'Remain in my love'
Posted: Tue, 4 May 2021 13:49
The themes of friendship and love in the Gospel for 6th Sunday of Easter (John 15: 9-17) are explored in this refection by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB.
Today our gospel fills me with hope as I am reminded of the deep friendship of God—a friendship that is real and impacts our lives for good. I hope and pray that you have that friend you can rely on: they are there for you in your darkest hour and... Read More »
Don't forget the fun - its holy!
Posted: Thu, 29 Apr 2021 14:23
Fr David O'Malley SDB, our Province Schools Coordinator, writes about the importance of play to all of us, and its centrality in Salesian education and youth ministry.
Play is sacred and essential at all ages. It is the place where we waste time, explore and forget the past and the future. That is why it revives the soul, brings perspective and tops up humour. Play with others whether in sport or in... Read More »
Our shared roots are deep
Posted: Thu, 29 Apr 2021 13:33
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB explores what the Gospel for 5th Sunday of Easter teaches us about our connectedness and unity. (John 15: 1-8) Photo by Elle Hughes from Pexels
Today we are presented with a very familiar parable on unity—essential if we are going to work together to beat the pandemic and make our world a safer and happier place. Today's Gospel is the 'Vine and the Branches', and Jesus... Read More »
Join Don Bosco Youth-Net for a 'Good Morning' retreat
Posted: Thu, 29 Apr 2021 12:02
Don Bosco Youth-net is hosting a 'Good Morning' retreat on Sunday 23 May (Pentecost) beginning at 9am UK time (10:00 Central European Summer Time). The retreat is perfect for those involved in Salesian Youth Ministry, but it is aimed at all young people - and those who are not so young!
The online event will feature input from Don Fabio Attard SDB, former General Councillor for Youth Ministry, followed... Read More »
Mary in the month of May
Posted: Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:28
As we enter this beautiful month of May, our thoughts naturally turn to Mary of Nazareth, Mother of God and Don Bosco's constant 'help'. I was delighted to receive a beautiful statue from a beloved family member called 'Maternal Bond' and it now stands on my desk—a constant reminder to me of that love of Mary so simply expressed in the gospels and our rich Christian tradition. It was designed... Read More »
Called to be ‘Good shepherds’ - Vocations Sunday
Posted: Thu, 22 Apr 2021 14:03
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB offers a Salesian take on the Gospel for 4th Sunday of Easter (John 10: 11-18), Vocations Sunday. Photo: The Salesian Missionary Cross (Fr Gerry)
For us Salesians, the notion of the 'Good Shepherd' is so important as it reflects the real care that members of the Salesian family should have for young people. The Good Shepherd is not like the simple steward, who at the slightest... Read More »
Salesian Cooperators explore Care for Creation in a hopeful spring
Posted: Tue, 20 Apr 2021 17:12
Sue Cooper shares her reflections from the Salesian Cooperators' retreat held on 27 March 2021. Image: Salesian Cooperators GBR
The beginning of Spring was an excellent time to focus on "Care for Creation" which was the title of last Saturday's Cooperators Retreat. As the buds begin to open on plants and trees and birds are busy building nests, Cooperators from places as diverse as Berkshire, London... Read More »
Let's talk about vocations ...
Posted: Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:30
Our Vocations Director Fr David O'Malley SDB gives us some food for thought and Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB talks about his vocation story as we approach Vocations Sunday on 25 April. (Photo: Fr Marco Villani SDB with some of his students.)
On average there was just over one candidate starting training for priesthood in each diocese in 2019. 60% of those candidates were over 35 years of age. Most of... Read More »
Prof Lydon of Salesian Schools Team is new Editor of 'International Studies in Catholic Education'
Posted: Tue, 20 Apr 2021 12:32
Congratulations to Associate Professor John Lydon, a member of our Province's Salesian Schools team, who has been appointed following a highly competitive process to the role of Executive Editor for the Routledge International Studies in Catholic Education journal published by Taylor & Francis, on behalf of St Mary's University, London. John will take on the role from January 2022 from founding... Read More »
Finding God in the ordinary
Posted: Thu, 15 Apr 2021 14:03
Reflecting on the gospel for 3rd Sunday of Easter (Luke 24:35-48) , Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB encourages us to find God in the everyday activities we all share. Photo: Carrie Cai on Pixabay
Our gospel from Luke opens today with the missionary journey of the two Emmaus disciples on their way back to Jerusalem—the place of pain, suffering and death has become a place of glory. Like Mary of Magdala,... Read More »