Salesian Family Youth Center – Second Annual Youth Conference Report By JC Montenegro, PhD (Los Angeles, California) – On June 6, 2026, the Salesian Family Youth Center hosted its second Youth Conference, gathering more than 100 teenagers for a full day of reflection, dialogue, and shared learning. The day focused on four major areas that young people identified as deeply connected to their daily lives … Continuar leyendo Youth Voices Conference 2026
(ANS – Nairobi) – On June 4, 2026, one day before World Environment Day, a significant milestone was reached in the field of integral ecology through an important meeting between the Salesians and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at its headquarters in Nairobi. The Salesian delegation was led by Fr. Savio Silveira, Coordinator of Integral Ecology in the Youth Ministry Sector. He was accompanied … Continuar leyendo Salesians at United Nations Environment Headquarters
(ANS – Rome) – The formation program of the School for Provincial Youth Ministry Delegates continues at the Salesian Headquarters in Rome. From May 28–31, 2026, participants engaged in an intensive program of theological reflection, pastoral study, and fraternal sharing. Thursday, May 28, was led by Fr. Rossano Sala, who offered two reflections on the second chapter of the Salesian Youth Ministry Frame of Reference … Continuar leyendo Evangelization, Digital Culture, and Pastoral Integration at the Heart of the School for Provincial Youth Ministry Delegates
(ANS – Rome) – Following the opening day dedicated to welcoming participants and offering greetings, on May 26–27, 2026, participants in the School for Provincial Youth Ministry (YM) Delegates began their program of in-depth study and formation. The morning of May 26 was devoted to encountering the Word of God through Lectio Divina, led by Fr. Jerry Matsoumbou, a member of the Youth Ministry Sector. … Continuar leyendo “I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches”: Exploring Youth Experiences and Nurturing Educational Environments, the School for Youth Ministry Delegates Continues Its Work
(ANS – Rome) – The fifth School for Provincial Youth Ministry Delegates began on the afternoon of Monday, May 25, 2026, at Salesian Headquarters of the Sacred Heart in Rome. The gathering brought together 44 delegates—Salesians and laypeople—from various provinces throughout the Salesian world. Three additional participants had registered but were unable to depart on time due to difficulties in their respective local contexts. The … Continuar leyendo “Being Authentic Disciples of Jesus”: The School for Provincial Youth Ministry Delegates Begins
(ANS – Mexicali) – The Provincial Oratory Festival (FIO, in Spanish) of the Guadalajara, Mexico Province (MEG) took place at the Don Bosco Oratory in Mexicali, Baja California, from April 30 to May 3, 2026. The event brought together approximately 480 young people and teenagers who participated in soccer, basketball, and volleyball competitions in both boys’ and girls’ divisions. The participants were accompanied by their … Continuar leyendo 480 Young People Participate in the Oratory Festival of the Salesian Province of Guadalajara
(ANS – Lviv, May 5, 2026) – In a time marked by war, the visit of the Salesian Congregation’s General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Rafael Bejarano, to the Byzantine Rite Vice Province in Ukraine carried deep spiritual and educational significance. His presence served as a tangible sign of the closeness of the Rector Major and the General Council, offering support, encouragement, and fraternity to the … Continuar leyendo Salesian Presence Alongside Young People in Time of War: Visit of the General Councillor for Youth Ministry to Lviv
(ANS – Rome) – Representatives of the advocacy section of the Salesian Youth Ministry Central Team gathered in Rome from March 25–27, 2026, for a meeting of reflection and coordination, led by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, with the aim of strengthening the identity and effectiveness of the Salesian presence in key international forums. The meeting was a significant opportunity to consolidate the joint work among the various members of … Continuar leyendo Meeting of Advocacy Coordinators from the Salesian Youth Ministry Central Team
(ANS – Lisbon) – Around 700 educators registered for the webinar on young people’s mental health, organized by the publisher “Salesianos Editora” and “Fundação Salesianos”—two different Salesian bodies in Portugal. Hundreds followed the live presentation on March 9 of the Portuguese edition of the book “Mental Health of Young People: Recognizing to Accompany,” published in 2025 by the Salesian Youth Ministry Sector, along with the webinar featuring two guest psychologists, António Rodrigues and Rosário Costa, both … Continuar leyendo Psychologists and Educators Take Part in Salesian Webinar on Young People’s Mental Health
By Ben Pluma (Los Angeles, CA – March 20, 2026) – St. Mary’s Academy in Inglewood, California, held its annual Day of Service, offering students a meaningful opportunity to step beyond the classroom and serve the local community. For the day, the school paused its regular schedule so that all students could volunteer at various service sites throughout Los Angeles. Teachers accompanied the groups, chaperoning … Continuar leyendo Painting with Purpose: St. Mary’s Academy Students Serve with Salesian Spirit
By Luis Chacon, Coordinator of Youth Ministry (Boyle Heights, California) – Over the weekend of March 14–15, 2026, we participated in the PYMT & CYM Gathering, led by Fr. Fabian Cardenas, SDB, Gina Robles, and Victoria Figueroa—a beautiful space of reflection, collaboration, and fraternity within Salesian Youth Ministry. One idea echoed throughout the weekend: Don Bosco never worked alone.His mission was always carried out by … Continuar leyendo CYM & PYMT Gathering Highlights the Power of Community in Salesian Youth Ministry
Parish event showcases youth programs and invites the community to greater participation By JC Montenegro, PhD (Bellflower, California — March 15, 2026) – More than 50 youth leaders and volunteers from St. Dominic Savio Church gathered on Sunday, March 15, to host the first Savio Youth Ministry Day, an initiative designed to present the parish’s many youth programs and invite more young people to become involved in … Continuar leyendo Savio Youth Ministry Day Highlights Opportunities for Young People at St. Dominic Savio
(ANS – Córdoba) – For the Salesian Family, the Rector Major’s Strenna has been a key message since the time of Don Bosco. It serves as a guide for pastoral and educational work throughout the year, but today there is an added challenge: to analyze and interpret it so that it truly challenges daily life. With this goal in mind, the St. Artemides Zatti Province … Continuar leyendo “Without Beating Around the Bush”: A Space to Explore the Rector Major’s Message
Last month, 18 students from St. Francis High School Salesian College Preparatory, accompanied by two faculty members, traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to encounter Christ in the faces of those often overlooked. During their visit, they spent time with the homeless, visited orphanages, and dedicated themselves to prayer, reflection, and service. This experience embodies what it means to be a Shark: leading with compassion, serving with … Continuar leyendo Living the Gospel Through Service: SFHS Students in Tijuana
(Bellflower, CA) – The Salesian Youth Ministry Office is currently seeking a dedicated and organized individual to serve as a Part-Time Youth Ministry Office Secretary. This position provides essential secretarial and communications support for the Youth Ministry Office and is based in Bellflower, California. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and ready to contribute to the mission of accompanying and serving young … Continuar leyendo We’re Hiring: Youth Ministry Office Secretary (Part-Time)
By JC Montenegro, PhD, Executive Director of the Salesian Family Youth Center (Boyle Heights, California) – In Salesian ministry, mission is never only about what is done. It is about who young people are becoming and who they discover themselves to be in relationship with others. In the SUO Province in the Western United States, short mission experiences have emerged as one of the most effective ways … Continuar leyendo Belonging Before Doing: How Short Mission Experiences Form a Culture of Service
(ANS – Brussels) – As a member of the European Alliance for Investing in Children, Don Bosco International (DBI) welcomes the adoption on February 12 by the European Parliament of the INI report on the development of a new EU strategy against poverty. The document places the protection of vulnerable children and adolescents at the heart of the European social and democratic project, alongside strengthened … Continuar leyendo European Parliament Backs Concrete Investments to End Child Poverty
(ANS – Rome) – An online meeting of the Salesian continental networks in America was held on February 3, convened by the continental youth ministry team with the aim of initiating a process of reflection and shared work on the articulation and coordination of the networks, in line with the guidelines of General Chapter 29. Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, was also … Continuar leyendo Continental Meeting of Salesian Networks in America: A Shared Journey Toward Greater Coordination
(ANS – Rome) – On February 6, 2026, the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) Europe hosted a powerful online gathering titled “Bridges of Hope.” The event served as a digital sanctuary, connecting young people from Europe and the Middle East to share testimonies of faith, the reality of living through crisis, and the transformative impact of Salesian accompaniment. This encounter was initiated by Sr. Runita Borja, … Continuar leyendo Bridges of Hope: A Cross-Continental Journey of Faith and Resilience
By Gina Robles, Province Youth Ministry Associate (Louisville, Kentucky) – Day 2 of the NFCYM EXCHANGE began with General Session II, centered on the theme “Accompanying Each Other.” The session invited participants to reflect on how we walk with one another in ministry, especially in a time when young people are searching for connection, guidance, and authentic relationships. The day continued with a variety of … Continuar leyendo NFCYM Exchange – Day Two Recap
(ANS – Rome) — “Returning with a Salesian heart to the educational and pastoral value of sport” was the guiding theme of the reflection meeting held at Salesian Headquarters in Rome on Monday, February 2, 2026. Those present at the gathering included the President of the International Salesian Youth Sports Association (PGS-I), Georg Leibold; the General Councilors for Youth Ministry of the Daughters of Mary … Continuar leyendo Returning with a Salesian Heart to the Educational and Pastoral Value of Sport
By Luis Chacon, Youth minister, Salesian Volunteers Coordinator and Public Relations Specialist at Salesian Family Youth Center (Boyle Heights, California) – At the Salesian Family Youth Center, we empower young people in many ways: by creating spaces for their voices to be heard, exposing them to new environments, walking with them in faith, and forming them as leaders through real-life experiences. This past week reflects … Continuar leyendo Empowering Youth: A Week of Dreams, Service, and Leadership
A Province Youth Ministry Team Announcement (Los Angeles, California) – The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry Exchange is one of the Church’s premier gatherings for those serving young people. From February 1–4, 2026, in Louisville, KY, parish leaders, diocesan staff, and ministry professionals from across the country will come together for formation, collaboration, and renewal. Exchange is designed to strengthen the mission of youth … Continuar leyendo JC Montenegro to Present at NFCYM Exchange
(ANS – Rome) – Gen Z finds itself caught between the desire to build its own future and widespread emotional vulnerability, marked by a disenchanted view of adults—who are no longer seen as role models—yet accompanied by a clear-eyed awareness of the world. This is the picture outlined by Salesiani per il Sociale, a network of associations committed to the care and protection of minors … Continuar leyendo Launch of the “Let’s Not Leave the Most Vulnerable Children in the Dark” Campaign by Salesiani per il Sociale
(ANS – Rome) – On January 15, 2026, the Youth Ministry Sectors of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) began the new year with renewed enthusiasm and a shared commitment to young people, inspired by the profound love of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello for younger generations. During the afternoon, the two sectors took part in … Continuar leyendo SDB and FMA Youth Ministry Sectors Reflect on Young People’s Dreams for the Salesian Youth Movement
(ANS – Rome) – From Friday, January 10, to Saturday, January 11, the Salesian Youth Ministry Assembly was held at the Salesian National Center, with the presence of the Councilor for the Mediterranean Region, Fr. Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, in his role as President of the Conference of Salesian Provinces of Italy (CISI). In addition to the Provincials and Youth Ministry Delegates, the Presidents of … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Ministry Assembly
La semana pasada, tuve la oportunidad de acompañar a los líderes de nuestro Grupo Juvenil Salesiano de Boyle Heights a la Misa del Funeral del Hno. Jerry Weirich, SDB. Estar presentes juntos fue un poderoso recordatorio de que somos una familia Salesiana, caminando juntos no solo en los momentos de alegría, sino también en los momentos de tristeza. Después del servicio, compartimos una comida sencilla... Continuar leyendo Empowering Youth: Serving, Accompanying, and Witnessing Growth
(ANS – Guayaquil) – Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, concluded his Animation Visit to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Ecuador (ECU) on Friday, January 9, 2026. During five intense days of visits, conferences, and conversations, Fr. Bejarano became closely acquainted with the educational environments and activities of the various Salesian centers. With rectors and leaders, he shared the Oratory Criterion—the … Continuar leyendo Fr. Bejarano Concludes His Visit to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Province
(Rome, Italy) – December 2025 – To continue strengthening collaboration between the various sectors and regions, the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Fr. Rafael Bejarano, concluded a series of meetings with the Regional Councillors of the two Regions of America, Fr. Gabriel Romero (America South Cone) and Fr. Hugo Orozco (Interamerica). During the meeting, which took place in an atmosphere of deep listening, dialogue, and … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Ministry and Its Great Energy and Impact in the Two Regions of America
By Jonah McKeown, Staff Reporter, Catholic News Agency – (Indianapolis, Indiana) – At a press conference Friday following Pope Leo XIV’s historic “digital visit” with 16,000 young people at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis, leaders and young participants praised Pope Leo’s warmth, humility, authenticity, and pastoral clarity, highlighting his central message: a personal relationship with Jesus is essential. “Walking up on that stage felt like history. It … Continuar leyendo “It Felt Like History:” Teens, Organizers on Cloud Nine after Live Dialogue with Pope Leo
By JC Montenegro, PhD – (Los Angeles, California) – Every day at the Salesian Family Youth Center, I walk alongside children and young people. I see their joy, their talents, their fears, and the world they are growing up in. And one thing is increasingly obvious: cellphones have taken a central place in their lives, so central that many of them cannot imagine life without … Continuar leyendo Creating Phone-Free Spaces for Kids’ Well-Being
(Duaca, Venezuela) – November 2025 – The First National Meeting of Leaders in Oratories and Youth Centers in the Salesian Province of Venezuela (VEN) was held from November 28-30. The event, held at the Domingo Savio Youth Centre in Duaca, offered a space to strengthen the identity and mission of this Salesian youth network. Under the motto “Like the Father and Me, We are One, … Continuar leyendo National Meeting of Salesian Youth Movement Leaders in Venezuela
(ANS – Vatican City) – Over 15,000 young people met with Pope Leo XIV via video link on Friday, November 21, 2025, as they attended the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in the US city of Indianapolis. Pope Leo XIV invited young Catholics to grow in friendship with Jesus Christ, use technology healthily to deepen their faith, and avoid using political categories to speak about the … Continuar leyendo Pope Leo to Young People: Technology Can Help Us Live Our Christian Faith
By Gina Robles, Salesian Youth Ministry Associate, Salesian Cooperator – (Bellflower, California) – I attended the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis from November 19–22. Representing the Salesian Province Youth Ministry Office together with Fr. Jhoni Chamarro, SDB, from our Vocation Team, along with the Salesian Youth Ministry Office of the East and the Salesian Sisters from both the East and West, we served … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Ministry at NCYC: A Journey of Faith
By Judy Alvarez, Salesian Cooperator (Los Angeles, California) – Pope Leo XIV’s historic, live, digital encounter with American youth at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC 2025) in Indianapolis on Friday, November 21, was an extraordinary moment that resonated deeply with attendees and viewers alike. The vibrant gathering of over 16,000 young people at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, was the setting for this significant … Continuar leyendo Pope Leo XIV Streamed LIVE with Youth at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) 2025
By Mike Cisneros | Angelus News (Los Angeles, California) – Pope Leo XIV was born in Chicago, spent years as a missionary and a bishop in Peru, and now lives in Rome. He’s the leader of the global Church, and on Nov. 21, he’ll be taking questions from young people in a packed football stadium in Indianapolis. One of those questions will come from a high school senior … Continuar leyendo What Do You Ask the Pope? Downey Teen To Get His Chance at Indianapolis Event
(ANS – Los Angeles) – A regional study on Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how the Salesians of Don Bosco in the Americas perceive their mission in an increasingly digital world. Commissioned by Fr. Hugo Orozco, Regional of Interamérica, and supported by provincial leaders across ten provinces, the initiative was launched to prepare for the 2025 Inter-American Provincial Gathering in Berkeley. Coordinated by the Youth Ministry … Continuar leyendo Artificial Intelligence and the Salesian Mission in Inter-America
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Bellflower, California) – The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) has received grant funding to reimagine how the Church accompanies young people in developing a living relationship with God. Rather than launching another youth ministry program, NFCYM invites parishes into a strategic three-year process to discern, plan, and build a parish culture where youth are truly accompanied and encouraged to … Continuar leyendo Supporting the NFCYM Accompaniment Project
(ANS – Bonn) – The new Handbook on Fair Supply Chains, developed within the Erasmus+ project From Chains to Bridges, addresses one of today’s most pressing global justice issues — how to make supply chains more just, sustainable, and respectful of human dignity. While the handbook takes a practical and educational approach, the topic deeply resonates with our Christian commitment to justice, solidarity, and care for our common … Continuar leyendo New Handbook Empowers NGOs and Youth Organizations to Build Fair and Just Global Supply Chains
(ANS – Rome) – On Saturday, October 18, the eve of the canonization of St. Maria Troncatti, the Istituto San Giovanni Bosco FMA in Cinecittà became a vibrant center of faith and celebration. The day was marked by the “Festa della Santità,” a joyful event animated by the young people of MGS Italia (Salesian Youth Movement Italy). The festivities culminated in a solemn vigil at the Tempio Don Bosco, in preparation for the imminent canonization of … Continuar leyendo A Night of Holiness and Prayer: Youth Celebrate St. Maria Troncatti
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Sacramento, California) – What does it really mean to live our faith; to be Catholic beyond the rituals? This question guided a recent formation workshop in the Diocese of Sacramento, which Luis Chacon and I facilitated on measuring impact in ministry. I entered the room ready to talk about indicators, data, and methods. Instead, we ended up talking about something much … Continuar leyendo Measuring Impact, Discovering Belonging
(ANS – Rome) – In view of the Canonization of Sr. Maria Troncatti, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, scheduled for next Sunday, October 19, 2025, several Provinces have developed materials to get to know her better, explore the dimensions of her spirituality, and learn from her tireless apostolic commitment. With only a few days to go before the great feast day, getting in touch with … Continuar leyendo On the Way to the Canonization of Sr. Maria Troncatti, FMA: Materials Already Available to Know Her Better
(ANS – Rome) – Two months have passed since the Jubilee of Youth 2025, an extraordinary gathering that brought together nearly 5,000 young people from the Salesian world in Rome from July 29 to August 3. These vibrant days remain etched in the hearts of the participants, who were guided by animators, Salesians, FMAs, and other members of the Salesian family. For the young people who … Continuar leyendo Reminiscing the Jubilee of Youth: A Journey of Faith & Hope
(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Congregation has taken a bold step toward championing ecological education and sustainability by appointing Fr. Savio Silveira, SDB, as the Coordinator for Integral Ecology in the Salesian Youth Ministry Sector for the term 2025–2031. This move underscores the Congregation’s commitment to realizing the vision of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ and forming young people as stewards of the planet. After completing a successful six-year tenure … Continuar leyendo Fr. Savio Silveira Appointed Coordinator for Integral Ecology in Salesian Youth Ministry
(ANS – Catania) – On Saturday, September 27, Fr. Fabio Attard arrived in Sicily for the first time as Rector Major to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Salesian Youth Movement (MGS), which originated on the island and spread throughout the world thanks to the work of the Salesians. With the slogan “You can see it, you can feel it, Don Bosco is here,” Fr. … Continuar leyendo Catania Welcomes Fr Fabio Attard, 11th Successor of Don Bosco
By Miley, Camp Counselor (Bellflower, California) – I had walked away. I wasn’t going to do it, that’s what I repeated to my mom when we walked out of church, passing the Camp Savio volunteer booth. I already had summer plans, so why would I consider adding more? But as I walked into the parking lot, I stopped in my tracks as my family passed … Continuar leyendo How Volunteering at Camp Savio Changed My Life
(ANS – Jaramana) – A new chapter began for the Salesian mission in Syria on Tuesday, September 16, 2025: in Jaramana, a multicultural neighborhood of the capital Damascus, the second Don Bosco Center in Damascus was inaugurated, a concrete sign of hope and educational commitment to serving young people. The opening ceremony was attended by numerous young people, families and friends of the Salesian community. Fr Simon Zakarian, the … Continuar leyendo Second Don Bosco Center Inaugurated in Damascus
(ANS – Rome) – As of September 7, the Church has a new saint, Saint Carlo Acutis, the first millenial saint, who bore witness to a joyful Christianity, living radiantly and serenley, fully embracing his age and interests, but integrating them with a lively faith. Here are 10 sentences the young saint bequeathed to us that exemplify his way of living holiness in daily life. ‘The Rosary … Continuar leyendo Ten Sentences of St. Carlo Acutis for Youthful Holiness
By Heaven Odhams and Ryan Collins, Student Journalists (Richmond, California) – Focus, sportsmanship, passion, and coordination are the qualities needed to play any sport. Still, the Salesian Pride’s very own girls’ tennis team brought just that and more into Thursday’s matches against Saint Mary’s College High School. Their resilience and character were tested, and though the pride of lions crushed the panther’s strikes, they claimed … Continuar leyendo Pride & Precision: Salesian Girls’ Tennis Dominates the Courts
(Bellflower, California) – To all teens from our SoCal Salesian sites: We are less than ten days away for the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) SoCal Youth Advisory Gathering and you do not want to miss it! Come to connect, grow, and get inspired by our incredible line up of session speakers. Our team is busy preparing an event that is educative, impactful and FUN! Source: … Continuar leyendo Come and Connect at the Salesian Youth Movement SoCal Gathering
By Marisol Becerra (Bellflower, California) – Dear Salesian Family, In 2019, I first encountered the Salesians at the Religious Education Congress. On the final day, something nudged me to stop by their booth—initially just to pick up a water bottle. There, I was greeted by a Salesian Sister who asked about my ministry background. I shared that I had been involved in parish youth ministry … Continuar leyendo Embracing Salesian Spirit: A Journey of Faith and Service
By Lisandro Albor Jr., St. Carlo Acutis Media Center Coordinator –(Los Angeles, California) – On September 7, 2025, the Church officially canonized Carlo Acutis, making him the first saint from the millennial generation. For young people especially, this is something to celebrate. It is the kind of moment that does not just belong in the news. It belongs in our lives. It is a reminder … Continuar leyendo Following Carlo: A Salesian Youth’s Response
By Judy Alvarez, Salesian Cooperator (Los Angeles, California) – Great spiritual resources can equip others to extend the blessing. Last Friday, InTouch published Season of Creation: A Spiritual Pilgrimage with St. Carlo Acutis & St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a resource offered by St. Joseph’s Youth Renewal Center and authored by Br. Al Vu, SDB, the Program Services Coordinator. A young adult Salesian Cooperator, Kristie Martinez … Continuar leyendo A Podcast for the “Season of Creation Spiritual Pilgrimage with St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati”
(ANS – Vatican City) – Addressing over eighty thousand faithful filling Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday for the Mass with the canonization of Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis, Pope Leo XIV says the examples of these two young Saints invite all of us, especially young people, to direct our lives upwards to God and make them masterpieces of holiness, service, and joy. Presiding over the … Continuar leyendo Pope: Saints Call Us to Look to God, Make Masterpieces of Our Lives
(Central America – August 2025) – The Salesian School Network of Central America held the 2025 Young Leaders Meeting on Friday, August 29, via a virtual platform. The event brought together students from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, who participated in a space of formation, reflection and fraternity. Prior to the regional meeting, the young people had participated in local workshops … Continuar leyendo CAM: Young Salesian leaders from Central America Meet for Formation, Reflection, and Fraternity
By Bro. Al Vu, SDB (Rosemead, California) – As the canonization of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati approaches, the St. Joseph Salesian Youth Renewal Center in Rosemead invites the Salesian Family to participate in a special four-week pilgrimage from September 7 to October 4, coinciding with the Season of Creation. This initiative provides an opportunity for young people to grow in holiness and deepen … Continuar leyendo A Pilgrimage for Creation: Accompanying Young People on a Journey of Holiness and Care for Creation
Welcome to the July Edition of ANS news video! Have a glance at these captivating stories and interesting initiatives from the Salesian world. (Los Angeles – California ) – If you are disheartened by the difficult news that circulates in media today, then here is a chance to lift your spirit with good news from the Salesian World. Even 10 minutes can warm your heart … Continuar leyendo Province News in the ANS News Video – July 2025
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Los Angeles, California) – In conversations about migration, the focus often rests on the parents, their sacrifices, challenges, and determination to start anew. Yet, there is another story that unfolds quietly in classrooms, playgrounds, and after-school programs across the globe: the story of the children of immigrants. These children are born in the country that welcomed their parents, yet their sense … Continuar leyendo Between Two Worlds: The Untold Journey of Immigrant Children
Press Release from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (Washington, D.C.) – The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) is deeply honored by today’s announcement that Pope Leo XIV will encounter the youth of the United States through a real-time digital encounter at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) general session on Friday, November 21, 2025, at 10:15 am ET. The Holy Father … Continuar leyendo Pope Leo XIV to Participate in First-Ever Digital Meeting with Youth at the National Catholic Youth Conference
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Bellflower, California) – As part of the pilgrimage for the Jubilee in Rome, a group of 22 young adults from the Salesian Province of San Francisco extended their journey north to the land of Don Bosco. Led by Fr. Fabian Cárdenas and Bro. Jorge Galvis, they were accompanied by participants from San Luis Rey in Laredo, Texas, and St. Dominic Savio … Continuar leyendo Walking in the Footsteps of Don Bosco: A Journey to Colle Don Bosco and Chieri
(ANS – Rome) – The Jubilee of Youth 2025 is just around the corner: starting next Monday, July 28, for an entire week, hundreds of thousands of young people from across the globe will once again fill the streets of Rome with joy and vibrant witness — exactly 25 years after the unforgettable Jubilee of 2000. The event’s grand finale on Saturday, August 2, and Sunday, … Continuar leyendo Final Preparations Underway for the 2025 Jubilee of Youth: The Salesian Family Takes the Lead
(ANS – Vatican City) – Referred to as “the most anticipated moment” of the Holy Year, the Youth Jubilee will see Rome open itself to the world—including areas tragically marked by war. The goal is to create a space where every young person, through dialogue with peers, can feel “embraced” and renew their calling to be “sentinels of the morning,” as Saint John Paul II proclaimed 25 years ago. These themes … Continuar leyendo Youth Jubilee: The World Comes to Rome for the “Most Anticipated Moment” of the Holy Year
(ANS – Rome) – Five days of intense dialogue, discernment, and planning marked an important moment for the Salesian Congregation’s Youth Ministry Department. This gathering signaled the beginning of a new phase of work, with eyes set on the journey from 2025 to 2030. A united team with a common goal Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, brought together everyone involved in the department’s … Continuar leyendo Meeting of the Youth Ministry Department: Five Days Looking Toward the Future
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Bellflower, California) – In an age where religious affiliation is in sharp decline among younger generations, it might be tempting to believe that teens have lost faith and interest altogether. But that assumption misses a deeper, more nuanced reality, one revealed powerfully through two recent studies that illuminate how young people are rediscovering faith on their terms. One source comes from a national … Continuar leyendo Faith That Feels: How Today’s Young People Are Redefining Religion
(ANS – Rome) – After several years of hiatus, the summer of 2025 marked the return of the Summer Camp ‘Estate Ragazzi’ program at Sacro Cuore in Rome. This initiative brought children and young people from the neighborhood together for an experience filled with fun, connection, and growth. Held from June 30 to July 11, the project involved 25 children, supported by several young volunteers from the Civil … Continuar leyendo Summer Camp Returns to Sacro Cuore in Rome After Years of Pause
(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Higher Education Institutions (IUS) will hold its 20th annual board meeting at Sacra Cuore, Via Marsala 42, the Salesian Headquarters in Rome, from July 21-22, 2025. Representatives from six global regions will gather to review current projects and outline new strategies aligned with the IUS identity and policy documents. This year’s meeting will also focus on preparations for the upcoming … Continuar leyendo IUS to Hold 20th Board Meeting in Rome: Shaping the Future of Salesian Higher Education
(ANS – Dublin) – In line with the main objectives of the Youth Ministry Sector of the Salesian Congregation, Fr. Francisco Cervantes, member of the Youth Ministry Sector at the Salesian Generalate, recently visited the Irish Province on behalf of Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councillor for Youth Ministry. During his visit, Fr. Cervantes met with Fr. Cyril Odia, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, opening a fraternal … Continuar leyendo Relaunching Youth Ministry with an Animation and Accompaniment Visit
By Luis Chacon (Boyle Heights, California) Did you know? 16 young people from our parishes and youth center just spent a full week at the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference! This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to the generous support of those who believe in our mission at the Salesian Family Youth Center and our parishes. We brought: 6 youth from St. Isabel Parish 5 … Continuar leyendo United in Sending 16 Youth to SYLC 2025
If one is looking for good news, look no further. Take a few moments to view images from a few of the Salesian summer camps happening in the Province of St. Andrew in the western United States. The joy of our campers, youth and adult leaders is contagious! St. Joseph’s Salesian Youth Renewal Center, Rosemead, California The first Camp Don Bosco, Rosemead, begins! Source: St. … Continuar leyendo Summer Camp Photo Journal
(ANS – Rome) – Just one month to go until one of the most eagerly awaited appointments of this Holy Year of Hope: the Youth Jubilee (July 28-August 3, 2025). Thousands of boys and girls from all over the world, summoned by Pope Francis, are preparing to experience their Jubilee pilgrimage around Leo XIV, to rediscover together the reasons for their hope and to become sentinels … Continuar leyendo One Month to the Youth Jubilee 2025: Expectations and Enthusiasm Grow
By Judy Alvarez, SC (Los Angeles, California) – This year, I had the opportunity to return to the annual Salesian Youth Leadership Conference to celebrate with the community the 40th anniversary of its founding. Unable to attend the anniversary mass on Friday, I instead visited on Thursday, which allowed me to witness the young people involved in this empowering experience of Salesian leadership and youth … Continuar leyendo Serving Like Mary
By Marisol Becerra, Province Youth Ministry Assistant (Bellflower, California) – On Saturday, April 12th, the Pre-SYLC Workshop brought together young leaders from across the province, uniting simultaneously at three locations: St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA; Corpus Christi Church in San Francisco, CA; and San Luis Rey Church in Laredo, TX. Coordinated by the SYLC Executive Team and animated by the Youth Spirit … Continuar leyendo SYLC Participants Gather Regionally for Pre-SYLC Workshop
(ANS – Spain) – From April 17 to 20, the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Spain will organize their traditional Easter gatherings: a pastoral initiative aimed at teenagers and young adults connected to Salesian works. The program offers an opportunity to live the central days of Holy Week in an atmosphere of faith, community, and accompaniment, specially designed … Continuar leyendo Salesian Houses Promote Various Easter Experiences for Young People
English Subtitles/ Spanish Subtitles Continuar leyendo GC29: The Message of the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, to the Young People
By Marisol Becerra, Province Youth Ministry Assistant (Bellflower, California) – From March 14-16, the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) Spirit Team gathered at Camp St. Francis in Aptos, CA, for a weekend of formation, preparation, and faith, all in the joyful spirit of Don Bosco. Friday set the tone with a warm Salesian welcome, community-building activities, and dedicated time for committee work, ensuring every aspect … Continuar leyendo SYLC Spirit Team Gathering: A Weekend Rooted in the Salesian Spirit
By Marisol Becerra, Province YM Assistant – (Bellflower, California) – This past weekend, from Friday to Sunday, March 7-9, Salesian Coordinators of Youth Ministry (CYMs) from across our parishes, youth centers, and schools gathered in Berkeley for a special meeting focused on formation, collaboration, and strengthening our Salesian mission. The gathering provided an opportunity to deepen understanding of St. John Bosco’s mission through key Salesian … Continuar leyendo CYM Annual Gathering at Don Bosco Hall, Berkeley
(Bellflower, California) – As we enter the season of Lent, we are all invited to reflect on the significance of the number 40, which marks a period of renewal and transformation. In Scripture, the number 40 carries profound spiritual meaning, often representing a time of testing, preparation, and purification. Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, fasting and praying, as he prepared for his public ministry … Continuar leyendo A Lenten Prayer for Salesian Youth Leaders
By Victoria Figueroa, Salesian Youth Movement Coordinator (Los Angeles, California) – On February 7-8, 2025, the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) 2025 Spirit Team met for the first time in Boyle Heights, CA. We gathered for a weekend of community building and conference preparation. The team comprises 15 young people and 17 adults, many traveling by car from Northern California. Two young people from Laredo … Continuar leyendo SYLC Spirit Team Begin Preparations for the 2025 Salesian Youth Leadership Conference
By Marisol Becerra, Province Youth Ministry Assistant (Bellflower, California) – Last week, I had the great opportunity to attend the NFCYM Exchange meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. NFCYM’s Exchange is a nationwide gathering that unites ministry leaders, volunteers, supporters, and organizations that serve young people. Sr. Sydney Moss, FMA, and Sr. Guerline Joseph, FMA, represented the Salesian sisters. JC Montenegro, PhD, the provincial Delegate for Mission … Continuar leyendo NFCYM Exchange Meeting
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Richmond, California) – Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, California, welcomed the Provincial Youth Ministry Team for a dynamic and meaningful pastoral visit from January 27 to January 31, 2025. This first official visit included representatives from the Youth Ministry office, missions animation, volunteer program, vocations team, and Salesian Family. The visit aimed to accompany the local community while promoting the Salesian … Continuar leyendo The Provincial Youth Ministry Team Visits Salesian College Preparatory
(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 Marisol Becerra (Berkeley, California) – On December 6-8, 2024, the Province Youth Ministry Team met at Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley, CA, for their annual weekend gathering, a time for camaraderie, collaboration, and spiritual renewal. The event began Friday evening with a social, followed by a time of fellowship and introductions. As the day drew to a close, the group engaged in prayer and … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Team Renews Hope at Annual Weekend Gathering
By JC Montenegro, PhD (Bellflower, California) – In a remarkable display of leadership, initiative, and love for sports, fifth graders Chief and Aiden greatly impacted their after-school program, proving that even young students can drive positive change when they set their minds to it. The Spark: A Desire for More Sports Chief and Aiden are two energetic fifth graders who have been part of the … Continuar leyendo 10-Year-Old Pioneers: How Two Fifth Graders Transformed Our After-School Program
By Victoria Figueroa, Salesian Youth Movement Coordinator (Long Beach, California) – The Salesians of Don Bosco were present at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), November 14-16, 2024, at the Long Beach Convention Center. The team comprised representatives from the SDB/FMA Eastern Province and the SDB/FMA Western Province. By consistently meeting and planning, the team created a vision for the Salesian presence at NCYC 2024, … Continuar leyendo NCYC 2024: Salesian Youth Spirituality on “El Camino/The Way”
Bridging Generations: A Powerful Message from Young Leaders (Long Beach, CA)—The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), held biennially, brought a wave of energy and inspiration to Long Beach this year. Hosted by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), this renowned gathering serves as a platform for showcasing the vibrancy of youth in the Church. Among the highlights this year was a session on … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Shine at the National Catholic Youth Conference
(ANS – Donetsk) – In the second stage of his reflection on the special features of Youth Ministry in time of war, Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek-Catholic Exarchate of Donetsk, Ukraine, presents another “gift” to be discovered: that of a broken daily life and a suffering people, made of reasons to live and not only to survive. Below is his analysis, which was delivered to Note di Pastorale Giovanile. … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry in Time of War: The Gift of a Broken Daily Life and a People in Suffering
(ANS – Donetsk) – In the second stage of his reflection on the special features of Youth Ministry in time of war, Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek-Catholic Exarchate of Donetsk, Ukraine, presents another “gift” to be discovered: that of a broken daily life and a suffering people, made of reasons to live and not only to survive. Below is his analysis, which was delivered to Note di Pastorale Giovanile. … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry in Time of War, Part II: The Gift of a Broken Daily Life and a People in Suffering
(ANS – Donetsk) – Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, Salesian of Don Bosco, born in the first Ukrainian Salesian parish of Lviv and now Auxiliary Bishop of the Greek-Catholic Exarchate of Donetsk, Ukraine, offered the magazine Note di Pastorale Giovanile Magazine his reflection on the special features of Youth Ministry in time of war. It is an interpretation coming from the perspective of the “gift,” and at the same time, it constitutes … Continuar leyendo The Gifts of Youth Ministry in Time of War, Part I: Over to Bishop Maksym Ryabukha, SDB
(ANS – Los Angeles) – On October 16, 2024, the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) brought a powerful wave of inspiration and reflection to St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, USA. This year’s festival was a vibrant example of how storytelling and film can unite young minds and ignite meaningful change in the world. The event, organized by JC Montenegro and Justin Palacios, welcomed … Continuar leyendo Inspiring Youth Engagement at the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival 2024
(Bellflower, California) – The Salesian Youth Leadership Conference in 2024 can be revisited thanks to the creative work of the SYLC 2024 Social Communications Team and the Province Youth Ministry Office. SYLC 2024 Magazine is now published, highlighting the program of the week and the meaning it had for the youth leaders. Remember to awaken the Dream! SYLC 2024 Magazine ANS Media, the Salesian Congregation’s … Continuar leyendo SYLC 2024: In Review
(ANS – Rome) – In Valdocco and Colle Don Bosco, where so much Salesian history and fidelity has passed, the Salesian Youth Synod studied a proposal for the entire Salesian world. This was done by 375 people, mostly young people belonging to 94 nationalities, boys and girls of an average age of 23, from many nations, with different cultures and languages, but all with the same … Continuar leyendo The Youth Ministry Sector Publishes the Final Document of the Salesian Youth Synod
By Marisol Becerra, Province Youth Ministry Assistant (Bellflower, California) -On Saturday, September 21st, the Province Youth Ministry Team came together at St. John Bosco High School to kick off an exciting series of team meetings. The day began with a heartfelt opening prayer, inviting everyone to pause and reflect on the sources of hope within our Salesian works—a truly uplifting moment that set a positive … Continuar leyendo The Province Youth Ministry Team Fostering a Collaborative Spirit of Growth
By Raul Salazar-Villagomez, Salesian Youth Movement, USA West (Laredo, Texas) – The Salesian Youth Synod started on the 11th of August and ended on the 17th of August. The event took place in Valdocco and Colle, Italy, where about 290 young people from 93 different countries gathered to celebrate Don Bosco’s mission and the Salesian Youth Movement worldwide. During the Synod, we were accompanied by 18 Salesian … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Synod: Encountering the Worldwide Salesian Youth Movement
(ANS – Rome) – In a month’s time, the much awaited Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) will once again take center stage, uniting young filmmakers, educators, and communities from around the globe. Scheduled for October 17-18, 2024, this film festival will focus on youth engagement and environmental preservation, with screenings hosted in hundreds of locations and countries worldwide. The grand finale will occur on … Continuar leyendo A Global Showcase of Young Filmmakers: DBGYFF for a Greener Future
By Victoria Figueroa In August 2024, I was privileged to represent our province at the first Salesian Youth Synod hosted in Turin, Italy. I was invited, alongside Raul Salazar, a young adult from San Luis Rey in Laredo, Texas, by Fr. Fabian Cardenas. The entire experience was filled with excitement, spirit, and eagerness to learn more about the Salesian Charism. It was such an eye-opening … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Synod: Hearing the Dreams of Young People
(ANS – Colle Don Bosco) – On August 16, 2024, the Salesian Family witnessed a momentous event as Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the 10th successor of Don Bosco, keeping in mind the decree and the stipulated time offered by the Holy See, resigned as Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, while his vicar Fr Stefano Martoglio took charge ad interim of the governance of the Salesian … Continuar leyendo Farewell to the Rector Major: Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime Steps Down and His Vicar Fr Stefano Martoglio Assumes Charge
(ANS – Colle Don Bosco) – In a deeply moving session at the Salesian Youth Synod, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major, engaged in an intimate and insightful dialogue with young delegates from around the world, offering wisdom and guidance rooted in his own life experiences. Six delegates, representing different regions of the world, joined Cardinal Ángel on stage, reading questions that had been thoughtfully … Continuar leyendo Synod Youth Forum – A Dialogue with Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime
Colle Don Bosco, Italy – August 2024 – The fourth day’s highlight at the Salesian Youth Synod was a profoundly inspiring presentation by Fr. Michael Pace on the three charismatic dreams of St. John Bosco, which have significantly shaped the Salesian mission. Fr. Michael brought to life Don Bosco’s visionary experiences, starting with the first dream in 1824, where the seed of his life’s mission was planted. … Continuar leyendo Guided by Vision: Fr. Michael Pace Illuminates Don Bosco’s Charismatic Dreams
(ANS – Colle Don Bosco) – The third day of the Salesian Youth Synod was filled with interesting activities that left the young people bubbling with energy and enthusiasm. The group activities, the assembly, the magic show and the sharing made the day memorable and fruitful. After the holy mass, the first session of the Salesian Youth Synod began with an assembly in the newly erected … Continuar leyendo Day 3 of the Salesian Youth Synod: Reflecting on Dreams, Discovering Purpose
(ANS – Rome) – Everything is now ready for the start of the long awaited Salesian Youth Synod (SYS, in English), the large gathering of boys and girls from the Salesian Youth Movement promoted by the Salesian Youth Ministry to celebrate the Bicentenary of Don Bosco’s Nine Year Dream and to imagine, together with its protagonists – the young people – the Salesian educational and evangelizing … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Synod: Boys and Girls From All Over the World Begin to Converge on Salesian Sites
Turin, Italy – August 2024 – The 2024 edition of Campobosco ended on Tuesday, August 6th, bringing together over 600 young people from the Salesian Youth Movement in Spain and Portugal. The last act was the emotional Mass in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the culmination of a week spent in full youthful joy and in the deepening of Salesian history in the … Continuar leyendo Campobosco 2024: Young Witnesses of the Gospel
By Cecilia Do, Camp Counselor from Washington State – Camp St. Francis is more than just a summer camp—it’s a home where kids can escape the pressures of everyday life and immerse themselves in a welcoming and supportive environment. Campers are free to be themselves for a week or more, make new friends, and create memories that last a lifetime. Hello, my name is Cecilia … Continuar leyendo Memories to Treasure from Camp St. Francis
Get a glance of activities around the province including Northern California, Texas, and Southern California. St. Francis High School Salesian College Preparatory, Watsonville, CA – On Thursday, July 25, 2024, St . Francis High School’s Facebook page offered a video recap of their youth leaders’ experience at the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference “Last month, our Salesian Youth Leadership Conference students and adult leaders gathered at … Continuar leyendo Province Photo News
By JC Montenegro, Ph.D (ANS – Los Angeles, California) – This summer, Salesian Camps are significantly impacting Los Angeles by serving over 900 children and youth through two vibrant programs run by the Salesian Family Youth Center and St. Dominic Savio Church. These programs share a standard structure, empowering around 300 young volunteers—mostly teenagers—to serve approximately 600 children. Transformative Success Stories At the counselor level, young people … Continuar leyendo Salesian Camps Serve Over 900 Children and Youth in Los Angeles This Summer
By Redaktor Strony / June 14, 2024 / Salesian Bulletin Online – (Continued from previous article) The Market for Young Workers The historical time in which Don Bosco lived was not one of the happiest. In the neighborhoods of Turin, the saintly educator discovered a real “market for young workers”: the city was becoming more and more full of inhumanly exploited minors. Don Bosco himself remembers that the first boys he was … Continuar leyendo Don Bosco’s Educational Journey (4/4)
Don Bosco’s Education Journey (Continued) – By Redaktor Strony / June 14, 2024 / Salesian Bulletin Online – (Continued from previous article) Even today, in a different cultural and social context, Don Bosco’s grasp of things is not all all outdated, but still works. Especially surprising, in the dynamics of rehabilitating children and young people who have entered the penal circuit, is the inventive spirit in creating concrete job opportunities for … Continuar leyendo Onward and in Shirt Sleeves (3/4)
(ANS – Rome) – About 300 young people from all over the Salesian world will gather in Valdocco and Colle Don Bosco from August 11 to 16 for a synodal experience of shared life, fun, dialogue and spiritual enrichment. The entire experience has been called “Salesian Youth Synod” and will be held on the occasion of the bicentennial of Don Bosco’s dream at Nine Years of … Continuar leyendo Program for Synod of Young People
Forty years ago (1984), a vision for youth leadership training took shape in the Salesian Province of USA West. At that time, Fr. Joe Boenzi, SDB, served as the province’s Vocation Director and became aware of young camp counselors needing preparation for summer camp leadership. They were frustrated and did not know how to work with children or collaborate with their peers in a Salesian … Continuar leyendo Fr. Joe Boenzi, Founder of SYLC, Reflects on Its Beginnings and Impact on Youth Today
Don Bosco’s Education Journey (Continued) – By Redaktor Strony / June 14, 2024 / Salesian Bulletin Online – (continued from previous article) Sedentary by profession or by choice, computerized in thought and action, we risk losing the originality of “being”, of sharing, of growing “together.” Don Bosco did not live in the era of test-tube preparations: he left humanity the pedagogy of ‘companionship’, the spiritual and physical … Continuar leyendo Go, Look Around! (2/4)
Written by Redaktor Strony / June 14, 2024 / Salesian Bulletin Online Following the Paths of the Heart Don Bosco wept at the sight of the boys who ended up in prison. Yesterday, as is the case today, evil’s timetable is relentless: fortunately, so is the schedule for good. And even more so. I feel that yesterday’s roots are the same as today’s. Like yesterday, others today … Continuar leyendo Don Bosco’s Educational Journey (1/4)
(ANS – Rome) – The entire Salesian Youth Ministry is oriented, by its very nature, to vocational discernment, since its ultimate goal is to help young people discover their own concrete path to realize the life plan to which God calls them. As 2024 well reminds us, the Dream at Nine Years of age was evoked by Don Bosco in the Memoirs of the Oratory, one … Continuar leyendo A New “Flash” Aid to Think about Vocational Pedagogy: “Accompanying the First Vocational Dreams”
(ANS – Rome) – Expectation is growing and work is continuing for the third edition of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF), the Salesian international youth film festival, dedicated this year to encouraging young people around the world to contribute through their short films in building up a world greener and sustainable, under the theme of the festival “I Have a Dream – Youth … Continuar leyendo DBGYFF 2024: An Invitation to the Young to Build a Greener and Sustainable Future
By Marisol Becerra (Aptos, California) – Inspired by the Rector Major’s 2024 Strenna “The Dream that Makes You Dream” A Heart that Transforms “Wolves” into “Lambs,” the theme for Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) this year was Awaken the Dream. SYLC 2024 offered young people a comprehensive experience focusing on Salesian spirituality, social justice, and leadership development. The conference centered on the Dream that makes us dream, prompting questions … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Leadership Conference Awakens the Dream
Featuring: Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) — San Luis Rey Church — Bishop Mora Salesian High School — St Luke’s Church… Salesian Youth Leadership Conference, Aptos, CA – July 7-14, 2024 The SYLC Team gathered yesterday and are prepared to welcome today the youth leaders of the province to SYLC 2024: “Awaken the Dream!” The Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) is a formation experience of … Continuar leyendo Province Photo News
(ANS – Rome) – On the occasion of the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s dream at 9 years of age, a book of dreams has been created. “We wanted to challenge the young people around the world with a very simple, but very existential question: ‘What is your life’s dream?’” the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, explained. “And we have received young … Continuar leyendo The Youth Ministry Sector Publishes “Hidden Diamonds”: 200 Dreams of Young People
(ANS – Guadalajara) – As part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the Salesian School in America (ESA, in Spanish), the 5th ESA Continental Meeting was held from 1 to 5 May at the Anáhuac Chapalita Institute in Guadalajara, State of Jalisco, Mexico, under the motto: “Together for the present and future of Salesian education”. The event was attended by around 237 people from 47 Provinces – including the … Continuar leyendo 5th ESA Continental Meeting: Together for the Present and Future of Salesian Education
By Marisol Becerra, Province Youth Ministry Assistant On Saturday, April 27th, SYLC workshops took place simultaneously at St. Joseph’s Retreat Center in Rosemead, CA; Salesian College Preparatory in Richmond, CA; and San Luis Rey Church in Laredo, TX. The SYLC Workshops were led by the SYLC executive team, who traveled to each community to guide participants in exploring Salesian Leadership and discovering their strengths using the Clifton Strengths Assessment. … Continuar leyendo SYLC 2024 Workshops
Messina, Catania – April 2024 – The Salesian Province of Sicily (ISI), through the Salesian Social Communication Office in Sicily, has produced and published the video clip of the hymn of the bicentenary of Don Bosco’s childhood dream entitled “In the shape of your dream.” The song was also chosen as the official anthem for the Salesian Youth Synod scheduled from August 11-16 at Colle … Continuar leyendo Video of the Bicentenary Anthem of Don Bosco’s Childhood Dream and Official Anthem for the Salesian Youth Synod
(ANS – Rome) – A series of pathways are presented to gain a deeper appreciation of the educational criteria proposed in the text “A youth ministry that educates to love” and strengthen some social and personal skills. The authors are General Councillor Fr Miguel Ángel García Morcuende, Antonella Sinagoga, psychotherapist and Monica Ronchi, psychologist. By educational pathway we mean a path of pedagogical activity, a structured … Continuar leyendo The Youth Ministry Sector publishes “EDUCATIONAL PATHWAYS” for a Youth Ministry that educates to love
From April 12th to April 14th, the second training the SYLC Spirit Team took place at St. Joseph’s Retreat Center in Rosemead, CA. On Friday, the team from both Northern and Southern California arrived and gathered for dinner, introductions, and some community builders. The first session focused on reflecting on the call to be on the Spirit Team and working within the SYLC committees to get ready for the conference in June. The … Continuar leyendo The Salesian Youth Leadership Conference(SYLC) Spirit Team Prepares to Serve
By JC Montenegro, PhD (ANS – Bellflower) – The other day, I attended the 10:00 AM Mass at St Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, CA. I was impressed with the way the liturgy took place. There was nothing out of the ordinary, considering the structure of the liturgy. However, something different and unique was happening. Children and young people were empowered to serve. From the … Continuar leyendo Empowering Youth in Liturgical Service: Nurturing Faith Through Participation
(ANS – Rome) – In March, the Youth Ministry Sector promoted five webinars in 10 sessions with the aim of informing, raising awareness, and creating awareness on some mental health issues in young people: eating disorders, the mental health of migrants and refugees, youth depression, bullying, and suicide, and self-harm. Eight highly competent experts offered observations and concrete indications on these issues. These psychologists, psychiatrists, and … Continuar leyendo Over 500 People Trained on Emerging Mental Health and Youth Issues
(ANS – Rome) – On the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco’s Childhood Dream, the Youth Ministry Sector is promoting the Salesian Youth Synod 2024 from August 11 to 16 at Colle Don Bosco in Castelnuovo Don Bosco. Currently, the preparatory phase of listening and dialogue has been completed in each Province, and the contributions have been sent to the pre-synodal commission for drafting … Continuar leyendo The Pre-Synodal Commission Works on the Salesian Synod of Young People Working Document for 2024
(ANS – Rome) – Setting up the mood for the Salesian Youth Synod, the song, “In the Shape of Your Dream” composed by Emanuel Geraci (ISI), was chosen as the official theme song by the Core Group of Salesian youth – Pablo Osorio (SSM), Marta Radic (CRO), Kasia Grabek (PLE), Kyle Portelli (MLT), Teaghan Dolan (AUL), Jennifer Lie (INA), Wendy Ponce (BOL), Santiago Roda Cano (COM), … Continuar leyendo IN THE SHAPE OF YOUR DREAM, the Official Hymn of the Salesian Youth Synod 2024
By Luis Chacon (Berkeley, California) – From March 1st to 3rd, the Salesian Family of the Western Province embarked on a spiritually enriching retreat at Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley, a beacon of Salesian hospitality and fraternity. This gathering was specifically designed for Coordinators of Youth Ministry (CYM) from various Salesian works, emphasizing reflection, prayer, and strategic planning for our mission with the youth. Under … Continuar leyendo Retreat for Youth Ministry Coordinators: A Journey of Faith and Fellowship
(ANS – Rome) – “Turning 18 for most young people is an eagerly awaited milestone, but for young people accepted into communities for minors, it is a time of great anxiety and concern because coming of age determines the end of many protection and support activities.” Francesco Preite, President of Salesians for Social, an association that has spent 30 years alongside children and young people in fragile … Continuar leyendo Coming of Age in a Community for Minors. The Solidarity Campaign of “Salesians for Social”
Marisol Becerra, Youth Ministry Assistant Friday, January 26th The Spirit Team gathering and training began on Friday, with arrivals around 6 PM. Fr. Fabian Cardenas, the youth ministry delegate, reviewed the objective of the weekend and the preparation for SYLC. There was also a great opportunity for community building and prayer. The Spirit Team was challenged to split into groups, write down their gifts and … Continuar leyendo SYLC Spirit Team Retreat January
Juan Carlos Montenegro, Delegate for Mission Animation and Executive Director of the Salesian Family Youth Center, shedded light on the transformative power of volunteerism in a recent TedxOneonta Talk entitled: Unleashing Human Potential through Volunteerism: A Dyslexic’s Journey to Self-Discovery. Drawing on his teaching experience as a young person in the heart of the Amazon jungle, he explores how volunteerism unlocks capabilities, reshapes lives, and fosters vibrant … Continuar leyendo Unleashing Human Potential through Volunteerism
By Miriam Hernandez Something touching happened recently at the Salesian Family Youth Center. Last week I received a call from our pastor, Fr. Jim Nieblas, SDB. One of the students, who attends confirmation classes, had been away for about three weeks. Fr. Jimmy wanted to know where this student lived so perhaps we could offer him to carpool to class. When I looked into it, … Continuar leyendo Gift Cards Help Bring Comfort to Families at Salesian Family Youth Center
By Luis Chacon The dedication to inclusive leadership and gender equity within the Salesian family was palpable in the “Women in Leadership Series” organized by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. This event not only showcased the challenges, triumphs, and reflections of contemporary women leaders but also brought forth a remarkable connection to the Salesian legacy. Gender Equity in Business: Maria Salinas, CEO of … Continuar leyendo Women’s Leadership: Insights from the Salesian Perspective
By: Youth Ministry Department PYMT MeetingOn November 5th, 2022, the Province Youth Ministry Team gathered to discuss the Province Organic Plan Implementation and the Educative Pastoral Plan. The team then broke out into breakout rooms to discuss the impressions, opinions, concerns on the document and to discuss the most impactful projects in these four areas: Salesian Charismatic Identity, Salesian Formation for and in mission, Accountability … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Department November Recap!
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer ROSEMEAD, CA. – October 12, 2022 – Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will host its Open House for prospective students on Sunday, November 6. Elementary and middle school students and their families are invited to learn about the school’s rigorous academics, advanced technology majors, internship opportunities, and individualized college planning program. “Open House is a great opportunity to experience all Bosco … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech Open House is November 6 – Featuring Campus Tours & Technology Lab Exploration
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer ROSEMEAD, CA—September 19, 2022–Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) Don Bosco Technical Institute will host its annual college fair for high school students and their parents on Thursday, October 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event, which is free and open to all local families, will feature representatives from over 80 colleges and universities. “After a two-year hiatus due to … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech to host free college fair
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer Students excelled in College Board assessments and schoolwork to earn the awards, which colleges use to identify academically competitive underrepresented students. ROSEMEAD, CA – September 12, 2022 – Fourteen Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. The National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented young people academic honors that can be included … Continuar leyendo Fourteen Bosco Tech students awarded academic honors
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant From Friday, September 9th to Sunday, September 11th, the Province Youth Ministry Team gathered in person and on Zoom for the first PYMT Retreat. The retreat began on Friday night with a welcome, social, and introductions. We ended the first day with a prayer and a goodnight from our Provincial, Fr. Mel Trinidad. On Saturday, we began the day … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Team Retreat
By J.C MontenegroExecutive Director Are you ready to experience the love? For the last two months, we have been MIA “Missing in Action.” Once our summer program started, we did not have time to share all the fantastic work at the Salesian Family Youth Center. Nonetheless, the work was done! We changed many lives. In this blog, we would like to pay tribute to all … Continuar leyendo Salesian Family Youth Center Summer Experience
By Bro. Quang Nguyen, SDBCamp Assistant Many people look forward to summer every year. People look forward to vacations with their families and friends, and some simply want to rest. Students still in school look forward to three months break from studying to spend time with families, and friends, and rejuvenate before going back to school. Summer is not only for vacation and rest but … Continuar leyendo Beating the Summer Heat at Camp SLR – Camp San Luis Rey
By Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDBCamp Coordinator THE RETURN OF CAMP ST. FRANCIS When the campers show up, the sun breaks through the sky and the sound of music accompanies the laughter of kids, Camp Saint Francis becomes alive again. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the summer program at Camp St. Francis was open once again. Usually, the summer program lasts four weeks, … Continuar leyendo The Return of Camp St. Francis
By Joselyn RiveraCamp Counselor What has Camp taught me? Camp has taught us many things whether it’s cheers, dances, or how to become more responsible. It has taught us to be more patient and to have better communication with everyone just in general. Before camp I was really nervous and was just in my own zone, I didn’t want to talk to anyone but that … Continuar leyendo What I learned at Camp Savio
By Joselyn RiveraCamp Counselor What does “Commitment” Even Mean? Commitment is a promise to stick to your values even when times are hard. When I start thinking about commitment the first thing I get reminded of are relationships, but commitment isn’t just that. Other things that require commitment would be working out, having a job, or being part of an organization just like Savio. Just … Continuar leyendo Our commitment to Camp Savio
On April 30th (Kindness Day), West San Gabriel Valley Boys & Girls Clubs and East Side Clubs, led by JR Dzubak, invited the Salesian Family Youth Center to their first annual Kindness Carnival. The event took place from 11:00AM to 5:00PM near Boyle Heights City Hall. This Kindness Carnival came about as a response to many children and young people feeling alone and lost due … Continuar leyendo Salesian Family Youth Center at the Kindness Carnival
Channel 62 visited our youth center and created this video shown on local TV. They compared our Clubhouse with an oasis! The news is only two minutes long and expresses who we are and what we do for the children of our community. I hope you enjoy this small video. Taking young people to visit the Universities in Northern California. The Salesian Family Youth Center … Continuar leyendo Updates from the Salesian Family Youth Center!
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Saint Mary’s Parish and the Salesian Family Youth Center are a combined Youth Ministry operating under the leadership of CYM Miriam Hernandez. For the second year during Holy Week St. Mary’s hosted Pascua Juvenil ( Youth Lenten Retreat). The theme was “I Choose to be Holy” and was led by a young adult ministry Heaven Bound and other lay … Continuar leyendo Easter at Saint Mary’s Parish and the Salesian Family Youth Center
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Thursday, March 24th, the Boyle Heights Youth Ministry organized the already traditional “Youth Night” for the Confirmation Program. The month’s theme was Catholic Social Teachings and was hosted at the Salesian Family Youth Center. We began at 6:30 pm with the Core Team preparing all the material for prayers and learning about Catholic Social Teachings. I have been … Continuar leyendo English Youth Night: Catholic Social Teachings
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant The Coordinators for Youth Ministry retreat began with a dinner on Friday night to welcome all the CYMs as everyone arrived. Fr. Fabian began the first session where he stated the impacts that the COVID pandemic has had on us and our Salesian sites, but also the impact of the war in Ukraine and the need to pray and … Continuar leyendo Coordinators for Youth Ministry Retreat
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant From Friday, February 18th to Sunday, February 20th, the selected SYLC Spirit Team youth along with the SYLC Spirit Team adults gathered at St. Josephs Salesian Youth Renewal Center in Rosemead, CA for the first SYLC Spirit Team retreat. We welcomed two teens from Laredo, Texas, Alejandra Alvarez, and Abdiana Marines, along with the CYM chaperone from Laredo, Estela … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Leadership Conference Spirit Team Retreat!
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, March 6, we have carried out our monthly Homeless Outreach, but this time it was a little different, since we have had the presence of almost 30 volunteers to give food, toiletries, some clothes and time to our brothers and sisters less fortunate ones on skid row. This experience was impressive because we have had the representation … Continuar leyendo Monthly Homeless Outreach at Skid Row
Prot. n. 22/0080Rome, 1 March 2022 To my dear Salesian confreres throughout the worldTo our dear Salesian Family throughout the world Dear brothers and sisters throughout the world, My greetings and expression of affection to you all in all the different places where we are found as Don Bosco’s family. You can easily guess the reasons driving me to write this letter, in which I … Continuar leyendo RMG – Letter from the Rector Major regarding the situation in Ukraine
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer ROSEMEAD, CA. – February 23, 2022 – Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will host Dr. Abigail Norfleet James, internationally acclaimed author, speaker, and expert on single-sex education, on Wednesday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. on the school’s campus. An engaging speaker, James is recognized as an authority in gendered teaching, and developmental and educational psychology, and is the author of Teaching … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech to host educational expert Dr. Abigail Norfleet James
By: Jerome PaoliniSBGC at Sts. Peter and Paul Board President and Salesian College Preparatory, Class of 1977 (San Francisco) – These famous words from P. T. Barnum in the 19th century extolled performers to continue on as planned even in the face of problems and adversity. Similarly, “The Show Must Go On” also applies to the staff and leadership team of the Salesian Boys’ and … Continuar leyendo Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club: “The Show Must Go On!”
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant Spirit Team Meeting On January 6th, The administrative team of SYLC got together to reflect, plan and organize the retreats for spirit team leaders. These retreats will be taking place at St. Joseph Retreat House in Rosemead from February 18th – 20th and April 1st to the 3rd. Province Leadership Meeting On January 10th, there was a Province leadership … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Department January Recap!
Dear Salesian Confreres, I hope that each of you is well and safe, filled with the presence and charity of God in your lives and “doing everything through love”, as this year’s Strenna invites us, especially for each of those young people we meet on a daily basis. I am writing to you with the deep desire to communicate and share an important decision that … Continuar leyendo Camp St. Francis 2022 update
By: Peter NguyenYoung Adult Leader On Sunday, January 30th, 2022, Saint Anthony’s Youth Group welcomed novices Michael and Thomas Nguyen along with Brothers Khoa Pham and Damien Ho to celebrate the feast day of St. John Bosco. We started a fun day of joyful festivities by playing steal the bacon by splitting up the group into two sides and as we witnessed our kids chasing … Continuar leyendo Happy Feast Day from Saint Anthony’s Youth Group!
Dear Salesian Brothers, Our beloved God has given us a new year and a new opportunity to celebrate with joy and exultation, the feast of our founding father, St. John Bosco, and the great work and legacy entrusted to us through him: the salvation of the most abandoned and endangered youth. Inspired by the actions and words of Don Bosco, faithful follower of the Lord … Continuar leyendo Announcement of SYLC Spirit Team Youth 2022
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On December 19th, 2021 Salesian Volunteers, representatives from Saint Joseph Salesian Retreat House and Restless Hearts Foundation had our monthly Homeless Outreach. In the Province we have our Missionary Animation Team that coordinates the various missionary volunteer activities. I am proud to introduce Tamara Tran, who is an educator and active member of the Saint Joseph Salesian Retreat House. … Continuar leyendo Monthly Homeless Outreach at Skid Row
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant LEADS Interamerica and Cone South On December 4th the members of LEADS Interamerica and Cone South gathered together to continue their Salesian formation and teamwork to strengthen the Salesian Youth Movement and its impact in both regions and its provinces. The Salesian formation was delivered by Fr. Fabian, coordinator of the Interamerica region, and a special moment of prayer … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Department December Recap!
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On January 12, members of the Salesian Family Youth Center were present for the first time in the Los Angeles area Chamber of Commerce! A couple of months ago Juan Carlos and I went to the streets of Boyle Heights to visit local businesses and attract benefactors, we made some contacts, but they do not compare to the number … Continuar leyendo Salesian Family Youth Center members of the LA Chamber of Commerce
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On November 23rd, on the eve of Thanksgiving, Salesian Volunteers together with R.IDEA, an organization of women dedicated to helping the underserved and homeless communities reach their goals and regain footing back into a functioning society, went to serve our most needy brothers on Skid Row. It is impressive to see how different organizations want to come together and … Continuar leyendo Fifth Homeless Outreach at Skid Row
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On December 2nd I had the opportunity to participate in the discussion of former Salesian volunteers in my Province of origin: Mexico-Guadalajara (MEG). The discussion was led by Margarita, the coordinator of the Salesian missionary volunteering of the Province of MEG. This event was via Zoom, and we began with a reflection on the beginning of Salesian missionary volunteering … Continuar leyendo Second Former Volunteers Gathering (MEG) Experience
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Bishop Mora Salesian High School participated in the annual Guadalupe procession held in East Los Angeles on December 5th. The Salesian Letterman Society, the Bishop Mora runners led by coach Gabriel Medina, and the school’s Campus Ministry Team represented the school. This year’s event was the 90th anniversary of the procession. The parade began at Cesar Chavez Avenue. As … Continuar leyendo Salesian presence at the Guadalupe Procession
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Youth Nights have become a monthly tradition in the Salesian community of Los Angeles. The overall intention is to unify forces among the youth ministries of each of the Salesian presences in Los Angeles. Each month we’ve had Youth Night, where members of the Confirmation program from Saint Mary’s, Saint Isabel, and young leaders from the Salesian Family Youth … Continuar leyendo Youth Night in Boyle Heights
By: Youth Ministry Department November 6 – LEADS Inter-America Meeting The members of Leads Interamerica got together to continue their new journey as leaders of the Salesian Youth Movement. It was divided in three parts: 1. Formation (Invitation of Pope Francis to celebrate World Youth Day 2021) 2. Accompaniment (Ideas in how to support the delegates of Youth Ministry to celebrate and communicate WYD 2021 … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Department November Recap!
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Friday, October 22, the 3rd Collaborative Team Meeting was held at the new Salesian parish of Santa Isabel in Boyle Heights. Representatives of the Confirmation Program from St. Mary’s, St. Isabel and some representatives from the Salesian Family Youth Center participated in this meeting. Participants included: Fr Marcos Castillo, Mrs. Elizabeth Villanueva, Juan Carlos Montenegro, Miriam Hernandez, and … Continuar leyendo Youth Night and Collaborative Team!
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers “Everything can be expected from a grateful heart.” On the eve of gratitude in November, various organizations such as Mission Animation, Salesian Volunteers Program, Saint Joseph Salesian Retreat House, and Restless Heart offered food, vitamins, masks, and clothing to our less fortunate brothers on Skid Row. This experience has been the third Homeless Outreach for the Salesian Volunteers Program. … Continuar leyendo “Everything can be expected from a grateful heart.”
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant NCYC Commission Meeting – October 12th Fr. Fabian participated in the first meeting of the commission for NCYC West Long Beach 2022. This meeting was led by Sr. Sydney Moss who had an objective to start reflecting and thinking about the different possibilities of topics and themes to be reflected in and presented to the participants of the conference. … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Department October Recap!
By: JC Montenegro, PhD, Delegate for Mission Animation Twenty years ago, around this time, I arrived in Los Angeles and since then I have been involved with a wonderful Salesian family here. I’ve had delightful moments as well as challenging moments. In my heart, there is nothing but gratitude going out to each of the Salesians who have been part of my uniquely fantastic journey. … Continuar leyendo Thank you, Salesians
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer ROSEMEAD, CA. – November 1, 2021 – Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will host its in-person Open House for prospective students and their families on Sunday, November 14. Elementary and middle school students and their families are invited to learn about the school’s rigorous academics, advanced technology majors, internship opportunities, and individualized college planning program. “Open House is a great opportunity … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech Open House is November 14th
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer Gala Honorees are Longtime Tech Instructors Dr. Jorge Calienes and Mrs. Elizabeth Allison ROSEMEAD, CA—October 20, 2021—Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) will host its annual Black and Gold Gala, “Back to Broadway,” on the school’s campus on Saturday, November 6. All proceeds will benefit Bosco Tech’s tuition assistance program. The event will honor longtime Tech instructors Dr. Jorge Calienes and Mrs. Elizabeth Allison for … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech Black and Gold Gala is November 6th
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, October 24, two members of the Missionary Animation Team of the Province were present in two Archdiocesan of Los Angeles Parishes to speak about the missionary work of the Church in the world and invite parishioners to be part of the Mission of the Church through prayer and economic cooperation. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has contacted … Continuar leyendo World Mission Day in the LA Archdiocese!
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On September 26, three organizations: Salesian Volunteers, St. Joseph Salesian Retreat House and Restless Hearts went to our monthly homeless outreach activity in Skid Row. Tamara and Juan Guzmán helped us organize the Homeless Outreach by gathering clothes and preparing hot food for our brothers and sisters in need. First we had our Eucharistic celebration at 9:30 am, then … Continuar leyendo First Homeless Outreach at Skid Row
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Fr Marcos Castillo is a Salesian of Don Bosco born in the city of Santa Ana, El Salvador. He is a former student of the Colegio Salesiano San José. He professed as a Salesian of Don Bosco in 2009 and was ordained a priest in 2019. At this time, Fr Marcos is 33 years old, and his favorite hobbies … Continuar leyendo A Missionary serving the poorest in Boyle Heights
By: Joseph NgSalesian Cooperator – St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church, a Salesian parish in Los Angeles, on 10/9/2021, returned to our annual celebration dinner organized by the Chinese Catholic Association of Los Angeles after taking a break last year due to circumstance beyond our control. With over 250 parishioners and friends present, the theme of this year’s celebration was Faith, … Continuar leyendo St. Bridget celebration of Faith, Hope and Love
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) has named Thomas Hogan as Director of Admissions. In this position, he will oversee the school’s recruiting and orientation programs for new students, enrollment services, and the admission process. Hogan is an administrator and instructor with more than 30 years of experience in high school education, admissions, and retention. Most recently, he served as Upper … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech names Thomas Hogan Director of Admissions
By: JC MontenegroDelegate for Mission Animation Last Monday, September 13th, CYM’s and program coordinators who work for the good of children and young people from all Salesian presences in Los Angeles have met with the objectives of: Getting to know the CYM’s of each Salesian work in Los Angeles and to the people who coordinate the Programs managed by young people. To present the programs … Continuar leyendo Salesian Mission in Los Angeles: CYM’s Meeting
By: JC Montenegro, PhD, Miriam Hernandez & Luis ChaconEast Los Angeles Community Because we know education is a matter of the heart St Dominic Savio Church and the Salesian Family Youth Center, located in Los Angeles County, opened their doors to welcome children and young people. The “oratorians” are from 5 to 13 years old, and the animators are from 14 to 18 years old … Continuar leyendo Don Bosco Festive Oratory is alive in Los Angeles
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant SYM “LEADS” International (Inter-america Region) On September 8th The Youth Ministry Department of the congregation represented by Fr. Rafael Bejarano, SDB, met with Fr. Inatio Vieria, SDB (South Cone Region REB) and Fr. Fabian Cardenas, SDB (Inter-america Region SUO) to pass on the coordination of the group “LEADS” an international effort of the congregation to give voice and active … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Department September Recap!
By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, September 29, we had the opportunity to do a volunteer experience feeding the homeless at Venice Beach. The event organizers were Restless Heart Foundation, who prepared the food packages, Tamara (St. Joseph Salesian representative), representatives from the Salesian Volunteers Program, Martín (volunteer from Ecuador), and Br. Freddy (SDB from Venezuela). We began with a Mass celebration at … Continuar leyendo Promoting Social Justice among our young people
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) senior Aman Kumar has been named a semifinalist in the 67th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Kumar is one of approximately 16,000 students from across the country who earned the designation and now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $30 million that will be offered … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech student Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant SYLC Evaluation On August 12th the SYLC Team met to evaluate SYLC 2021. The evaluation was based off of a survey that was taken by each member who contributed to the overall organization and completion of the conference. This meeting proved to be very helpful and it helped summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each element of SYLC. This … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Department August Recap!
By: Frank LavinClub Old Timer and Salesian Cooperator On Saturday, August 28, 2021 a group of approximately thirty Salesian Boys’ and Girls’ Club young “Old Timer” men met in Novato, CA. at the home of board member, Claudio Cipollina to celebrate their annual “Fred Scolari” summer BBQ lunch, reunion, and pool party. Randy De Martini, the current Executive Director of the San Francisco club at … Continuar leyendo Annual “Fred Scolari” Summer Celebration
By: Joseph NgSalesian Cooperator – St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church Greetings from St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church. On August 14, 2021, Archbishop Savio Hon, Salesian of Don Bosco (SDB), who currently serves as the Apostolic Nuncio to Greece, presented a short lecture on the topic of St. Joseph and the Catholic Church in China and Hong Kong. More than 80 parishioners and friends attended the lecture … Continuar leyendo Archbishop Savio Hon, SDB visited St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church
By: Bro. Dang-Khoa Pham, SDBSalesian of Don Bosco I was assigned to the Salesian Family Youth Center to serve the children at the summer camp program in the low-income community of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. I was a quite nervous with plenty of curiosity and expectations. You may ask yourself, why? I have been in the US for almost two years, and this was … Continuar leyendo How do I see God in the Salesian family youth center?
By: Bridget VeltriCal Poly San Luis Obispo, 2009 BS JournalismDirector of Communications, Grants and Foundations Salesian Boys’ & Girls’ Club San Francisco As I boarded the bus on an early crisp San Francisco morning I laughed to myself, “how am I a thirty-five year old woman who is going to sleepaway camp for the first time”? Yet, this was my reality. As a child and … Continuar leyendo My first sleepaway camp
By: JC MontenegroDelegate for Mission Animation On July 29, the delegate for Missionary Animation and the preferential option met with 4 young SDBs in initial formation to evaluate their missionary summer experience in two summer camps that are held year after year in Southern California: Camp Savio based in Saint Dominic Savio, Bellflower and Camp Salesian based in Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. At this … Continuar leyendo Missionary Experience
By: Karen KrynenCommunications Officer Don Bosco Technical Institute (Bosco Tech) has named Christine Gambill Director of College Advising. “We’re thrilled that Ms. Gambill is joining our successful academic counseling and college advisement team,” said Guillermo (Memo) Gutierrez, Bosco Tech’s President. “Working closely with students and their families, she will play a vital navigational role in the high school-to-university experience, and with a strong background in … Continuar leyendo Bosco Tech names Christine Gambill Director of College Advising
By: Don Angel Fernandez Artime, SDBRector Major (ANS – Rome – July 23, 2021) – Dear Brothers, Sisters, and Friends, Just six months ago we gave the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians – as has been our tradition since Don Bosco’s time – and the whole Salesian Family, the strenna for the new year. Six months later, therefore, I have been asked to anticipate what … Continuar leyendo Presentation of the theme for Streanna 2022: “Do all through love, nothing through constraint” (St. Francis de Sales)
By: Br. Jhoni Chamorro, SDBSalesian of Don Bosco For those who still remember me, I left California in June 2019, 2 years ago. I flew to Nicaragua after 11 years of not seeing my mom and my brothers. As you probably can imagine that brought about many feelings I had after such a long absence. It felt weird going back to my home country. So … Continuar leyendo Greetings my dear Confreres, young people and Salesian family,
By: Elizabeth GamarraProvince Delegate for Salesian Family Approximately 70 members of 4 of the major groups of the Salesian Family in Southern California participated in a “Day of Recollection” held at St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California which also included various local sites of the Salesian Cooperators throughout the province. Two groups were formed to accommodate the English and Spanish participants. The theme chosen for … Continuar leyendo SUO’s Salesian Family Day of Recollection
By: Fr. Dominic Tran, SDBVice Provincial for SUE Province For three days, July 13 to 15, the SDB Provincials, directors, and members of the provincial councils of the two New Rochelle and San Francisco Provinces met for a Directors’ Workshop. The workshop took place virtually. On the first day, some time was dedicated to mutual sharing of where people were in their ministries, including during the … Continuar leyendo Directors’ Workshop for New Rochelle and San Francisco Provinces
By: Joseph NgSalesian Cooperator – St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church Praise the Lord! The Los Angeles Salesian Community and St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church celebrated the Golden Jubilee of priesthood of Fr. John Lam, SDB. Fr. Lam is a humble servant of God. A kind and dedicated shepherd, he regularly visits the sick and elderly at any time of the day. Fr. Lam entered the … Continuar leyendo LA Salesian Community and St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church celebrated the Golden Jubilee of priesthood of Fr. John Lam, SDB
By: Diana SerranoUniversity of California, San Diego, ’17, BA Mount Saint Mary’s University, ’20, BSN As I browse social media, I see various posts about planned summer activities happening in the community. I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the summers I would spend at Camp Savio, the place that influenced my career choice and made me who I am today. I started attending Camp Savio … Continuar leyendo How A Summer Camp Changed My Life?
By: Miriam HernandezCoordinator for Youth Ministry – Salesian Family Youth Center Every farewell always generates a pinch of sadness and a halo of hope, even more so if the one who is leaving is a cheerful priest who people enjoyed being around and sought a spiritual guide during challenging times for so many of us. This is the case of Father Rafael Saiz SDB, who … Continuar leyendo Boyle Heights will miss you Fr. Rafa!
By: Salesian Youth Ministry Department SYLC 2021 “Moved By Hope”! This years SYLC was one like we never experienced in the past 30 years. After a yearlong of planning, training, and prepping for SYLC we finally where able to come together virtually and in person. Facilitators where trained and sent out to the various community sites to gather the young people to begin a weeklong … Continuar leyendo A glimpse of SYLC 2021!
By: David LawSalesian Cooperator – St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church On May 8, 2021 at 10AM, it was a sunny morning at St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church. Around 100 people gathered together to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Mary Help of Christians Center. We were honored to have invited our strong supporter and long-time friend, Bishop Edward Clark; the Provincial of Salesians of Don Bosco, … Continuar leyendo The Groundbreaking of Mary Help of Christians Center at Los Angeles, California
Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the Encyclical Fratelli Tutti, I expressed a concern and a hope that remain uppermost in my thoughts: “Once this health crisis passes, our worst response would be to plunge even more deeply into feverish consumerism and new forms of egotistic self-preservation. God willing, after all this, we will think no longer in terms of ‘them’ and ‘those’, but only ‘us’” … Continuar leyendo MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS for the 2021 World Day of Migrants and Refugees Towards an ever wider “we”
By: Alejandro Martinez and Martin NeiraSalesian Volunteers. I am Alejandro Martínez Casanova. I was born in Bogota, Colombia in 1989. I made the decision to become a Salesian Volunteer with the purpose of enriching my personal project of life. Since I was 9 years old, I grew up surrounded by music in a Salesian High School in Bogota. Today, I am a professional choral and … Continuar leyendo Meet our two newest Salesian Volunteers!
By: Miriam HernandezCoordinator for Youth Ministry – Salesian Family Youth Center As a Youth Minister, I believe young people can be capable of serving the church now. Saint Dominic Savio is a great example of a teen who served and led others to Jesus through his vast love of the Eucharist and his selfless love and kindness for others. St. John Bosco recognized that Dominic … Continuar leyendo Called to be Oratory
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant Parish Commission Meeting On April 9th, there was a Parish Commission meeting to go over current projects and proposals that are happening in each respective parish. CYM Meeting On April 13th, there was a Coordinators of Youth Ministry Meeting. The topic of discussion was to go over SYLC registration, cost, schedule, and spirit team. Meeting with the Provincial Councils … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Office April Recap!
By: Miriam HernandezCoordinator for Youth Ministry – Salesian Family Youth Center Wow! I can’t believe how fast April is going by. We now have less than two months before SYLC and with all the end of the year activities and events we must prepare for it’s going to go by even faster. One of the priorities I had set for the Youth Ministry this year … Continuar leyendo Fundraising for the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference 2021
By: J.C MontenegroDelegate for Mission Animation Once the Governor of California gave schools in Los Angeles County the green light to return to in-person instruction, the city of Downey found itself without any after-school program for their 12 elementary schools. There were only seven business days before the schools opened again, and they needed to hire 26 people to staff the district’s after-school programs. Veronica … Continuar leyendo City of Downey seeks support from Salesians
By: Mari Evelin Moreno VelascoMaster’s in Education – UC Santa Cruz Short mission trips changed my life by giving me an opportunity to serve others and find a purpose in life. This life we have on earth is short and fleeting, and through the mission trips, I realized that I could help others and use my talents to be a light in the lives of … Continuar leyendo How short mission trips impacted my life
By: Miriam HernandezCoordinator for Youth Ministry – Salesian Family Youth Center For a long time, it had been a tradition at St. Mary’s church that the Youth Ministry was involved in all Easter celebrations of the parish. This year our youth participated in a Palm Sunday procession, gathered for a three-day Lenten Retreat, and celebrated the Easter Triduum as parish community. “I am happy to … Continuar leyendo Holy Week of Live Events at St. Mary’s Church
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant CYM Meeting On March 16th, there was a Coordinators of Youth Ministry Meeting. The topic of discussion was to go over SYLC registration, cost, schedule, and spirit team. Province Animation Team Meeting On March 19th, The Province Animation Team (PAT) gathered together. The Provincial, delegates, and the coordinators of the different departments and sectors with the Youth Ministry office, … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry Office March Recap!
Though COVID stole Fr. Armand Oliveri’s 100th Birthday celebration as planned for March 2020, Fr. Armand survived well his own case of COVID last February and was raring to go for a party with his favorite meal of veal piccata, risotto, and rice cakes like his Mama made him! He was alert and in good spirits! Auguri Don Armand! The community of SS. Peter and … Continuar leyendo Happy Birthday Fr. Armand!
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant Black History Month For the month of February the Province Youth Ministry Office highlighted the lives of four Black Saints to celebrate Black History Month through our social media handles. These saints are Servant of God Sr. Thea Bowman, St. Josephine Bakhita, Venerable Fr. Augustus Tolton, and Venerable Pierre Toussaint. These holy men and women paved the way for … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry Office February Recap!
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant January Recap RE Congress Meeting On Jan. 4th, the Youth Ministry Department gathered to plan for the virtual Religious Education Congress this year. There will be a virtual booth and resources available to attendees. The schedule will be announced soon. You can register online at recongress.org. Province Leadership Meeting On Jan. 5th the Youth Ministry Department took part in … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry Office News!
From Chile to Argentina Laura Carmen Vicuña was born in Santiago, Chile, on April 5, 1891, to Joseph and Mercedes Pino. The Vicuña family, Chilean aristocrats, were forced into exile by a revolution. They took refuge in Temuco in a poor house, but soon after Joseph died suddenly, and Mercedes had to take refuge with her two daughters in Argentina. They came to Junín … Continuar leyendo Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891-1904)
By: Marisol BecerraYouth Ministry Office Assistant December Recap Youth Ministry Office DecorationsAlthough this Christmas season was different, the youth ministry department decorated the office to be reminded of the HOPE that Christ brings during the holidays. Strenna 2021 Posters and Nameplates “Moved by Hope, See I am making all things new,” is the title that the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, has chosen for … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry Office News!
Dear confreres, The dissemination of “Young Salesians and accompaniment – Orientations and Guidelines”, through ‘video seeds’ is coming to you with the seed No 4, for December 2020. The focus this time gest inspiration from the Psalm 26: “Your face, O Lord, do I seek” …Following in Don Bosco’s footsteps. In fact, from the more than 4000 responses received in the research on accompaniment, we can … Continuar leyendo “Young Salesians and accompaniment – Orientations and Guidelines”
By: Marisol Becerra Youth Ministry Office Assistant November Recap SUO-SUE Joint Provincial Council Meeting On Nov 4 and 16 the US Delegates of Youth Ministry gathered together to prepare the report to present at the SUO-SUE joint provincial council meeting. On Nov 19-20 the councils met and during this meeting the report was given. The discussions included input given by Fr. Fabian Cardenas and Fr. … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry Office News!
By: Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB Corpus Christi Church – San Francisco, CA Halloween Celebration and Crowning of Mary our Help for the month of October. Indelisa Romo, a Religious Ed student aide, and Connie Custodio, Confimation II teacher, donned angel costumes for the Halloween party. Each of the participants received a medal for their participation. A floral crown was used to honor Mary in the … Continuar leyendo Corpus Christi Church updates!
By: Fr. Fabian Cardenas, SDB Editors: Marisol Becerra and Gina Robles Delegate for Youth Ministry Regional meeting of the Youth Ministry delegates. (Interamerica region) Last week the Regional Meeting of the Youth Ministry Delegates for the Interamerica Region was held online via Zoom. This meeting gathered 13 delegates from the Interamerica Region to reflect on the General Chapter 28 and the 2020 to 2026 programme … Continuar leyendo Youth Ministry Office News!
By Paul DeValle CYM – St. Luke’s Parish, Stockton St. Luke’s high school age Youth Ministries has once again been called to battle! Dragonslayer 2020 stretches out over four months serving as an instrument for evangelization and outreach to area youth and calls back those who we haven’t seen in a while. Each of our four teams: The Lords, Counts, Barons and Knights are under … Continuar leyendo Battles with Dragons
By: Janelle Siqueiros Young Adult Leader – Savio Parish What about following through with the resolution? Remember that life can get in the way, but slowly progressing your goals little by little can help and go a long way. For example, maybe just starting off by going exercising one day, and then maybe in a couple months moving to twice a day. Setting reasonable goals … Continuar leyendo “Enjoying the one-day delusion that I’ll follow through with my resolutions”
By: Marisol Becerra Youth Ministry Office Assistant Last Thursday, the Salesian Youth Movement with the Youth Ministry Office organized an Advent Prayer Night for the young adults in the area. This prayer night was hosted at De Sales hall by the young men in formation. The night began with joyful Christmas music and delicious food. There were about 20 young adults that came from different … Continuar leyendo Salesian Youth Movement Young Adults Advent Evening of Prayer
By: Janelle Siqueiros Savio Youth Ministry Leader St. Dominic Savio’s Fall Fiesta was September 27th-29th. In this fiesta, we have many carnival rides and games. Along with all these fun activities, we have food booths. Our youth ministry is glad to always be in charge of the hot dog booth! During the hot dog booth, we had one adult volunteer lead the shift along with … Continuar leyendo Savio Youth Ministry at Fall Fiesta
As a promising new school year begins, St. Dominic Savio like to announce that Oratory returns as well! With that being said. Now you may ask… What is Oratory? Oratory is a place that allows kids to learn about prayer in a fun, safe environment. Oratory is comprised of many activities. Before starting, we always start with an opening prayer, and ask that the kids … Continuar leyendo Salesian Oratory at St. Dominic Savio Parish
By: Andres Neria As Delegate of Social Communication I attended the first Province Youth Ministry Team meeting for the 2019-2020 pastoral year on Saturday August 17th in the Learning Commons at St. John Bosco High School, Bellflower. The meeting began with a short prayer and introduction of new and old members of the team, followed by reviewing the Province Organic Plan. The morning continued with … Continuar leyendo Province Youth Ministry Team
