• High Contrast Mode
  • Text Size: Reset +
  • Translate:

Welcome March as it brings the first day of spring with the vernal equinox, signalling the start of new beginnings. Use this Lenten time of reflection to read Michael Winstanley's 'Lenten Sundays' or focus on a prayer and reflection each day with the 'Swatch Journey through Lent' or remind your little ones of the prayer that Jesus taught us with the colourful 'The Our Father'.

Bosco Volunteer Action

Placeholder

Volunteer with Us

As a BOVA volunteer, you could be working in schools or orphanages passing on vital skills such as Music, Sports, Sciences and English. There are also opportunities to give pastoral care, or just to 'be there' for the children.

You will be paired with a community that needs the skills and experience you have, meaning the work you do will be of vital importance. Whatever skills you have, there will be a Salesian community that needs you! You'll also gain new skills, and have experiences that will help you grow and develop as a person and in your work.

BOVA's MISSION

Learning through action; serving the young and the poor alongside Salesian communities around the world.

In all aspects of our work there is a particular focus on providing a well-planned educational experience; stimulating, preparing and encouraging a long term involvement with development issues, faith and the Salesian Family

Placeholder

Latest Resources

What's On

See Calendar

Feast of St Oscar Romero

24th March 2024

March 24, is the feast day of St Oscar Romero.

St Oscar Romero was the Archbishop of San Salvador, before he was killed on this day in 1980.

To read more about his life and work, click here

O Lord Father of Mercy, who through Jesus Christ and the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Queen of Peace, and the action of the Holy Spirit, has bestowed on Saint Oscar Romero the grace of being an exemplary shepherd at the service of the Church, especially giving preference to the poor and needy.

Grant, Lord, that I may also learn to live according to the gospel of your Son, glorify your Saint Oscar Romero and concede, through his intercession, the favour I ask of you...

Amen.

Prayer from CAFOD website

Image: By Arzobispado de San Salvador; Congregatio de Causis Sanctorum - https://anep.or.cr/media/uploads/fotos/cyclope1_sin_cat/Romeroao4282_big.png, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60457911

Feast of St Patrick

17th March 2024

Today is the feast day of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, Nigeria, Puerto Rico and Montserrat.

St Patrick, born in Roman Britain, was held in captivity in Ireland, before escaping, and returning as a missionary to convert the people of Ireland.

You can read more about St Patrick here

God our Father,

you sent Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the people of Ireland.

By the help of his prayers,

may all Christians proclaim your love to all men.

Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen

Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saint_Patrick_Catholic_Church_(Junction_City,_Ohio)_-_stained_glass,_Saint_Patrick_-_detail.jpg

Image Attribution: Nheyob, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

An MOT for your Soul

2nd March 2024, 10:00 - 15:00

On Saturday 2nd March, Sacred Heart Battersea are running a workshop aimed at giving reflection in the season of Lent.

Perpetual Profession of Br Paulin Meba SDB

11th February 2024, 11:30 - 13:00

On Sunday 11th February 2024, Br Paulin Meba SDB will be making his Perpetual Profession at Sacred Heart Church in Battersea.

Salesian Link will be covering the event with photography of the day, and Live Streaming the service on YouTube.

If you want to watch the service, Salesian Link will be streaming it live from 11:20am and you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/@SalesianLink

Feast of Blessed Eusebia Palomino

9th February 2024

Today is the Feast day of Blessed Eusebia Palomino Yenes.

Blessed Eusebia Palomino Yenes was a professed member of the Salesian Sisters.

You can read about her life and works here

A prayer through the Intercession of Blessed Eusebia Palomino:

Oh God, giver of every good gift,
who grant your wisdom to little ones and to the humble,
make us capable of imitating the virtues of Sr. Eusebia in deep intimacy with you,
and in the faithful fulfilment of your will.
Grant that, following her example many people, especially young people,
may learn generously to offer you the commitment and fatigue of every day,
until they meet you in the joy that never ends.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Feast of Blessed Pope Pius IX

7th February 2024

Today is the feast of Blessed Pope Pius IX. Pope Pius IX was the Pope at the time Don Bosco was establishing the Society of St Francis de Sales.

He is informally known as "Don Bosco's Pope" within the Salesians.

O God,
who gave your servant, Blessed Pius IX, Pope,
the spirit of fortitude in adversity,
and enabled him to enter more deeply into the pure faith of the Church,
grant through his intercession,
that we may be filled with the same spirit and live with the same devotion.
Through Our Lord.

Amen

You can read more about the life of Pope Pius IX on sdb.org

Image: George Peter Alexander Healy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Quiz Night for Sean Devereux Children's Fund

3rd February 2024, 18:00 - 21:00

In aid of the Sean Devereux Children's fund, the Salesian College PTA in Farnborough are hosting their annual Quiz Night.

Sean Devereux was a past pupil of Salesian College in Farnborough, a PE teacher at Salesian School in Chertsey, and then a Missionary Volunteer with the Salesians in Liberia, as well as being a Salesian Cooperator.

He was killed in Somalia at a UN compound while working on a food distribution programme for UNICEF.

The Sean Devereux Children's Fund was set up to continue the work of Sean, and to support the education of children in Africa.

If you are interested in attending, email admin@seandevereux.org.uk

Commemoration of all deceased Salesian confrere

1st February 2024

Today the Salesians commemorate all of the confrere that have passed away.

Eternal Rest,
Grant unto them,
O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace,
Amen

Feast of Saint John Bosco

31st January 2024

Today is the feast day of Saint John Bosco.

Saint John Bosco is the founder of the Society of St Francis de Sales, better known today as the Salesians of Don Bosco, and the Salesian Cooperators.

Along with Saint Maria Mazzarello, they founded the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

You can read more about the life and work of Saint John Bosco here

O Saint John Bosco, Father, Teacher, and Friend of Youth,
you have labored so much for the salvation of souls:
teach me to be patient and gentle as I seek the good of my own soul and the souls of my neighbor.
Three great loves gave purpose and meaning to your earthly life:
help me deepen my own reverence to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,
devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and loyalty to our Holy Father the Pope.

Feast of Blessed Bronislaus Markiewicz

30th January 2024

Today is the feast day of Blessed Bronislaus Markiewicz.

Blessed Bronislaus Markiewicz was a Polish priest that worked with poor and abandoned youth.

You can read more about Blessed Bronislaus Markiewicz's life and work here