Fr. Thomas Junis Ordained a Priest

Fr. Thomas Junis Ordained a Priest

Fr. Thomas Scott Junis, SDB, was ordained to the priesthood on Saturday morning, June 27, at St. John Bosco Church in Chicago. The ordaining bishop was Chicago Auxiliary José Maria Garcia-Maldonado.

The evening before, Dcn. Tom enjoyed dinner with his parents
and confreres at the rectory of St. James Church.

Bishop Garcia-Maldonado became an auxiliary only 16 months ago. He happily told the congregation at the end of the ordination liturgy that Fr. Tom was the first priest he’s ordained. That got a round of applause. The bishop was personal in his presiding and preaching, and he was personable, lingering with the parishioners, family, and friends of Fr. Tom long after the liturgy.

More than 30 priests, mostly SDBs, concelebrated the Mass. The nave of the church was full, and more parishioners celebrated from the rear balcony. Salesians and friends came not only from almost all over the U.S. parts of the New Rochelle Province but also from Toronto, Mexico, and even Calcutta, India.

The liturgy was bilingual, and the music was very lively, the entire congregation joining in. Fr. Ky Nguyen served very capably as master of ceremonies.

Father Tom’s Vocation Story

Fr. Tom is the youngest son of Mitch and Margie Junis. He was born in Bloomington, Ill., in 1992. He has two older brothers, James and Charles. Already discerning his vocation as a student at Illinois State University in Bloomington, he was directed by the sisters at campus ministry to check on the Salesians in Champaign, Ill. At the Newman Center there, he was influenced by 2 chaplains the late Fr. Greg Ketcham, a Salesian Cooperator, and Fr. Bill Bucciferro, SDB.  He took St. John Bosco as a patron for his educational efforts and went to Turin in 2015 on a Don Bosco bicentennial pilgrimage. 

Fr. Tom before his Mass of Thanksgiving,
posing in front of St. John Bosco

After earning a degree in early childhood education from Illinois State, Tom entered the Salesians at Orange, N.J., as a candidate on Jan. 1, 2016.  He made his novitiate at the Salesian house in Richmond, Calif., in 2017-2018 and professed on Aug. 16, 2018, at the Marian Shrine in Haverstraw.

Following 2 years of postnovitiate, Bro. Tom did practical training in 2020-2022 at Abp. Shaw HS in Marrero, La., teaching theology to sophomores and juniors, serving as chaplain to the basketball and baseball teams, and developing good relationships with many students outside the classroom.

In 2022, Bro. Tom began theological studies at the Salesian theologate in Tlaquepaque, Mexico.  He learned Spanish there and became proficient.

After his 3d year, the province decided (after long discernment) to have our theology students attend the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago; consequently, Bro. Tom joined the Salesian community in Chicago and completed his theological studies there. In that one year, he had a discernible impact on the Salesian parish of St. John Bosco-St. James the Apostle.

People greeting Fr. Tom after his Mass of
Thanksgiving at St. John Bosco on June 28

The ordination liturgy included the usual rituals: calling the candidate forward; his presentation to the bishop by Fr. Dominic Tran, the provincial; the bishop’s acceptance and the congregation’s approval through loud applause; then the homily.

Bp. Garcia-Maldonado’s Homily (Summary)

God will touch Tom to be not only a prophet, like Jeremiah (Jer 1:4-9), but also a priest of God. Prophets aren’t always welcomed. There are many challenges in society, in families, and in the Church. We’re grateful that Tom has said yes to Jesus Christ.

Jesus asked Peter three times whether he loved him, and each time Peter said yes (John 21:15-17). Jeremiah said yes.  The Virgin Mary said yes. St. John Bosco said yes. Now Tom says yes, in front of all of us. His yes is permanent, like the yes his parents said in marriage, like the yes of all the married people here.

“Yes” isn’t easy because there are so many challenges. We renew our yes every day in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In Dilexit nos Pope Francis reminded us that Jesus loved us first. Remembering that is, for all of us, a source of renewal and compassion. The Sacred Heart will help us be renewed and transformed, and society too, just as God helped Jeremiah and stood with him even in his trials. Peter was transformed by the love of God when he met Jesus after the resurrection, and he became a missionary disciple of Jesus.

Addressing Deacon Tom directly, the bishop continued: You will be transformed in this Mass by the sacrament of Holy Orders. You will be empowered to act in persona Christi. But you will also experience your humanity and all its sorts of challenges. The Sacred Heart will sustain and renew you in all that.

Every day before you celebrate Mass, hear confessions, or teach in a classroom, remember that Jesus loves you, and say yes to him every day.  Hear his voice in your heart. People will hear his voice and receive his love through you. Love your fellow priests and Salesian brothers. Obey and be humble with your superiors.

The Rite Continued

After the homily, Deacon Tom came forward and, in response to ritual questions, committed himself to faithful priestly service and prayer. Then he prostrated on the floor in front of the sanctuary while the entire congregation chanted the Litany of the Saints, which concluded with a short prayer.

Bishop Garcia-Maldonado imposed hands on Deacon Tom, and then all the priests present did likewise. With the bishop’s prayer of consecration, Deacon Tom became Father Tom. The bishop anointed his hands with sacred chrism, and Fr. Pat Angelucci helped Fr. Tom put on his priestly vestments. The gifts of bread and wine were brought up by Fr. Tom’s family, and these were presented to him as the bishop exhorted him to conform his life to the cross of Christ. The rite concluded with the kiss of peace exchanged by the bishop and the priests with Fr. Tom, and Fr. Tom embracing his parents (to congregational applause).

Fr. Dave Sajdak gives the sign of peace
to Fr. Tom (photo by Fr. Franco Pinto)

Fr. Tom then celebrated his first Eucharistic sacrifice alongside the bishop and the other concelebrants.

Fr. Tom gives his 1st priestly blessing
to Bp. Garcia-Maldonado

The ordination Mass lasted a little over two hours. The parishioners had prepared a grand outdoor reception on the church and youth center grounds, offering food, drink, mariachi music, and an abundance of fellowship.

Two Salesian Brothers Installed as Lectors

Two Salesian Brothers Installed as Lectors

On Friday evening, June 26, Bros. Paul Hotovy and Francis Nguyen were installed as lectors by Fr. Dominic Tran, provincial, at St. James Church in Chicago. St. James the Apostle Parish and St. John Bosco Parish were merged 3 years ago to form one parish in the care of the Salesians.

Bros. Paul and Francis have completed one year of theological studies at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. The ministry of lector is one of the stages that may lead up to diaconal and presbyteral ordination.

Assisting Fr. Dominic at the altar was Deacon Tom Junis, who will be ordained a presbyter on Saturday.

Fr. Tim Ploch called the two brother-candidates forward, and Fr. Dominic preached briefly on the Word of God, which all the baptized are called to take to heart and to proclaim. Then he led the congregation in prayer over the candidates and installed each of them with an exhortation to read and meditate upon the sacred Scriptures.

Present for the liturgical rite were confreres of their Chicago community and others from the far corners of the province. The rite took place within Evening Prayer and concluded with a period of Eucharistic adoration and benediction.

The Salesian Cooperators of Chicago prepared a little reception that followed the liturgy.

Fr. Dave Sajdak, director, assisted by his furry little friend Angela,
blessed the food and prayed for good weather tomorrow.

Vicky Weekley of the province youth ministry office took photos on behalf of the province. My few photos are at https://linkit.shutterfly.com/WEbxiB

Deep Concern and Salesian Solidarity after Earthquake

Deep Concern and Salesian Solidarity after the Earthquake

(ANS – Caracas, Venezuela – June 25, 2026) – The Salesian Congregation is following with deep concern and keen apprehension the dramatic situation unfolding in Venezuela following the 2 powerful earthquakes that struck the country on the afternoon of June 24, causing numerous casualties, severe structural damage, and major disruptions to communications and essential services.

The earthquakes and their consequences

According to initial reports, the earthquakes occurred 39 seconds apart at 6:05 p.m., with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale, and had their epicenter in the north of the country, in an area near the Carabobo-Yaracuy axis, at a depth of approximately 6 miles.

Communications with the areas closest to the epicenter are largely disrupted, making direct contact extremely difficult. In many areas, the electricity supply is still cut off or unstable, while rescue teams are working under challenging conditions to reach those affected and assess the extent of the damage. There are reports of collapsed buildings in Caracas and La Guaira, and initial assessments of the disaster indicate dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, although these figures are provisional and, sadly, are likely to rise as search operations progress and access to the worst-affected areas becomes possible.

The situation for the Salesian Family

According to the latest report from the Planning and Development Office (PDO) of the Salesian Province in Venezuela, based in Caracas, several Salesian institutions have sustained damage.

The worst affected are the Don Bosco school and church in Sarria, which have sustained serious structural damage. Further damage, albeit less severe, has been reported in Altamira, La Dolorida, Mariches, and the San José secondary school.

Despite the gravity of the situation, information received so far indicates that all the Salesians who have been contacted are safe and there have been no casualties within the Salesian Family. Confirmation has also been received from Ms. Oriana of the PDO in Caracas regarding extensive structural damage in Caracas and La Guaira, with some buildings having completely collapsed.

The newly appointed provincial of Venezuela, Fr. Jorge Elias Ghazal Mora, has already launched an appeal to raise funds for emergency aid and to support the initial relief and reconstruction efforts.

The Rector Major’s solidarity

Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard immediately expressed his solidarity, saying: “We are following the events in Venezuela with deep concern. I wish to express my personal solidarity, and that of the entire Salesian Congregation, with our confreres, the young people, and the families affected. In this time of great trial, you are not alone: we are united with you in prayer and in concrete solidarity, asking the Lord to sustain the relief and reconstruction efforts.”

In these hours of grief and uncertainty, the Salesian Family thruout the world wishes to express its practical and spiritual solidarity with our confreres, young people, and all those affected, and is following the unfolding situation with close attention and concern, while mobilizing in solidarity to support relief and assistance efforts.

Salesians and Rise Against Hunger Partner to Feed 20,000

Salesians and Rise Against Hunger Partner to Provide Better Nutrition for More than 20,000 People

(ANS – Juba, South Sudan – June 22, 2026) – More than 20,000 people who are part of the Don Bosco Mission in South Sudan had access to better nutrition through 2 shipments that arrived in the first quarter of 2026. The food shipment was the result of a partnership between Salesian Missions of New Rochelle and Rise Against Hunger, a nonprofit that helps underserved people worldwide achieve food security and resilience.

The Don Bosco Mission supports primary schools with about 7,000 children, 3 secondary schools accommodating around 1,800 students, and approximately 5,900 internally displaced persons living in the Don Bosco Camp. The mission also includes 5 parishes where many vulnerable and low-income families reside. The fortified rice meals played a crucial role in addressing immediate food needs, especially among children, students, displaced families, and the poorest members of the surrounding community.

Among the recipients are those internally displaced with the Don Bosco Mission Juba, students with Don Bosco Mission at Maridi, vocational students with Don Bosco Mission at Wau, and Don Bosco Mission at Kuajok, children living on the streets and neighborhood families with Don Bosco Mission at Tonj, and students in primary and secondary school as well as parishioners with Don Bosco Mission at Morobo. The rice is being utilized for daily school feedings, a monthly ration for those displaced living in the Don Bosco Camp in Gumbo, Juba, and as timely support for poor families in the parish and neighborhoods.

 One of those supported is Sunday, who lives in the Don Bosco Camp. She noted that every day is a struggle to find food and a sense of safety. She said, “Some days we would eat only once, and sometimes not even a single meal. Our parents and guardians worried constantly about how to find food as many donors had pulled out of supporting us; therefore many of us relied on irregular support, and when supplies ran out, it created tension and fear in the community.”

Sunday added, “When the rice finally arrived and was distributed, it made a real difference. For a time, families didn’t have to worry as much about their next meal. In my own home, we are able to eat regularly, and this has brought a sense of relief and dignity.” 

Another recipient, Mary, is a student at the Don Bosco Primary School in Gumbo. Being internally displaced has made life challenging, but Mary still has hope for the future. She’d like to be a teacher one day. She said, “Even with challenges, going to school gives me hope. It is a place where I can learn, play with my friends, and feel safe. But many days, I would come to school without eating anything. It was hard to concentrate in class, and sometimes I felt too weak to participate fully. I know many of my classmates had the same problem, and it affected our learning.”

 Mary noted, “Now that the project is being implemented, it has made a big difference in my life. Every school day, we are given rice for breakfast. This simple meal has helped me so much. I feel stronger, more focused and ready to learn. It has reduced the hunger I used to feel in the mornings, and I can now pay attention in class and enjoy my studies since I am assured of a meal at both school and home. This has impacted my friends too. One of my friends said that before she sometimes stayed home because she was too hungry, but now she comes to school every day. Another friend mentioned that the rice has helped his younger siblings, too, when food is shared at home. We all agreed that it has brought positive changes, even though we still hope for more support.”

Salesian missionaries in South Sudan are dedicated to providing programs and services across the country. Salesian missionaries provide education, social development services, nutrition programs, and health clinics for poor youths and their families. For some, the education offered at Salesian schools is the only opportunity to gain an education and the skills necessary for future employment. 

South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 but has faced an ongoing civil war that started in December 2013 and continues today. This has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis. According to the United States Institute of Peace, more than 10 million people have been forced from their homes. The war has also triggered the world’s worst hunger crisis with more than 18 million Sudanese living in acute food insecurity.

Source: Mission Newswire

Fr. Egidio Vigano': Pastor for Church and Salesian Family

Fr. Egidio Viganò: A Pastor for the Church and the Salesian Family

(ANS – Rome – June 23, 2026) - On June 23, 1995, Fr. Egidio Viganò, 7th successor of Don Bosco, returned to the Father at the Salesian Generalate in Rome. Today, 31 years after his passing, the Salesian Family remembers him with gratitude and renewed awareness of the enduring relevance of his teaching and witness. He concluded his earthly pilgrimage surrounded by the prayer and affection of his confreres, the Salesian Family, and many friends who recognized in him a fatherly guide, a theologian deeply rooted in the Church, and a faithful and creative interpreter of Don Bosco’s charism for the contemporary world.

Roots in Italy, Heart in Latin America

Born in Sondrio, northern Italy, in 1920 into a large and deeply Christian family, Egidio Viganò encountered Don Bosco at an early age and embraced the Salesian vocation with conviction and generosity. As a young confrere, he was sent as a missionary to Chile, where he would spend more than 3 decades of intense apostolic and academic activity. So profound was his identification with the continent that he came to regard Latin America as his “second homeland,” and was widely considered “Latin American by adoption.”

In Chile he combined pastoral zeal with serious theological formation, earning a doctorate in theology at the Catholic University of Santiago, where he later served as professor and dean of the faculty. His intellectual clarity and ecclesial fidelity led the Chilean bishops to appoint him as a theological expert (peritus) during the Second Vatican Council. There he closely followed the Council’s doctrinal developments and pastoral renewal, an experience that would shape his vision for the rest of his life. He would later dedicate himself to “sharing the bread of the Council” with the Salesian Family thru his letters and animation.

Rector Major and Guide in the Postconciliar Years

Elected Rector Major during the general chapter of 1977, Fr. Viganò was reconfirmed for 3 consecutive terms, guiding the Congregation for nearly 18 years. In a period marked by postconciliar renewal and profound cultural change, he helped the Salesians live Don Bosco’s charism in deep fidelity to the Church while remaining open to the challenges of modern times, especially in the years leading to the Great Jubilee of 2000.

His magisterium as Rector Major is remembered particularly thru his annual strenne and his rich circular letters. With intellectual depth and pastoral sensitivity, he insisted on the sentire cum Ecclesia—to feel and think with the Church in obedience and love for the Pope. He constantly urged the Salesian Family to renew itself in fidelity, to rediscover the spiritual and pedagogical richness of the Preventive System, and to place young people—especially the poorest—at the center of every work and project.

At the Service of the Universal Church

The esteem enjoyed by Fr. Viganò extended far beyond the Salesian world. Pope St. John Paul II entrusted him with numerous consultative responsibilities, recognizing in him a lucid interpreter of consecrated life and a passionate educator attentive to the pressing questions of the contemporary world. He served as member or consultor of several pontifical bodies, including the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Pontifical Council for the Family, and the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.

Between 1980 and 1994 he participated, by papal appointment, in various synods of bishops, offering valuable contributions on evangelization, the family, the laity, and consecrated life. In 1986 he was invited to preach the spiritual retreat to the Pope and the Roman Curia—an eloquent sign of confidence in his spiritual depth and doctrinal solidity. Many described him as “a Latin American Don Bosco,” highlighting his ability to unite theological rigor, pastoral creativity, and closeness to people, especially the young and the poor.

A Life Offered in Suffering and Hope

The final years of Fr. Viganò’s life were marked by illness, lived with serenity and abandonment to God’s will. Though gradually weakened by cancer, he never ceased to accompany the Congregation thru prayer and counsel for as long as his strength permitted. On June 23, 1995, he died in Rome, assisted by his confreres and spiritually surrounded by the entire Salesian Family spread thruout the world.

News of his passing was received with profound emotion in Salesian presences across continents, among the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, lay collaborators and the many young people who had encountered him thru his visits, writings, and paternal guidance. In the Salesian tradition, his death was lived not only as a moment of grief, but as a call to renewed fidelity to Don Bosco within the Church of today.

A Legacy That Still Speaks Today

Fr. Egidio Viganò leaves behind a rich legacy of theological and spiritual reflection, particularly thru his letters as Rector Major, which continue to nourish the identity and mission of the Salesian Family. In them he proposed paths of renewal rooted in the Second Vatican Council, insisted on the centrality of Christ and the Eucharist, and constantly pointed to Mary Help of Christians as mother and teacher of Don Bosco’s disciples. His reflections on the role of the Salesian director, on community as a place of formation and mission, and on the co‑responsibility of the laity within the charism remain strikingly relevant.

Remembering him today is not merely an act of historical recollection, but an invitation to rediscover the synthesis he embodied: fidelity to Don Bosco, to the Constitutions, and to the Church; and creativity in responding to new cultural and ecclesial challenges. On this anniversary, the Congregation renews its commitment to courageous and joyful fidelity, confident that the spirit which animated Fr. Viganò continues to bear fruit in the mission for the young thruout the world.

Homily for Tuesday, Week 12 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Tuesday
Week 12 of Ordinary Time

June 23, 2026
Year II
2 Kings 19: 9-11, 14-21, 31-36
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph Residence, N.R.
“Will you, then, be saved?” (2 Kings 19: 11).

Hezekiah - St. Mary Church, Ahus, Sweden
(produced for Wikipedia by David Castor)

One theme runs thru the collection of Old Testament books attributed to the sacred writer called the Deuteronomist:  Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings.  We might call him the biblical historian or even the archivist.

The theme is, Israel is secure when they’re faithful to their covenant with the Lord, and they meet disaster when they forget the Lord.

So today we find the little kingdom of Judah under threat from the powerful Assyrian empire, which has already devoured the rest of the Near East, including the unfaithful kingdom of Israel.

Hezekiah has been a devout and faithful ruler, one of the few whom the Deuteronomist praises.  Encouraged by the prophet Isaiah, he turns to the Lord, praying for Jerusalem’s deliverance, and the Lord saves the city by inflicting disaster on the arrogant enemy army.

The Defeat of Sennacherib
(Peter Paul Rubens)

In the responsorial psalm, we pondered God’s mercy within his temple (48:10).  That mercy assures God’s people today, Jesus’ Church, that we will stand secure against whoever thinks to surround, overwhelm, and lay her waste (2 Kgs 19:17), whether that be the demonic foe (“the gates of hell shall not prevail against her” [Matt 16:18]) or an earthly oppressor.

Further, like Hezekiah, we trust in God to deliver us from our demonic enemy and from the oppression of our sins.  We count on God’s mercy within the temple of our souls.  We acknowledge our failings, but we know that our Lord Jesus has set us on the firm foundation of his love (Collect).

Salesian NGOs Gather in Samoens, France

Salesian NGOs from around the World Gather in Samoëns

(ANS – Samoëns, France – June 22, 2026) – Representatives of foundations, mission offices, and Salesian NGOs from around the world gathered from June 16 to 18 at the I Becchi holiday village in Samoëns, in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, France. Brought together within the Don Bosco Network, they shared impressions, ideas, reflections, and best practices to collaborate ever more effectively and continue to support the Salesian mission globally.

The Don Bosco Network organizes exchange events, working groups, and 2 general assemblies thruout the year. While most of these global meetings take place via video-conference, once a year all its members gather in one place: this year, province of France- South Belgium (FRB) was chosen as the venue to welcome everyone to the heart of the I Becchi holiday village in Samoëns, which belongs to the AEC-Vacances Salesian association.

The event was attended by representatives from Salesian Missions (USA), Via Don Bosco (Belgium), Misiones Salesianas (Spain), Don Bosco Mondo (Germany), VIS – International Volunteers for Development (Italy), Don Bosco Jugendhilfe Weltweit (Switzerland), Bosconet (India), Savio (Slovakia), Don Bosco Aid (Ireland), Don Bosco Mission (Austria), Foundation Don Bosco (France), Don Bosco Foundation (Malta), Salezjanski Osrodek Misyjny (Poland,) and Salesian Missions-Australia.

Projects and missionary outreach

These independent NGOs thus act as a link among themselves and the Salesian Congregation, in particular with the Missions Department, represented at the meeting by Fr. Eric Mairura. All these organizations work closely with the local Salesian authorities, from whom they receive funding for their projects. How? In each Salesian circumscription, a planning and development office and a structure for mission animation are responsible for developing and ensuring the sustainability – particularly the financial sustainability – of Don Bosco’s educational mission at a local level.

Furthermore, in order to ensure transparency and ethical standards in the use of donations collected by these NGOs, the Don Bosco Network has developed tools such as a database of supported projects, as well as guides and manuals on the sound management of a supported project, from the initial stages thru to the post-project phase.

Learning

At the meeting in Samoëns, members had invited representatives from the Don Bosco Tech programs of Africa, India, ASEAN, and Europe, which develop and promote quality formation thru learning in their respective areas of focus. These large-scale organizations operate in the spirit of St. John Bosco – who sought to provide every young person with formation and a trade to foster his dignity and holistic development – and their programs are in many cases funded thru support from these NGOs and major industrial groups.

Emergency aid

The Don Bosco Network is also able to mobilize substantial resources at very short notice for its emergency programs: earthquakes, tsunamis, wars, etc. The large sums raised in this way pass thru the Congregation’s central offices in Rome, which thus ensures the proper and ethical use of the donations.

Finally, during the meeting in Samoëns, all those present had the opportunity to be re-energized in the truest Salesian spirit, at the foot of the Savoie mountains of St. Francis de Sales, and in the company of numerous local Salesians, including the FRB provincial, Fr. Xavier Ernst, and the provincial treasurer, Bro. Sebastien Robert, SDB.

Salesian Missions in New Rochelle was represented by Fr. Mike Conway, director, and Fr. Krzys Nizniak, assistant director.

Source: Don Bosco Aujourd’hui

Salesian Missions Supports Vulnerable Sierra Leone Boys

Salesian Missions Supports 131 Vulnerable Boys at Sierra Leone Child Care Center

(ANS – Freetown, Sierra Leone – June 17, 2026) – Salesian missionaries had donor funding to support 131 boys in the Child Care Center in Sierra Leone. The center is part of Don Bosco Fambul’s temporary shelter and rehabilitation facility for vulnerable boys aged 5-16 who have suffered severe violations of their fundamental rights or endured harmful conditions on the streets. Don Bosco Fambul, located in Freetown, is one of Sierra Leone’s leading child-welfare organizations. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions of New Rochelle.

The funding supported 131 boys with residential care services. In addition, 88 families and caregivers had access to reunification, counseling, and follow-up support; 17 highly vulnerable households received targeted financial assistance; and 128 youths were able to access education.

The center provides immediate protection and structured care for youths who have suffered abuse, neglect, trafficking, family rejection, forced labor, substance misuse, and other forms of exploitation. Referrals come through established national child protection pathways, including the ChildLine 525, Don Bosco Mobil outreach teams, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Family Support Unit of the Sierra Leone Police, partner organizations, community leaders, and concerned citizens.

 The center operates 24 hours a day and delivers comprehensive services aimed at stabilizing, rehabilitating, and reintegrating each child back with his family or caregiver. Salesians provide safe accommodation, nutritious meals, medical and psychosocial care, trauma counseling, spiritual support, structured educational and recreational activities, legal and protection services, and a family tracing and reunification program. The goal is to prepare each youth for reintegration into a safe and nurturing family environment — whether biological, extended or foster-based. For boys whose home situation remains unsafe or unviable, the center refers them to the Don Bosco Group Home for long-term residential care and skills development.

 John, aged 13, is one of the youths who benefited from the center. Before accessing the center’s services, John’s life was disappearing under the weight of poverty. He said: “My life stopped being about a future and started being a daily, exhausting struggle just to stay alive. My dreams were slipping away, hidden under the weight of hunger and the constant ‘hustle’ of the streets.”

John said that the turning point was not just the outreach, but his own decision to trust the process provided by Don Bosco Fambul. He explained: “When I first walked through their doors, I was a mix of fear, uncertainty, and a very fragile kind of hope. But I chose to stay. And that choice changed everything. In that nurturing environment, I started to remember who I was. I stopped just surviving and started participating. I went from a boy struggling to survive alone on the streets to a young man preparing for a life filled with possibility.”

John has made significant strides in his education. He has taken the West African Senior School Certificate Examination. John noted: “It is a milestone that reflects more than just my grades. It reflects my resilience and the fact that someone believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.”

Homily for 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Homily for the
12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

June 21, 2026
Rom 5: 12-15
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

Adam & Eve expelled
from Paradise (Masaccio)

“Thru one man sin entered the world, and thru sin, death (Rom 5: 12).

The one man of whom St. Paul speaks is Adam, the one father of the human race according to the creation stories of the book of Genesis.

We don’t have to read those stories as literal history in order to understand their theology, the truth they convey as divine revelation, just as we don’t read the parable of the Good Samaritan as something that actually happened.

The truth of the 1st chapters of Genesis is that God made the world good and full of life.  Human choices—like the arrogance and disobedience displayed by the man and the woman in the Garden of Eden—marked a turning away from God, from goodness, beauty, and harmony.  Sin isn’t God’s doing, but ours.  Death and disorder in the universe aren’t from God but from rejecting God.  “Thru a human being sin entered the world, and thru sin, death.”

God is able to deal with that.  He has put into operation Plan B, as it were, the recovery operation of his own Son:  “the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflows for the many” (5:15).  Jesus of Nazareth, crucified because he was faithful to God his Father, rose from the grave.  He conquered death, and thru his risen life offers to all men and women a free and complete pardon from sin and from the penalty of sin, viz., damnation and death.

The Last Supper (detail)
by Dagnan-Bouveret

St. Paul teaches that this “gracious gift” of God “overflows for the many.”  It overflows without limit, and it’s “for many,” the phrase Jesus used at the Last Supper when he gave to his disciples the cup of his blood of the new covenant, poured out for the redemption of sinners.  “For many,” not for a limited few.  Not only for those who followed Jesus there and then; not for the apostles or our Blessed Mother only.  Not for the Jewish people only.  But for as many as would follow him and put their faith in him, “from the rising of the sun to its setting,” as the 3d Eucharistic Prayer says—without a limit of time or space.  God’s grace is boundless when we turn away from sin and turn toward him.

We can join Jeremiah in praising the Lord for rescuing the lives of the poor, us poor sinners; for rescuing us from the power of the wicked (20:13), i.e., from Satan and his gang of fallen angels.