by SrDeniseSickinger | Jul 12, 2023 | Ad maiorem Dei gloriam and the salvation of souls!, Pope Francis, Rector Major
12 July 2023 (ANS – Rome) – A few days after the naming of Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, as Cardinal, messages of congratulations and encouragement continue to arrive from all over the world and from numerous groups of the Salesian Family, united with the promise of prayers in support of the future Cardinal and his mission, which is increasingly becoming part of the heart of the Church. From the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) to the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, from the Salesian Cooperators to the Past Pupils of the FMA, from the Superiors of the various Provinces – especially those most linked to Fr Á.F. Artime – to the young people on the social networks, there have been many manifestations of affection and support. Valerio Martorana, Councillor for Europe and the World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, spoke of the “great joy for all Past Pupils around the world. It was a cause for joy, gratitude but also temporary “bewilderment” because it is the first time that a Successor of Don Bosco has been created a cardinal. We are certain, as Past Pupils, that the Church...
by SrDeniseSickinger | Apr 13, 2023 | Ad maiorem Dei gloriam and the salvation of souls!, Easter Season, Pope Francis, urbi et orbi
Pope at Easter Urbi et Orbi: Christ is truly risen, hope is reborn for all! Following the Easter Sunday Mass, Pope Francis delivers his Easter message and blessing “To the City and the World”, underscoring the joyous hope that Christ’s resurrection brings and encouraging Christians to rediscover the joy of serving God, working for peace, and helping our brothers and sisters in a world marked by so much suffering. By Thaddeus Jones Pope Francis gave his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” Easter message on Sunday, appearing from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica overlooking the Square below where he had just presided over the Easter morning Mass. The Mass and “Urbi et Urbi” (from the Latin: ‘To the city and the world’) message and blessing went out live on broadcasts around the world. Over one hundred thousand people filled the Square and surrounding avenues, which were navigated by the Pope in the popemobile as he greeted them following the Mass. As usual, the flowers donated by florists from the Netherlands appeared brilliantly under the mild Spring sunshine. Close to thirty thousand flowers adorned the square and the balcony of the loggia, recalling the theme of new life, hope, and joy at...
by SrDeniseSickinger | Jan 24, 2023 | a current event, Ad maiorem Dei gloriam and the salvation of souls!, Celebration!, Events / Calendar, Francis de Sales, Messages of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, Salesian News, Salesian Saints
We join with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, as part of the Salesian Family of St. John Bosco, in honoring our mutual Patron Saint! Enjoy reading the Letter of Pope Francis on this gentle yet strong holy man. Dear Friends, The Oblates of St. Francis of de Sales in the United States join with all of our Salesian family in celebrating the feast of our patron, the Gentleman Saint. Celebrating the Feast Day is particularly special this year as we bring to a close our Double Salesian Jubilee Year marking the 400th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis de Sales and the 450th anniversary of the birth of Saint Jane Frances de Chantal. The highlight of the Year was Pope Francis issuing an Apostolic Letter on Saint Francis de Sales. In Totum Amoris Est (“Everything Pertains To Love”), the Pope summarizes the spiritual legacy left to us by Saint Francis de Sales. The Letter includes many of Saint Francis’ teachings and reminds us that these are as relevant today as they were 400 years ago. As a friend of the Oblates, you already know the power and impact of Salesian Spirituality. Through your friendship and support, the Oblates have the humble privilege...
by SrDeniseSickinger | Dec 11, 2022 | a current event, Accompaniment, Ad maiorem Dei gloriam and the salvation of souls!, Peace, Pope Francis, Prayer Intentions
Let us join our Holy Father in his prayer for Peace: Our Immaculate Mother, today the people of Rome gather around you. The flowers, laid at your feet from so many urban realities, express their love and devotion for you who watch over us all. And you also see and welcome those invisible flowers that are so many invocations, so many silent supplications, sometimes stifled, hidden, but not from you, who are Mother. After two years in which I came alone to pay homage to you at the dawning of the day, today I return to you together with the people of this Church and this City. And I bring you the thanks and supplications of all your children, near and far. From Heaven where God has welcomed you, you see earthly things far better than we do; but as Mother you listen to our invocations to present them to your Son, to His Heart full of mercy. First of all I bring you the filial love of countless men and women, not only Christians, who nourish for you the greatest gratitude for your beauty, full of grace and humility: for in the midst of so many dark clouds...