Our Church was founded in times of isolation and mistrust
Posted: Thu, 14 May 2020 13:03
A reflection on the Gospel for the Sixth Sunday of Easter by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB. Image: Church of Jesus Christ Media Library
Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been... Read More »
Gratitude - the key to finding happiness in tough times
Posted: Thu, 14 May 2020 11:49
This week, in their virtual assembly, Thornleigh Salesian College encouraged their community to look for things to be grateful for. Along with an uplifting version of Bambelela, (Hold on, never give up) from RE and Music teachers Dan and James, pictured above, staff, students and guest presenters talk about the things they are thankful for, from being able to hear birdsong to the health staff caring... Read More »
Celebrating St Mary Mazzarello
Posted: Wed, 13 May 2020 21:24
On the afternoon of the Feast of St Mary Mazzarello, many of the Salesian Family gathered in their homes to watch a film of the life of our co-founder, (see below) and Masses were live-streamed from the SDB communities in Bolton and Chertsey. Sr Pat Devine FMA led a Zoom evening session, hosted by Salesian Youth Ministry and attended by Cooperators, members of the Youth Ministry Team, Salesian staff... Read More »
Staff at SJBA pass on a message of hope
Posted: Wed, 13 May 2020 15:18
The staff of St John Bosco Arts College, including Sisters from our Croxteth community, found a very entertaining way to pass on a message of hope to their school community, in a video (below) released on the Feast of St Mary Mazzarello. We hope you enjoy the video, and remember its very important message.
The school has also begun a page on its website to celebrate and thank former students who have... Read More »
Quid est veritas? Catholic schools seeking the highest good
Posted: Mon, 11 May 2020 16:31
In this week's article by a Catholic teacher, Mike considers the countercultural Gospel values that make a Catholic school 'good'. Photo: Winners of last year's Faith in Acton Awards from Savio Salesian College, Bootle.
The dialogue between Jesus and Pilate in the Gospel of John, where Jesus is asked 'Quid est veritas?' (what is truth), has always intrigued me! It is a clash between two world views.... Read More »
Salesian Sundays with Sr Ella
Posted: Thu, 07 May 2020 18:00
For a few months, we've been sharing videos on Facebook, with Sr Ella Flynn FMA reflecting on the Sunday Gospel. Those videos are now on a playlist on our YouTube channel, where you can watch all of the collection so far, and see the 'Salesian Sundays' videos we post in future. The link to the full playlist is in 'More information' below.
Spend a few moments in Sr Ella's company, and gain some prayerful... Read More »
The way, the truth, and the life ...
Posted: Wed, 06 May 2020 18:07
A reflection on the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB
In our Gospel today we see Jesus trying to encourage his disciples, reminding them that there are "many rooms in my father's house" (John 14:2). I'm reminded of a very pious and holy nun I met on a Retreat; during the week it became obvious that the Sister Superior of this convent was VERY strict. As the week came... Read More »
Online Symposium brought people together from Mexico to Australia
Posted: Wed, 06 May 2020 14:25
Last week at our Online Youth Ministry Symposium, we had 60 participants from places including Mexico, Canada, Australia, Croatia, Ireland and of course here across the UK.
A huge thanks to Synod Fruits for leading the main session in the morning and to our SYM Companions for leading the sessions in the afternoon. You can find out more about the work of Synod Fruits here https://www.synodfruits.org.uk/... Read More »
Savio House Team is "together apart" on their patron's feast day
Posted: Wed, 06 May 2020 13:11
Members of the retreat team at Savio House, our Youth Retreat Centre in Bollington Cheshire, sent messages on the Feast of St Dominic Savio from their homes across Europe and the UK. The SDB community living at the house has been busy giving rooms a fresh coat of paint ready to welcome back the rest of the team and young retreatants when they are able to reopen.
We wish you all a very happy feast!
If... Read More »
Hats off to Br Joe, Superchef!
Posted: Tue, 05 May 2020 12:51
Ever since lock down, the Salesian community in Battersea has been cooking meals for 14 people each day. The chief cook (and often bottle washer) has been Br Joe Tran, ably assisted by many members of the community, who have put on weight!
On Sunday May 3rd, Fr Tom Williams, the Rector, decided to recognise Joe's work in multi-cultural cooking by presenting him with a chef's hat.
Joe has not cut his... Read More »