News from the Salesians of Don Bosco in Australia-Pacific

Winter in Eastern Europe can kill even in normal times: temperatures reach -25/30°C. Today in Ukraine, however, the situation is much worse than it usually is as many houses have broken windows or...

Uninterrupted Welcome, Help and Support for...

15 December ANS

A beautiful home, the warm place of welcome and of one's own security, reduced to a pile of rubble; the objects of one's daily life reduced to mute witnesses to missile attacks: this is the sad...

Donor Funding Empowers Indian Women

13 December ANS

Fifty young women who live at the Salesian Surakshita Home, located in the town of Ravulapalem in Andhra Pradesh, India, were supported through donor funding . Surakshita Home provides living...

Strenna 2023: Other images and suggestions worth...

08 December ANS

In the long months of work leading up to the official release of the Strenna message for the New Year, the Sector for Social Communication, at the request of the Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández...

Don Bosco is present amongst thousands of...

06 December ANS

"One gesture, one life" is the leitmotiv of the urgent interventions that the Salesian coordination of the East Delegation of the "Central Africa" Province (AFC-EST) are carrying out in...

Nutritional Support at Don Bosco Kansebula

01 December ANS

More than 360 youth received nutritional support at Don Bosco Kansebula, located in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development...

Strenna 2023

29 November Michael Gartland

After much anticpation, the artwork to accompany the Salesian Strenna for 2023 has been releaws. The poster, which illustrates the message of his Strenna for 2023: " As the Yeast in Today's Human...

Lives Lived Well: VALE Fr Gerrit Kraan

24 November Michael Gartland

Fr Gerrit Kraan was born on the 13th December 1929 in Utrecht Netherlands, to a strict parental home, where love was expressed not necessarily in affection, but rather in food on the table,...

VALE fr James Adayadiel

22 November Michael Gartland

Fr James Adayadiel was born in Poonjar-Changanac, Kerala, India in 1932. He was a brave pioneer and missionary in Samoa, which was still known as Western Samoa when he arrived. He also spent a...

Lives Lived Well: VALE Fr Norman Ford

17 November Michael Gartland

Fr Norman Ford was born in 1935 in Ballarat, Victoria and educated at De La Salle College, Malvern. He entered the Salesian novitiate in 1952 and professed temporary vows in 1953. At the time it was...

Salesian Sisters Celebrate 40 Years!

15 November Michael Gartland

The Salesian Sisters of Samoa, together with the Parish and school community, mission partners and the Educational Community at Leauvaa, came together to give thanks and praise to God and Mary, for...

Siva...It's who we are!

08 November Lauren Hichaaba

What makes the Don Bosco schools in Samoa unique is their focus on a holistic education. One of the key priorities of our educators in Samoa is to engage and empower each young person so that they...

Cagliero back in the field!

04 November Lauren Hichaaba

The Cagliero Project is an initiative of the Australia-Pacific Province that provides overseas volunteer experiences for people who wish to work with disadvantaged young people. The Cagliero Project...

A Journey Of Faith

27 October Tim Costelloe

I was surprised and somewhat daunted at my election as the new president of the Bishops Conference. It is an important role and not one that I had ever imagined I might be asked to take on. At the...

What are Trees Worth?

25 October Daniela Gonzalez

Everyone knows trees are valuable, but did you know you can calculate their specific added value to your property? Having mature trees in your yard or property is usually seen as valuable commodity:...

Dream, Believe, Achieve!

19 October Afi’a Enosa

“Dream, believe, achieve” were the words chanted by the young people gathered to celebrate International Youth Day on the 12th of August. They had come from the Jittu Squatter Settlement in of...

“Christianity Plummets”

18 October Fr Frank Freeman

I have always taken a secret delight in being proved wrong. Once previous firmly held convictions give way to the possibility that they might not be so correct as envisaged, our minds are open to...

A clouded people

13 October Teaghan Dolan

The weather recently in Melbourne has been incredibly cold! The mornings have been frosty and overcast, although the sun has come through on some days. Melbourne isn’t bringing its locals much...

"Now I Know Kindness Exists!"

11 October ANS

“I want to do something nice for people, for children, for young people, just as the people of Poland and Slovakia did for me." These are the words of Kira, a young Ukrainian refugee in Slovakia,...

The joy of Gratitude Joy

06 October Sr Louise McKeogh

Recently I have experienced a couple of events in life that cheer my spirits - gathering for celebrations, travel and simple daily routines; without having to think of lock-downs and restrictions. I...

From Sunrise to Sunset

03 October Chiara Cazzuola

It is a great joy to live in communion the 150th of the foundation of our Institute on August 5. From sunrise to sunset, every community in the world raised the hymn of praise and gratitude to God...

An Unimaginable Gift

29 September Fr Ángel Fernández Artime

It can be said that one of the greatest riches of Africa are its children. They are all over and always happy and smiling (I would almost say unaware of the poverty in which they live). During three...

Gratitude

27 September Fr Frank Freeman

Recently a thought-provoking letter arrived on my desk. It speaks for itself. Dear Father, My wife and I feel we should share the following with you as you know our family situation. Last Friday...

Youth, Art and Social Transformation Festival

22 September ANS

Twenty-seven artistic works, from 14 Provinces and spotlighting the talents of young people - in theater, dance, song, music, and circus - were the focus of the Salesian Social Works Artistic...

Dominic Winners at Day of AI

20 September Oscar McGann

On Wednesday 27 July 2022, Year 7 to 10 students from secondary schools across Australia participated in a day of creative, fun and hands-on activities to immerse themselves in AI. For students it...

30 years of Mission in Mongolia

15 September ANS

In a mission country like Mongolia - where there are about 1,300 Catholics, out of a population of more than 3 million people - remembering one's roots and joining forces with all those involved in...

'Youth Outreach' to the peripheries

13 September ANS

Since November 1991, the Salesian-founded and inspired Hong Kong 'Youth Outreach' has accompanied thousands of young people in crisis, offering a broad variety of emergency or preventive youth...

New Homes by Institut Don Bosco

08 September ANS

The Salesian center "Institut Don Bosco," based in Gradignan, animates and coordinates homes and services scattered throughout the New Aquitaine region in southwest France. A total of 47 facilities...

Increased food Security thanks to Donors

06 September ANS

Through the generosity of donors, breakfast and lunch have been provided to poor children aged 3 to 18 years at the Don Bosco Youth Center, in Rundu. 200 children have been provided with two meals a...

OzBosco’s Back!

01 September Michael Gartland

After two long years, OzBosco was able to return to an in-person event, to the great joy of all that gathered! Around 60 young people and teachers joined 2 SDBs and 2 FMAs for a weekend gathering,...

100,000 pay homage to Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá

30 August ANS

100,000 people joined the traditional pilgrimage to pay homage to Blessed Ceferino Namuncurá, held in Chimpay, Argentina on Sunday, August 28. Marking the end of a two-year absence due to COVID...

Robotics: A window to the Future!

23 August Iskra

Iskra is a year 10 student at Salesian College Chadstone In Coding and Robotics this semester, we are learning about Robotics, using VEX IQ robots along with coding giving the course an even...

St John Bosco College launchs Reconciliation...

18 August St John Bosco College

To coincide with NAIDOC Week 2022, St John Bosco College launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).This RAP is a formal statement of commitment made by St John Bosco College towards...

Salesian Commitment to Refugees Never Goes on...

16 August ANS

Although in many parts of the world this is a time of vacation and relaxation, the Salesians - and the many young people and lay people who voluntarily collaborate with them – have not forgotten...

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 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...

Salesian Youth Ministry

Siva...It's who we are!

08 November Lauren Hichaaba

What makes the Don Bosco schools in Samoa unique is their focus on a holistic education. One of the key priorities of our educators in Samoa is to...

Dream, Believe, Achieve!

19 October Afi’a Enosa

“Dream, believe, achieve” were the words chanted by the young people gathered to celebrate International Youth Day on the 12th of August. They had...

OzBosco’s Back!

01 September Michael Gartland

After two long years, OzBosco was able to return to an in-person event, to the great joy of all that gathered! Around 60 young people and teachers...

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...

SDB News

Lives Lived Well: VALE Fr Gerrit Kraan

24 November Michael Gartland

Fr Gerrit Kraan was born on the 13th December 1929 in Utrecht Netherlands, to a strict parental...

VALE fr James Adayadiel

22 November Michael Gartland

Fr James Adayadiel was born in Poonjar-Changanac, Kerala, India in 1932. He was a brave pioneer...

Lives Lived Well: VALE Fr Norman Ford

17 November Michael Gartland

Fr Norman Ford was born in 1935 in Ballarat, Victoria and educated at De La Salle College,...

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;...

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