NEWS
In a significant move to address migration challenges, the Baroda Diocese organized a one-day consultation on migration at the Don Bosco Church Hall, Makarpura, Vadodara, on November 19. The event brought together priests, religious sisters, NGO representatives, trade union members, and well-wishers to strengthen collaboration and advocacy for the rights and welfare of migrant communities in Gujarat.
A meeting of priests, religious, and lay leaders of neighbouring areas in Bengtol Parish on October 19 resulted in a collaborative effort to support the region's growing migrant-worker population. The meeting, which featured a presentation by Fr. Francis Bosco SDB, National Director of Don Bosco Migrant Services of South Asia, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive and effective support systems for these vulnerable individuals.
The Salesian Social Forum (SSF), a group of like-minded Salesians, held a two-day National Convention at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad, on August 10-11. The event, titled "Contextualizing the Dream of Don Bosco: A South Asian Workshop by Salesians in India Today," brought together about 40 Salesians from various Indian provinces to explore ways to renew Don Bosco's vision for the poor.
The second day of the National Migrant Workshop, held in Mumbai on August 17, organized by the Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M) network partners, saw a collaborative effort with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and other organizations. Together, they drew a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing migrant services, including shelter and basic needs, source and destination services, emergency helplines, data collection, networking and advocacy, workers' collectives, and social integration.
In the wake of the devastating cyclonic storm "Michaung" that pounded Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu in South India, and left a trail of destruction across the state, the Salesian community emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and compassion amid the chaos. The cyclone, which struck with unprecedented force, disrupted the lives of thousands, submerging entire neighbourhoods and claiming the homes of countless families.
In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung in Chennai and its surrounding areas, Don Bosco Arts and Science College, Kilpauk, Chennai, demonstrated unwavering solidarity with the communities most affected. On December 9, the students and the college administration embarked on a vital relief mission for those in need in the neighbourhoods of Vyasarpadi, MKB Nagar, TP Chattaram, and Chetpet.
Salesian Family member Sister Seli Thomas of Sisters of Mary Immaculate won the inaugural Sisters Anti-Trafficking Awards (SATA) 2023. The nun, Sister Seli, a member of Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Krishnagar, West Bengal, received the award at a function in London on October 31, along with two other nuns from Nigeria and Thailand.
To bring awareness among students on the harsh realities of life and encourage them to do their small part to lessen social inequalities in the neighbourhood, the staff and students of Don Bosco Junior College, Yerwada, Pune, in association with the NGO Being Volunteer, took part in the Feed the Needy and Education for All Drive on July 22.
A workshop was organized for the delegates of the Youth Ministry in the Vice Province of Sri Lanka, focusing on creating a culture of vocation and introducing Career Guidance and Job Placement Services. Father Gabriel Karunaraj, Director of Don Bosco Job Placement Network, animated the workshop. The workshop gave a comprehensive briefing on career counselling, employability skill training, and job placement assistance.
Don Bosco Media Network Television team and the Youth United For Christ prayer group distributed clothes and other materials in Mawkynrew, Umtong villages in Shillong on May 7. The various items were contributed by well-wishers to aid underprivileged families in and around Shillong.
On Sunday, 23 October 2022, during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Don Bosco, Lonavla, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, presented a citation to Mrs Sonali Shelke, in recognition for her social outreach among the poorest of the poor. Mrs Shelke has been on Don Bosco’s outreach staff since 2009. She resides at Bhaje village near Karla, 90 kilometers from Mumbai.