2024 Salesian Family Holiness Poster Have Been Published

(ANS – Vatican City) – On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, the Theological Consultants of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, during the Peculiar Congress, answered in the affirmative regarding the Positio super martyrio of the Servants of God Jan Świerc and 8 Companions, Professed Priests of the Society of St Francis de Sales, killed in odium fidei in the Nazi death camps in the years 1941-1942. The Positio had been delivered on July … Continue reading Theological Consultants Give Positive Vote for the “Positio Super Martyrio” of Servants of God Jani Świerc and 8 Companions, Salesians of Don Bosco

(ANS – Vatican City) – On November 25, 2024, Pope Francis received His Eminence Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, in audience. During the meeting, the Holy Father authorized the promulgation of the decree concerning: – the miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Maria Troncatti, a professed Sister of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, born in Córteno … Continue reading Blessed Maria Troncatti, FMA, to be Declared a Saint

(ANS – Rome) – The particular Churches, starting from the next Jubilee of 2025, are invited to remember and honor the saints who have characterized the Christian journey and local spirituality every year on 9 November, the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica. With the Holy Father’s Letter dated November 9, 2024, the Pope urges the particular Churches to remember their Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, … Continue reading Annual Remembrance of the Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God of the Local Churches

(ANS- Rome) – On Sunday, October 20, 2024, in Rome, on the occasion of World Mission Day, Pope Francis [inscribed] Blessed Joseph Allamano, founder of the Consolata missionaries, in the register of saints. Nephew of Saint Joseph Cafasso on his mother’s side, Joseph Allamano, was born in Castelnuovo d ‘Asti on 21 January 1851. He attended secondary school in Valdocco and, as an educator, he boasted nothing … Continue reading Saint Joseph Allamano, Student of the Oratory at Valdocco