Editor Note: This inspiring article is the script for a short video tribute to St. John Bosco prepared by ANS. The link to the video is at the end. Enjoy a happy feast of Don Bosco! (ANS – Rome) – Don Bosco is perhaps the most amazing and fascinating saint history has ever produced. The humble work that he began for the welfare of his poor … Continuar leyendo Don Bosco: “The Fascinating Saint”
By Cynthia Perez, Search Core Team Social Media Secretary – (Los Angeles, California) – On the weekend of January 24-26, 2025, the LA/SGV Search Ministry Core Team 2025 gathered at the Don Bosco Mission Center in Los Angeles for a retreat filled with joy, reflection, and the gentle presence of Christ. Aligning with the Church’s Jubilee Year, rooted in the theme of “Doors,” the team … Continuar leyendo LA/SGV Search Ministry Core Team 2025 Retreat: Building Bonds and Opening Doors
By JC Montenegro, Ph.D, Mission Animation Delegate – (Bellflower, California) – The following article seeks to share something beautiful about Don Bosco with those who have a relationship with this amazing saint. It is inspired by a retreat developed in Spain by Fr. Javier Moreno López, SDB, based on the writings of Fr. Carlos Viglietti and Brother Pedro Enria, two Salesians privileged to accompany Don … Continuar leyendo Lessons from the Last Days of Don Bosco
By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Often in our Catholic upbringing, with Rosary in hand we have prayed in the Joyful Mysteries, The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple. The Gospel of Luke, however, speaks of two duties of the Law: ‘Purification’ of husband and wife; ‘Presentation’ of their firstborn. Luke treats them as one, ‘purification’ after all the privacy of childbearing; ‘presentation’ to … Continuar leyendo Presentation – Purification
Por P. Ed Liptak, SDB PRESENTACIÓN—PURIFICACIÓN A menudo en nuestra educación católica, con el Rosario en la mano, hemos rezado en los Misterios Gozosos, La Presentación del Niño Jesús en el Templo. El Evangelio de Lucas, sin embargo, habla de dos deberes de la Ley: la “purificación” del esposo y de la esposa; ‘Presentación’ de su primogénito. Lucas los trata como uno solo, la “purificación” después … Continuar leyendo Presentación – Purificación
By Fr. Shijumon Thottupurathu, SDB – Reflection In English As our bodies are perfectly merged with different parts, our families and communities should be perfectly integrated so that they can work together. When Christ becomes the center of our body, our family, and our community, we’ll grow towards God’s perfection. Blessings. Reflection In Spanish La presentación en el Antiguo Testamento era la tradición de … Continuar leyendo Digi Evangeli: Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2025 – English and Spanish
A Statement from the Salesians of Don Bosco USA West regarding the recent actions and policies of the US Government on several issues. (San Francisco, California) To our young people, families, educators, and all who share in the Salesian mission: In these uncertain times, when recent actions and policies from our government have stirred fear, division, and confusion, particularly among our immigrant brothers and sisters, … Continuar leyendo A Call to Be Agents of Hope, Unity, and Transformation
(Los Angeles, California) – A Salesian Commitment to Love and Protection As Salesians of Don Bosco, we have a special responsibility to care for and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. This guide is not a political statement; rather, it is a call to live out our Catholic values by ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, especially those facing the uncertainty and … Continuar leyendo A Salesian Guide for Supporting Young People of Immigrant Families
(ANS – Vatican City) – The Jubilee of Communication took place on the weekend of January 24 to 26, 2025, the first of the great appointments organized on the occasion of the Holy Year. In two different appointments, in the meeting with the media on Saturday and in the Mass on Sunday at St Peter’s Basilica, he renewed the call for genuine and true communication. At … Continuar leyendo Jubilee of Communication, the Pope: ‘We Need Media Literacy’
(ANS – Rome) – Don Bosco, a man of prayer and action, not only laid the foundations of an immense movement of people dedicated to the salvation of the young, but also left all his spiritual children a wealth of useful pointers for never losing direction. Between what he used to repeat, which was then picked up and witnessed by his contemporaries, and what he wrote … Continuar leyendo Twenty Posters Recalling Don Bosco and His Most Famous Sayings
(ANS – Goma) – On January 27, 2025, the city of Goma was taken by the rebel troops that had been surrounding it for months. ‘Goma has been invaded by the rebels and the army has surrendered,’ says one of the Salesian missionaries working at the mission in Goma. ‘Today we are unable to leave and there is a lot of uncertainty about what may … Continuar leyendo ‘Thousands of People Take Refuge in the Mission After Goma Has Been Invaded’
IN THIS ISSUE • Greetings from Fr. Steve DeMaio SDB, Delegate for the Vocation Ministry for Eastern U.S.A. (SUE Province); • “Humble worker in the vineyard of the Lord, not Lord of the harvest”, thanksgiving speech by Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB, General Councillor for the Missions; • The interview with Fr. Martin Kačmáry SDB, novice master in Poprad, Slovakia; • Forum on the number of Catholics per priest; • The monthly … Continuar leyendo Cagliero 11 – February 2025
(ANS – Vatican City) – On the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, Patron Saint of the Catholic press, Pope Francis’ Message for the 59th World Communications Day, on the theme: “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (cf. 1Pt 3:15-16), was published in the Bulletin of the Holy See Press Office. The Holy Father’s full Message is reproduced below. Dear … Continuar leyendo Share with Gentleness the Hope that is in Your Hearts: Pope Francis’ Message for the 59th World Communications Day
(ANS – Rome) – The figure of St. Francis de Sales, chosen by Don Bosco as an example of a communicator, teaches that communication is a matter of the heart. In his expression, “Everything in the Church is love: everything lives in love, for love, and of love,” we understand his revolution in the way of communicating, and how communication becomes fruitful when it allows … Continuar leyendo St. Francis de Sales Communicator: All for Love
By JC Montenegro, PhD – (Los Angeles, California) – In the heart of Los Angeles, the Salesian Family Youth Center is a place of hope and opportunity for young people. Inspired by its mission to empower the community, the Career Readiness Program was created to prepare youth for success in the professional world. This year, the program proudly celebrated the graduation of a dedicated group … Continuar leyendo Building Brighter Futures in Los Angeles: Celebrating the Graduates of a Career Readiness Program
by Sara Marina Sanchez Fife, Student Journalist – (Richmond, California) – The night was cold, but the smiles were warm. Salesian’s 60th Annual Crab Feed was a popular one, with sold-out tickets for both nights. People were so excited that they came 30 minutes before the event even started to be a part of this amazing night with their friends and family. As a server, … Continuar leyendo Salesian College Preparatory School 60th Annual Crab Feed
(ANS – Sliema) – The St. Francis de Sales Institute, in Malta, has officially launched its website (https://www.fdsi.edu.mt/), marking a significant milestone in its journey to become a leading hub for education, training, and research. This important step coincides with two meaningful anniversaries: the feast of St. Francis de Sales and the Institute’s establishment, both celebrated on the 24th of January. The website, accessible at … Continuar leyendo St. Francis de Sales Institute Launches Website to Promote Lifelong Learning
By Fr. Shijumon Thottupurathu, SDB – Reflection In English Third Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025 As our bodies are perfectly merged with different parts, our families and communities should be perfectly integrated so that they can work together. When Christ becomes the center of our body, our family, and our community, we’ll grow towards God’s perfection. Blessings. Reflection In Spanish Segundo Domingo del Tiempo … Continuar leyendo Digi Evangeli: Third Sunday of Ordinary Times, January 26, 2025 – English and Spanish
By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Our first reading on this 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time C celebrates two men, Ezra and Nehemiah. After the Babylonian captivity they worked together to re-establish the Jewish State and the Old Testament religion. After the exile, Nehemiah was Governor of Judea, and he is the historian of this key moment in Jewish history. He recorded not about himself but … Continuar leyendo His Public Ministry Begins
Por P. Ed Liptak, SDB Nuestra primera lectura de este 3er Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario C celebra a dos hombres, Esdras y Nehemías. Después del cautiverio babilónico, trabajaron juntos para restablecer el Estado judío y la religión del Antiguo Testamento. Después del exilio, Nehemías fue gobernador de Judea, y es el historiador de este momento clave en la historia judía. No registró sobre sí mismo, … Continuar leyendo Paz Civil y Religiosa
(ANS – Turin) – A pilgrimage represents a journey to a sacred space, embodying a profound act of religious devotion and a time for deep reflection and prayer. Jubilees have long been synonymous with walking, and the spirituality that accompanies this pilgrimage makes the journey both significant and unique. On January 17, 2025, the second day of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days, members embarked on a spiritual … Continuar leyendo Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family: Walking in the Footsteps of Don Bosco from the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians to the Cathedral of Turin
(ANS – Turin) – Cardinal Cristóbal López, Salesian of Don Bosco, Archbishop of Rabat, was the key figure for the third day of the Salesian Family Spirituality Days 2025. After presiding at the morning Eucharist in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, he gave the fundamental report in the afternoon. In this circumstance, developing the theme of the mission – on the occasion of … Continuar leyendo SFSD2025: Missionary Expeditions Yesterday – Apostles on Mission Today
(ANS – Turin) – Young people took center stage on the third day of the Spirituality Days of the Salesian Family, January 18, 2025, sharing their experiences and insights from the Salesian Youth Synod, which took place from August 11 to 16, 2024, in Valdocco and Colle don Bosco. The theme, inspired by the Strenna of the year, emphasized a dream that inspires hope and … Continuar leyendo Dreams and Aspirations: Young Voices at the Salesian Spirituality Days
(ANS – San Antonio, Texas) – January 2025 – For the Province of the Western United States (SUO), January 12 was a day of great joy, as the Association of Salesian Cooperators welcomed a new member, Georgina Koch. The ceremony took place on the premises of the St. John Bosco Centre in San Antonio, Texas, and was celebrated by Fr. Ramón Zarate, SDB. It was … Continuar leyendo Great Joy at the Promise of a New Salesian Cooperator
(Los Angeles, California) – For the national holiday on Monday, January 20, all province high schools published remembrances of Dr. Martin Luther King, honoring his vision and commitments and offering his inspiring quotes on social media. St. Francis High School Salesian College Preparatory “Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his inspiring words, reminding us that we must never lose infinite … Continuar leyendo Remembering the Legacy of Martin Luther King
(ANS – Turin) – The 43rd Spirituality Days were inaugurated at Valdocco, Turin, on the evening of January 16, welcoming nearly 375 participants from around the globe. The theme, “Anchored in Hope – Pilgrims with the Young,” resonated with the aspirations of the Jubilee Year of Hope and was deeply rooted in the guiding vision of the 2025 Strenna. The event commenced with a heartfelt welcome … Continuar leyendo Anchored in Hope, 43rd Salesian Family Spirituality Days Unveil
(ANS – Johannesburg) – In Southern Africa (Southern Africa Catholic Bishops Conference: SACBC) Catholic Youth Ministry there are 3 Patron Saints – Blessed Benedict Daswa (SA – local martyr), St Thomas Aquinas (OP) and Saint John Bosco. Since the new pastoral year starts in January, a good number of dioceses or parishes chose to commence the annual Youth Ministry activities with a good novena to Don … Continuar leyendo Don Bosco Novena for Southern Africa Catholic Youth 2025
By JC Montenegro, PhD – (Boyle Heights, California) – True community shines through in times of crisis. As Los Angeles faces devastating fires that have displaced families and strained local resources, the Salesian Family Youth Center (SFYC) has stepped up to support those most in need. Guided by compassion, leadership, and the unwavering spirit of service, SFYC has been working tirelessly to bring relief and … Continuar leyendo Rising Together: How the Salesian Family Youth Center is Supporting Los Angeles During the Fires
By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Isaiah begins with a Victory Hymn of the LORD. Cyrus, Emperor of the pagan Persian Empire, set the captives free to return to Jerusalem and restore the ruined Temple and its treasure. So amazing was this deed to Israel that the Hebrew Bible honored Cyrus as Anointed of God, an early Messiah. We … Continuar leyendo His Public Ministry Begins
Por P. Ed Liptak, SDB En este Segundo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, Isaías comienza con un Himno de Victoria del Señor. Ciro, emperador del Imperio persa pagano, liberó a los cautivos para que regresaran a Jerusalén y restauraran el Templo que había quedado en ruinas y su tesoro. Tan asombroso fue este hecho a Israel, que la Biblia hebrea honró a Ciro como Ungido de … Continuar leyendo Comienza Su Ministerio Público
By Fr. Shijumon Thottupurathu, SDB – Reflection In English Second Sunday of Ordinary Time 2025 If we want to experience miracles from the Lord, we need to invite him into our midst through prayers. Bringing the presence of our Blessed Mother and meditating together on the life of Christ through the Holy Rosary helps us keep the Spirit of God alive in our families. Our … Continuar leyendo Digi Evangeli: Second Sunday of Ordinary Times, January 19, 2025 – English and Spanish
St John Bosco High School, Bellflower, California – We’ve rounded up a few key ways to help our suffering brothers and sisters and the brave men and women on the frontlines. More information on how to directly help members of our Bosco family who’ve been impacted is forthcoming from @boscoministry. 1. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has set up an Emergency Relief Fund and additional … Continuar leyendo Salesian Schools Move to Support Victims of Los Angeles Fires
By Judy Alvarez (Los Angeles, California) – On Monday, January 13, the Salesian Family Youth Center (SFYC) Girl Scout Troop #82563 expressed gratitude and solidarity towards the Los Angeles City Fire Department, Station 2 firefighters. Under the guidance of Miriam Hernandez, the Girl Scout leader, the troop moved into action. They gathered donations of Gatorade, protein shakes, snacks, water, and wipes to show gratitude for … Continuar leyendo Salesian Family Girl Scout Troop Reaches Out to Local Firefighters
(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 … Continuar leyendo 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 … Continuar leyendo The 2024 Postulation Dossier and the 2024 Salesian Family Holiness Poster Have Been Published
By Bro. Al Vu, SDB, Province Coordinator of Schools (Los Angeles, California) – On Monday, January 6, 2025, over 230 Salesian educators from our five high schools of the Salesian Network of Schools USA West gathered across two regions—Northern and Southern California—for a day of reflection, learning, and community. The event was organized to focus on the theme of the 2025 Salesian Strenna and to … Continuar leyendo Regional Gatherings of Salesian Educators: Embracing the Call to Accompany the Young
(ANS Photos) – Pasadena, United States – January 2025 – Three Salesian high schools in Southern California gathered on New Year’s Day to participate in an international event called the “2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.” Comprised of young people from Bishop Mora Salesian High School, Don Bosco Technical Institute and St John Bosco High School, the Salesians of Don Bosco Southern California High School Marching … Continuar leyendo Southern California Salesian Schools Take International Stage
(ANS – Mumbai) – A new podcast, Don Bosco in a Year, was launched on January 1, 2025, to honor Don Bosco’s legacy and share his inspiring story with a global audience. Based on the book 365 Days with Don Bosco compiled by Fr. Anthony Christy SDB, this unique project aims to bring his teachings to life in a fresh and accessible way. The podcast … Continuar leyendo Don Bosco in a Year Podcast Launched
(ANS – Madrid) – As is tradition, in January, the month of Don Bosco, and the Salesians in Spain offer the web space http://www.conoceadonbosco.com as a place of reference where the national and Spanish-speaking Salesian Family can share resources to learn more about the Father and Teacher of Youth and prepare to celebrate his feast. http://www.conoceadonbosco.com was the proposal that the Salesians of Spain launched … Continuar leyendo Hundreds of Resources to Get to Know Don Bosco Better
Dear Friend of the Salesian Missions, On the eve of the 11th, monthly remembrance of the Salesian missions, we are happy to send you the Cagliero Life video of January linked to the monthly Salesian intention, to be used as a tool for animation, discussion and sharing within the various youth groups. We will follow the three verbs of 150th anniversary of Salesian missions. You … Continuar leyendo Cagliero Life Video – January 2025
By Fr. Shijumon Thottupurathu, SDB – Reflection In English The Baptism of the Lord. At the baptism of Jesus, the signs became clearer, and the voice of the Heavenly Father was heard. We should make alive in us, the signs of baptism, to listen to the voice of the Heavenly Father.Blessings Reflection In Spanish El Bautismo del Señor. En el bautismo de Jesús, las … Continuar leyendo Digi Evangeli: The Baptism of the Lord, January 10, 2025 – English and Spanish
(ANS – Vatican) – The Holy Father has appointed the Most Reverend Sister Simona Brambilla, M.C., as Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, who was previously the Secretary of the same Curial Institution. The Holy Father has appointed His Eminence the Most Reverend Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, S.D.B., as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of … Continuar leyendo Appointment of the Prefect and Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life
(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Congregation extends its heartfelt congratulations to His Eminence Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime on his recent appointment as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (DIVCSVA). This announcement was made by the Vatican Press Office yesterday, January 6, 2025, at the Solemnity of the Epiphany. With a decade of distinguished service as Rector … Continuar leyendo Card. Fernández Artime, New Pro-Prefect of DIVCSVA: “We will accompany enthusiastically the Joys and Challenges of Consecrated Life and Apostolic Movements.”
Dear Salesian Cooperators and Salesian Family, Attached is a new edition of the Salesian Cooperator province newsletter, The Cord. It is published in English and Spanish and intends to be a helpful stepping stone to a new year of living our vocation. Submissions from Local Centers and Cooperators are always welcome at SUOcooperators@gmail.com. Happy New Year! Phoebe Mok Julia Tafoya Social Communications Councilors On behalf of … Continuar leyendo Salesian Cooperator Newsletter: The Cord – January 2025 Edition
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Bellflower, California) – What happens when thousands of young Catholics gather to explore their faith and discover their purpose? A spark ignites—a spark that can change lives and light up the world. At SEEK 2025, the Salesian Lay Missionary Volunteer Programs of the United States of America shared this spark, connecting with college students who want to make a difference. This … Continuar leyendo Igniting a Missionary Spirit: Salesian Presence at SEEK 2025 Young Adult Conference
Southern California Celebration On Monday, December 23, the Salesian communities in Southern California gathered at Don Bosco Technical Institute’s Salesian residence to celebrate Christmas as a family. The gathering included Salesian candidates, volunteers, and friends who share the mission in their local works. The festivities included a warm social, delicious dinner, prayer for the children and youth of their Salesian mission, and a traditional White … Continuar leyendo Salesians Celebrate Christmas in Community
(ANS – Rome) – Just a few days ago, the Holy Father opened the Holy Door and began the Jubilee, a time of grace and renewal for the whole Church. On this important occasion for the whole Church, the World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, Antonio Boccia, sent a message with a powerful exhortation “to live the Salesian apostolic vocation in the world as lay people … Continuar leyendo A Jubilee Message from Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator for the Association of Salesian Cooperators
By Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB – English doesn’t hesitate to steal words from many languages, like the Greek word, ‘epiphany. Example: “At Bible Study, I have one epiphany after another.” This is a fine English statement. It means that I enjoy one bright revelation after another. In our liturgy, we are enlightened by several manifestations of God to humanity. At the Baptism, God revealed Himself by His voice and the Dove above the head of Jesus. Jesus revealed … Continuar leyendo Epiphany: Revelation
Por P. Ed Liptak, SDB – El inglés no duda en robar palabras de muchos idiomas, como la palabra griega ‘epifanía’. Ejemplo: “En el estudio bíblico, tengo una epifanía tras otra”. Esta es una buena declaración en inglés. Significa que disfruto de una brillante revelación tras otra. En nuestra liturgia somos iluminados por varias manifestaciones de Dios a la humanidad. En el Bautismo, Dios se … Continuar leyendo Epifanía: Revelación
By Fr. Shijumon Thottupurathu, SDB – Reflection In English Epiphany of the Lord. The Magi came to reveal the coming of the Son of God amidst us.Jesus is in us and amidst us. We are called to reveal Him to the world by bearing witness to Him. May the Light of Christ shine upon us brightly.Blessings. Reflection In Spanish Epifanía del Señor.Los Magos vinieron … Continuar leyendo Digi Evangeli: Epiphany of the Lord, January 3, 2025 – English and Spanish
