Salesian Cooperator honoured for services to young people
Posted: Wed, 6 Jan 2021 16:12
Jean Casha, a Salesian Cooperator from Surrey, has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list, for services to young people, particularly in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme in West Molesey, Surrey.
Jean has been a leader and trainer in the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme at all levels—Bronze, Silver and Gold awards—for over 40 years, and was a member of staff at Salesian... Read More »
Half empty? Half full? Runneth over?
Posted: Wed, 6 Jan 2021 15:47
As the new school term begins with further challenges for schools, Catholic teacher and deacon, Michael Bennett, helps us see the positives amid the uncertainty and strangeness. (Photo: Bruce Hong on Unsplash)
In the hazy morning sunshine of a lie in until after 8.00 am, half-way through the Christmas break, it dawned on me that the 4th of January was nearing and the new term was coming. My initial... Read More »
A message from our Provincial on the Feast of the Epiphany
Posted: Wed, 6 Jan 2021 14:30
Feast of the Epiphany 2021
Arise, shine out Jerusalem, for your light has come,
the glory of the Lord is rising on you,
though night still covers the earth
and darkness the peoples.
Is 60: 1-2
The first reading of the mass of the Epiphany contains this passage from Isaiah. The sentiments it expresses, seem appropriate as we move towards the end of the Christmas season and into a new year.
The dawn seems to... Read More »
Hope: a gift for 2021
Posted: Wed, 6 Jan 2021 12:16
Each year, the Rector Major offers a 'strenna' (Italian for 'gift') to the worldwide Salesian Family, as a theme to guide our thoughts, prayers and actions for the next twelve months. In 2021, Fr Angel's Strenna is 'Moved by hope', inspired by our current global pandemic and the biblical passage 'See, I am making all things new' (Revelation 21:5).
As Christians, we are characterised by hope, and as... Read More »
Feast of Epiphany: glimpsing the beauty of God
Posted: Tue, 5 Jan 2021 12:14
As we celebrate the great feast of the Epiphany, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB looks at our festive traditions, and what the visit of the three kings tells us about sharing our own gifts, and taking Jesus and his truth with us through the world today. Image: adapted from an image by Alejandra Jimenez on Pixabay
Today, we remember Matthew's reflections on bringing the Gospel message to a broader world through... Read More »
Salesian Missions e-news takes a fresh approach in 2021
Posted: Tue, 5 Jan 2021 11:33
Changes are happening everywhere, and the worldwide Salesian Missionary Sector has a new General Councillor, Fr. Alfred Maravilla SDB, and a new strategy for Cagliero 11, the e-newsletter for the sector, which has a new look, and some exciting changes to its international news coverage. (Image: Fr Alfred with two missionaries from this year's 151st expedition - ANS)
A different continent will be explored... Read More »
Happy 80th Birthday, Fr Tom!
Posted: Tue, 5 Jan 2021 09:24
The Salesian community in Battersea held a special celebration just before Christmas to mark the 80th birthday of their Rector, Fr Tom Williams SDB.
His community finds Fr Tom's faith, love, paternal care and goodness an inspiration to them every day.
Ad multos annos!
Caring for the carers
Posted: Tue, 5 Jan 2021 08:45
Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB urges us to look after our pastoral leaders and ministers who are stretching themselves to their limits to care for us.
Many years ago I was leading a residential in-service course for primary school leaders. As now, these good people were at the sharp end of education, wanting the very best for their students and their parishes—the fact that they gave up their weekend... Read More »
'An open heart and a deep level of forgiveness'
Posted: Sat, 2 Jan 2021 08:06
In his reflection for the 2nd Sunday of Christmas, Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB reflects on the part the incarnation plays in our everyday lives and our relationships. Gospel: John 1: 1-18
Today, once again, we are reminded of those exciting words in the deep poetry of the evangelist, John. The Prologue, that we last heard on Christmas Day morning, reflects the opening chapter of the book of Genesis.... Read More »
Feast of Mary Mother of God: a new year resolution
Posted: Thu, 31 Dec 2020 08:02
On 1 January, we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Fr Gerry O'Shaughnessy SDB offers a reflection on how she can help us towards a closer encounter with her son in a new year. Image: Toma Vishanov, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
May I take this opportunity to wish you all every blessing and peace for this new year of 2021. This past year has brought us so many difficulties and problems,... Read More »