05 December - Philippe Rinaldi was born on 28 May 1856 in Lu Monferrato, in the province of Alexandria, in the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia. A pious child, raised among the Salesians in Piedmont, Philippe Rinaldi met John Bosco, who awakened him to his vocation.

After overcoming psychological difficulties, he became a novice at the age of twenty and then a priest. He first lived in the shadow of John Bosco. In 1889, he was sent to Spain, where he developed the Salesian foundations. Upon his return to Italy, Philip Rinaldi took on great responsibilities, while maintaining an apostolate in the field, especially in confessions. A good connoisseur of the feminine soul, he supported the foundation of the secular institute of the zealous women of Mary Help of Christians, later known as the Volunteers of Don Bosco.

Philippe Rinaldi's great desire was to implement and transmit Salesian pedagogy. In 1922 he became Rector Major of the Congregation. He gave it a strong impetus, in particular by sending many Salesians to the missions. He died on December 5, 1931 in Turin at the age of 75. Philippe Rinaldi was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 29, 1990.

Diocese of Miarinarivo

Pope Francis has accepted the renunciation of the pastoral government of the Diocese of Miarinarivo, presented by H.E. Mgr Jean Claude Randrianarisoa. At the same time, the Supreme Pontiff has appointed H.E. Mgr Marie Fabien Raharilamboniaina, as Apostolic Admnistrator sede vacante et ad nutum Sanctae Sedis of the same Diocese.

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Love and Salvation

Christmas is a great joy, because it is the love of God that has come to us, proclaims Fr. Bizimana Innocent, Provincial Superior of the Salesians Don Bosco of Madagascar and Mauritius, presenting his Christmas greetings. Salvation is accomplished, so life is not in danger of disappearing. It is this love and this salvation that we wish to fill our life so that we have peace.

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Zatti, our brother

The short film "Zatti, our brother" (Argentina, 2020) focuses on one of the most difficult episodes of his life. We are in Viedma, in 1941: at the age of 60, Zatti is forced to leave the hospital he has attended for decades. His faith and strength are tested.

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