Sean Devereux - 25 years on
Posted: Tue, 2 Jan 2018 15:17
On 2nd January 1993, Sean Devereux was assassinated in Kismayo, Somalia. He was 28 years old. Today, we pray for him, for his family, and for all those who risk their lives to help others.
Sean was a Salesian Cooperator - a lay person who makes a commitment to support the weldare of young people, guided by the spirit of Don Bosco. He studied at Salesian College, Farnborough, and after university, taught... Read More »
The Rector Major's Strenna, 2018
Posted: Mon, 1 Jan 2018 09:30
Each year, the Rector Major presents a Strenna, a gift to the Salesian Family, which will guide our lives and our work for the coming year.
In 2018, as we approach the Synod on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment convened by Pope Francis, Our Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernandez Artime SDB, asks us to consider the words of the Samarian woman to Jesus: "Sir, give me this water", and asks... Read More »
Fourth Week of Advent: A Salesian Parish
Posted: Wed, 20 Dec 2017 20:39
Our Advent journey around the Province concludes with a beautiful reflection from the Parish of Our Lady Help of Christians, Cowley, Oxford, for the fourth week of Advent.
Battersea: Finding the joy of Advent in a painful world
Posted: Wed, 20 Dec 2017 11:01
The 6th Form Advent Service this year was based on the theme of how can Advent be a time of joyful waiting or hope when there is so much pain and suffering in our world. Students heard accounts from victims of IS, acid attacks and human trafficking. The 6th formers focused on pictures of suffering but were then asked to place candles on each picture of sorrow.
Through this exercise, we were able to... Read More »
Fr Tony SDB - 40 years of priesthood
Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:59
Congratulations to Fr Tony Fernandes SDB on his 40th anniversary of priestly ordination!
This wonderful occasion was celebrated in St Gregory's, Bollington, and his family (picture) joined the celebrations.
Fr Tony was born in Kenya, entered Salesian formation in India and was ordained in Mumbai. He has also served in Kenya and Tanzania, and is now a Project Europe Missionary to the UK, where he is Priest... Read More »
A year of our mission supporting Asylum Seeker Women
Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:23
Sr Pat Devine refelcts on the first year of the Sisters' mission to support women Asylum Seekers in London.
I cannot believe that a year has passed since we started our mission here in Beckenham for Asylum Seeker Women. In this year we have l learnt a lot, journeyed with the ladies who have lived here with us in our community.
Sadly, the year has not brought them much help. Despite... Read More »
The Fathers Preston SDB lead retreat in East Africa
Posted: Tue, 19 Dec 2017 17:08
Last week, Frs Hugh and Francis Preston SDB led a six day retreat for about 40 Salesians from the East African province.
Fr Francis, who is now based in Nairobi, said "We met some wonderful Salesians; some of them are working in very difficult situations in Sudan and South Sudan. There were also more than a dozen "practical trainees" - young Salesians doing their practical training in different... Read More »
Liberia: the Salesians are back in Tappita
Posted: Mon, 18 Dec 2017 13:39
Via Br Donald MacDonald SDB
Fr Sony Joseph Pottenplackal SDB from Monrovia has sent news of how the Salesians are faring back in Tappita.
"I accompanied our confreres to Tappita. It was a very nice occasion and people are happy that we are back there." Fr Sony says that the Salesians are still held in great esteem in the area, thanks to the great work begun many years ago, when members... Read More »
A warm welcome to our new Missionaries!
Posted: Sat, 16 Dec 2017 00:46
(Pictured:Br Po Tak and Br Martin - with Mr Toad)
Our new Project Europe missionaries arrived safely in Bolton this week to a warm welcome, despite the Northern weather.
Br Po Tak Anthony Leung SDB, from China, and Br Martin Paul Pushparaj SDB, from India, are settling into the Thornleigh community, and were both delighted to experience snow for the first time. Rector, Fr Michael Winstanley SDB, introduced... Read More »
Third Week of Advent: Salesian Youth Retreat Centre
Posted: Fri, 15 Dec 2017 16:22
This week, we experience the joy of Advent with the team at Savio House Youth Retreat Centre. We invite you to use some of the activities in your own reflections this week.
This year the Savio House community has been privileged to welcome young people from St James' Catholic High School Cheadle Hulme and St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy Glossop for six Advent-themed retreat days. As Salesian... Read More »