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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><!-- generator="MYOB" --><?xml-stylesheet href="/plugins/system/ytshortcodes/assets/css/awesome/glyphicon.css" type="text/css"?><?xml-stylesheet href="/plugins/system/ytshortcodes/assets/css/shortcodes.css" type="text/css"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"> <channel> <title> ANS - Agenzia iNfo Salesiana</title> <description><![CDATA[ANS - Agenzia Info Salesiana. Periodico plurisettimanale telematico, organo di comunicazione della Congregazione Salesiana]]></description> <link>https://www.infoans.org</link> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 20 May 2024 00:36:27 +0200</lastBuildDate> <generator>MYOB</generator> <atom:link rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://www.infoans.org/en/itemlist?format=feed&type=rss"/> <language>it-it</language> <item> <title>Portugal – The 72nd Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family to Fatima and the National SYM Day with the Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21136-portugal-the-72nd-pilgrimage-of-the-salesian-family-to-fatima-and-the-national-sym-day-with-the-rector-major-of-the-salesians-cardinal-angel-fernandez-artime</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21136-portugal-the-72nd-pilgrimage-of-the-salesian-family-to-fatima-and-the-national-sym-day-with-the-rector-major-of-the-salesians-cardinal-angel-fernandez-artime</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/3d9ac9acefd0f8e699d5b99c88705bf8_S.jpg" alt="Portugal – The 72nd Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family to Fatima and the National SYM Day with the Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Fatima) –</strong> On 18 and 19 May, the Salesian Family in Portugal will travel to Fatima to take part in the 72nd National Pilgrimage, together with more than a thousand young people from all Salesian presences, and to celebrate the National Salesian Youth Movement Day. This important meeting this year will involve the special presence of the Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>Under the theme "Behold your Mother", the pilgrimage is a living testimony of the commitment of the Salesians and of all those who are inspired by the charism of Don Bosco, to walk together, in faith and in Marian devotion. The young people, in the context of this family pilgrimage, also celebrate the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's 9-year Dream.</p><p>The Rector Major, a central figure in the guidance and spiritual accompaniment of the Salesian Family, will bring his blessing and inspiration to this meeting, which will be attended by more than 1,500 pilgrims. His presence - in what will be his last visit to Portugal as Rector Major of the Salesians – is a testimony to the deep commitment of the Congregation to Marian Spirituality and dedication to young people, central values of the Salesian charism.</p><p>Throughout the weekend, both during the pilgrimage of the Salesian Family and during the Saturday youth event, there will be moments of prayer, reflection, celebration and fraternal communion, which will certainly strengthen the bonds of unity and solidarity between all. Two moments stand out: the meeting of the Rector Major with the representatives of the Salesian Family, which will certainly be an important moment of sharing; and the Art and Faith festival, where young people express their joy and charismatic communion with Don Bosco.</p><p>Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime will preside over the liturgical celebrations, including the Eucharist on Saturday, in the Basilica of the Holy Trinity, the Rosary and the candlelight procession scheduled for Saturday evening. Finally, on Sunday, he will celebrate the Eucharist and the farewell procession.</p><p>The 72nd Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family to Fatima and the National Salesian Youth Movement Day promise to be an extraordinary meeting, enriched by the stimulating presence of the 10th Successor of Don Bosco.</p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>POR PORTOGALLO</li><li>Portogallo</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>vnitto@sdb.org (Virginia Nitto)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Spain – "The Salesian courtyard": sixth meeting of the Salesian Social Platforms</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21135-spain-the-salesian-courtyard-sixth-meeting-of-the-salesian-social-platforms</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21135-spain-the-salesian-courtyard-sixth-meeting-of-the-salesian-social-platforms</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/fa7be04aba354ccc96ff92deb7f829bb_S.jpg" alt="Spain – "The Salesian courtyard": sixth meeting of the Salesian Social Platforms" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Seville) –</strong> The sixth meeting of the Social Platforms of Spain's Mary Help of Christians Province (SMX) was held on "The courtyard as the central space of the educational relationship". The main presentation was given by Fr Rafael Bejarano, responsible for Works and Social Services, Migrants and Volunteers in the Youth Ministry Sector.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>The provincial meeting is a formation proposal and a meeting place for the educational teams for the different projects and resources of the three entities that make up the Salesian Social Platforms in the SMX Province: FISAT Foundation, Don Bosco Foundation and Sant Jordi Salesians.</p><p>About 400 people from the Salesian Social Platforms teams shared this new formation opportunity to share knowledge and experiences and continue to grow in the mission, caring for their teams and strengthening the educational proposal.</p><p>The day focused on the importance of the Salesian courtyard or playground as a meeting place where bonds are created and the foundations of the educational relationship are woven.</p><p>The theme of the meeting, which took place <em>online</em>, was the different experiences of the "Salesian courtyard" in the respective projects of the Social Platforms. Through the micro-testimonies of educators and participants, the play spaces and the sense of belonging that is generated through their dynamics were made visible.</p><p>During the meeting, through a video message, the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, offered his reflection, referring to the courtyard as one of the four pillars of Salesian education. "We Salesians say in our Constitutions that every Salesian presence is a home that welcomes, a school that educates, a parish that evangelises and a courtyard where friends meet” the Rector Major said. "The courtyard is a space of freedom, it is a meeting place for friendship, it is the ideal of the possibilities of the Salesian sacrament of presence, it is an opportunity for everyone to be themselves", he said.</p><p>Fr Joan Valls, Provincial Coordinator of the Salesian Social Platforms, took up the same concept of the courtyard and recalled that for Don Bosco the courtyard is "the heart of all educational activity, the centre of all potential encounters, relaxation, the word in the ear, play, in which everyone is who they are without artifice or fear; and many other things."</p><p>"Perhaps we have limited the courtyard to a physical space," Fr Valls said, "but the courtyard is much more than that. It is a pedagogical place, a privileged setting for our educational activity, a spiritual place where we experience the most important values, and a theological place, a privileged place where we experience our encounter with God and help young people to do the same. This reflection is necessary today, because it is necessary to redefine what the playing field is in our environment of social platforms."</p><p>The main address of the day was from Fr Bejarano, who proposed revisiting the Salesian courtyard through a reinterpretation of the gospel and extrapolating the action of Jesus in the work of educators, to analyse the meaning of the Salesian courtyard today in Salesian social projects.</p><p>"In the courtyard we will verify the meaning of our affective and effective presence" Fr Bejarano said, inviting participants to reflect on what they feel when they meet young people in the courtyard.</p><p>“The playing field is the key to the success of Salesian pedagogy. In a globalised world, the real difference lies in the playing field. The latter is the opportunity for the educator to get in touch with young people" Fr Bejarano continued, then remarking that the playground is not just a physical space, but "an attitude, the ability to feel close to the children even in a formal space."</p><p>The second presentation was from Jota Llorente, National Coordinator of Salesian Social Platforms. Llorente shared his knowledge and experiences of social and educational innovation and explained the difficulties encountered in reflecting on how technology influences us in a changing world that is very complex.</p><p>After analysing the way in which the different generations relate to technology, he stressed the importance of combining real and digital space and provided the keys to understanding how the presence of professionals on social platforms should be, highlighting the following:</p><ul><li>Talk to them. The key is the tone: clear, direct, organic, genuine, positive and empathetic message;</li><li>Be natural and real, giving priority to real experiences and testimonies;</li><li>Enter into their daily lives and suggest to enter into alternative channels to those of the social entity which they use regularly.</li></ul><p>Source: <a href="https://salesianos.info/blog/el-patio-salesiano-vi-encuentro-inspectorial-de-las-plataformas-sociales-salesianas/" target="_blank">salesianos.info</a></p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>SMX SPAGNA MARIA AUSILIATRICE</li><li>Salesiani</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>vnitto@sdb.org (Virginia Nitto)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Italy – Do European Catholics care about ecology? The European Laudato Si' Alliance presents the first comprehensive survey on integral ecology carried out in Europe</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21134-italy-do-european-catholics-care-about-ecology-the-european-laudato-si-alliance-presents-the-first-comprehensive-survey-on-integral-ecology-carried-out-in-europe</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21134-italy-do-european-catholics-care-about-ecology-the-european-laudato-si-alliance-presents-the-first-comprehensive-survey-on-integral-ecology-carried-out-in-europe</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/ec7cff5a47e992e1e98c3199f571dd35_S.jpg" alt="Italy – Do European Catholics care about ecology? The European Laudato Si' Alliance presents the first comprehensive survey on integral ecology carried out in Europe" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Rome) –</strong> One year before the 10th anniversary of the Encyclical Laudato Si' and on the eve of the 2025 Jubilee, the European Laudato Si' Alliance (ELSiA) will present the results of "Vivere Laudato Si'", the first comprehensive European survey to include all the initiatives inspired by the Encyclical of Pope Francis, implemented since the publication of the Encyclical to date.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>The main objective of the study was to identify initiatives inspired by Laudato Si' that have been implemented by actors of the Church in Europe from 2016 to the present. The research was conducted by a consortium of Catholic universities: St Mary's University Twickenham, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (Milan), Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Universitat Ramon Llull, Hrvatsko Katoličko Sveučilište and EMD Ecole de Management Marseille.</p><p>A special press conference organised by ELSiA to present the results of the study will be held online on 20 May, at 11, (UTC +1) during Laudato Si' Week 2024. It will be attended by bishops, diocesan delegates for Laudato Si', university representatives, members of congregations and Europeans committed to bringing Laudato Si' to life in Europe. The registration form is available <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6hjlIseasQrD1UyN-R-JLXCTrnfg9o1WxF2wdml_TmCLayg/viewform" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>The following will speak:</p><p>- Dr. Silvia Riva, of St Mary University;</p><p>- Archbishop Éric de Moulins-Beaufort, Archbishop of Reims and President of the French Episcopal Conference;</p><p>- Archbishop Anthony Onyemuche Ekpo, Undersecretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development;</p><p>- Archbishop Mariano Crociata, President of COMECE, Bishop of Latina-Terracina-Sezze-Priverno;</p><p>- Archbishop Martin Hayes, Laudato Si' Working Group of the Irish Bishops' Conference.</p><p>The hour-long event will offer the opportunity to reflect and share the key findings and results of the survey, to showcase some of the inspiring practices and projects identified in the survey, and to bring the issue of climate change to the attention of European Catholics in the media, two weeks before the European elections.</p><p>Guided by the words of Pope Francis, on the occasion of the recent Message for the Day of Creation (2023): "Like a river basin with its many small and large tributaries, the Church is a communion of countless local Churches, religious communities and associations that draw from the same common waters. Each source adds its unique and irreplaceable contribution, until all flow together into the vast ocean of God’s loving mercy” - there is a shared hope that the results of a living Laudato Si' can focus Catholics' attention on “caring for our common home ”just weeks before the European elections.</p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>Laudato Si</li><li>Missione</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>vnitto@sdb.org (Virginia Nitto)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Papua New Guinea - EAO Social Communication Delegates evaluate and plan ahead</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21133-papua-new-guinea-eao-social-communication-delegates-evaluate-and-plan-ahead</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21133-papua-new-guinea-eao-social-communication-delegates-evaluate-and-plan-ahead</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/f174f830c62456612778012f6ba40f00_S.jpg" alt="Papua New Guinea - EAO Social Communication Delegates evaluate and plan ahead" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Papua New Guinea)</strong> – Yesterday, May 16, 2024, the EAO Social Communication Delegates met online to discuss, plan and fine tune their preparations for various programmes of the region, keeping in mind the upcoming initiatives and events in the communication sector. Present for this online meeting were the delegates from South Korea, Myanmar, Philippines South, Cambodia, Indonesia, Australia, China, Mongolia, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea, together with Fr. Harris Pakkam, the EAO Region Coordinator from the Social Communication Sector, Rome. After the initial prayer, the group welcomed the two new delegates, Fr. John Laba, INA and Fr. Martin Yip, CIN.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>On his part, Fr. Harris Pakkam gave updates on the upcoming “Shaping Tomorrow” Conference, scheduled to be held in Rome this August 1 to 7, 2024 for the Social Communication delegates and collaborators. He informed that Fr Maciej Makula, the Coordinator of the Conference would provide more updates to the particpants on the logistics and other information related to the Conference. He also mentioned about the exclusive meeting planned only for the EAO & SA delegates on the morning of August 8, at the Salesian Headquarters.</p><p>Another item on the agenda for discussion was the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival scheduled worldwide on the 17 & 18 October 202. Fr Harris, as the festival director shared updates on the preparations and encouraged the delegates to animate young people from their institutions to participate in the festival with their entries. He reminded them that the last date for the submission of entries was July 31, and they had another 75 days to motivate the young people to participate.</p><p>Fr. Albeiro Rodas, the delegate for Cambodia shared positive feedback about the programs and trainings held at Don Bosco Kep, Cambodia last March for the indigenous people. He also presented the plans and prospects of the Namuncura Short Film Festival, that is entitled: ‘Territory’, offering the indigenous youth of Southeast Asia and Oceania an opportunity to showcase their art, talent, and insights with a focus on the environment.</p><p>The delegates also discussed possibilities for an upgrade of the regional website, ‘Bosco link’ as it completes its Silver Jubilee. They also evaluated the meetings, activities and events that have challenged, inspired and brought about collaboration between the different sectors, especially that of the youth in the past five years. The School of Communication, Voices, and the Indigenous projects were highlighted, while the painstaking work of translations, essential to the region was appreciated.</p><p>This online meeting was well coordinated by Fr. Ambrose Pereira the EAO SC Coordinator. He gave a few more insights on some possible common projects for the future, such as mobile journalism, Apps for sharing of information, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics in collaboration with the SYM. The meeting concluded with words of encouragement by Fr Harris. </p><p style="text-align: right;"><em>by Fr Keith Amodia</em></p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>Asia Est Oceania</li><li>Comunicazione Sociale</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>vnitto@sdb.org (Virginia Nitto)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Syria - Their City—and Spirits—Will Never Break</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21132-syria-their-city-and-spirits-will-never-break</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21132-syria-their-city-and-spirits-will-never-break</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/07a0fe7d47b69bd244b5a71a63962e05_S.jpg" alt="Syria - Their City—and Spirits—Will Never Break" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Aleppo) –</strong> More than a year has passed since a catastrophic earthquake crumbled the foundations of so many lives in Syria. But the effects remain clear and present for its people who, despite it all, are rebuilding their lives and hope, thanks to our compassionate supporters.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>Almost immediately following that first violent tremor on February 6, 2023, Salesian missionaries were on the scene. Since before the outbreak of Syria’s civil war in 2011, these dedicated men and women of Don Bosco have served among the poverty-stricken population in Kafroun, Aleppo and Damascus—providing education and locally-tailored social development programs for thousands of youth and families. That work intensified and expanded during the conflict and—in fact—Salesian missionaries were among the very few organizations that remained in the country to help its distraught civilians.</p><p>That trusted presence and local familiarity meant they were uniquely positioned to respond to the crisis—rushing aid to thousands of earthquake victims when other humanitarian organizations struggled to access areas cut off from communications and transport. Today, that aid continues in the form of monthly vouchers that individuals and families can use to cover the rising costs of food, household fuel, and other basic necessities that support their health, dignity and perseverance.</p><p>“In no small part, these missionaries succeeded—and continue to assist—because of the tremendous outpouring of support for our dedicated Turkey and Syria Earthquake Relief Fund,” says Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “And more than the dollars we collectively raised, that support elevated spirits and hope when all else seemed dark. You can’t put a value on that.”</p><p>That’s why we’re sharing a first-person account from one of the beneficiaries of your kindness, Abdo, who is a student at the University of Aleppo. He writes:</p><p><em>“Unfortunately, we carry the scars of war and trauma etched into our land. The earthquake was another devastating blow, a new level of hardship on a city that was already struggling.</em></p><p><em>But the most difficult and widespread struggle, the one that causes constant hardship, is the crisis of a poor economy and living conditions. During the war, hunger gnawed at our stomachs. Water was a precious commodity we searched for, and electricity a distant dream. The echoes of those hardships still linger, but the present holds its own challenges. The most suffocating of all is the disparity between prices and salaries, where daily goods rise to unimaginable levels, while salaries remain stagnant, barely enough for a few days.</em></p><p><em>Imagine trying to feed a family when milk and meat, essential for children’s growth, are considered luxuries? Every penny is a desperate struggle for survival, leaving dreams and aspirations buried under the weight of daily necessities … university supplies, fees to compensate for the crippling power cuts, and even basic medication—all of these become burdens on already strained shoulders.</em></p><p><em>In the midst of all this pain, the voucher provided by the Salesian Fathers is a lifeline. It allows families like mine to purchase basic necessities, dairy products, cheese, milk and cleaning supplies, things that would otherwise be out of reach. It is a chance to put nutritious food on the table and ensure that the simplest necessities of life are available.</em></p><p><em>This seemingly small act of kindness has a profound impact. It allows us to face another month with a little less worry. It frees up mental space to focus on our studies more than on securing the most basic necessities of life, especially food.</em></p><p><em>Of course, the impact goes beyond the material. The help of the Salesian Fathers is a testament to their unwavering faith in us. It nourishes our determination to persevere, to continue learning, and to dream of a brighter tomorrow. In your generosity, we see a belief in Aleppo’s ability to rise from the ashes stronger and more vibrant than before.</em></p><p><em>Our hearts overflow with gratitude. The Salesian Fathers constantly remind us that we are not alone in this struggle. With this help, we will continue to move forward, brick by broken brick, to rebuild our lives and our city. Because Aleppo, like its people, is a city that will never break.”</em></p><p>Source: <a href="https://salesianmissions.org/salesian_news_item/their-city-and-spirits-will-never-break/" target="_blank">Salesian Missions </a></p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>SUE STATI UNITI EST E CANADA</li><li>Salesian Missions</li><li>Salesiani</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>vnitto@sdb.org (Virginia Nitto)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>United States – Salesian Missions launches ‘Loaves & Fishes’ annual fundraiser to support aid shipments</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21130-united-states-salesian-missions-launches-loaves-fishes-annual-fundraiser-to-support-aid-shipments</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21130-united-states-salesian-missions-launches-loaves-fishes-annual-fundraiser-to-support-aid-shipments</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/d4c6065eb3bdd4dcbe2698aa94c7561d_S.jpg" alt="United States – Salesian Missions launches ‘Loaves & Fishes’ annual fundraiser to support aid shipments" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – New Rochelle) -</strong> Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, recently launched its annual “Loaves and Fishes” fundraiser which raises funds to ship life-saving aid to more than 130 countries around the globe. Because the cost of shipping critical aid is far less than its value, donations are multiplied many times over. For every dollar donated, Salesian Missions is able to ship $14 worth of critical goods to its programs. The fundraising appeal runs through the end of June 2024.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>Aimed at maximizing the impact of donor-assisted programs and answering the call for emergency aid deliveries, the Salesian Missions Property and Logistics Program is made possible by generous assistance from government and private sector partners. Millions of dollars in U.S. government-issued excess property and corporate in-kind donations are leveraged by an annual award to Salesian Missions from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Ocean Freight Reimbursement Grant for humanitarian aid shipments. This award enables the Salesian Missions Office for International Programs to transport shipments of humanitarian aid and development commodities at low to no cost.</p><p>“Salesian Missions maintains several strategic partnerships that donate critical aid like food, water, medicine and housing supplies for Salesian organizations around the globe,” explained Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “These partnerships ensure that students in Salesian programs have access to basic necessities and life-saving food aid that provides healthy nutritious meals so youth can focus on their studies, receive an education and thrive in their communities.”</p><p>These partnerships are vital to poor youth in communities around the globe. In 2023, more than 1,600 students attending Don Bosco high schools in Ngozi and Buterere, Burundi, had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership with Rise Against Hunger. In addition, another shipment was received by the Salesian-run Vincent Foundation in Haiti and then distributed to seven Salesian centers and schools. More than 3,100 youth were impacted by the donation.</p><p>Dorcilien Evens, age 14, is one of the students who received the Rise Against Hunger meals in Haiti. He lives with his parents and two sisters. His parents don’t have jobs and food is hard to come by. He worries about his sisters and himself. Evens says he can see the pain in my parents’ eyes because they can’t feed their children.</p><p>Evens explained, “When I arrived at the Vincent Foundation, my life changed. I no longer worry about food because I receive a hot dish every day and I can eat until I am full. Sometimes, I can bring something for my sisters. Without this food, students cannot work in the classrooms. We arrive at school without eating, and we have a stomachache or a headache. When we eat something, we are happy and able to follow along with the teacher. When I go home, even if I don’t find anything to eat, I have no worries because at school they already gave me something substantial.”</p><p>More than 30,000 Salesian missionaries are dedicated to caring for poor and at-risk youth in programs around the globe. Salesian programs assist poor and disadvantaged youth through education (academic, trade, agriculture) and workforce development initiatives, emergency relief and humanitarian aid, infrastructure support, clean water initiatives, and nutritional and health services.</p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>Stati Uniti</li><li>Salesian Missions</li><li>Procure Missionarie</li><li>Fame</li><li>SOCIALE</li><li>Solidarietà</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>infoans@sdb.org (Gian Francesco Romano)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>India – A Dream Called Water: Ankita Shelke</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21129-india-a-dream-called-water-ankita-shelke</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21129-india-a-dream-called-water-ankita-shelke</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/1d38e2f46537b310248f2890ec86a90f_S.jpg" alt="India – A Dream Called Water: Ankita Shelke" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Ahmednagar) </strong>– For most people, dreams involve aspirations of wealth, success, freedom or luxury. But what of the hinterlands of Maharashtra, where for generations villagers wake up to a new day aspiring for the most basic singular to existence itself - water?</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>As the summer sun bakes the parched earth, Bhamabai, a 53-year-old who lives in a mountainous village in Ahmednagar, sets out on an odyssey now cruelly familiar to her weathered feet. She walks and walks to a solitary hand pump still clinging to muddy traces of life-giving water five kilometres downhill, across a landscape crusted with the despair of drought.</p><p>When she finally reaches the hand pump, Bhamabai pumps with calloused hands to secure a few precious litres in her steel pots. She’ll need to make the treacherous return journey back home. “My age is catching up, and so is my sickness,” Bhamabai whispers, squinting towards her tin house in the shimmering distance. “I dream of the day when we can turn a tap and quench our thirst."</p><p>Bhamabai’s dream echoes across the drought’s unforgiving grip on the Ahmednagar and Beed districts of Maharashtra. Thousands of villagers share desperate hopes of rehydrating their parched farms, reviving malnourished cattle, and having enough water to truly live and not just survive. But year after year, their dreams evaporate into the cracked earth.</p><p>This is the bleak reality across generations in this rain-shadow region where the most basic gift from the heavens has become these villagers’ cruellest deficiency. “The rainy season lasted for a very few days this year. The duration of monsoon just keeps decreasing every year,” says Vishwanath Palve, an 83-year-old elder. “Now only God knows how our next generations are going to survive in such situations,” he says, weakly smiling at the ground.</p><p>Many local leaders neglect the water crisis, except during election times. They make big promises of regular water supply to get votes. However, very often, once they are elected, they conveniently forget their promises.</p><p>Into this harrowing landscape, a humanitarian force has emerged with an equally relentless dream. Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra (BGVK) has worked for over three decades across Maharashtra’s most marginalised communities striving to holistically uplift lives through sustainable development and self-reliance. As far back as the late 1980s, BGVK recognized that true holistic progress cannot happen without water security.</p><p>"Our pioneers especially Br Alex Gonsalves, realised the futility of farmer training, livelihood programs or any other initiative without first addressing water scarcity at the grassroots level," explains BGVK director, Fr George D’Abreo. “So watershed development became the foundation to revive drought-hit villages.” “Tavha bandhare bandhale, mhanun aaj bore la paani lagatay. (Because the watershed bunds were constructed back then, we get water from our borewells today),” says a villager from Beed.</p><p>Since its inception, BGVK has facilitated integrated watershed projects in 27 villages across the state, recharging aquifers and breathing new life into over 47 villages. Pioneering interventions like check dams, farm ponds and soil conservation methods created decentralized drought-proofing models and have impacted more than 15000 families.</p><p>However, the past few years of below-average rainfall put even resilient the watershed regions under extreme stress. With no contingency plan to tackle such a prolonged dry spell, many villages slipped back into the dark ages of water insecurity. And now BGVK has witnessed visions of progress withering amid the drought’s chokehold in Ahmednagar and its surrounding regions.</p><p>Their integrated approach begins with quenching that most fundamental need and lost dream - access to clean drinking water for survival in the scorching summer. Hence, Water Campaign was initiated with a mission to replenish empty household tanks. Over 1.6 million litres of potable water has been distributed to over 14 villages as of 9 May 2024. with a mission to replenish empty household tanks, quench the thirst of families, and sustain the fragile thread of hope that tomorrow the rains may finally return.</p><p>“My grandchildren crowd around the tanker with pure joy and wonder. To them, and all of us, that’s what clean water feels like these days - a miracle,” says Parubai Rathod, a migrant tribal settled in Ahmednagar. For many villagers, BGVK’s water truck arrivals are no less than dreamlike mirages transforming into reality. An opportunity to fill their pots at their doorstep.</p><p>Yet BGVK’s campaign is just the beginning of an uphill battle to turn the tides on this region’s recurring calamity. More tankers, more villages, and more funding are needed to sustain a vision shared by all those who’ve witnessed humanity’s dream shatter year after year by the forces of nature. But is nature the only culprit here?</p><p>While the harsh drought is punishing, human actions have worsened the situation. For many years, too much groundwater has been taken out while little planning went into preserving it. Rapid industrialization and deforestation have also taken a heavy toll on water sources. Poor farming methods and excessive irrigation lead to wastage of water. Reckless use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides makes the soil lose its water-holding capacity. Barely any rainwater seeps down the earth to become groundwater. “Organic and sustainable farming are very crucial for water conservation. Hence, we help these farmers implement it so that the groundwater level increases and their future generations don’t face the same problem,” says Dattatrey Gaikwad, a senior staff at BGVK.</p><p>BGVK’s efforts have become a beacon of hope, empowering villagers with tools and knowledge for effective water management and sustainable farming practices. “Our dream is to make clean water sustainable and permanently accessible across every village,” declares Fr D’Abreo. “From fulfilling these emergency needs to empowering communities for the long-term through watershed management.” The impact of watersheds transcends water self-sufficiency. “As groundwater tables rise, incomes and quality of life improve through diversified livelihoods like horticulture, dairy, poultry and beyond. This vision of drought-proofed prosperity is what BGVK hopes to see across every last vulnerable village,” adds Fr D’Abreo.</p><p>As blazing days stretch endlessly towards another monsoon season, the race to sustain hope burns brighter. Every effort to conserve and supply water by BGVK reaffirms that water isn’t just a resource, but the very dream at the core of human existence and dignity. Without this, all other dreams of progress and development cannot take shape.</p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>India</li><li>INB INDIA MUMBAY</li><li>SOCIALE</li><li>Acqua</li><li>Povertà</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>infoans@sdb.org (Gian Francesco Romano)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Pakistan – Christians in prayer and on pilgrimage for the beatification of Akash Bashir</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21128-pakistan-christians-in-prayer-and-on-pilgrimage-for-the-beatification-of-akash-bashir</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21128-pakistan-christians-in-prayer-and-on-pilgrimage-for-the-beatification-of-akash-bashir</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/9731134b0c586c38bfafcf63684d5b1e_S.jpg" alt="Pakistan – Christians in prayer and on pilgrimage for the beatification of Akash Bashir" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Lahore) – </strong>"The life of the Servant of God Akash Bashir shines as an inspiration and ray of light in Pakistan and in the world afflicted by terrorism and unrest", Fr Lazar Aslam, a Capuchin Franciscan priest serving in Lahore, says. In May, the Catholic community of the archdiocese intensified prayer for Akash Bashir, Past Pupil of Don Bosco, the first Servant of God in the history of Pakistan. And the pilgrimage before his tomb is fervent, especially for young Pakistanis: "His faith in God motivated him to protect and serve his community, and led him to perform a gesture of extreme altruism in the face of a suicide bomber", the priest says.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>Akash Bashir was born in Pakistan on 22 June 1994, to a humble family, and studied at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Lahore. He led a simple life, had dreams for his future, lived with his family, had friends at school and at work, enjoyed playing sports, and prayer was part of his life. On 15 March 2015, one Sunday morning, a suicide bomber attempted to enter St John’s church in Youhanabad, a Christian district of Lahore, which at that time had more than a thousand faithful attending Mass. Realising the situation, Akash did not hesitate to sacrifice himself to prevent the bomber from causing a massacre in the church. On 15 March 2022, on the seventh anniversary of his death, the diocesan phase of the canonical process for the proclamation of martyrdom was opened by the Church of Lahore.</p><p>Fr Aslam says that “Jesus taught that the highest form of love is to lay down one's life for friends, and his act of altruism reflected these teachings. Akash's last statement, ‘I will die, but I will not let you in’ perfectly expresses his courage and devotion.”</p><p>“His story” he says “serves as a powerful testimony to the transforming power of faith, resilience and sacrifice. It offers hope and inspiration to Christians in Pakistan and beyond. His life reminds us to embody unwavering faith and stand firm in the face of adversity. His extraordinary journey continues to guide and enlighten our community.”</p><p>According to Father Nobal Lal, Rector of the Salesian Community there, the profound experience of Salesian spirituality that derives from Don Bosco's Preventive System “had a profound and personal impact on Akash’s human and spiritual formation. It led him to develop a deep understanding and friendship with Christ. He would often pause for a moment of prayer at the grotto in the courtyard of St John's Catholic Church in Youhanabad, before beginning his service. The three fundamental principles of Salesian spirituality – preventive system, holistic education and love for God – have had a significant influence on his development of faith, they have been important pillars in determining his path”, he notes.</p><p>“In this month of May we pray intensely for the beatification of the Servant of God Akash Bashir, Past Pupil of Don Bosco”, says Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator General of the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family. The Postulator notes: “For the Christians of Youhanabad, for the Church of God that is in Pakistan and for the entire Salesian Family, Akash, with his great faith, is exactly this: a beacon, an example to follow. Many go to his grave to pray and ask for intercession (...). He had committed himself to living as an upright and good Christian citizen, as Don Bosco wanted, and had become a security volunteer in his parish church at a time when the situation in Pakistan was worrying with the risk of encountering suicide bombers who targeted religious sites” Fr Cameroni says.</p><p>The sacrifice of Akash Bashir had a huge impact on the Christian community – Catholic and Anglican – in Pakistan, but the Muslim community was also deeply affected: “Many in Islam have veneration for this testimony of faith, of strength, and therefore I believe it is a seed that will be a form of reconciliation, of prophecy, coming above all from a young Christian.”</p><p>“This young Salesian Past Pupil, the first Pakistani on his way to the altars, represents all Christians and all young people who are brave and proud of their faith”, he concludes.</p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>Pakistan</li><li>Santità Salesiana</li><li>Akash Bashir</li><li>Pier Luigi Cameroni</li><li>GIOVANI 2</li><li>Dialogo</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>infoans@sdb.org (Gian Francesco Romano)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Democratic Republic of Congo – Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime visits the Salesian mission in Sakania</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21126-democratic-republic-of-congo-cardinal-angel-fernandez-artime-visits-the-salesian-mission-in-sakania</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21126-democratic-republic-of-congo-cardinal-angel-fernandez-artime-visits-the-salesian-mission-in-sakania</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/4e9bb2ca5a01be1a4154b285a1a8d788_S.jpg" alt="Democratic Republic of Congo – Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime visits the Salesian mission in Sakania" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – </strong><strong>Sakania)</strong> – On Tuesday, 14 May 2024, on the fourth day of his stay in the Congolese Province of Upper Katanga, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, visited a very special and significant place in the Our Lady of the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC), reaching the city of Sakania, located 257 km southeast of the city of Lubumbashi: it was in fact through the door of Sakania that the first six Salesian missionary pioneers entered the then Belgian Congo, on 11 November 1911.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>At 6 a.m. the Cardinal, together with the delegation accompanying him, left Lubumbashi for Sakania. The first stop was Kasumbalesa, a place where he stopped to meet the local Bishop, Bishop Gaston Ruwezi, SDB. The latter, assisted by some priests, welcomed the Cardinal and his entourage in St Paul's Parish in Kasumbalesa, presenting to him in a friendly and fraternal way the history and future projects of the Diocese, in a speech read by the Vicar General, Msgr. Gaston Kibilo.</p><p>From 9:00 to 10:15, the Cardinal and his entourage travelled to Mokambo, the second and final stop before reaching their destination. Here he met for 15 minutes with Christians and members of the Salesian Family in the large parish church of St Joseph, offering them some words of comfort, prayers and a solemn blessing.</p><p>Finally, around 11:20, the Rector Major entered Sakania, welcomed by a large crowd of faithful. The face and gestures of the Rector Major faced with the great assembly showed how excited and truly impressed he was in his heart by this spontaneous welcome by the people of Sakania – within which there were also several local political and administrative authorities and the Rector of the University of Lubumbashi.</p><p>Then, during the Mass he presided over in the square of the parish of St Dominic Savio, the Rector Major celebrated the liturgy of the day, focusing on three key words of the Gospel proposed for the feast of St Matthias: love, joy and choice.</p><p>"Love one another as I have loved you", said Card. Fernández Artime, quoting one of the most well-known sayings of Jesus. Then, on joy, he added:“Africa is joyful. When we visit Africa, and today Lubumbashi and Sakania, the songs and dances that are part of the program are a clear expression of this joy. May this joy be born of faith as disciples of the Lord Jesus.”</p><p>Finally, on the third word, he said, “We are all chosen and called by God to carry out the mission. Let us remember the words of the Lord Jesus, "You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last" (John 15:16).</p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>Rep Dem del Congo</li><li>AFC AFRICA CENTRALE</li><li>Rettor Maggiore</li><li>Ángel Fernández Artime</li><li>SALESIANI 2</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>infoans@sdb.org (Gian Francesco Romano)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Democratic Republic of the Congo – Visit of the Rector Major: from the Afia Don Bosco hospital to the fraternal meeting with the Salesians and the FMA</title> <link>https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21125-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-visit-of-the-rector-major-from-the-afia-don-bosco-hospital-to-the-fraternal-meeting-with-the-salesians-and-the-fma</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/21125-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-visit-of-the-rector-major-from-the-afia-don-bosco-hospital-to-the-fraternal-meeting-with-the-salesians-and-the-fma</guid> <description><![CDATA[<div class="K2FeedImage"><img src="https://www.infoans.org/media/k2/items/cache/188e647984e50f00ba75a616df925088_S.jpg" alt="Democratic Republic of the Congo – Visit of the Rector Major: from the Afia Don Bosco hospital to the fraternal meeting with the Salesians and the FMA" /></div><div class="K2FeedIntroText"><p><strong>(ANS – Lubumbashi) </strong>– On Monday, 13 May 2024, on the third day of his pastoral visit to the southern area of the Our Lady of the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC), Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, carried out a busy and rich program which included a visit to the Afia Don Bosco hospital centre, a meeting with the Salesians at the Saint François de Sales Theological Studentate and the Eucharistic celebration at the Provincial House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in honour of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello, on the day of her liturgical commemoration.</p></div><div class="K2FeedFullText"><p>The Rector Major arrived at the Afia Don Bosco Polyclinic at 8:45 in the morning, accompanied by the Superior of AFC, Fr Guillermo Basañes. The nursing staff and operators expressed their joy with loud applause since his arrival, before the Health Director of the centre, on behalf of all those present, officially welcomed him with a welcome speech much appreciated by all.</p><p>Fr Ghislain Kaya, AFC Provincial Economer, then presented the administrative committee of the hospital, which he chairs on behalf of the Provincial. In his address, Cardinal Fernández Artime expressed his satisfaction at the extent to which this this important Salesian centre has been modernised.</p><p>He then visited the two new multi-storey buildings, called Artemides Zatti and Willy Bonduel respectively. During his brief visit to this health facility, the Rector Major prayed with and for some of the patients and imparted his blessing to them; and expressed his spiritual closeness and gratitude to the elderly and sick Salesians at the Simon Srugi community, which has the hospital on its own land.</p><p>At 9:45 the cardinal went to the Saint François de Sales Theological Studentate in Lubumbashi to hold an assembly of all Salesians who work in the Province. The meeting in the great hall, so long awaited and desired by the AFC Salesians, had frank and fraternal exchanges on Salesian life in general and on the particular life of the Province of Central Africa, as well as some anecdotes or interesting details regarding the Cardinal's new circumstances.</p><p>After a community lunch in typical Salesian joy, in the afternoon the Rector Major went on an official visit to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians at their Provincial House, and there he presided at the Mass for the Feast of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello, co-founder with St John Bosco of the FMA Institute. Welcomed on arrival by Sister Clarisse Ngoy, Superior of the FMA, he then received the homage of some girls from the various schools run by the Sisters, who performed on the occasion of his visit with a series of artistic numbers, including dances and recitations of poems. Mass was then celebrated in the presence of some Salesians and other priests of the diocese of Lubumbashi and Sakania-Kipushi.</p><p>In his homily, the Rector Major invited the Sisters to lead their lives in simplicity, following the example of Mother Mazzarello, as well as the model par excellence, Christ Jesus, Saviour of the world.</p><p>At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Sister Ngoy thanked the Cardinal for his visit to their community on the occasion of the feast of Mother Mazzarello, and gave him two doves, which Card. Á.F. Artime promptly released into the air, as a symbolic and auspicious gesture for peace in the country, especially in the eastern regions, which the Cardinal visited, before going to Lubumbashi, from 9 to 11 May 2024.</p><p>The festive evening ended with an agape with the FMA Sisters and the entire Salesian Family at the Provincial House.</p><p style="text-align: right;"><em>Nice Nzungula,</em><br /><em> Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi</em></p></div><div class="K2FeedTags"><ul><li>AFC AFRICA CENTRALE</li><li>Rettor Maggiore</li><li>Ángel Fernández Artime</li><li>SALESIANI 2</li><li>FMA Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice</li><ul></div>]]></description> <author>infoans@sdb.org (Gian Francesco Romano)</author> <category>NEWS</category> <pubDate>Thu, 16 May 2024 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate> </item> </channel></rss> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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