Month of Don Bosco?

By Our Own Correspondent

EAO, 9 August 2019 -- Unlike in the majority of the 90 Salesian provinces around the world, where it might be August holiday time on the school calendar, usually in the southern part of the World it is different. So, for quite a few Salesian communities, parishes and works, these days are a good time to get closer to the life story and spirit of our Father, Teacher, Educator, Communicator and Founder of the Salesian Family.

The SDB General Chapter 26 (2008) decided on a powerful first resolution: "Be committed to loving, studying, imitating, praying to Don Bosco and making him known in order to start afresh from him." (GC26, 8). This festive occasion is a good chance to set in motion these five inter-connected dynamics of our relationship with our Father and the other Saints of the Salesian Family.

Hence, for many Salesian Family members, August 16 (or the whole month of August) is a special time to get closer as a Salesian Family and also to get closer to Don Bosco. For example, in Hong Kong (SAR China) the anniversaries of the confreres are celebrated every year on August 16 (this year with the presence of the Rector Major and 70 years of religious life celebrated by Card. Joseph Zen). Next August 16 the Salesian Family will come together in Melbourne (Australia), and similar occasions will take place around Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS Viceprovince), as well there being priestly ordinations in Indonesia and Timor Leste celebrated on 15 August 2019). Also, first and perpetual professions in Vietnam are held on the eve of DB's Birthday - 14 and 15 August.

Happy celebration of Don Bosco's 204th Birthday! (1815-2019)

For download:

• Novena to Don Bosco and related materials
• One of the best biographies of Don Bosco (Teresio Bosco)
• Don Bosco Manga (6 panels - Japan: DB Life and Preventive System)

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