Latest News
Sponsor a Teacher Educate a Nation!
05 July
Lauren Hichaaba
Ms Tasileta Tagiilima started working at Don Bosco Technical Centre (DBTC) in Alafua, Samoa, in 2018 on a temporary contract to help with secretarial duties. Little was Tasileta to know that this...
Ukraine Relief Update
30 June
Michael Gartland
We are extremely pleased and greatful to report that with your generous support Salesian Missions Australia has raised over $208,000 for the ongoing relief effort for Ukraine. Meanwhile Don Bosco’s...
Because I said so!
28 June
Taiha Vasuy
We all want our children to grow up to become model citizens, to be kind and generous members of our community. We often view our children as a reflection of ourselves, our morals and family values....
Looking With Hope
23 June
Teaghan Dolan
The times we are currently living through constantly cause even our best laid plans to become unpredictable; we live without certainty that they will go ahead without disruptions in one way or...
Please, Please! Let us not get used to war!
21 June
Pope Francis
Jesus, the Crucified One, is risen! He stands in the midst of those who mourned him, locked behind closed doors and full of fear and anguish. He comes to them and says: “Peace be with you!” He shows...
The Mother's Presence
16 June
Mother Chiara Cazzuola
In Don Bosco's life, Mary is Mother; she is mum, and as such, she is always present. She illuminates and directs his life and his choices since childhood. She accompanies his vocational path with...
Between Pain and Hope
14 June
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime
As I write these lines to you, the media worldwide are giving, minute by minute, almost instantaneous news of the terrible war that is taking place in Ukraine. I am convinced that the vast majority...
Wolves into Sheep
09 June
Fr Frank Freeman
Frequent readers may remember that I have mentioned before the Australian poet Judith Wright and her reflections on violence in her poem Trains. She likens violence to the ever-prowling tiger and so...
Over 100 days of war but the commitment to help...
07 June
ANS
Whether in the eastern or western regions, in the heart of the country, or on the front lines, after more than 100 days of the war, in Ukraine, one never knows when the air raid sirens will wail...
Francis receives Uluru Statement with great warmth
30 May
Michael Gartland
Gweagal woman Theresa Ardler presented a copy of the Uluru Statement from the Heart to Pope Francis during a meeting on Wednesday, 25th of May. The Statement is an invitation to the wider Australian...
Australia Pacific Provincial Chapter
22 May
Fr Will Matthews
The 22nd Provincial Chapter of the Australia Pacific Province began at the Catholic Leadership Centre in East Melbourne on Friday 20th May. Fr Chris Ford is serving as moderater of the Chapter and...
The Value of Mothers
09 May
Fr Andrew Hamilton, SJ
Mothers Day began with a simple domestic gesture that caught on. People were encouraged to give a present to their mothers to acknowledge their love and their service to their family. As is the case...
Interfaith Statement for Compassionate Welcome...
05 May
Monika Lancucki
On Friday 29 April, a group of Interfaith Leaders, including Sr Brigid Arthur, Rev Tim Costello and Dean Andreas gathered at Melbourne’s St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral to launch a statement calling...
Ejo Heza - Tomorrow Will Be Better!
28 April
ANS
The Salesians first came to Rwanda in 1954, recognizing the damage wrought by the colonial powers of the world. The focus of the Salesians in Rwanda is to join the people as they seek to move their...
Salesians Bloom in Tough Circumstances
21 April
ANS
The Salesians first arrived in the capital,Lima, in 1891. Quickly impressing the locals, they were then invited into other Peruvian cities. This expansion bloomed and, by 1902, the Salesian province...
A new Oratory for Ukraine
18 April
ANS
The Salesians first arrived in Ukrainein 1936, remaining active for about ten years, until they were forced out of the country for political reasons but returned after the colapse of the USSR. The...
Don Bosco Formation Centre Sows Hope!
14 April
ANS
On 16 December 2021, Category 5 supertyphoon Odette devastated most parts of the Visayas region and Northern Mindanao in the Philippines. For those already struggling to survive due to containment...
Silent Strikes Protest One Year of Military Rule
11 April
ANS
On 1 February 2021, the Tatmadaw—Myanmar’s armed forces deposed the democratically elected government of AungSan Suu Kyi. 1 year has passed and the junta headed by General Min Aung Hlaing has...
Clean Water Much Appreciated by Students!
07 April
ANS
Salesians first arrived in 1998, withthe intention of educating young people. Around 30% of the population live below the poverty line, with strict traditional gender roles meaning that living...
Lives Lived Well: Vale Fr Peter Rankin
04 April
Michael Gartland
On 14 January 2022, Fr Peter Rankin left this world for the next, leaving behind an incredible legacy of loving kindness. Battling bone cancer at just 63 years old, Peter passed away at his sister...
"I, Sister Sia Lagaaia, make the vows of..."
28 March
Sr Sia Lagaaia
On 8 December 2021, three novices made their first Professions as FMAs at the St John Bosco Parish Engadine, Sydney. Here is what Sr Sialei had to say afterwards! I have always believed that God...
"I, Sister Kamila Nepa, make the vows of..."
24 March
Sr Kamilia Nepa
On 8 December 2021, three novices made their first Professions as FMAs at the St John Bosco Parish Engadine, Sydney. Here is what Sr Julie had to say afterwards! I’m the youngest of 11 children,...
"I, Sister Julie Piri, make the vows of..."
24 March
Sr Julie Piri
On 8 December 2021, three novices made their first Professions as FMAs at the St John Bosco Parish Engadine, Sydney. Here is what Sr Julie had to say afterwards! I am from Solomon Islands, where...
Every Ending is a New Beginning!
21 March
Sr Rochelle Lamb
Sr Rochelle has beena stalwart of every community she has been a part of, contributing her great musical talents and verve of youthful joy! On 13 January 2022 the Salesian Sisters of the Melbourne...
A Brave New Era Dawns!
17 March
Br Afifi’a Enosa
Afi'a is a Salesian brother currently in his practical training in Fiji. He has a keen interest in photography and a passion for working with and for young people. After much patience and...
Waste into Blessings
13 March
Fr Andre Delimarta
Fr Andre is a member of the St John Bosco Parish in Jakarta, where he has earnt a reputation amongst the young people as a uniquely entertaining musican! Organic waste can be decomposed in nature,...
Prioritizing Worldviews
09 March
Prof. Ryszard F. Sadowski
Professor Sadowski is a Salesian priest breaking new ground in the ongoing ecological crisis, exploring the role of various religious traditions both in the agency and prevention of this crisis at...
7 Tips for a Golden Life from St Francis de Sales
03 March
Michael Gartland
Get to have a deep knowledge of being a human person and accept it as a good thing Be patient with everyone, especially with yourself; be not upset that you have faults; have always the courage to...
Optimism in Uncertain Times
03 March
Kasha Scarce
Kasha is a Psychologist within the Dunlea agency (Engadine, NSW). She is an Adolescent and Family Clinician, where she devotedly empowers young people to make positive changes in their lives! It’s...
Faith in the Wildlands
28 February
Amanda Murthy
Embracing the wild outdoors of Nanga Bush Camp in Dwellingup, 106 young people and 40 volunteer leaders from around Perth embarked on the annual Salesian camp, held from 10 to 14 January 2022. Mass...
Summer Camp Super Season
24 February
Gabriela Martinez
Gabriela is the new assistant manager at Don Bosco Camp. As a past leader, it was with joy and anticipation that she returned to the camp, where her meaningful impact on campers and leaders is...
Presence
21 February
Teaghan Dolan
Teaghan is the coordinator of Youth Ministry in the Australia-Pacific Province and it is hard to imagine anyone with a greater passion for what is good for young people! I have a t-shirt which has...
Congratulations Mother Cazzuola!
17 February
ANS
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), gathered in Rome for the 25th General Chapter, have elected Sr Chiara Cazzuola as Mother General of the Institute. Mother Cazzuola previously held the...
Freedom is God's Gift
14 February
Rector-Major Ángel Fernández Artime
"The charity and kindness of St Francis de Sales will guide me in everything” was one of Don Bosco’s resolutions before his priestly ordination; he had found in Francis a model for every aspect of...
Editorial - All Through Love
11 February
Fr Frank Freeman
Love has always had its detractors. They range far and wide throughout history, many arguing that some of the worst evils have been perpetrated in the name of “love”. There are many renowned...
Salesian Strenna 2022
13 December
ANS
“Do everything through love, nothing through constraint” is the theme that the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, has chosen for the 2022 Strenna, inspired by St Francis de Sales, in a timely...
75 Salesian years in Glenorchy, Tasmania!
07 December
Fr Bernie Graham
On Friday 19 November celebrations were held at Dominic College, Glenorchy, Tasmania to mark the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the Salesians in Glenorchy. In 1946 under the leadership of Fr...
Pope Francis Surprise FMA General Chapter
02 November
Michael Gartland
On 5th August 2022, the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians celebrate the 150th anniversary of the inauguration! It is hard to believe that only 150 years have passed since St...
Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor
25 October
ACBC
Australian Bishops Social Justice Statement 2021 (Excerpts) The full Social Justice statement is availble to be read here. The millennium drought, the 2019-2020 bushfire season, Covid-19, and the...
A Country Boy
22 October
Fr Hugh McGlinchey
We are accustomed to reading of Don Bosco in an urban situation. Cobblestoned streets, dark laneways, drab monotonous buildings, the grime and dirt, the hustle and bustle of city life! But Don Bosco...
The Heart of the Good Samaritan in a Wounded World
19 October
Mother Yvonne Reungoat
In his latest encyclical Fratelli Tutti- On Fraternity and Social Friendship , Pope Francis invites us to dream "as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of...
Much greater than the hills of Monferrato!
14 October
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime
All of Don Bosco’s pedagogy is encapsulated in his autumn outings: familiarity and camaraderie; joy and celebration; a time to walk, as one walks along the paths of life; space for conversation and...
It's Springtime!
11 October
Fr Frank Freeman
These days, as the evenings lengthen, morning walks are very rewarding. Spring is everywhere. The songs and nesting activity of birds are evident; flowers, scrubs and trees are bursting into life....
Sr Chiara Cazzuloa elected Mother-General
08 October
ANS
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have elected Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, (currently Vicar General) as the new Mother General of the Institute. Currently gathered in Rome to participate in the...
2022 Salesian Strenna Insights
24 August
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime
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...
Justice Squad's 10 hour famine for Salesian...
17 August
Maria Beswick
Twenty-two Year 5 and 6 students recently gave up a day of eating to raise money for charities that are supported by the Justice Squad, a socially minded group of young leaders from St Gerard...
Youth leaders grow Salesian Youth Movement
04 August
Teaghan Dolan
On Saturday the 31st of July, young people representing each province of the EAO region gathered together with near 100 other young people and SDB representatives from around the world to officially...
Farewell Br Michael!
30 July
Olga Eliott
After 22 years serving as the Director of Salesian Missions, Br Michael Lynch passed on the reins as he moved onto new ministries. Working alongside him during that time has been a great blessing....
Alafua Community Sewing Program
26 July
Lauren Hichaaba
It is the dream for every Salesian mission and work to become sustainable but this beautiful goal presents many challenges depending on the various contexts around the world. The dream and goal,...
Saying Thank-You is a Wonderful Gift!
20 July
Mother Yvonne Reungoat
On 25 April 2021 the World Feast of Gratitude 2021 was celebrated, Networked for a culture of life. With a simple and affectionate message, I intend to reach all the Daughters of Mary Help of...
That Human Heart so Capable of Great Things!
16 July
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime
Let me share a truth that is deeply engraved in my heart. I have said it more than once: in a world like ours, which is very complex and beset by so many dark powers and realities, we must make...
My God has Clay Upon his Hands
14 July
Fr Frank Freeman
The poet Hilaire Belloc was attracted to the apocryphal gospel of James which contained many imaginative stories of the young boy Jesus at Nazareth and to which he lent his poetic skills: When Jesus...
Towards an Ever Greater "Us"
30 June
ANS
"I'm afraid that they will take us away from here because we are undocumented, I'm afraid that the situation in my Country will not be solved, that we will not be able to return to our families,"...
"We Are All In The Same Boat"
23 June
ANS
The Covid-19 pandemic in Thailand goes on, where the number of people who remain infected is somewhere between 2,300 - 3,000 people. There have been infections ranging from those working in big...
Salesian Aid returns hope to the Xavante People
04 June
ANS
In recent weeks, several benefactors from various parts of Brazil have spent their time, energy and resources to help Xavantes indigenous people who find themselves in great need. Already amongst...
Stuck between fear and despair, Salesians keep...
02 June
Michael Gartland
Just two days after the order for the evacuation of the population of ten neighborhoods in the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Saturday 29 May, some displaced people have returned...
Mary Help of Christians, Hope for the World
27 May
ANS
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, on the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, celebrated Mass in the basilica of Valdocco on Monday 24 May 2021, in a service that was designed as an embrace to the world...
A Woman for her time, A Woman for all time
21 May
Kierstin Ferrao
On May 15, 2021, the Province Centre of the Salesian Sisters – Scoresby, came alive with the celebration of the feast of St. Maria Mazzarello founder with St. Don Bosco of the Salesian Sisters....
Care for Creation - A Catholic's Urgent Duty
17 May
Fr Andrew Hamilton, SJ
Pope Francis hopes that the week dedicated to Laudato Si will rekindle the energy the Encyclical contributed to protecting the environment. This year the week is followed closely by the annual...
Missionary Life Requires Faith, it Repays in Joy!
14 May
Fr Joseph Chisomo
Fr Chisomo Joseph James Nakholi is a Salesian missionary living and working South Sudan, who recently interviewed about his experience so far. What are the roots of your Christian Vocation and...
COVID-19: A Calamity is Unfolding Across India
10 May
ANS
“The second wave of covid-19 in India, particularly Delhi is extremely violent. Every phone call we receive is a desperate call for help or information of someone we know's death. We have lost many...
Dominic Savio - Fearless Model for Good
06 May
Michael Gartland
Today, May 6th is the Feast Day of St. Dominic Savio, one of the Catholic church's youngest saints and perhaps the most well known of Don Bosco’s students. He was from a poor working-class family...
"Papi the Clown" Learns from Young Salesian...
05 May
Grace Boscredon
Recently, Papi the Clown met and became very good friends with Fr Daniel Federspiel, who is the Provincial of the Southern France region. As a child, Papi was unable to go to school and never had...
Salesian Aid as COVID-19 Outbreak Devastates India
30 April
ANS
India's situation in the face of a new wave of COVID-19 infections is worrying from a global perspective: according to the Indian Ministry of Health, the country recorded another 3,645 deaths in a...
Salesian Youth Ministry
Because I said so!
28 June
Taiha Vasuy
We all want our children to grow up to become model citizens, to be kind and generous members of our community. We often view our children as a...
Faith in the Wildlands
28 February
Amanda Murthy
Embracing the wild outdoors of Nanga Bush Camp in Dwellingup, 106 young people and 40 volunteer leaders from around Perth embarked on the annual...
Summer Camp Super Season
24 February
Gabriela Martinez
Gabriela is the new assistant manager at Don Bosco Camp. As a past leader, it was with joy and anticipation that she returned to the camp, where her...
Justice Squad's 10 hour famine for Salesian...
17 August
Maria Beswick
Twenty-two Year 5 and 6 students recently gave up a day of eating to raise money for charities that are supported by the Justice Squad, a socially...
Youth leaders grow Salesian Youth Movement
04 August
Teaghan Dolan
On Saturday the 31st of July, young people representing each province of the EAO region gathered together with near 100 other young people and SDB...
Salesian Youth Day Spreads Environmental Message...
10 March
Phyllis Tang
Salesian Youth Day (SYD) is no longer a strange term in the Salesian Family for the China province and instead, one that brings great joy to...
Feast Day, Fun Day!
02 March
Michael Gartland
On Sunday the 28th of February, celebrations for Don Bosco’s feast day kicked off at St John the Baptist in Clifton Hill, Melbourne. Occurring...
WA Young Salesians Count Camp Blessings!
27 January
Graham Maher
In a year like no other, you couldn’t help but give thanks to God for the many blessings bestowed upon us throughout the turmoil that was 2020. It...
Young Salesians Protecting the Homeless of Rome
29 October
ANS
The Salesian commitment to fight Covid-19 is a global and not a single Salesian Province or presence in the world has been left indifferent to the...
SDB News
Australia Pacific Provincial Chapter
22 May
Fr Will Matthews
The 22nd Provincial Chapter of the Australia Pacific Province began at the Catholic Leadership...
Lives Lived Well: Vale Fr Peter Rankin
04 April
Michael Gartland
On 14 January 2022, Fr Peter Rankin left this world for the next, leaving behind an incredible...
Much greater than the hills of Monferrato!
14 October
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime
All of Don Bosco’s pedagogy is encapsulated in his autumn outings: familiarity and camaraderie;...
Farewell Br Michael!
30 July
Olga Eliott
After 22 years serving as the Director of Salesian Missions, Br Michael Lynch passed on the reins...
That Human Heart so Capable of Great Things!
16 July
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime
Let me share a truth that is deeply engraved in my heart. I have said it more than once: in a...
Mary Help of Christians, Hope for the World
27 May
ANS
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, on the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, celebrated Mass in the...
Missionary Life Requires Faith, it Repays in Joy!
14 May
Fr Joseph Chisomo
Fr Chisomo Joseph James Nakholi is a Salesian missionary living and working South Sudan, who...
How can we talk about Christmas when we have...
21 December
Fr Ángel Fernández Artime
It is a message of hope - Christian hope rooted in faith in God who becomes man – that the Rector...
The Beauty of Salesian Youth Ministry
17 December
Fr Bernie Graham
Greetings to my dear friends in the Salesian Youth Movement of the Australia-Pacific Province –...
Salesian Schools and Parishes
Sponsor a Teacher Educate a Nation!
05 July
Lauren Hichaaba
Ms Tasileta Tagiilima started working at Don Bosco Technical Centre (DBTC) in Alafua, Samoa, in 2018 on a temporary contract to help with secretarial duties. Little was Tasileta to know that this...
Waste into Blessings
13 March
Fr Andre Delimarta
Fr Andre is a member of the St John Bosco Parish in Jakarta, where he has earnt a reputation amongst the young people as a uniquely entertaining musican! Organic waste can be decomposed in nature,...
"Papi the Clown" Learns from Young Salesian Students.
05 May
Grace Boscredon
Recently, Papi the Clown met and became very good friends with Fr Daniel Federspiel, who is the Provincial of the Southern France region. As a child, Papi was unable to go to school and never had...
Pioneering Young Women of Samoa Excel in Studies
22 March
Vaelei Von Dincklage
Sulata Naomi Urima and Elisapeta Manaia are two young women who are breaking personal and cultural expectations of themselves at the Don Bosco Technical Centre in Samoa. They are both studying male...
Br Lidio Immersed in a New Salesian Culture
05 March
Br Lidio Maria Marquês
My name is Br. Lidio, I am a Salesian brother from East-Timor and I joined the Salesians in 2012. I have been in Australia for two years, residing at the Salesian Clifton Hill Community while I...
Xavier College, One School - Two Campuses
26 February
Janine Atkinson
Xavier College, Gawler is about to write another chapter in their twenty-six-year history as the doors officially open at their second campus. Located just a 20 minute drive away at 1 Benjamin...
Don Bosco Oratory's Week 2020
19 October
Nadia Knight
Being part of the Salesian family at Salesian College Chadstone means that we stand together, no matter the challenges we face - and the whole world is certainly being challenged now! Don Bosco’s...
Salesians Boosting Equality in Samoa
16 September
Tina Newton and Lauren Hichaaba
When you imagine what it might be like in the Pacific Island of Samoa, no doubt there are images of a crystal blue ocean and palm trees dotting a pristine beach. There is truth to this as Samoa is...
Student Views: Captain's Report
28 August
Robert Amendola
It goes without saying that our community is currently experiencing hardship. The struggles we are facing as we adapt to a new way of learning and a lack of interaction with each other are...
Female Students Put Best Oar Forward!
30 July
Adel Fruean
It has been a great year of firsts for the young women studying at Don Bosco Technical College in Alafua, Samoa! Currently midway through their first year of study, some of them have now also been...
Technology Fosters Learning, Even in the Earliest Years
28 July
Jane Doyle
An interesting positive result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent switch to remote teaching and learning has been the rise of 1 to 1 devices in our Early Years classrooms. I recently read...
New Faces for Salesian Sunbury
27 July
Michael Gartland
Even though classes are taking place from home, the grounds of Salesian College Sunbury have not been totally empty! Artists have recently completed a mural of Don Bosco, whilst construction...
Dunlea Centre - Lighthouse to the Future
01 July
Michael Gartland
The Dunlea Centre in Engadine, Sydney continues to be a beacon of hope a lighthouse to the future for all who come through its program. In 2020, the present situation in Australian society that sees...
Helping Hands - Salesian Education in Action!
23 June
ANS
Aidan Lloyd is a 17 year old student who’s robotic hand project has received national recognition in the running for the National Eagle Scout Project of the Year! Aidan, a student of Don Bosco Prep...
Student Views: Remote Learning!
10 June
Sue Cunningham & Michael Gartland
Every single person have had their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another. Across Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji and the rest of the world we have heard countless stories...
Thank-You for Listening
28 May
Tristan O'Brien
The gift of listening is something that underpins all human connection. It has become clear during this time of COVID that what is needed from educators and ministers is a gentle, attentive...
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