India - Salesian develops first Khasi Bible app for Android devices
An Indian Salesian priest pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communication at the University of the Phili ...
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India - Salesian develops first Khasi Bible app for Android devices
An Indian Salesian priest pursuing a Master’s in Mass Communication at the University of the Philippines in Manila, marked his first year overseas by designing and developing the first interactive Khasi Bible application for android users.
The application was launched on 30 October. Google Play Store finally gave a certificate of recognition and acceptance to the app designed by Fr. Michael Makri and his team at a Salesian institute in Manila, Philippines.
The application is designed for the first time for a total number of 1905 types of android devices available globally.
The designer and the publisher of the app said it was designed in a simple and user-friendly way. “The app is attractive and it follows the format of the world`s best social network site - Facebook,” Fr Makri explained.
The priest from the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya further said his team took four months to design and publish the app.
“It has been a challenge to develop an app in the Khasi language in a foreign country (Philippines) without the help of a Khasi person or at least someone who can understand the language,” he said.
But the efforts had other personal benefits for him.
“I was happy that while doing this project, I was able to read and re-read the entire Bible a few times.”
Asked about his feeling on completion of the project Fr Makri said, “I feel happy that I am able to contribute something for young people. I know many of them have the desire to have the Word of God wherever they are... Now they have it.”
Fr Makri did not hesitate to recall Don Bosco, founder of his religious order, “who made a lot of sacrifices for the betterment of the young - forming them to be good Christians. On my part, while developing this app, I have made a little sacrifice by way of doing the entire Khasi Bible app alone for the young.”
Fr Makri says his wish is that the young people “appreciate the Word of God more, now that they have it in their hand and on the move.”
The app is available now for free on Google Play Store. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11583&Lingua=2
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Italy - Conference at UPS: Rethinking Communication: theories, techniques and teaching
The Faculty of Social Communication (FSC) of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) has been in ex ...
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Italy - Conference at UPS: Rethinking Communication: theories, techniques and teaching
The Faculty of Social Communication (FSC) of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) has been in existence for twenty-five years. To celebrate this anniversary it is organizing a conference entitled "Rethinking Communication: theories, techniques, and teaching" to take place on 14-15 November. On the same occasion, an Honorary Doctorate of Science in Social Communication will be conferred on Father Federico Lombardi, S.I., Director of the Vatican Press Office.
"At the origin of the conference is undoubtedly the 25th anniversary of the FSC, but the main motivation is to provide an opportunity to discuss the current situation of communication," says Fr Mauro Mantovani, Dean of the FSC. He also says: "In these 25 years the Department has given outstanding service to the Church and society, preparing students from all over the world for work in communication. Many of them now hold significant positions of responsibility."
For the FSC, the fruit of the conference will undoubtedly be agreement on a point of reference and guidelines to direct their efforts for the future, starting with the renewal of the training programme.
Fr Mantovani went on to say: "In a time marked by ideas on communication that are sometimes too simplistic and mechanistic, we want to focus on the anthropological, ethical and educational dimension that is part of the training of communication workers. In meeting the challenges of our society they need to have at heart a passion for truth and attention to young people who are the most vulnerable and marginalized. Their work includes the promotion of justice, peace and peaceful coexistence among different cultures and religions."
The conference will begin with messages from the Dean of the FSC, from Monsignor Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, and from Professor Carlo Nanni, Rector Magnificus of the UPS.
These will be followed by a panel discussion on the theme "Rethinking Communication." It will be coordinated by Professor Fabio Pasqualetti, with contributions of Doctor Pier Cesare Rivoltella(Catholic University of Milan), Sr. Maria Antonia Chinello (Auxilium) and Fr Franco Lever (FSC). In the early afternoon there will be eight different meetings conducted by professors and researchers from Italian and Pontifical universities.
The conferral of a doctorate on Father Lombardi will then place. Before Fr Lombardi’s lectio magistralis, there will be contributions from the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime; the Director of the National Office of Social Communication of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Monsignor Domenico Pompili; the editor ofLa Civiltà Cattolica,Fr Antonio Spadaro, S.I.; and Fr Cosimo Alvati of the FSC.
The morning of Saturday 15 November will be devoted to some reflections of Mario Morcellini (La Sapienza University of Rome) and current perspectives on the challenges of communication.
The full programme, registration form and the speakers’ scripts are all available on the website of the Faculty of Sciences of Social Communication of the UPS. On the same website you can also watch the entire course of the conference on live streaming. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11595&Lingua=2
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Philippines - Salesians won four Catholic Mass Media Awards and one Special Citation
This year also the Salesians of the Philippines were well represented among the Catholic Mass Media ...
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Philippines - Salesians won four Catholic Mass Media Awards and one Special Citation
This year also the Salesians of the Philippines were well represented among the Catholic Mass Media Awards winning four prizes and one special citation.
The Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) is an award-giving body organized by the Archdiocese of Manila in cooperation with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. Awards are given to all media practitioners in the country, professional and non-professional. It is also open to Church-oriented groups and secular groups, Catholic and non-Catholic organizations, provided their works are not opposed to what the Catholic Church teaches and believes. The executive board comprises both clergy and laity, with the Archbishop of Manila as the Honorary Chairman of the Board.
The CMMA is now on its 36th year. For the past ten years, some of the literary works done by Salesians of Don Bosco were nominated and chosen as finalists in their respective categories. Every year, the Salesians were able to bring home one or two awards. But last year and this year, all Salesian entries made it to the finals and even emerged as winners. Below are the list of the winners of this year's CMMA.
Fr. Salvatore Putzu, “Word And Life Magazine” as Best Youth Magazine (Third time);
Fr. Armand Robleza, “Yohwel” as Best Short Story (Fourth time);
Fr. Bernard Nolasco, “Between The Lines” as Best Entertainment Column (Fifth time);
The Salesian Society of St. John Bosco, “St. John Bosco Today” (Salesian Bulletin) as Best Local Community Magazine (First time);
Don Bosco Press, Inc., “Family Matters” as Family Oriented Magazine Special Citation (First time).
The Family Matters Magazine is new in the country. When it was nominated early this year, it had only two printed issues.
“With these victories, we give praise and thanks to the Lord Jesus. We honour St. Francis of Sales and St. John Bosco, two very popular saints of the media. Indeed, we, Salesians of Don Bosco, are standing on the shoulders of these two giant saints. We try to be faithful to our vocation as we proclaim the Good News of the Lord Jesus, just like these two great saints in our Congregation” wrote the Philippines Social Communication Office commenting on the awards. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11582&Lingua=2
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RMG - Videos for Salesian Mission Day 2015
Becoming a missionary means being willing to serve the specific needs of the Church. The entire Sale ...
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RMG - Videos for Salesian Mission Day 2015
Becoming a missionary means being willing to serve the specific needs of the Church. The entire Salesian Family, following the example of Don Bosco, has always supported this particular vocation. As an instrument of missionary animation for Salesian Mission Day 2015, some videos have been made telling the story of several important missionary models. They are available from today on the website of Missioni Don BoscoTV.
There is the story of Sr. Luicilia Teixeira, FMA,a missionary in Mozambique and that of Fr Luis Bolla, historic Salesian missionary among the Achuar people in Brazil and Peru, who died in 2013. There is also the story of Fr Maurizio Rossi and his experience in Madagascar; and that of Fr Germain Lagger, globetrotting missionary in Vietnam, Congo, Gabon and Cameroon. Finally there is the testimony of Fr Marcello Bertolusso who worked in Venezuela and Brazil.
There is all this - a wealth of real life stories of trust in Providence - in the video published today on the relevant page of Missioni Don BoscoTV. There is also an introductory video with the testimony of several missionaries of the Salesian Family around the world. The commentary by Father Giancarlo Isoardi shows the relevance of Salesian Mission Day in the Year of the Bicentenary of Don Bosco. The motto for next year’s Mission Day is "Lord, send me."
To complete the series of videos produced for Salesian Mission Day 2015 there is also the short video "Prayer", released on World Mission Day, 19 October.
The videos are available in 7 languages and can be downloaded from this web page. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11608&Lingua=2
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Meetings
ROME: Pisana 19-22 February 2015, World Advisory Council - Social Communications
ROME: UPS, 17-18 April 2015, SDB-FMA, Study of World Social Communications Day message 2015.
Europe: 23-26 April 2015, Meeting of Salesian Publishers of Europe
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Animation - Letter from Fr Filiberto
Dear friends,
During the International Congress on Salesian History, held at the Salesianum from the 20th to 23rd of November, we had the launching of the video "Dear Confrere".
This video is a greeting from the Rector Major, sharing information to the Salesians. It will be subtitled in at least twenty different languages with the goal of reaching as many communities and confreres as possible. It will be sent out every four months and placed in the ANSChannel and sdb.org. I invite you to make it known to all the members, especially the elderly and the sick. If there is a need of help for translations into your local languages, the ANS staff will contact you.
Speaking of older people, let me tell you that as I listened to the interesting speeches about the history, pedagogy and spirituality of Don Bosco, I was reminded of a conviction that I had with me for a long time: "Our Salesian seniors are a great resource in communicating together the History." Concretely, I invite you to make them feel indispensable collaborators in the classification of photographs from the past era, encoding always: the event, place, date, the name/s of the persons inside the pictures. In the fourth area of the Six-year Plan of the Social Communications Department, there is a mention of the synergy with the Provincial Secretary and local communities. Let us pay attention to this, because if we do not do this work now, we will be able to do much in the future.
I invite you to continue with the wide-spread information about the celebrations of the Bicentennial. Don Bosco is not to be kept enclosed within the walls of our precences, even in those of the Salesian Family. Don Bosco is to be presented to the whole society, offering the richness of Don Bosco's charism and Mission for the youth.
We are now in the eve of the start of the Year dedicated to the Consecrated Life. A year that touches our life as individual religious, as communities and as pastoral works. The announcement for this Year of the Religious was accompanied by the publication of a letter with the significant title: Rejoice, inviting the consecrated persons to witness prophetically, always and everywhere, the joy of the vocation of following Christ, to "wake up the world", as Pope Francis said. In this sense, "communications" has much to do to spread, in so many ways, the testimonies of our Confreres and of our Communities who are happily engaged in being mystical seekers of God, prophets of fraternity and servants of the young people and the people who are in the peripheries.
As always, the members of the Communication Sector greet you all. Prayers and blessings for you, your team members and your loved ones.
Cordially in Don Bosco,
Fr. Filiberto
Information: RMG - The poster for the 2015 strenna: 200 years later Don Bosco is still with young people
Today, 11 November, anniversary of Don Bosco’s first missionary expedition, the Department for Social Communication is publshing the poster for the 2015 strenna: "Like Don Bosco, with young people, for young people." "Perhaps this is how the Dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine would look today," says the man who designed the poster, Fr Bruno Ferrero, Director of the Italian Salesian Bulletin.
The poster of the strenna for the Bicentenary Year of Don Bosco is now available in seven different languages: Italian, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Polish and German. It can be downloaded from the website sdb.org, either as a complete file (jpg version) or as editable files (psd version, with special font), and two different quality levels (high level for the press, and medium level for other uses).
In launching it Fr Bruno Ferrero had this to say: "Perhaps this is how the Dream of Don Bosco at the age of nine would look today. With young people poised between heaven and earth, suspended in unstable equilibrium and with no secure foothold, it offers a point of stability that gives that little bit of confidence that is necessary if the young are to begin to live.
The question of our time is: Where are the adults? Holed up in the hoard of privileges they have won for themselves. They are tired and pessimistic, with little or nothing to pass on to the younger generation.
Children and young people have to 'make do' with their own DIY morality that they find and share on Facebook. With no past and no future, they are really poor and abandoned.
There are children and adolescents who believe that they can never please their parents no matter what they do. Subconsciously they reject the adult world and its 'stupid' values.
'Look,' Mary said to young John Bosco. 'Here is your field, this is where you have to work'. John was not afraid. He was used to walking on a tightrope between heaven and earth. He alone knows how to reach young people where they are. He goes there, where the young people are. He says to each one: 'Do you want just any old life or do you want to change the world? You can count on me. I am with you. Life is a wonderful adventure and together we can make it '.
And to educators he says: 'You have to show by example, not just teach!' And also 'The young people know what they want, but do not know what is really necessary for them. These young people need a friendly hand, that will take care of them, guide them and help them to grow... '"
The poster for the 2015 Strenna says "With young people, for young people." There is another reason for this. When the idea of the poster was first conceived and the first sketches produced - with the help of the Salesian Brother Luigi Zonta of Turin - the graphics were developed by a young artist, Luca Pontassuglia, a twenty year-old animator at the Salesian oratory of Vasto. Luca grew up as a member of the "Friends of Dominic Savio" group. He graduated from the "B. Jacovitti "Art School in Termoli. Even though he is still young, he already has many fine works of art to his credit. In November 2012 he gained recognition for his many paintings and sculptures, through the Alfiere del Lavoro award, conferred by the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano.
Finally, we acknowledge the contribution of the editors of the Salesian Info Agency, in terms of coordination, language translation and adaptation of the graphics, done by Bro. Andres Felipe Loaiza.
In its paper version the poster will be distributed all over the world with the October issue of ANSFoto. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11630&Lingua=2
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Information: RMG - Don Bosco at Expo Milan 2015
Preparations for Salesian participation in Expo2015 begin today. This is an important undertaking for us in the Salesian Family and there is a significant precedent - Don Bosco himself was involved in Expo.
by FrClaudio Belfiore
Delegate of the Rector Major to Expo2015
Don Bosco took part in the General Exhibition in Turin in 1884. He set up a production line consisting of several machines with which he demonstrated "the ingenious work that starts with a rag and continues to paper, font,printing, binding and eventually a book," as he himself said in a letter.
The history of the Salesian presence at the Expo in Milan began in 2012. The first contacts occurred in the spring, but the formal agreement was signed - on the recommendation of the General Council of the Salesian Congregation – by Don Bosco Network (DBN) and the International Voluntary Service for Development (VIS) on 11 October 2012. The Salesians were committed to attend with various activities and initiatives for at least 30 days.
A new stage was reached in July 2014 when Civil Society Participants (i.e. non-profit organizations other than States, which are the first and main participants in the exhibition) were given the possibility ofrequesting a free site to erect their display stands. Then we realized the considerable effort that would be needed, both from the economic point of view (the construction and management of the pavilion), and from the point of view of the events to be organized. These will have to cover not just 30 days but a continuous period of six months. Expo2015 will last from 1 May to 31 October 2015, overlapping more or less with the Bicentenary year of Don Bosco.
New playershave now entered the stage. Various groups of the Salesian Family have expressed an interest and have made themselves available to participate in some way. A Salesian Past Pupil who is an entrepreneur and a passionate friend of Don Bosco is involved financially and in person to draw attention to Don Bosco and his work in the world.
In summary, the Salesian presence at Expo 2015 will have a stand of about 350 square metres on a plot of 747 square metres for the full six months. The pavilion will be called CASA DON BOSCO and the theme of the presentation will be "EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE, ENERGY FOR LIFE". The presence of the Salesian Family here will serve to highlight the Bicentenary of Don Bosco and the Strennafor 2015. Most importantly, it will draw the world's attention to young people, "the most delicate and most precious sector of human society" as Don Bosco used to say.
It is a unique and providential occasion that challenges us to interact with almost the entire world (more than 140 participating nations), to offer our cultural and educational contribution inspired by Don Bosco, to understand and witness how important young people are in the lives of every social and ecclesial community and for the entire planet.
For more information and contact details contact info@expodonbosco2015.org.
To send a description of initiatives and activities to be presented at the Expo: events@expodonbosco2015.org.
If you are in Italy and wish to visit Expo, you can prebook daily tickets by writing to ticket@expodonbosco2015.org. email: events@expodonbosco2015.org link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11612&Lingua=2
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Production: India - Arunachal Pradesh Gets its First Audio Bible - New Testament
The teachers and students of Don Bosco School, Doimukh have made the very first audio Bible, comprising the entire New Testament in Nyshi language. This is a landmark contribution to the repository of the tribe’s literature, using digital technology. This initiative is part of the ongoing celebration of the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco.
by Shyjan C. Job
On 15 November 2014 Bishop George Palliparambil SDB of Miao diocese in Arunachal Pradesh, released "Aogeda ge yale" (Heavenly Echo or Call), the DVD and Pen Drive version of the Audio Bible, in a colourful ceremony held at Don Bosco Doimukh, near Itanagar. The first copy was presented to Mr. Mige Kamki, District Collector of Itanagar - the state capital. Several dignitaries along with over one thousand people attended the function which is a matter of pride not only for the Nyshi Christian community but also for the young and vibrant church of Arunachal Pradesh.
“As printed books are not common in the Nyishi language and people find it difficult to read, we chose the audio format which will help people to hear the Word of God in their language,” said Fr Madathiparambil Josekutty Thomas SDB, the initiator of the project. He added, “It is fitting that during this Bicentenary year of the birth of Don Bosco, Good Tidings resonate in the ears of the people, for whom the sons of Don Bosco popularized the Gospel in their own tongues.”
With the blessing and guidance of Fr Thuruthiyil Sebastian SDB, Parish Priest of Doimukh, a six-member team read the entire New Testament and prepared the audio with technical assistance from various quarters.
The updated print version of the New Testament in Nyishi was released a month ago with the assistance of Fiat Mission, a Catholic lay movement dedicated to the spread of the Word of God.
The Nyishi tribe is among the principal inhabitants of Arunachal Pradesh State. Numbering around 300,000 people this most populous tribe is spread across five districts of the state. The Nyishi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11677&Lingua=2
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Production: RMG - Salesian Historical Research, No. 63
Issue No. 63 (July-December 2014) of the bimonthly magazine of religious and civil history "Salesian Historical Research" was published on 7 November by the Salesian Historical Institute.
Fr Bruno Bordignon, SDB
In the studies section there is an essay by Fr Joseph Boenzi entitled "Reconstructing Don Albera's Reading List." With careful research, he has drawn up a list of the vast panorama of authors and titles read and annotated by Don Albera. The author groups them into eight categories: 1) Doctrinal and catechetical studies and conferences; 2) Practical and applied Theology; 3) Devotional literature; 4) Retreat literature; 5) Treatises and meditations on consecrated life; 6) Treatises and conferences on priesthood; 7) Bible studies and commentaries; 8) Salesian literature. The research highlights the positive influence of this vast literature on the thought of Don Albera, second Successor of Don Bosco.
In the section devoted to sources we find:"Michael Rua: Book of Experience (1861-1866)." Introduction, critical text and notes by Fr José Manuel Prellezo. This manuscript is the result of an "important piece of advice" given by Don Bosco to Don Rua when he appointed him Rector of Mirabello Monferrato, the first Salesian House outside Turin. Don Bosco urged him to keep a "Book of Experience," in which he should "record all incidents, disorders and mistakes as they occurred” in order to avoid their recurrence in similar situations later. Among the pages of interest are certainly those concerning the Oratory of the Guardian Angel. They provide unpublished data, relevant to an understanding of life in the work at Vanchiglia.
This number has also a short profile by Fr Morand Wirth of Fr Francis Desramaut, who died on 1 September; an article by Fr Alejandro Ángel León on Carlos Conci SDB; the "Historical Notes on the Salesian Historical Association and its achievements," by Fr Stanislaw Zimniak, and information by Fr Francesco Casella on the Dizionario Biografico dell’Educazione 1800-2000(produced by G. Chiosso and A. Sani) that gives a profile of several Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
The issue concludes with reviews of two studies by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians: "Da mihi animas. The life of Don Bosco: choices, challenges and passion" by Colette Schaumont, and" 50 años de Amor y Servicio. Inspectoría Salesian San Jose, Valencia 1958-2008"; and an essay by Fr Zimniak on "The Primate of Poland August Hlond." link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11667&Lingua=2
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Preservation: Palestine - Salesian Artistic Centre in support of young people and traditions
The Salesian Artistic Centre located at the Infant Jesus community in Bethlehem is an important Salesian activity combining the conservation of local craftsmanship with the encouragement of creativity and job placement of young Palestinians. In the run-up to Christmas, the Centre increases its output of tradtional crafts which become carriers of the message of peace and love, and the desire for freedom.
The Centre started in 2005 as a result of collaboration between the Salesian Community of Bethlehem and VIS, the Italian NGO "International Volunteers for Development," with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is the only school in Palestine that gives formal instruction, through lessons by skilled craftsmen, in the traditional techniques of craftwork in olive wood, mother of pearl and ceramics.
In the Centre, the young people are constantly encouraged to invent new creative solutions and new iconography, utilizing traditional materials and tools. The students' creativity is stimulated by lessons in drawing and art, study visits to sites of historical and archaeological interest in the area, meetings and discussions with international artists and, when possible, travel abroad. The results are often surprising.
The Centre consists of an educational section and a section dedicated to production. Some past students of the school work in the production section but return for periods of training in the school. This allows them to continue to improve and at the same time earn a wage.
The Centre also carries out various activities aimed at the integration of former students in the business world, thanks to donations of machinery and processing tools, assistance in starting up small factories, domestic and micro-credit activities. For many young people this support has been a major advantage, making it possible for them to overcome the obstacle of lack of means and start a small business.
The foreign sales of manufactured goods is important. It allows the school to become self-sustaining and offers young artisans a commercial outlet that is not affected by the instability affecting tourism to the Holy Land. These small works of art bring to the rest of the world the history, traditions and needs of the Palestinian people. They carry the message of love, justice, peace, and desire for freedom.
For more information and to view the catalogues of artistic products, visit the website of the Centre. It is also worth visiting the web page of the adjoining Nativity Museum, which contains more than 200 cribs in various styles and sizes. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?sez=1&doc=11642&Lingua=2
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Preservation: Argentina - The Museum of Don Bosco, a space for a living encounter
"A place where people will get excited, where they can learn more and feel that they belong. It will look at the development of the Work of Don Bosco in Argentina and its future prospects, with historical accuracy. A visit to this place will be a vital experience, which will raise awareness and motivate people to action." This is the promise of the Museum of Don Bosco, based in the Mater Misericordiae church in Buenos Aires, the place where the first missionaries arrived in December of 1875.
The Museum of the Works of Don Bosco is scheduled to open in August 2015, during the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco and 140 years from the arrival of the first missionaries in Argentina.
After the first phase of development of the plan in 2013, the museum is now at the implementation phase, under the direction of Héctor Berra, who has supervised similar projects in Argentina and in Europe. The idea proposed by Doctor Berra is to "transform the museum into a living space, full of sight and sound that touch the heart of the visitor ... everyone who comes to the museum must feel not only a viewer but also a participant in a memorable experience."
The Museum will have some permanent exhibitions, and others that are temporary and moveable. It will be a place that makes use of the historical heritage and technology to bring the past into the present, making it available to everyone. People will feel invited to be part of a dream that is already a reality and, at the same time, a dream that challenges people not to remain indifferent but to play their part in the integral formation of young people in difficulty.
A place, the beginning of the dream
The permanent exhibition of the museum will be at the Mater Misericordiae church and its adjoining rooms. This was the place that was home to the first Salesian missionaries and the beginning of the missionary dream of Don Bosco. It is also a significant place for the Italian community in Argentina, which, down through the years, gathered around this church, precisely because of the Salesian missionary activity.
The museum already has the support of the Italian Club of Buenos Aires and that of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime. Several institutions and companies have declared their intention to join this project as sponsors.
More information is available on the museum website. link: www.infoans.org/1.asp?Lingua=2&sez=1&doc=11575
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