(ANS – Rome) – On November 11th, we remember the distant 1875 when the first missionary expedition set out! Commemorating this important event opens the celebrations for the 150th anniversary in 2025. The slogan chosen for the occasion helps us enter into this anniversary: Give thanks, Rethink, Relaunch. Give Thanks: We give thanks to God for the gift of missionary vocation, which enables the sons … Continue reading Give Thanks, Rethink, Relaunch: Towards the 150th Anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition

(ANS – Beirut) – In 2024, Lebanon was showing timid signs of reviving its economy after the previous 4 years of severe economic crisis that brought disastrous consequences for Human Rights and forced more than 80% of the population into poverty. However, on October 1, the escalation of the war in the Middle East also involved Lebanon, and the intensification of violence generated an unprecedented humanitarian … Continue reading School Support for Refugee Children

(ANS – Rome) – “Dilexit nos” is Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical. It traces the tradition and relevance of thinking “on the human and divine love of the heart of Jesus Christ,” inviting us to renew authentic devotion to not forget the tenderness of the faith, the joy of serving others, and the fervor of the mission. Opened with a brief introduction and divided into five … Continue reading Among the Ten Most Beautiful Words from Pope Francis’ New Encyclical “Dilexit Nos”

(ANS – Valencia) – The rains that reached the southeast of Spain, accompanied by strong winds and tornadoes, were caused by a meteorological phenomenon known as a High Altitude Isolated Depression (DANA, in Spanish). It all began last Tuesday, October 29th, when torrential rains caused the overflow of rivers and streams and a series of particularly catastrophic floods in the province of Valencia. More than 220 … Continue reading Salesian Houses Throughout Spain Help People Affected by DANA

(ANS – Vatican City) – At the concluding Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis encourages us to be like Bartimaeus in today’s Gospel and “entrust our blindness to the Lord” in order to be “a missionary Church that walks with her Lord through the streets of the world.” Marking the conclusion of the XVIth Ordinary General Assembly of the … Continue reading Pope Francis: May We Be a Church on the Move, Sharing the Joy of the Gospel

(ANS – Donetsk) – The research/reflection of the Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek-Catholic Exarchate of Donetsk, Salesian Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, on what can be constructive and edifying in a destructive context such as that of war continues. In this third contribution, the Salesian prelate identifies the proximity of a Church united to her flock in the difficult time of trial. With the people, the Church … Continue reading Youth Ministry in Time of War, Part III: The Gift of a Church That Suffers

(ANS – Rome) – A driver’s license, the first voter’s card, an important journey, and many dreams to be fulfilled. These are the first things that come to mind when one thinks of turning 18, a milestone in life that is more like a departure, given the taste of autonomy and independence it has always carried. Yet, turning 18 is not always a celebration. For … Continue reading When Turning 18 is No Celebration: Life After Being at Home with the Family

(ANS) – Fr. Gildasio Mendes, Councillor General for Social Communications, led a virtual meeting of International Salesian Social Communication Coordinators, where participants discussed progress, future plans, and initiatives to enhance the Salesians’ digital communication strategies. The meeting focused on upcoming events of global and regional importance, news and updates from regional coordinators, and the use of communication technology and skills for social transformation. The coordinators … Continue reading International Salesian Communication Coordinators Meet to Discuss Digital Communication and Charismatic Responsibility

(ANS – Rome) – The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to discovering and nurturing the creative talents of young filmmakers from around the globe. Organized by the Salesians of Don Bosco, the festival aims to inspire and empower youth in the field of media while promoting social responsibility. It provides an exceptional platform for young filmmakers to showcase their … Continue reading Igniting Change: The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival Celebrates Youth Creativity and Environmental Advocacy

(ANS – Rome) – Dialogue is a uniquely human activity and a crucial human characteristic where individuals or groups exchange opinions, thoughts, or points of view, consider different options, and even reflect on their beliefs, opinions, values, or biases. Dialogue is essential for mutual understanding, appreciation, and respect among individuals and groups, and it facilitates collaboration and decision-making. With a fundamental attitude of openness, dialogue … Continue reading Builders of Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue

(ANS – Rome) Tomorrow [today], October 11, marks the World Day of Girls and Young Women, proclaimed by the UN in 2012. Around this time, the  “Terre des Hommes” NGO published a new report on the living conditions of minors on various continents. Since 2015, the female school population in the world has increased by 50 million, and the school completion rate of girls has improved. However, the number of … Continue reading A New Report Sheds Light on the Situation of Girls in the World

(ANS – Buenos Aires) – The Salesian Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá Province of South Argentina (ARS) has recently presented a summary of ‘Our Common Home: with children and young people towards a sustainable environmental mentality’, a project to raise awareness and commit to concrete actions for the care of the environment that the Province has implemented in eight Salesian houses, with the help of the Swiss Salesian … Continue reading Salesians with Children and Young People Towards a Sustainable Environmental Mentality

Dear Friend of the Salesian Missions,  We are happy to send you the Cagliero Life video of October linked to the monthly Salesian intention to be used as a tool for animation, discussion, and sharing within the various youth groups. You can watch the video on YouTube or by clicking the button below. This month, the topic is SHARING.We can say that Don Bosco was … Continue reading Cagliero Video – October 2024: SHARING

(ANS – Vatican City) – Spanish Salesian Cardinal Cristóbal Lopez Romero, Archbishop of Rabat, Morocco, currently in the Vatican as a member of the second session of the Synod on Synodality, representing the Episcopal Conference of North Africa, spoke on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the second press briefing held in the renovated Vatican Press Room, addressing the current synod. Asked about the German synod, with … Continue reading Card. López Romero, SDB, on the Synod: The Church Will Emerge More Catholic

(ANS – Jerusalem) – A year after the beginning of the conflict, the small Christian community in Gaza, which has seen its numbers halved, continues to face enormous challenges in the midst of violence that does not want to stop. In recent months, many people have sought refuge in churches, which have tragically become targets themselves. At the beginning of the war, an attack caused damage to an … Continue reading Holy Land – The Christian Community After a Year of War

(ANS – Beirut) – To understand the current situation of the Salesians in Lebanon, a previous, albeit summary presentation of the current socio-political and military situation in the country is essential. The communique sent by the Salesian community in Lebanon. Since 8 October 2023, in the aftermath of the sudden and brutal attack by Hamas on Israel, starting from the Gaza Strip, and the violent reaction … Continue reading Lebanon – Salesians in the Context of War

(Turin, Italy – September 2024) – The members of the 155th missionary expedition have reached their final preparations before the missionary send-off on 29 September in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. On Saturday, at sunset, they will receive the final transfer letter to their new Province with effect from 29 September. After dinner on 28 September they will have a meeting with the … Continue reading Final Preparations by Members of the 155th Missionary Expedition

(ANS – Rome) – With just over two weeks to go until the Extraordinary World Assembly of Past Pupils, scheduled for 2-6 October at the Salesian Mother House in Valdocco, Turin, the World Delegate for the Past Pupils of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Salesian Brother Dominic Duc Nam Nguyen, has sent them a brief video-message. Recalling that this year we celebrate the Bicentenary of  Don … Continue reading Bro. Dominic Duc Nam Nguyen’s Message for the Past Pupils Extraordinary World Assembly

(ANS – Dili, Timor-Leste) – On Monday, September 9th, Pope Francis arrived in Dili, the capital of Timor-Leste, where he will remain until September 11th. The Pontiff was welcomed to the presidential palace in Dili by the Head of State, one of the architects of independence and 1996 Nobel Peace Prize winner José Manuel Ramos-Horta. The two, after listening to the hymns and after three children … Continue reading Pope Francis: “Thanks to the Disposition of Your People and Your Faith, You Have Transformed Pain into Joy”

Vatican City, Vatican – July 2024 – Yesterday morning, July 18, Pope Francis visited the “Estate Ragazzi in the Vatican” summer center, accompanied by Fr Franco Fontana, SDB, responsible for organizing the center’s physical, educational, and spiritual activity weeks. After a brief greeting and a thank you to the benefactors at Casa Santa Marta, the Pope moved to the area of the small sports center, … Continue reading Pope Francis Visits the “Estate Ragazzi in the Vatican” summer center at the San Giuseppe (St Joseph) Sports Centre and Meets the Benefactors

Bethlehem, Palestine – July 2024 – Despite the situation in Palestine, on July 7th, the Don Bosco Salesian Work in Bethlehem will host summer activities. Hundreds of young people take part in the various activities, which will last three weeks, on the theme “Bosco World.” Continue reading Don Bosco Summer Activities Begin in Bethlehem

(ANS – Damascus) – “Don Bosco World” has taken the place of “Don Bosco Space” as the theme of the summer camps that the Salesian houses in Aleppo, Damascus and Kafroun are offering this year to almost 3,000 youngsters for about a month and a half. In the midst of the difficult economic and social situation of the country, which has been at war for … Continue reading A Carefree Summer for Syrian Children – Thanks to the Don Bosco World Salesian Camp

(ANS – Paris) – In their speeches, some politicians associate the issue of Unaccompanied Minors  – that is, foreign adolescents who arrive in Europe without an adult by their side – with the problem of juvenile delinquency, insinuating that they should be distrusted and that the State should protect its citizens from their possible actions. Fr. Jean-Marie Petitclerc, Salesian of Don Bosco and Coordinator of the Don Bosco … Continue reading “No, unaccompanied minors do not endanger our society with their delinquency.” – Fr. Jean-Marie Petitclerc, SDB

(ANS – Port-au-Prince) – “Life in Haiti, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, cannot be described in words. We are in a state of almost total anarchy. People are generally unable to carry out their activities and the main roads are closed”. This is the dramatic testimony shared by Fr Victor Auguste, Salesian of Haiti. “The violence of the gangs is causing a significant number … Continue reading The Country is Experiencing a Situation “That Cannot be Described in Words”

Dear friend of the Salesian missions, 
On day 11, monthly remembrance of Salesian missions, we are happy to share with you the Cagliero Life video of June linked to the monthly Salesian intention published in the June Cagliero, to be used as a tool for animation, discussion and sharing within the various youth groups. 
  You can also watch the video on the Settore per le Missioni Salesiane … Continue reading Cagliero Life June 2024 Video

June is the month in which World Refugee Day is celebrated, on the 20th. This month, Pope Francis also dedicated his video message with prayer intentions for migrants and all those fleeing their countries. This is the context for Missionary Bulletin “Cagliero11” which has published a forum on displaced people in the world. Referring to the data published by UNHCR – United Nations High Commissioner … Continue reading A Focus on the World’s Displaced

(ANS – Fatima) – During his visit to Portugal for the National Day of the Salesian Youth Movement and the Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family to Fatima, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, gave a brief interview to the Salesians in Portugal, in which he talks about the importance of young people in the Salesian charism, the current challenges of the Congregation … Continue reading Interview with the Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime

(ANS – Interamerica) – In an atmosphere of great joy, the Interamerica Region celebrated Salesian Cooperator, Day on the occasion of the 148th anniversary of the Foundation of the Association. The celebration took place virtually on Zoom and brought together participants from all 13 countries that make up the Region. The meeting began with the prayer created by the Association, worldwide, in preparation for the 150th … Continue reading Salesian Cooperator Day 2024 celebrated on “Zoom”

ANS – Porto Alegre) – Brazil is in a state of natural disaster following the disastrous floods that have hit the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in the extreme south of the country, the worst since 1941, since April 27, 2024. The most affected area was around Porto Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, where in some locations, 150 mm of rain fell in 24 … Continue reading Flood Emergency in the State of Rio Grande do Sul: The Province of Porto Alegre Commits to Helping

(ANS – Caracas) – For 30 years, the Asociación Civil Juventud y Trabajo (Civil Association for Youth and Work) has played a fundamental role in the formation and support of young Venezuelans. Founded by the Salesians of Don Bosco, this organization was a beacon of hope in a context of growing school dropout and violence in the country. The mission of the association is clear and is typically Salesian: to transform lives through vocational training, education and … Continue reading Civil Association for Youth and Work: 30 years of Formation for Work

(ANS – Vatican City) – As part of the General Audience on Wednesday, the participants in the course “Accompanying when trauma hits, 2024” were able to meet Pope Francis, thanks to the good work of Prof. Busnelli and Sister Alessandra Smerilli, who assured them a place of honour in the General Audience. His Holiness listened carefully to the explanations on the course provided by Viktorija Kalic … Continue reading Meetings with Pope Francis and the Rector Major at the Conclusion of “Accompanying When Trauma Hits” Formation Course

(Tonj, South Sudan) – The Don Bosco primary school in Tonj has launched a campaign to clean up the environment, which will be carried out during Lent. The project, called “Keep Clean and Grow Green,” involves the students of the school who, every Friday until March 22, will take care of keeping the city of Tonj clean and planting new trees. In response to global warming … Continue reading A “Green” Initiative for Lent

(ANS – Rome) – We live in a world in a constant humanitarian emergency, something that everybody is perceiving. The Salesian Family cannot ignore this reality and has acted accordingly to bring humanitarian relief and hope in some of the worst conflicts. The Ukraine war is one clear example. In 2018, after approval by the General Council, “Stream of Solidarity” was published in the Salesian manual … Continue reading Two Years of Salesian Emergency Response in Ukraine

Kigali, Rwanda – February 2024 – The Team Visit to the Africa-Madagascar Region has begun, following the pilgrimage on 19 February, carried out as a moment of spiritual preparation by the Superiors of the 15 Salesian circumscriptions in the Africa-Madagascar Region, accompanied by their Provincial Councillors and led by the Regional Councillor, Fr Alphonse Owoudou. From 20 to 23 February, the entire General Council of … Continue reading The Team Visit to the Africa-Madagascar Region

(ANS – Santo Domingo) – Coming from the Northeast of Brazil, where he had celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco and paid tribute to the Servant of God Father Cícero Romão Batista, whom he proclaimed a Salesian Cooperator, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, landed on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in Santo Domingo, to carry out an Animation Visit to … Continue reading The Rector Major of the Salesians Has Arrived in the Country and Has Begun His Animation Visit

(ANS – Juazeiro do Norte) – The final meetings of Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, took place at Juazeiro do Norte in the Brazilian State of Ceará on Sunday, February 4, 2024. It was the sixth and final day of the Animation Visit to the St Aloysius Gonzaga Salesian Province of Brazil-Recife (BRE). The 10th Successor of Don Bosco … Continue reading The Perpetual Profession of Three Young Salesians Marks the Last Day of the Rector Major’s visit to Juazeiro do Norte

Hong Kong – January 2024 – It is now a decades-long tradition that the House of Salesian Studies in Hong Kong invites the Holy Spirit” Seminary and all students and professors from the College of Theology and Philosophy of the Seminary to participate in the celebration of the Feast of Don Bosco. The joint celebration dates back to the time when the Salesians began sending … Continue reading Celebration of the Feast of Don Bosco

By Jc Montenegro, Ph.D In the heart of the Dominican Republic, “Plaza Educativa Don Bosco,” housing four distinct educational institutions, recently hosted a transformative retreat centered around unveiling the Rector Major’s strenna, “The Dream that Makes Us Dream.”  Our Province Mission Animation Delegate helped facilitate this retreat.  More than 700 young minds and 300 educators were given a unique opportunity to reflect on the Dream … Continue reading Inspiring Educational Retreat at Plaza Educativa Don Bosco in the Dominican Republic

(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian tradition recalls December 8, 1841 as the day on which the Salesian Oratory or the Salesian mission was born. Don Bosco himself has shared this experience and affirmed convincingly, “All of our great initiatives began on the day of the Immaculate”. According to the story that most of us are familiar with, Don Bosco was preparing to celebrate the feast-day … Continue reading December 8, 1841: The Birthday of the Salesian Mission

(ANS) – The Salesian Cooperators from the Interamerica Region held the third and final regional formation meeting for 2023 online in on Sunday, November 26, 2023. The topic for the meeting was “The Salesian lay dimension today: Don Bosco’s dream 150 years later!”, and was explored by Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators. Juanita Silva, regional head of formation, welcomed all the … Continue reading Salesian Cooperators Formation Meeting

By Francesca Merlo Photo from Vatican Media (ANS – Vatican City) – Pope Francis sends a video message for the inauguration of the “Faith Pavilion” during COP28 in Dubai, and highlights the need for alliances that promote care for creation and peace. At the heart of Pope Francis’ video message to Dubai for the inauguration of the “COP28 Faith Pavilion” is the idea of creating alliances … Continue reading Pope Francis Urges Religious Leaders to Work Together for Peace and Climate

(ANS – Rome) – The Sector for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation is launching this year the new project of the “Don Bosco Digital Forum”: a new platform and channel for listening, dialogue and participation with the Delegates for Social Communication and especially with the young people directly involved in the Communication of Salesian Provinces and Vice provinces all over the world. The ultimate goal of … Continue reading “Sharing Our Life and Faith Journey in the Digital World”

(ANS – Turin) – In the beautiful setting of the Sanctuary of the Consolata in Turin, the most important sanctuary of the city and the Archdiocese, the much-awaited meeting of the people with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, took place on the evening of Monday December 4th. The event served to reflect together on the theme: “The Youth of … Continue reading The Youth of Today, the Great Educational Challenge

(ANS – Rome) – In November 2023, three different meetings were held at the congregational level in preparation for the worldwide meeting for those involved in SMV. These meetings brought together participants from various regions to discuss the challenges and expectations related to volunteerism in preparation to the Salesian Missionary Volunteer Meeting in March 2024. The meeting aimed to create a network, foster collaboration, and analyze … Continue reading Getting Ready for the Salesian Missionary Volunteer Meeting in March 2024

From Salesian Missions (ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring World AIDS Day celebrated each year on Dec. 1. The day is held to honor AIDS victims and focuses on prevention and treatment issues surrounding HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). World … Continue reading World Aids Day: Salesian Missions Highlights Programs that Support Youth with HIV/AIDS

(ANS – Rome) – The calendar for Advent and Christmas 2023-24 was produced by the Youth Pastoral Sector in collaboration with the Laudato si’ circle “nelle Selve” of Rome, has the Laudate Deum as its theme and can be downloaded in different languages at this link. Continue reading The Calendar for Advent and Christmas 2023-24 “Laudate Deum”

(ANS – Rome) – Ecology and spirituality are two sides of the same coin. The loss of spirituality is also reflected in ecological degradation. There is, in fact, a ‘desacralisation’ of creation. And in the face of such a great desacralisation of the planet, the universe and the soul, which is at the root of the great ecological outrage, only the recovery of a sense of … Continue reading 4 Thematic Spiritual Retreats to Reconcile with Ourselves, with Others, with Creation and with God

(ANS – Rome) – On Thursday November 30, the “COP28” (28th Conference of the Parties) began in Dubai, in the UAE, which will last until December 12th: an important climate conference attended by representatives from over 190 countries of the world and 200 private companies and civil society organizations. For the occasion, the Sector for Youth Ministry of the Salesian Congregation and “Don Bosco International” … Continue reading “COP28”: The Youth Ministry Sector and DBI Invite You to Pray for COP28 and the Pope

(ANS – Rome) – The sixth video in the series “It’s time for Chapter 28”, in which Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, illustrates the sixth Programmatic Line delivered after the 28th General Chapter: “TOGETHER WITH THE LAY PEOPLE IN THE MISSION AND FORMATION. The charismatic strength offered to us by the laity and the Salesian Family”. In the video, the Rector Major … Continue reading ‘It’s Chapter Time 28’: Video of the Sixth Programmatic Line Available Online

(ANS – Rome) – On November 25th, the day of her birth into Heaven, the Salesian Family around the world remembers the figure of Margaret Occhiena, “Mamma Margaret”, as hundreds of children called her when she helped her son Don Bosco at the time of the first Oratory at Valdocco. Declared Venerable by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, the mother of the founder of the … Continue reading Mamma Margaret, the Key Figure in Don Bosco’s Vocation and the Beginning of the Salesians’ Work

(ANS – Rome) – With just over 50 days to go until the start of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days (GSFS) 2024 – scheduled to take place in Turin-Valdocco from January 18 to 21, 2024 – the Secretariat for the Salesian Family has released a short video in five languages inviting members of all groups to this great event of spirituality, communion and sharing. “Don Bosco … Continue reading Salesian Family Spirituality Days 2024

(ANS – Rome) – In the “Guidelines and Directives” section of the Acts of the General Council no. 440, for July-December 2023, a letter was published and signed by Fr. Gildasio Mendes, General Councillor for Social Communication, entitled: “Walking with young people in digital culture”. The document, motivated by the requests received from various parts of the Salesian world, is the result of a joint … Continue reading In Conversation with Fr. Gildasio Mendes, SDB

(ANS) – Twenty-five Salesian musicians engaged together from different countries in Latin America at an online meeting under the direction of Fr. Gildasio Mendes, General Councillor for Social Communication, on Friday, November 24, 2023, to coordinate actions and initiatives capable of promoting evangelization through music. For the first time, representatives of almost all the Spanish-speaking Provinces of America participated in a meeting of this kind, … Continue reading Salesian Musicians Promote Evangelization through the Arts

(ANS – Rome) – On the 148th anniversary of the Salesian Missionary Expedition, Saturday November 11, 2023, Fr. Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the Missions, announced that in the last winter session of the General Council the Rector Major, with the consent of his Council, accepted the invitation of Bishop Petros Stefanou, Catholic bishop of Syros, Santorini and Crete to open a Salesian presence in … Continue reading Greece: The New Salesian Frontier in Europe

From Salesian Missions Photo from Salesian Missions (ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in recognizing World Children’s Day, also known as Universal Children’s Day. Celebrated each year on November 20th, the day was established in 1954 to promote international togetherness and awareness on children’s issues worldwide. … Continue reading World Children’s Day: Salesian Missions Highlights Social and Educational Programs

(ANS – ECSA) – On Tuesday, November 14th, more than 90 men and women belonging to Salesian social communication in America shared a virtual meeting with Fr. Luis Timossi, Director of the Salesian Center for Ongoing Formation in America (CSFPA). On the occasion, Fr. Timossi offered keys to reading Don Bosco’s “Dream at Nine Years of Age”, whose bicentenary will be celebrated in 2024, highlighted by … Continue reading Meeting of Communicators from the Salesian Provinces of America

(ANS – Rome) – A study seminar on the Salesian parish entitled “The Parish for Those Without” was held from November 14 to 16, 2023, in Rome, at San Tarcisio. This term, “of those without”, comes from the experience of Don Bosco in 1847, when Archbishop Luigi Fransoni issued the formal decree authorizing him, “to instruct and admit to First Communion those young people who … Continue reading The Parish “without”: Study Seminar on the Salesian Parish

(ANS – Vatican City) – On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, Pope Francis appointed Salesian Priest Giordano Piccinotti, President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See, as President of the Board of Directors and of the Foundation for Catholic Healthcare. The ‘Foundation for Catholic Healthcare’ is a ‘body linked to the Holy See’, a body that intervenes to support Catholic healthcare facilities, when … Continue reading A Papal Appointment for Fr. Giordano Piccinotti SDB

By  Jesús Ángel Cid (ANS – Luanco) – The Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, celebrated his first Mass as a Cardinal on All Saints’ Day in Luanco, his hometown, rendering this occasion a historical moment. Ever since his ordination to the priesthood in 1987, the inhabitants of Luanco and the other surrounding villages were used to attending Masses celebrated by Fr. … Continue reading The Rector Major Celebrates His First Mass as Cardinal in His Hometown

(ANS – Rome) – “Do not be afraid of new technologies!” The words were from John Paul II in 2005, in his Apostolic Letter, “The Rapid Development”. Fr. Maciej Makuła, a member of the Social Communication Sector, used these words to title his latest work, a series of contributions on Communication in the Church and in the Salesian Family. The Pope, as Fr. Makuła explains, repeats … Continue reading “Do Not be Afraid of New Technologies!”

Photo courtesy of Agenzia Info Salesiana (ANS) (ANS – Karthoum) – On Friday, November 3, 2023, at 6:50 am, a large bomb hit the Dar Mariam house of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in Karthoum, Sudan, causing serious damage and some minor injuries, but sparing the lives of the religious and other people in the complex. The FMA house is located in … Continue reading A Bomb Hits the House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Sudan

(ANS – Rome) – November 11th is an unforgettable date for all the Salesians around the world: the day the Congregation began its missionary thrust – a journey that began 148 years ago, on November 11, 1875 with the First Salesian Missionary Expedition, and which has no intention of stopping. Indeed, the entire Congregation is looking forward to the 150th anniversary of that date which … Continue reading November 11, 2023: Salesian Missions Celebrate 148 Years

(ANS – Rome) –  The ACSSA World Presidency meeting took place in Rome on October 28-29th, 2023. All the Regional Councillors of the Association met in Rome for the occasion, except for South Asia, physically absent for bureaucratic reasons, but who took part remotely. Therefore, the following were present: Sister Maria Maul, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), President; Sister Maria Imaculada Da Silva, … Continue reading Meeting of the Presidency of the Salesian History Association (ACSSA)

(ANS – Vatican City) – At the closing Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis speaks of the “conversation of the Spirit,” experienced in “the loving presence of the Lord” and discovered in “the beauty of fraternity.” Highlighting the “conversation of the Spirit” experienced at the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis presided over the closing … Continue reading Pope: Love of God and Neighbor is the Heart of Everything

(ANS – Rome) – Inspired by the message of hope and confidence in the young people of Don Bosco’s Dream at the age of 9, as many as 30 artists from all over the world took part in the worldwide competition to identify the Poster for the Rector Major’s Strenna for 2024. And after months of feverish work and careful research and selection, the winner … Continue reading Winners of the 2024 Strenna Poster Competition Announced

(ANS – Rome) – From today, October 25, 2023, a new format which aims to streamline the Rector Major’s video messages “In 5 words” is launched.  It will enable a quicker communication, which is more social and closer to young people, without distorting the content of the message but at the same time will make them more pleasant and comforting for the wider audiences. Each … Continue reading The Mission in 5 Words: By the Rector Major of the Salesians

(ANS – Rome) – He would have had an excellent chance to successfully pursue studies in medicine at university, with a scholarship already prepared for the occasion. Instead – at the end of his Higher Secondary studies – he felt the religious call, became a Salesian… with assignments of increasing responsibility until in 2014 when he was chosen as the 10th successor of Don Bosco, … Continue reading New Cardinals: In Conversation with the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB

(ANS – Rome) – On Friday, October 20, 2023, the Salesian network ‘Don Bosco Tech Europe’ (DB Tech Europe) was inaugurated at the Grand Hotel Palatino in Via Cavour, Rome, in the presence of over 100 people and the presence of Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians. The ‘DB Tech Europe’ network is a coordination and development network in the field of … Continue reading Inauguration of ‘Don Bosco Tech Europe’ Salesian Network

(ANS – Los Angeles) – The grand finale of DBGYFF in Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world took place on Friday evening, October 13th at the Salesian Family Youth Center, with the participation of noted dignitaries, young people and the announcement of the global winners of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival, season 2.   While in more than 200 locations of almost … Continue reading DBGYFF Concludes in Los Angeles, California

(ANS – Rome) – On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco’s Dream at nine years of age, the Youth Ministry Sector is promoting the Salesian Youth Synod 2024, from August 11 to 16th at Colle Don Bosco. Don Bosco was a daydreamer, like all the prophets who see far and look to the future with hope. Starting with the Dream when he … Continue reading Salesian Youth Synod 2024, on the Occasion of the Dream at Nine Years of Age

(ANS – Turin) – “I continue to be the Salesian I always was, even if now with a responsibility that is no longer only for the Salesians, but for the Church.” These words, spoken on the sidelines of the First Mass celebrated by him in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin as Cardinal, on Sunday October 15, 2023, well express the warmth … Continue reading First Mass as Cardinal at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin for the Rector Major, Fr. Á.F. Artime

Photo: Burkina Faso (ANS – New Rochelle) –  More than 340 million women and girls will live in extreme poverty by 2030 and close to one in four will experience moderate or severe food insecurity, according to the recent “Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The gender snapshot 2023” report released by UN Women and United Nations Department on Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). … Continue reading Women and Girls Face Extreme Poverty, Says New Report

(ANS – Rome) – With just days to go before the start of the international screenings of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF), expectations are growing throughout the Salesian Family at a global level for what promises to be a great celebration of young people, their talents and their being ambassadors of a message of hope for the world. “Love builds peace and … Continue reading DBGYFF 2023: A Week of Waiting, Preparations and Enthusiasm

(ANS – Rome) – Italy’s Salesian National Office of Missionary Animation, following the worrying situation in the Middle East, is launching an invitation to once more and together invoke “Pacem in Terris”, on October 11th, the liturgical memorial of Saint John XXIII. With a letter sent on Monday October 9th to all Salesians of Italy, and as a sign of closeness to the Superior of … Continue reading From Missionary Animation an Invitation to Prayer for the Holy Land

(ANS – Brussels) – Two days in Brussels, with a full agenda of meetings and presentations organized by Don Bosco International (DBI), brought the documentary “Canillitas” and its protagonists to the heart of the European institutions. The Apostolic Nuncio to the European Union, the Commission of the Episcopal Conferences of the European Union (EU), the European Commission, the European Parliament, the Embassy of the Dominican … Continue reading European Institutions Open their Doors to the “Canillitas” Documentary and its Protagonists

(ANS – Rome) – On the day that the Universal Church celebrates St Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis published “Laudate Deum” – an Apostolic Exhortation on the climate crisis – to expand and update his first encyclical on the subject, Laudato Si ‘signed on May 24, 2015 and published on June 18, 2015. Therefore, the Pope returns strongly to one of the issues that most … Continue reading “Laudate Deum”: Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation on the Climate Crisis

(ANS – Vatican City) – The Ordinary Public Consistory at St. Peter’s Square last Saturday morning, September 30, 2023, was indeed a celebration of the universality of the Church and a renewal of the thrust of evangelization, during which the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, was officially created Cardinal. There was great emotion for the entire Salesian Family … Continue reading A Day of Celebration for the Salesian Family: the Rector Major is a Cardinal

(ANS – Rome) – On the occasion of the Salesian missionary expedition on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Turin-Valdocco, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, announced the theme of the 29th General Chapter (GC29): “Passionate for Jesus Christ, Dedicated to the Young – For a faithful and prophetic lived experience of our Salesian vocation.” “On the day when … Continue reading The Theme of the 29th General Chapter Officially Declared

(ANS – Vatican City) – On Monday, October 2, 2023, the Holy See Press Office announced that Pope Francis has appointed Salesian Fr Giordano Piccinotti, until now Undersecretary of the same Curial Institution, as President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APSA). Giordano Piccinotti was born on February 23, 1975 in Manerbio, Italy. He made his novitiate in Pinerolo between 1997 … Continue reading Fr Giordano Piccinotti Appointed President of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See

(ANS – Rome) – After weeks of anticipation throughout the Salesian Family, this Saturday, September 30, 2023, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, will be solemnly created a cardinal by the Holy Father Pope Francis, as part of an Ordinary Public Consistory that will see the creation of 20 other cardinals including archbishops, bishops, patriarchs and priests. The ceremony, for the first … Continue reading Fr Ángel Fernández Artime Becomes Cardinal: All Events Not to be Missed

(ANS – Rome) – Since the second edition of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) was officially launched on January 31st, the work of the world-class Salesian youth film festival has proceeded silently but effectively. Now that the collection and first selection phases of the short films sent have been completed, the festival organization is preparing to coordinate the final stages, with the … Continue reading DBGYFF 2023: Full Steam Ahead to the Grand Finale

(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins Catholic organizations around the globe in honoring World Day of Migrants and Refugees. The day, celebrated on Sept. 24, will be the 109th celebration of the day, which was started in 1914 as a w ay to highlight and express concerns for vulnerable populations of people who have … Continue reading World Day of Migrants and Refugees: Salesian Missions Highlights Life-Changing Programs

(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Missionary Expedition is not only a noble and ancient Salesian tradition, inherited directly from Don Bosco; rather, it is a moment of grace during which many young Salesians take their first steps to dedicate themselves even more generously to young people and to respond to the new needs of the Church and the world. This very important event will be … Continue reading Missionaries Being Sent in the 154th Salesian Missionary Expedition

(ANS – Rome) – The last Salesian created cardinal by Pope John Paul II was the then metropolitan archbishop of Genoa, Tarcisio Bertone, who later became a great colleague of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger and then Vatican Secretary of State when the latter ascended to the papal throne with the name of Benedict XVI. Tarcisio Pietro Evasio Bertone was born in Romano Canavese, in Salesian Piedmont, on … Continue reading Rediscovering the Sons of Don Bosco Who Became Cardinals: Tarcisio Bertone

(ANS – Rome) – To the surprise of many – first and foremost, the person concerned – on July 9th Pope Francis appointed Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Don Bosco’s 10th successor, a cardinal. The surprise concerned a purple assigned to a current Major Superior, and also the relatively young age of the chosen one (63). But it is not at all surprising that a Son … Continue reading Salesian Cardinals in History

(ANS – Rome) – The first of all the Salesian Cardinals was Mgr. Giovanni Cagliero, a fellow countryman of Don Bosco, as he was born, like the Saint of Youth, in Castelnuovo d’Asti (today Castelnuovo Don Bosco). Born into a family of modest peasants on January 11, 1838, he met Don Bosco at the age of 13 and joined him at Valdocco, where he grew … Continue reading Rediscovering the Sons of Don Bosco Who Became Cardinals: Giovanni Cagliero (1838-1926)

(ANS – Rome) – What is the future of the Church in the Metaverse? This question opens the new contribution by Fr Maciej Makuła, SDB, member of the Social Communication Sector, author of the series of articles that revolve around the theme of Communication in the Church and in the Salesian Family. In September we are called to reflect on the role of the Church … Continue reading What is the Future of the Church in the Metaverse?

(ANS – Turin) – ‘Here we make holiness consist in being very cheerful’, said St Dominic Savio, one of the first fruits of holiness that blossomed from Don Bosco: a dictate that the Salesian Family  made its own and manifested clearly in the climate of serene and joyful conviviality with which it gathered in the Mother House of Valdocco on the afternoon of Wednesday September … Continue reading The Salesian Family in the ‘Circle of Saints’

(ANS – Rome) – Luis Badilla recalls the Salesian Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez, a monumental figure in Latin American history and in particular in Chile. The cardinal, who died in April 1999 at the age of 92, is still very much loved and remembered not only in Chile, but in the memory of many Catholics and non-Catholics. It is impossible, as the director of the … Continue reading Fifty Years Ago, on September 11, 1973: Salesian Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez and the Agony of Chile

(ANS – Rome) – Among the missionaries who will receive the Missionary Cross from the hands of the Rector Major on September 24 is a young Salesian in formation, Klimer Xavier Sánchez Carrión. The Ecuadorian, just 24 years old, is destined for the Salesian mission in Mozambique, and is not hiding the energy and enthusiasm that is driving him. Can you introduce yourself? I was … Continue reading From Ecuador (ECU) to Mozambique (MOZ): Klimer Xavier Sanchez Carrion Salesian Missionary

(ANS – Nazareth) – The Salesian Family of the Holy Land and the Province of the Middle East (MOR) inaugurated the celebrations for the centenary of the consecration of the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent in Nazareth, on Saturday and Sunday September 2-3, 2023. The celebrations were presided over directly by the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, accompanied by, among the many present, the … Continue reading The Rector Major Presides over the Celebration of the Centenary of the Consecration of the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent in Nazareth

(ANS – Rome) – The Third Seminar for the Promotion of the Causes of Beatification and Canonisation of the Salesian Family will take place in Turin at the Salesian Mother House from September 6 to 10th. It follows those organized in 2016 and 2018. One of the most beautiful fruits that has come from Don Bosco is the host of saints and candidates for holiness … Continue reading  “In the Circle of the Saints”: III Seminar for the Canonization and Beatification of the Salesian Family

Young people gathered at the historical sites of Don Bosco (ANS – Turin) – With great joy, about 50 people participated in the event “Let us dream with Don Bosco”, accompanied by Salesian Fr Aisen Barbar. Many young people and families – from different European countries, but also from Canada, Australia and Lebanon and others still forced to leave their lands, in Syria and Iraq … Continue reading Let Us Dream with Don Bosco

(ANS – Rome) – The August message of Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the Missions, helps us reflect on missionaries’ relationship with money. Money is an essential element of ordinary daily life. And like any other human endeavor, missionary activities need financial resources. Money is valuable and as such is a significant resource for the proclamation of the gospel to those who do not … Continue reading Missionaries and Money

(ANS – Rome) – Following the announcement of the theme of the Rector Major’s Strenna for 2024, preparations are already underway at Salesian Headquarters to ensure that the message of the 10th Successor of Don Bosco for the bicentenary year of the “dream at 9 years of age” is conveyed in the most effective and fascinating way possible. That is why the Social Communication Sector, … Continue reading A Competition for the Strenna Poster for 2024

(ANS – Turin) – On August 16, 2023, at Castelnuovo Don Bosco, young people from different parts of the world (Hong Kong, Hungary, Nicaragua, Italy, the Philippines, etc.) and pilgrims, friends and benefactors, took part in the celebrations of the 208th anniversary of the birth of Don Bosco. Fr. Ezio Orsini, Rector of the Basilica, welcomed the Rector Major, the concelebrants, the young people and … Continue reading The Rector Major Paid Homage to Castelnuovo Don Bosco, the Hill of Blessing

(ANS – Lisbon) – Pope Francis spoke to more than one and a half million young people gathered in Tejo Park in Lisbon for the final act of World Youth Day 2023. To them, who are the present and the future, he repeats that they must not become discouraged and that they must not fear even when they feel powerless in the face of the … Continue reading Closing Mass of WYD Lisbon 2023