'The Hill We Climb'
Posted: Thu, 21 Jan 2021 10:57
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB reflects on the message of hope and unity for all of us in the poem for the inauguration of the new President of the USA, composed and performed by Amanda Gorman, the USA's first Youth Poet Laureate. The image is from Club Experience Blog (Boys and Girls Clubs of America); this site has a wealth of valuable resources for youth development.
Whatever your politics, I hope you... Read More »
Icons of the heart
Posted: Wed, 20 Jan 2021 14:11
Don Bosco's approach of 'loving kindness' is the key to delivering the best for our students, as Catholic teacher and deacon, Mike Bennett explains.
I have habits and routines. In these difficult times, when what was 'normal' is no longer the reality, I cling to those routines and habits that I can still enjoy; they are vital to my well-being. One such habit is listening to BBC Radio 4. The Today Programme... Read More »
Where do we stand as God calls us?
Posted: Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:33
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB reflects on the Gospel for Sunday of the Word of God, 3rd Sunday of Year B: Mark 1: 14-20. Image: bernadette Lopez via Qumran2.net.
Last week, we saw how the evangelist John dealt with the call of Andrew and Peter. On this Sunday of the Word we are introduced to Mark's Gospel and his version of the call of these early followers. I like to see the evangelist Mark as a person... Read More »
Thornleigh student 'braves the shave' in memory of Grandad
Posted: Thu, 14 Jan 2021 14:01
During the Christmas holiday, Delilah, a Year 8 student at Thornleigh Salesian College Bolton, took part in the 'Brave the Shave' initiative, for Lymphoma Action , raising over £2,700 in memory of her beloved grandad, who died from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in May 2020, by sacrificing her beautiful 22-inch-long tresses.
Twelve-year-old Delilah has so far exceeded her fundraising target by over £1500.... Read More »
The Salesian Martyrs of Auschwitz
Posted: Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:33
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB introduces 'The Salesian Martyrs of Auschwitz', the new book by Holocaust education expert, Dr Alasdair Richardson, published this week by Don Bosco Publications, setting it in the context of the Salesian presence in Poland. The book is available from our online bookshop (link at the end of the article).
Dr Alasdair Richardson's 'The Salesian Martyrs of Auschwitz' is a challenging... Read More »
Legion of Honour award for Mother Yvonne
Posted: Tue, 12 Jan 2021 13:12
Congratulations to Mother Yvonne Reungoat FMA, Mother General of the Salesian Sisters, who has been appointed Officier of the Légion d'Honneur, for her service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit, and is awarded in different degrees to those who have served their country with distinction. In 2012, Mother Yvonne was awarded the first degree,... Read More »
When the Divine Speaks
Posted: Tue, 12 Jan 2021 11:19
In this week's Catholic Teacher Article, Mike details the importance of listening to the Lord.
Since my undergraduate days, I have been attracted to the mystics. The mystics speak with a gentle authority, which comes from an experiential knowing. Through their attentive seeking they have attained a union with God that is infinitely possible. The mystic way is open to all; it is not something that is... Read More »
Listen: where is God leading us this year?
Posted: Tue, 12 Jan 2021 10:05
A reflection on the Gospel for the Second Sunday of the Year by Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB. Image: Preach my Gospel Missionary Guide
Today we read about the call of the first disciples as recorded in the Gospel of John—yes, this is the Year of Mark! In our first reading we see the divine call of young Samuel—the child is ready to listen to God's Word, as he exclaims,"speak, Lord your servant... Read More »
Jesus accepts our humanity and shares his divinity
Posted: Thu, 7 Jan 2021 14:57
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB looks at the meaning of Jesus' baptism, in this Sunday's Gospel: Mark 1: 7 - 11. Image: Juan Sánchez Cotán, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Today we celebrate the feast of Baptism of Jesus, which might seem strange. I remember an old Bishop getting up to preach on this feast when I was at school: "We don't know why Jesus was baptised," he began, "but thank... Read More »
Salesian Students volunteer to support vaccination programme
Posted: Wed, 6 Jan 2021 17:05
Two students from Salesian College Farnborough (both called James) have volunteered to help the COVID vaccination programme run smoothly in their local community.
They have been meeting and greeting people attending for their vaccinations, providing a friendly welcome and guiding people as they arrive.
Well done and thank you, James and James!
Image from Salesian College, Farnborough