'One can be in politics and be a saint, and this is a very great message that comes from the life of Alberto Marvelli.' These words, spoken by Archbishop Angelo Comastri of Loreto, are an important reminder to all of us, in times when popular respect and trust for politicians is generally low.
On 5th October, we celebrate this inspiring young man, whose life also reminds us that we are called to be involved in the running of our communities, using our voices and skills for the common good - to create fairness and justice in our society.
On Sunday 13 October in Rome, Blessed John Henry Newman will become the first English saint to be canonised since 1970, and the first person who lived after the 17th Century to be made a saint. To celebrate this historic event, Don Bosco Publications has produced a new Pocketbook (out now!) and a prayer card.
The commemorative prayer card is available for the price of postage (UK 60p). The Pocketbook costs £1.60 including UK p&p, and can be ordered from our online bookshop here. (for overseas orders, contact Don Bosco Publications (see below).
Fr Andrew Ebrahim SDB writes about the recent pilgrimage from St John Bosco College Battersea to the Isle of Wight
Our first Year 11 trip to the Benedictine monastery of Our Lady of Quarr took place in the middle of September, just before the weather turned. It was an ideal place for students to consolidate what they had learnt in RE last year and it was a subtle way of helping them to revisit topics that could well be examined next summer.
Hazel from the Chaplaincy Team at Savio Salesian College Bootle describes the start of 2019-20.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
No. I am not being previous or run mad. I truly mean for all you teachers and Year Sevens – Happy New Year!
Our new year began on September 3rd: a new year; a new term; a new day – and a new intake into a new school.
Many eleven year olds had had that date at the forefront of their minds for six whole weeks. It was the date of the rest of their school days. They had to don new uniforms. Many had to travel to school for the first time ever and they had to be punctual. (In fact, two of them knocked on the school door at just turned seven that morning!)
In the hall, ninety small faces looked up at us anxiously. We looked back. "What are they going to be like?" we wondered. I’m sure they were looking at us and asking themselves the same question.
On Monday September the 9th, the Salesian family in Battersea gathered to celebrate the diamond jubilee of profession of Bro John Finegan and Fr Tom Williams who were professed in Burwash of September 8th 1959.
The celebration mass was led by Fr Tom and there was a shared homily between Bro John and Fr David O'Malley. We were delighted to welcome the Salesian Sisters from Orbel Street and the cooperators to this Salesian event. We also celebrated the 40th anniversary of Fr Tom,'s ordination at this event which had slipped "under the radar" of the community in the summer.
We wish them both well in their ongoing ministry and an "ad multos annos" from the whole community.
Fr David O'Malley SDB
Fr Bob (70 years an SDB), Br Michael and Fr Michael (50 years each) renew their vows
Our Lady's birthday is always an important day in the Salesian Family, but Sunday 8 September this year was an extra special occasion in Bolton, as Fr Bob Coupe, Fr Michael Winstanley and Br Michael Winstanley celebrated a combined 190 years as Salesians of Don Bosco.
Fr Bob made his first vows 70 years ago, in 1949, and Fr Michael and Br Michael made theirs in 1959 - a mere 60 years ago.
Girls at the Salesian Sisters' project, City of Joy, in Zambia
In her latest article on the work of Share the Light, Sophie Astles writes about some of the ways advocates and their families have recently been able to offer direct support to young people in Zambia.
Period poverty refers to a lack of access to sanitary products due to financial constraints. It is a global issue and has recently made the headlines in the UK, with the government pledging to fund free sanitary products in all English secondary schools, following a similar scheme that has already launched in Scotland.
A lack of access to sanitary protection brings a range of hygiene risks, but can also have a significant impact on attendance at school. For example, it is estimated that 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss at least one day of school a month as they are unable to afford sanitary products, or because their schools lack clean, safe toilets. It’s easy to forget the importance of menstrual care, particularly when you’ve never had to worry about it, but for many women both in the UK and across the world, getting hold of a tampon is not just a question of popping to the chemist.
At Share the Light, we’re incredibly lucky to have some talented, engaged and enthusiastic supporters. Sharon read an article discussing the lengths some women go to in order to access sanitary protection and wanted to do something to help. Her thoughts went to Share the Light and she set herself a target of raising £500 to cover the costs of sanitary products for the girls living at the City of Joy.
Last weekend past pupils of the former Salesian Missionary College, Shrigley, gathered at their alma mater - now the Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spa, for their reunion. Around 30 Old Boys and their wives attended, with a record number coming down from Scotland this year, and one couple travelling all the way from New York.
Anita with former BOVA volunteer, Peter
After seven years leading Bosco Volunteer Action (BOVA), our international volunteer programme, Anita Motha is moving on.
On 26th August, the day of his birth in 1886, we remember Ceferino Namuncurá, the 'Prince of the Pampas'. He was a Salesian student and aspirant, the son of the last great Chief of the Mapuches, the indigenous people of southern and central Chile and southern Argentina. His mother was a Chilean captive, one of the Chief's three consorts.
Spring 2019
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Salesians of Don Bosco UK 2015
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