‘It’s Chapter Time 28’: Video of the Sixth Programmatic Line Available Online

(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 … Continuar leyendo ‘It’s Chapter Time 28’: Video of the Sixth Programmatic Line Available Online

Mamma Margaret, the Key Figure in Don Bosco’s Vocation and the Beginning of the Salesians’ Work

(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 … Continuar leyendo Mamma Margaret, the Key Figure in Don Bosco’s Vocation and the Beginning of the Salesians’ Work

Salesian Family Spirituality Days 2024

(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 … Continuar leyendo Salesian Family Spirituality Days 2024

In Conversation with Fr. Gildasio Mendes, SDB

(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 … Continuar leyendo In Conversation with Fr. Gildasio Mendes, SDB

Salesian Musicians Promote Evangelization through the Arts

(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, … Continuar leyendo Salesian Musicians Promote Evangelization through the Arts

Reminding the World of Violations of Religious Freedom

Archival Photo On November 22nd, numerous monuments around the world were dyed red, to remind the world of violations of religious freedom. The initiative, called “Red Wednesday”, is part of the so-called “Red Week”, promoted by the pontifical foundation “Aid to the Church that suffers” (ACS). On this occasion, the aim was to raise awareness among Institutions, policy makers and public opinion regarding violations of … Continuar leyendo Reminding the World of Violations of Religious Freedom

Greece: The New Salesian Frontier in Europe

(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 … Continuar leyendo Greece: The New Salesian Frontier in Europe

A Communal Prayer for Thanksgiving Day

O GOD, in whom we live and move and have our being, you are the Lord of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. You are our refuge and our hope. We thank you for your abundant blessings and the challenges  through which we grow as a family, community, and nation.  In particular, we give you thanks for: (Those gathered name blessings and challenges.) Loving God, we praise … Continuar leyendo A Communal Prayer for Thanksgiving Day

World Children’s Day: Salesian Missions Highlights Social and Educational Programs

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. … Continuar leyendo World Children’s Day: Salesian Missions Highlights Social and Educational Programs

Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive

From Salesian H.S. Bishop Mora The Salesian H.S. community is rooted in the mission of St. John Bosco, and have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of others. The students and faculty embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving by embodying gratitude in action. Thank you to the students, teachers, and parents of Salesian H.S. for the donations made for the Thanksgiving Canned … Continuar leyendo Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive

Meeting of Communicators from the Salesian Provinces of America

(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 … Continuar leyendo Meeting of Communicators from the Salesian Provinces of America

St. Francis Music Maestro

From St. Francis H.S. Congratulations to St. Francis H.S. music maestro and trailblazer extraordinaire, Senior Felipe Romero-Vega! This year, he secured a spot in not one, not two, but THREE Honors Choruses—CCS, State Regional, and National Regional! The National Regional Honors Chorus is taking him on a musical journey through the American Southwest, and there’s a chance he’ll steal the spotlight at the National Association … Continuar leyendo St. Francis Music Maestro

The Anniversary of Asociación de Damas Salesianas at St. Dominic Savio Parish

By Luis Chacon On November 18th, we commemorate a significant milestone as the Asociación de Damas Salesianas (Salesian Women’s Association) of St. Dominic Savio Parish celebrates its 25th anniversary. Founded by Maria Márquez and Father Miguel, with the unwavering support of Gael Sullivan, this remarkable organization has grown to include 24 dedicated members, with 20 of them having fulfilled their commitment to the cause. The … Continuar leyendo The Anniversary of Asociación de Damas Salesianas at St. Dominic Savio Parish

A Perspective on Aging (Part 2)

By Sheila Kun RN, BA, BSN, MS If you read my article “The Day is Getting Dark Slowly: A perspective on Aging (Part 1), you have been promised that I would translate a leading article on aging written by a famous author from China. Mr. Daxin Zhou depicted the aging process for the seniors 60 and above as “scenes”. He persuades us to examine these … Continuar leyendo A Perspective on Aging (Part 2)

Multimedia Version of the Synod “Letter to the People of God”

To make more accessible and engaging the “Letter to the People of God” from the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, a multimedia version has been released. This new format provides a dynamic and immersive experience that complements the text of the Synod participants. The letter expresses gratitude for the Synod and details the work done during the assembly. It also expresses … Continuar leyendo Multimedia Version of the Synod “Letter to the People of God”

Navigating the Seas of Salesian Communication in the Digital Era

By Luis Chacon On November 9th, the Salesian Social America Network orchestrated the third formative meeting. The focus of this engaging gathering was the effective communication of Salesian social works, exploring key criteria, defining roles, and devising strategies for content creation across contemporary languages and platforms. Setting the Stage: Under the guidance of Father Walter, a Salesian of Don Bosco, the event commenced with an … Continuar leyendo Navigating the Seas of Salesian Communication in the Digital Era

The Parish “without”: Study Seminar on the Salesian Parish

(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 … Continuar leyendo The Parish “without”: Study Seminar on the Salesian Parish

A Papal Appointment for Fr. Giordano Piccinotti SDB

(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 … Continuar leyendo A Papal Appointment for Fr. Giordano Piccinotti SDB

St. John Bosco at Bright Minds Student Summit

From St. John Bosco H.S. St. John Bosco’s Engineering Pathway students have been busy! Last week they had the opportunity to attend the Bright Minds Student Summit at the WESTEC Manufacturing Technology event held at the Long Beach Convention Center.  The bridge project that these young engineers worked on culminated in the pathway’s lessons on statics and trusses. Students were tasked with designing a bridge … Continuar leyendo St. John Bosco at Bright Minds Student Summit

The Day Is Getting Dark Slowly: A Perspective on Aging (Part 1)

By Sheila Kun RN, BA, BSN, MS How many of us seniors would sign up for a training course on the topic of “How to age gracefully?”. I am not sure if there is such a course, however the need to get proper training on what to do with the years creeping up on us is imminent and urgently needed. A hot topic that retirees … Continuar leyendo The Day Is Getting Dark Slowly: A Perspective on Aging (Part 1)

Praying for Pope Francis

By Judy Alvarez Don Bosco found profound purpose in his life through three great loves: Jesus in the Eucharist, Mary Help of Christians, and the Holy Father, the Pope. The Salesian Family actively expresses its devotion to Jesus and the Blessed Mother through practices like Sunday/daily Mass, visits to the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Rosary, and reciting three Hail Marys. However, the question arises: how … Continuar leyendo Praying for Pope Francis

The Rector Major Celebrates His First Mass as Cardinal in His Hometown

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. … Continuar leyendo The Rector Major Celebrates His First Mass as Cardinal in His Hometown

Passing the Torch this Veteran’s Day

From Don Bosco Tech On this Veterans Day, Bosco Tech alumnus Mario Diaz (ME ’86) has presented to Don Bosco Tech senior Anthony Ramirez a $92,000 ROTC scholarship to a UC or CSU, on behalf of the U.S. Army.  Mr. Diaz is the Deputy Under the Secretary of the Army. Don Bosco Tech is very grateful to him for coming back to his alma mater, … Continuar leyendo Passing the Torch this Veteran’s Day

The Vital Role of Interpersonal Relationships: The Human Component and Artificial Intelligence

By Luis Chacon As members of the Salesian family, our commitment revolves around the comprehensive growth of children and young people. This duty mirrors the ethos of our founder, Don Bosco, who stayed abreast of technological advancements to better educate the youth. In this spirit, Juan Carlos Montenegro and I participated in the “Education Summit,” an event organized by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of … Continuar leyendo The Vital Role of Interpersonal Relationships: The Human Component and Artificial Intelligence

“Do Not be Afraid of New Technologies!”

(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 … Continuar leyendo “Do Not be Afraid of New Technologies!”

Hablar Claramente de las Escrituras

By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Esta semana, después del 33º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, prestemos plena atención al mensaje del Evangelio de Jesús. Mateo lo sitúa sentado en el Monte de los Olivos, mirando hacia atrás hacia el Monte del Templo, aún dorado bajo el sol de la tarde. Estamos en la Semana Santa. El comentario de un discípulo sobre lo hermoso que es todo … Continuar leyendo Hablar Claramente de las Escrituras

Plain Talk from Scripture

By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB This week following the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, let’s give full attention to the Gospel message of Jesus. Matthew places Him seated on the Mount of Olives Looking back toward the Temple Mount still golden in the evening sun. It is within Holy Week. A disciple’s remark on how beautiful it all is prompted Jesus to give a detailed … Continuar leyendo Plain Talk from Scripture

Memoirs of the Future

By Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime We have a dream. And it is our greatest wealth Two hundred years ago, a nine-year-old boy, poor and with no future other than to be a farmer, had a dream. He told it in the morning to his mother, grandmother and siblings, who laughed it off. The grandmother concluded, “Don’t pay attention to dreams.” Many years later, that boy, … Continuar leyendo Memoirs of the Future

St. John Bosco High School Hosting Trinity League Boys Basketball Media Day

From St. John Bosco H.S. St. John Bosco High School (Bosco) hosted a media day on Thursday, November 2, 2023, for all six boys basketball teams in the highly competitive Trinity League: Bosco, JSerra, Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Santa Margarita and Servite. The event took place on campus in the school’s gymnasium and was produced by their Film and Media Arts Pathway students for live … Continuar leyendo St. John Bosco High School Hosting Trinity League Boys Basketball Media Day

In Ministry Dinner

By Fr. Vien Nguyen There is the time for sowing, time for planting, time for nurturing, and time for harvesting. While the harvest is abundant, the laborers are few (Mt 9:37).  November 2nd, 2023, was the first “In Ministry Dinner” event hosted by the Province Vocation Office and the community of Corpus Christi in San Francisco. Twenty-five participants were there from Oakland and San Francisco, … Continuar leyendo In Ministry Dinner

Youth Gathering and Vocation Animation

By Monica Nguyen, Youth Leader from Mary Help of Christians, Stockton, CA In an age where young people often grapple with questions about their future, two Northern California youth groups gathered together to explore the fascinating and profound topic of vocation. Don Bosco Youth (MHOCC, Stockton) and St. Anthony’s Youth Group (St. Anthony’s, Oakland) had a group gathering on November 5th. Both groups were eager … Continuar leyendo Youth Gathering and Vocation Animation

Celebrating 35 Years of Dedication: Father Héctor Franco’s Priestly Journey

By Luis Chacon Father Héctor Franco, beloved pastor at St. Mary’s Parish and Santa Isabel, recently marked a significant milestone – the 35th anniversary of his priestly ordination. This extraordinary achievement was celebrated with great joy and reverence, highlighting the impact Father Héctor has had on the Boyle Heights community during his nearly two-year tenure. The anniversary, which fell on October 30th, brought together the … Continuar leyendo Celebrating 35 Years of Dedication: Father Héctor Franco’s Priestly Journey

A Bomb Hits the House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Sudan

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 … Continuar leyendo A Bomb Hits the House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Sudan

November 11, 2023: Salesian Missions Celebrate 148 Years

(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 … Continuar leyendo November 11, 2023: Salesian Missions Celebrate 148 Years

Lessons Learned from Pediatric Obesity Grand Round Talk

By Sheila Kun RN, BA, BSN, MS You must be puzzled as to why I am sharing the highlights of this outstanding grand round, given by Dr. Alaine P. Vidmar, Medical Director, Obesity Medicine & Bariatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. I know most of the readers for InTouch are adults. You are right, the key points I am sharing below might not be … Continuar leyendo Lessons Learned from Pediatric Obesity Grand Round Talk

Pope Invites Children to Teach World Through Their Joy and Purity

(Vatican City) – On November 6th the Paul VI Hall welcomed about 7,500 children from all five continents who arrived to meet Pope Francis as part of the event sponsored by the Dicastery for Culture and Education entitled “Children meet the Pope”. After the initial greeting by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, and a performance by singer … Continuar leyendo Pope Invites Children to Teach World Through Their Joy and Purity

Bosco Tech to Participate in Space Shuttle Restoration Project: Tech Alumni Who Were Original Shuttle Engineers to Guide Students

From Don Bosco Tech Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) is pleased to be part of the Space Shuttle Inspiration Pathfinder Project, where the goal is the restoration of the original full-scale mockup of the space shuttle. Named “Inspiration,” the mockup originally was used to earn approval of the space shuttle program and assist in the final design. Utilized for hardware and software development in … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech to Participate in Space Shuttle Restoration Project: Tech Alumni Who Were Original Shuttle Engineers to Guide Students

Meeting of the Presidency of the Salesian History Association (ACSSA)

(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, … Continuar leyendo Meeting of the Presidency of the Salesian History Association (ACSSA)

A Joyous Celebration of All Saints and Eucharist at Santa Isabel Elementary School

By Luis Chacon On November 1st, a special and heartwarming celebration took place at the Santa Isabel Elementary School. This Eucharisty and the commemoration of All Saints were presided over by Father Steve Way SDB, and the event was a testament to the strong Salesian spirit that thrives in the community. The highlight of the day was the enthusiastic participation of children who brought the … Continuar leyendo A Joyous Celebration of All Saints and Eucharist at Santa Isabel Elementary School

“Quiero ver a Jesús”

By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Qué hermoso que un recuerdo tan dulce perdure en mi primera visita a un hogar cercano a nuestra parroquia. Una familia solidaria había enviado noticias de que uno de sus ancianos estaba pasando. Cuando me vio, la anciana de la familia supo por qué había venido. Juntos, ella y yo oramos. Con los últimos ritos concluidos, continuamos conversando. Sus ojos … Continuar leyendo “Quiero ver a Jesús”

Vocation Awareness Day at Salesian College Preparatory, Richmond

By Fr. Kristian Laygo Last October 16th-18th, Fr. Vien and Mr. Adrian Fulay organized the Vocation Panel Presentations days at Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond. Together with Sr. Mary Link, Fr. Joe, Fr. Itchan, Br. Jorge, Salesian Cooperator Ms. Zuleyma Guardado and Candidate Joseph Vu graciously sat in for different panels on the religion classes. The presentation was delivered to individual instructors and classes as … Continuar leyendo Vocation Awareness Day at Salesian College Preparatory, Richmond

United in Service: A Day of Hope with Salesian Volunteers

By Luis Chacon The Salesian Volunteers, an embodiment of Don Bosco’s mission to serve the less fortunate, embarked on a mission to bring food to those who are homeless and in need. It was a day that showcased the power of collective action, compassion, and the profound impact that a united community can make. The Restless Hearts Foundation, instrumental in making this event a reality, … Continuar leyendo United in Service: A Day of Hope with Salesian Volunteers

St. John Bosco Beautification Works

From St. John Bosco H.S. A beautiful day to serve our community! From the beach and the park to their next door neighbors and their own backyard, the St. John Bosco junior class showed up with loving kindness to serve their community today for their yearly retreat.  Through various projects including a beach cleanup, the beautification of 3 local parks and collaborative work next door … Continuar leyendo St. John Bosco Beautification Works

How Much Physical Activity Is Recommended For People Living with Chronic Conditions?

Abstracted by Sheila Kun, RN, BA, BSN, MS From the WHO guideline, people with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, HIV and cancer survivors, might benefit from the recommendations below: Your homework from the Care Ministry this week: identify activities suitable for people with chronic conditions.  Love to hear from you: kunlouis@gmail.com  Continuar leyendo How Much Physical Activity Is Recommended For People Living with Chronic Conditions?