The Links - News from the Salesians of Don Bosco in Australia-Pacific

Launched by Fr Chris Riley 30 years ago, “Youth Off the Streets” is a comprehensive service network for the youth at risk, is journeying with the vulnerable young people and young adults of Sydney,...

Salesian Mission Week Lights up Brazil!

10 August ANS

After a two-year hiatus, Salesian Mission Week has finally returned to the streets of Brazil!! From July 16 to 24 Salesian joy and enthusiasm flooded the cities of Águas de Prata, Aparecida, São...

Summer Camps after War Trials

04 August ANS

It is enough that you are young for me to love you very much," Don Bosco used to say. However, his universal love for young people had a preferential way for the young people who were most in need...

Lives Lived Well: Vale Sr Teresa Fossati

02 August Michael Gartland

Teresa was the third in a family of three children; she was born on the 31st August 1925 to Emma Ripamonti and Carlo Fossati. Devout Catholics, they presented her for baptism the day after her...

Lives Lived Well: Vale Fr Mika Leilua

28 July Michael Gartland

Fr Mika Leilua was born in the village of Vaiusu in Samoa on 15 May 1963 to devout Catholic parents, Leo Leilua and Lesina Ulugia in a family of nine children. Having attended St Francis Xavier...

Sisters mark 150 years

26 July Sr Rochelle Lamb

On the 14h May, the Church at St. Jude's Scoresby, Melbourne came alive with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians...

Throwing Away The World

22 July Fr Ashley Miranda

We live in a ‘throw away’ world that seems to spin around a dual axis, the unquenchable desire for ‘more’ and the insatiable yearning for ‘new’. We, as human beings, want to have more and more and...

Sustainable Hospitality

19 July Lauren Hichaaba

Don Bosco Technical Centre (DBTC) in Alafua, Samoa is pleased to announce the opening of a newly purpose-built kitchen and classroom facility. The building was funded through generous donors from...

Schools and Missions

14 July Michael Gartland

On March 24th the Salesian Missions team ran a professional development day for employees of Salesian works from around Australia. Co-led by the Salesian Missions Team and Fr. Peter Hoang from the...

Ordination to Diaconate of Br Jeff Miller

12 July Dc Duc Tran

On the 25th of March 2022, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Ordination to Diaconate of Br. Jeff Miller was celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Collingwood. Many Salesians, as well as Jeff's...

Final Profession of Br Anh Vu Nguyen

07 July Br Afi’a Enosa

Sunday, 20 March, was a special day; Brother Peter Anh Vu Nguyen made his Perpetual Profession, in front of a packed crowd at the newly built Youth and Recreational centre in Suva Fiji. Also present...

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,"...

Salesian Youth Ministry

30 Years of Saving Young from Homelessness

12 August ANS

Launched by Fr Chris Riley 30 years ago, “Youth Off the Streets” is a comprehensive service network for the youth at risk, is journeying with the...

Summer Camps after War Trials

04 August ANS

It is enough that you are young for me to love you very much," Don Bosco used to say. However, his universal love for young people had a...

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...

SDB News

Lives Lived Well: Vale Fr Mika Leilua

28 July Michael Gartland

Fr Mika Leilua was born in the village of Vaiusu in Samoa on 15 May 1963 to devout Catholic...

Ordination to Diaconate of Br Jeff Miller

12 July Dc Duc Tran

On the 25th of March 2022, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, the Ordination to Diaconate of Br....

Final Profession of Br Anh Vu Nguyen

07 July Br Afi’a Enosa

Sunday, 20 March, was a special day; Brother Peter Anh Vu Nguyen made his Perpetual Profession, in...

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...

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