by Bro. Quang Nguyen, SDB Jerusalem is described as the center of the earth, as Ezekiel 5:5 states, “Thus says the Lord God: This is Jerusalem! I placed it in the midst of the nations, surrounded by foreign lands.” It is the holy city that attracts pilgrims from all nations every year. I am blessed to live here as a long-term pilgrim in the Holy … Continuar leyendo Jerusalem as a Journey
by Fr Vien Nguyen Aptos, CA – In the midst of the bustling demands of daily life, the Salesians in Northern California recognized the need for a pause, a moment to reflect, and a space for spiritual renewal. About twenty Salesians gathered at Camp Saint Francis in Aptos for a Quarterly Day of Recollection, a purposeful day dedicated to introspection, meditation, and rejuvenation. The morning … Continuar leyendo Nurturing the Soul: Salesians in Northern California Gathered for the Quarterly Day of Recollection
Advent greetings and blessings to all of you! It was not long ago, on November 15-20, that our Province was blessed with the visit of the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime. Many of you had the opportunity and the privilege to meet, to greet, to listen, to celebrate and to take photos, including selfies, with Fr. Angel. Needless to say it was an awesome … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: December 2, 2022
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Greetings and blessings on this special weekend. Yesterday, the 11th of November, we celebrated Veterans’ Day, remembering and honoring all the men and women over the years who have served to defend our freedoms. May we never forget the blessings we have received because of the veterans who have sacrificed, many with their lives, so that we can … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: November 12, 2022
By Fr. Alejandro Rodriguez, SDB During the Canonization of Bro. Artemide Zatti, I could not help, but focused attentively on the person who received the miracle through Bro. Zatti’s intercession. Mr. Renato Narvaez did not say a single word in public and yet for me, he was a clear testimony of the presence of God, who continues to pour out—bursting forth—make visible, His love in … Continuar leyendo Canonization of Bro. Zatti: We are a Family and a School of Saints
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDBTranslation by Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB Existe mucho temor del fin del mundo, y muchos creen que la tierra un día colapsará y desaparecerá. La liturgia de esta semana, sin embargo, nos da una muestra de alegría y temor. La primera lectura de Malaquías pone pavor a los pies de los malhechores: “He aquí, viene el día, ardiendo como un … Continuar leyendo El Fin
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Much dread of the end times exists, and many believe that the earth will one day collapse and be gone. The liturgy of this 33rd Week in Ordinary Time ‘C,’ however, gives us a taste of both joy and dread. The first reading from Malachi lays dread at the feet of evildoers: “Lo, the day is coming, blazing like … Continuar leyendo The End
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: The Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, is officially coming to visit us here in California from November 15-20. I say officially because, for those of you who may not know, we have been preparing for his visit for close to a year now but it took some working behind the scenes … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: November 4, 2022
By Bro. Damien Ho, SDB Stumbling upon what seems to be myriads of people waiting in line to go through security and check-in before Holy Mass with the Rector Major and the general audience with Pope Francis, my gaze for the whole weekend both intentionally and unintentionally, fixated towards our coadjutor brothers who were there to witness the Canonization. The commotion and energy that fed … Continuar leyendo Canonization of Bro. Zatti: Surrounded by Joyful, Holy Witnesses
By Bro. Reegan Ledet, SDB 518. This was the approximate number of Salesians of Don Bosco that were present at a historical event, the Canonization of Brother Artemide Zatti. Really, even that number isn’t quite accurate, 518 SDBs registered for the week of events, but present at both St. Peter’s Square and later in Valdocco (the birthplace of the Salesian Family) was a number beyond … Continuar leyendo Artemide Zatti: Bringing the Family Together
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB The readings this thirty-first Sunday ‘C’ again speak loudly of the Divine Mercy. The Lord is indeed the all -powerful Creator, “But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent,” says the Book of Wisdom. We love to think of God good and merciful and often forget … Continuar leyendo Divine Mercy Sunday II
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDBTranslation by Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB Las lecturas de este trigésimo primer domingo vuelven a hablar en voz alta de la Divina Misericordia. El Señor es ciertamente el Creador todopoderoso, “Pero tienes misericordia de todos, porque puedes hacer todas las cosas; y pasas por alto los pecados de las personas para que se arrepientan”, dice el Libro de la Sabiduría. … Continuar leyendo Domingo de la Divina Misericordia II
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: After the beautiful events surrounding the canonization of St. Artemide Zatti in Rome, followed by the encounter of the Provincials of the Interamerica region in Lima, Peru, it is with deep contentment that I say: “It really is good to be home!” Tomorrow is the Feast of Blessed Michael Rua, who, after our beloved Don Bosco, is the … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: October 28, 2022
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDBTranslation by Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB Dios no es sordo; Tampoco es ciego. Él escucha lo que decimos, es consciente de lo que hacemos. Afortunadamente para nosotros, esas palabras no son una amenaza. Pueden serlo, pero solo aquellos que hacen el mal deben temer el disgusto Todopoderoso, como dijo Jesús, de Aquel que puede;arrojarnos al infierno;. Sí, el cielo es … Continuar leyendo Dios no es sordo
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB God is not deaf; neither is he blind. He hears what we say, he is aware of what we do. Fortunately for us, those words are not a threat. They may be, but only those who do evil need to fear the All‐Powerful displeasure, as Jesus said, of the One who can ‘cast us into hell.’ Yes, Heaven is … Continuar leyendo God is not Deaf
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB Last week’s clear Bible lesson asked us to show gratitude to God, that he too appreciates being thanked. This 29th Week ‘C’ we are taught about prayer: we must not be afraid to keep begging God. Again, our Church cooperates with St. Luke by reaching back to other passages from the Bible that make much the same point of … Continuar leyendo How to pray
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDBTranslation by Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB La clara lección bíblica de la semana pasada nos pidió que mostráramos gratitud a Dios, que él también aprecia ser agradecido. Esta Semana se nos enseña acerca de la oración: no debemos tener miedo de seguir rogando a Dios. Una vez más, nuestra Iglesia coopera con San Lucas volviendo a otros pasajes de la … Continuar leyendo Como orar
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDB St. Luke has carefully exhibited that on the last trip of Jesus to Jerusalem, he was ever aware of what lay ahead. He described the mind of Jesus in an earlier chapter. Jesus had just finished strong lessons about entering the Kingdom of Heaven and being careful, because the way to salvation is not easy, and who can know … Continuar leyendo Again, the Cross
Reflection by Fr. Ed Liptak, SDBTranslation by Fr. Jesse Montes, SDB San Lucas ha expuesto cuidadosamente que, en el ultimo viaje de Jesús a Jerusalén, siempre fue consciente de lo que le esperaba. Había descrito la mente de Jesús en un capítulo anterior. Jesús acababa de terminar fuertes lecciones acerca de entrar en el Reino de los Cielos y de tener cuidado, porque el camino … Continuar leyendo De nuevo, la Cruz
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: It has been a very busy but fruitful week of celebration and animation. On the Solemnity of the Assumption on the 15th of August the Province celebrated the First Professions of Brother Michael Tri Loc Nguyen and Brother Thomas Minh-tu Nguyen. In the presence of their families and the many Salesians and members of the Salesian Family both … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: August 21, 2022
By: Andres NeriaSalesian Communications & Media Coordinator (Bellflower, California) – On August 15th, the feast of the Assumption, the Province of USA West, celebrated the first professions of two novices, Michael Nguyen, and Thomas Nguyen, as they made their first vows as Salesians during Holy Mass which was presided by Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB, provincial. Amongst the presence of their friends, family, and Salesian Family, … Continuar leyendo Province celebrates two newly professed Salesians
Updated funeral and burial arrangements for Fr. Al Pestun: Friday, August 5th:Viewing will begin at 11:30 a.m. andthe Vigil Mass at 7:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Church (62 Santa Rosa Ave., San Francisco, CA) Saturday, August 6th:Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Church, followed by burial at Salesian Cemetery and then reception at the Salesian cafeteria in Richmond, CA Livestreaming of the Funeral … Continuar leyendo Rest in Peace Fr. Al Pestun, SDB
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: I write this week’s message with a sad and heavy heart. Yestereday, July 22nd, 2022, at 4:01 PM Fr. Al Pestun SDB passed away at San Francisco General Hospital in the presence of the Salesians of Corpus Christi Salesian community and with Fr. Al’s niece and nephew. He was 93 years old. Fr. Al was born in Sulekovo, … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: July 23, 2022
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Today I am filled with joy, grateful for the opportunity to experience in the past few days the joy and laughter of children at two different summer ministries in our Province. The first was at the Summer Camp at San Luis Rey Parish in Laredo, Texas. When I dropped in and presided at the Eucharist at the Salesian … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: July 17th, 2022
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Greetings from Don Bosco Tech, Rosemead, where I and the Provincial Council have just spent this past week in meetings to reflect and plan for this coming year 2022-2023. It has been a good few days of meetings and a great opportunity to be with the Bosco Tech Salesian community. We are grateful to Fr. Thien, the Director, … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: July 8th, 2022
By Bro. Alphonse Vu, SDB and Fr. Kristian Laygo, SDB (Bellflower, California – USA) – Under the theme: “For you we study, for you we work, and for you we give our lives”, from June 19-24, the Salesian Province (St. Andrew the Apostle) of USA West convened its Provincial Chapter with 26 Chapter members along with 20 laity and youth. Reminded by General Chapters 27 … Continuar leyendo Provincial Chapter 2022 of USA West Concludes: “Let Us Strengthen and Renew Our Salesian Mission!”
By Bro. Alphonse Vu, SDB and Fr. Kristian Laygo, SDBTranslated by Fr. Alejandro Rodriguez, SDB (Bellflower, California – USA) – Bajo el lema: “Por ti estudiamos, por ti trabajamos, y por ti damos la vida”, del 19 al 24 de junio, la Inspectoría Salesiana (San Andrés Apóstol) de Estados Unidos Americanos Oeste convocó su Capítulo Provincial con 26 capitulares junto con 20 laicos y jóvenes. … Continuar leyendo Capítulo Provincial 2022 del Oeste de Los Estado Unidos: “Reforcemos y Renovemos nuestra misión salesiana”
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: A lot of things happening but it is so good to be home for a few days in cool and breezy San Francisco. Last weekend I was in Los Angeles and the weather was unbearably hot. Driving up from Southern California I stopped at Camp St. Francis in Aptos on Tuesday, June 14, to preside at the Final … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: June 17th, 2022
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: On June 1st, on a beautiful clear evening, I found myself on the 61st floor of the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco. A former student who works for the Bar Association of San Francisco invited me to an event at the Ohana Floor overlooking the City by the Bay. What an amazing structure, the tallest in the city … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: June 3rd, 2022
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: “Do all through love, nothing through constraint.” These words from St. Francis de Sales make up our strenna for the year 2022. We have been reflecting on these words for many months now. But another tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24 jarred our minds and our hearts; the killing of 19 elementary school children and … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: May 27th, 2022
Our Vocation Director, Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB received his Masters degree in Theology from the Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology this past Saturday. Fr. Vien’s thesis was on Saint John Bosco through the Eyes of John Paul II within the Context of the Iuvenum Patris. First and foremost, I am grateful to the province for supporting me in my studies. The community of Don Bosco Hall … Continuar leyendo Congratulations Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB!
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Greetings from the Provincial Office, where I have been self-quarantined for over a week now. I had COVID symptoms and tested positive on Friday, May 13. Feeling better after at least five days of self-quarantine I again got tested on Wednesday, May 18. Lo and behold, I am still positive. For those who heard and have reached out, … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: May 20th, 2022
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Today I affectionately greet you a “Happy Feast Day of St. Dominic Savio!” The month of May is special to us as Salesian Family because of the many liturgical celebrations of Salesian saints and of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians on the 24th of May. May 6, today, is the Feast of St. Dominic Savio, a … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: May 6th, 2022
Dear All, I greet you with fraternal affection in this month of May, the month of our mother, Mary Help Of Christians,hoping that all your communities, families and pastoral activities bear excellent fruit. I am writing to all of you at this time to communicate and share with you the assignments for this summer 2022.This process was carried out, considering the evaluation made last year … Continuar leyendo Summer Assignments 2022
Three Rivers, California – The annual Salesian Easter Retreat took place from April 18th – 22nd at St. Anthony’s Retreat Center in Three Rivers, California. The retreat was led by Dr. Wendy Wright, professor of Theology at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Thank you for all your prayers during this time of reflection and meditation for our Salesian brothers and priests! Photo(s) credit: Fr. Tho Bui, SDB Continuar leyendo Annual Salesian Easter Retreat 2022
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: Andres NeriaSocial Communication and Media Coordinator This year’s RE (Religious Education) Congress certainly felt different with the limited number of attendees and exhibitors. Despite that, for those who were in attendance (physically and virtually) there was a sense of hope that it’s still possible to gather, be formed, and share in community our living faith with others. Participants and organizers support one another while keeping … Continuar leyendo Being “living waters of hope”
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!
To my Salesian Confreres and to the Salesian Family: This Friday, March 11, is our Province Salesian Mission Day. This date has a special significance to us. It was on this date 125 years ago when the first four Salesian Missionaries sent by Fr. Michael Rua, the Successor of Don Bosco, celebrated the First Mass at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in San Francisco. Each year … Continuar leyendo Provincial Announcement: 125 Years – Salesian Mission Day
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: 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 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: 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!
Facebook link: https://m.facebook.com/salesianssuo Scheduling Update: Please note that Fr. Arthur Lenti’s funeral arrangements on February 16, 2022 will now take place at St. Dominic Savio Church in Bellflower, California (instead of St. John Bosco High School’s Chapel). Dear Salesian Family and Friends: Below is the latest news on Fr. Arthur Lenti’s funeral arrangements. Wednesday, February 16Location: St. John Bosco High School Chapel, Bellflower Viewing: 4:00 PM – … Continuar leyendo Rest in Peace Fr. Arthur Lenti, SDB
Scheduling Update: Memorial Service scheduled for January 21, 2022 will be postponed to an undetermined date for health safety reasons Funeral Service scheduled for January 14, 2022 will continue as originally planned Dear Salesian Family and Friends: Below is the latest news on Brother John Rasor’s Funeral arrangements. Thank you to Fr. Thien Nguyen, Director of Bosco Tech, who arranged this with the school administration, … Continuar leyendo Rest in Peace Br. John Rasor, SDB
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: 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: 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: 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: 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
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People, Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (“With a Father’s Heart”), has proclaimed the “Year of St. Joseph” from the 8th of December 2020 through the same date in 2021. The Feast of St. Joseph is on the 19th of March and it seemed appropriate that our Province theme for the month is the “fatherliness of St. … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – February 25th, 202
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People, I write this message full of gratitude, joy and hope for our Province. Today is the 25th of February and it is the Feast Day of the Salesian martyrs Bishop Aloysius Versiglia and Father Callistus Caravario. It was on this day in 1930 that both lost their lives through martyrdom in Shiuchow, China. On the way to their … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – February 25th, 202
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: Deacon Vien Nguyen, SDB Dear all, Greeting from Vocation Office in Bellflower, CA. In the past few months, the work of vocation has shipped to a quite different mode of animating. Like many other ministries, we are struggling to continue the work in a normal way, thus we have done most of our activities virtually. Fortunately, with God’s providence, we are still able to … Continuar leyendo Vocation Office Updates
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: Elizabeth Gamarra Delegate for Salesian Family Resumen y traduccion de la Reflexion Comparto con ustedes partes importantes de la visita virtual organizada por la Región Inter América, de la que somos parte. Nuestro invitado el 15 de Nov. fue nuestro Rector Mayor, Don Ángel Fernández Artime, Decimo Sucesor de Don Bosco. Este foro reunió a 1,000 miembros de la Familia Salesiana que se deleitaron … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – November 20th, 2020
Queridos hermanos salesianos, jóvenes y fieles laicos, ¡Fratelli tutti! Reciban mi más cordial saludo, esperando que todas sus actividades pastorales estén dando los mejores frutos. Como se pueden dar cuenta con mi saludo inicial, quisiera dedicar unas breves palabras, para animar a la lectura y la reflexión, personal y comunitaria, de la nueva encíclica que el papa Francisco nos ha regalado recientemente: ¡Fratelli tutti! Sobre … Continuar leyendo Mensaje a la Inspectoria – 8 de Octubre, 2020
Translation by: Marisol Becerra Youth Ministry Office Assistant Dear Salesian Brothers, young people and lay faithful, Fratelli tutti! Receive my warmest greetings, hoping that all your pastoral activities are producing the best spiritual fruits. As you can see with my initial greeting, I would like to dedicate a few words to encourage reading and reflecting, personally and in community, the new encyclical that Pope Francis … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – October 8th, 2020
Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: I hope and pray that you are all safe in God’s tender loving care. I said in my message to you at the beginning of September that we will have a theme for each month moving forward. The theme for the month of October is this year’s 2020 Salesian Family strenna/theme “Good Christians and honest citizens.” Don Bosco … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – October 1st, 2020
Dear Salesians and Salesian Family: A few months past I read a quote on social media that struck me to the core. I know I have seen it before but it didn’t resonate with me until then, around the time I found out in the beginning of June that I have been appointed Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco USA West. The quote is … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – September 24th, 2020
(ANS – Rome – September 10, 2020) – “Young Salesians and accompaniment: Orientations and guidelines.” The first “seed” of reflection that five young Salesians toss to their colleagues and all the Salesians in their three-minute video in five languages for the month of September is to open our eyes to this awareness: there is a large number of young Salesians. It is a charism, a gift, … Continuar leyendo Not just Salesians for young people, but young Salesians
By: Deacon Vien Nguyen, SDB Congratulations to Fr. Vien Nguyen, SDB on his ordination to the priesthood, check out some images below. You can also rewatch the live stream on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF2UfIlp0LU&feature=youtu.be Continuar leyendo Fr. Vien’s Ordination
Dear Salesians and Salesian Family: It is hard to believe that we are now entering our seventh month of living with the Covid-19 pandemic. I encourage you to be safe and strong and I pray that God’s blessings will continue to manifest itself in everything around you. Speaking of God’s blessings, on Monday, August 31st, there was a Zoom meeting/gathering of Province Leadership. The meeting … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – September 3rd, 2020
By: Deacon Vien Nguyen, SDB It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain (John 15:16). I believe that God has called me and continues to call me to be of service. First and foremost, it is a call to serve God’s people, the Church, especially the young. I learned early … Continuar leyendo Deacon Vien’s Ordination to the Priesthood
By: Fr. Jose Lucero, SDB Community of San Luis Rey Church – Laredo, TX I woke up with a cough and thought to myself upon opening my eyes, ‘hmm, where did this cough come from?” I immediately wondered if this was the famous covid “they” speak of. But how could this be? I was wearing my mask everywhere and social distancing. I quickly decided I … Continuar leyendo Not Only Surviving But Thriving
By: Fr. Fabian Cardenas, SDB Province Delegate for Youth Ministry Translation by: Miss Marisol Becerra, Fr. Joe Farias, SDB, Fr. Mike Gergen, SDB, Fr. Tom Juarez, SDB My dear educative-pastoral communities (EPC), receive my most warm greetings, especially my Salesian brothers, the different members of the Salesian Family, and above all, my dear young people: Our Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, recently presented to … Continuar leyendo Message to the Province – In them you shall find Hope
By: Joseph Ng Salesian Cooperator – St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church On August 1, 2020, St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church celebrated Pastor Fr. John Lam’s 80th birthday. The festivities started with a Thanksgiving Mass at 9:30AM, followed by a Drive-By Birthday Greeting at 10:30AM, and culminated with a Virtual Celebration at 3:00PM. The Thanksgiving Mass was con-celebrated by Fr. Mel Trinidad (Provincial, Salesians of Don … Continuar leyendo St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church utilized technology to celebrate Pastor Fr. John Lam’s 80th Birthday
Autor: P. Fabian Cardenas, SDB Delegado Inspectorial de Pastoral Juvenil Queridas comunidades educativo-pastorales (CEP), reciban mi más cordial saludo, es espacial mis hermanos salesianos, los diferentes miembros de la familia salesiana y, sobre todo, mis queridos jóvenes: Nuestro Rector Mayor, P. Ángel Fernández Artime, ha presentado recientemente, a toda la congregación, el tema y nombre de la “Strenna” que iluminará nuestra acción educativa-pastoral para el … Continuar leyendo Mensaje para la Inspectoria – En ellos, la esperanza vive
May our Blessed Mother, Mary Help of Christians, be with you. Dear Salesian family, greetings from St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church. This year St. Bridget is celebrating our pastor Father John Lam’s 80th birthday. Fr. John Lam is a faithful apprentice of St. John Bosco, humbly serving God and his charge in all his ministries. Fr. Lam entered the novitiate in 1960, professed his perpetual … Continuar leyendo St. Bridget Chinese Catholic Church Celebrates Pastor Father John Lam’s 80th Birthday
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today, Holy Thursday, I returned to the Provincial House after my 14 days of quarantine. I came back on time to join the provincial community for their Holy Thursday Mass and dinner. I wish to thank Fr. Jospeh Mathew Paradayil, Pastor and Director of the St. Francis Salesian Community and the entire Watsonville Salesian community for their very kind and … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: April 10th, 2020
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Greetings from Camp St. Francis, in Aptos, where I am in my third day of my 14 day quarantine. I give thanks to God for my return from Northern Italy and the beautiful space made available to me for my time in quarantine. The Salesian community in Watsonville (which includes Br. Mike Herbers) has been most gracious and hospitable. My … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: March 26th, 2020
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last night I flew back to San Francisco after several days in Orange, New Jersey. Along with Fr. John Itzaina, our formation delegate for the province, Fr. Tim Ploch, our regional, Fr. Tim Zak, Provincial from the Eastern Province, Fr. Steve Ryan, formation delegate for the New Rochelle Province and the formation team in Orange, we met all day on … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: February 6th, 2020
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Many of us are still basking in the glow and wonderful experience of our PAD (Province Assembly Days) held in January 12-14. My thanks to all those who made the effort to be present and participate. I have only heard good and positive things about our two and a half days together in San Juan Bautista. My thanks also to … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: January 30th, 2020
By: Danya Montiel Administrative Assistant – San Luis Rey Church On Sunday, January 5th, 2020 our parish celebrated the 53rd Anniversary Ordination of Father Tom Juarez. The celebration consisted of many members of our parish that gather around for this great event. There was over 250 parishioners that joined together for this celebration, with entertainment and food. Our parish, San Luis Rey Church here in … Continuar leyendo Fr. Tom Juarez’s 53rd Anniversary!
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, In five days we will be celebrating Christmas Eve. Many of you will be traveling and will be busy with different types of preparations for that beautiful day when we celebrate Christ’s birth and God’s incarnation, God becoming one with us through Jesus. I wish to extend to all of you a very blessed and beautiful Christmas. May you be … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: December 19th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, We have entered the beautiful season of Advent. It is one of my favorite seasons of the Liturgical year. This season of Advent always invites me to a spirit of reflection, prayer, slowing down and connections with friends and loved ones. It is a time that focuses on preparation for the feast of Christmas but which sometimes includes more celebrations … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: December 11th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, The following story comes from an article on Gratitude by Ron Rolheiser: “There’s a Jewish folk-tale which runs something like this: There once was a young man who aspired to great holiness. After some time at working to achieve it, he went to see his Rabbi. “Rabbi,” he announced, “I think I have achieved sanctity.” ”Why do you think that?” … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: November 27th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Two weeks ago, November 7-8, the two provincial councils of the SDBs in the United States met for our annual meetings. We from the west, flew out a day early for our own provincial council meeting before joining the Eastern Provincial Council. And, several of us stayed two extra days afterwards to visit our men in formation in Orange, New … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: November 19th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, On Sunday, October 27th, I flew back from Quito, Ecuador, where I spent the last week with Fr. Tim Ploch, our Regional and most of the 13 provincials from our Inter-American Region. Two of our provincials could not enter the Ecuador for different reasons. The annual Inter-American provincials gathering took place in Quito this year. We stayed at a retreat … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: October 29th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last week, the Provincial Council, minus Fr. Tho Bui and Fr. John Itzaina, flew into San Antonio, Texas, rented a car and drove to Laredo where the provincial council met the staff of San Luis Rey and gathered for two days of provincial council meetings. Although, we were missing two provincial council members, the four of us present, were able … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: October 15th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today we celebrated the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux or also known as St. Theresa of the Child Jesus or the Little Flower. She entered the Carmelite convent at 15, with special permission from the Pope, and died when she was 24 years of age in 1897. She lived a secluded, cloistered life as a Carmelite nun. But, she … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: October 1st, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Yesterday morning, I drove down from the provincial house in San Francisco to Los Angeles. The Salesian Sisters had invited us to attend their “medal ceremony” for the new postulants. We wish to congratulate the nine new postulants (five from the Eastern Province and four from the West) on this new and official step in their journey towards their profession … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: September 26th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, On Tuesday, September 17th, I met with the small Board of Directors of our Salesian Family Youth Center in Boyle Heights. I wish to congratulate Juan Carlos Montenegro for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the young people from the east side of Los Angeles. Their summer camp was a big success, and there are many projects being initiated … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: September 19th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today we remember the 9/11 event which took place eighteen years ago. It was a type of event, much like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, when people recalled exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard of the news. The 9/11 event changed our lives forever and today many of us still recall the … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: September 11th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I hope your Labor Day weekend activities were fruitful, enjoyable and relaxing. Our communities gathered for a barbecue meal and time together, in the Northern and Southern areas of California. Those in Northern California gathered at Don Bosco Hall, Berkeley and those in the South gathered at St. John Bosco, Bellflower. Since I was already in the Southland, I joined … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: September 4th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Yesterday, the Directors, Pastors and Delegates of the different province departments met for our biannual meeting. Usually, we meet at the beginning of the scholastic/pastoral year and again in the Spring. We meet to plan, nourish our spirits, and reconnect as province leadership. I wish to thank all those who were able to make it. I realize that this is … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: August 27th, 2019
By: Andres Neria On Thursday August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, our Provincial Fr. Ted and his council met with the delegates and coordinators of the province. The purpose of this meeting, and future meetings to come, is to explore and implement better ways to serve our province at all levels. This idea was presented at this year’s Provincial Chapter and came out as … Continuar leyendo Provincial Council, Delegates, and Coordinators Meeting
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last Thursday, August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mother into heaven, the Western Province of St. Andrew had the blessing of witnessing the first professions of two of our brothers: Leo Imbert and Kris Tran. We wish to congratulate them and promise them our prayers. We wish to thank their parents for the love and … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: August 20th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I flew back into Los Angeles from San Antonio late last night. As I had mentioned before, the Salesian Sisters had invited me to preside at the Mass for Sr. Sydney Moss’ final vows. I arrived a day early and was able to concelebrate at the Mass of Renewal of vows for three Salesian Sisters presided by Fr. Pascual Chavez … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: August 14th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Laredo, Texas for two days visiting my family and the Parish of San Luis Rey. I came to San Antonio, Texas last Friday, after our Board Meeting at Don Bosco Tech. The FMA Sisters had invited me to preside at their Jubilee celebration which took place on Saturday. I am grateful for the invitation and for … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: July 24th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Los Angeles. I drove down yesterday evening, after visiting Camp St. Francis in Aptos. Today I visited Camp Savio in Bellflower. Tomorrow, I hope to visit our ministry in Boyle Heights. I am grateful to all those working hard to give young people a beautiful, enjoyable and Salesian summer experience. Wherever you go, you sense the … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: July 17th, 2019
Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Santa Cruz, at Villa Del Mar Retreat House ran by the Holy Names Sisters. The Provincial Council and I are here for a week of meetings: prayer, planning, reflection and some fraternal time together. We arrived on Sunday evening and will finish on Friday at noon. It is a beautiful setting, close to the ocean and … Continuar leyendo Provincial Letter: July 10th, 2019
By Bro. Jhoni Chamorro, SDB (Camp St. Francis, CA) – Two months ago, I flew from New Jersey knowing that I was making a complete transition back to my province. My Provincial assigned me to the community of Richmond so that I could finish my undergraduate degree at St Mary’s University in Moraga. I can’t express how full of gratitude my heart is for the 3 years I … Continuar leyendo Renewal of Profession, a Renewal of Gratitude & Joy
