Tigaraksa, Indonesia – December 2024 – The Salesians and the Salesian Family in Indonesia celebrated Christmas 2024 together and welcomed the new year 2025. The celebration was held at the Salesian Novitiate Community of Don Bosco, in Tigaraksa, Tangerang, on 28 December 2024. The series of Christmas celebrations began with a conference by Fr Vincentius Prastowo, Superior of the Salesian Vice-Province of Indonesia (INA), who spoke with those present about Strenna 2025. Ample space was then given to the 150th anniversary of the sending of the first missionaries to Argentina and the beginning of the Jubilee Year. The conference was followed by a Eucharistic celebration in the chapel at the Salesian Novitiate in Tigaraksa and by listening to the testimony of Fr Noel Villafuerte, a Filipino missionary in Indonesia. The day ended with a shared meal and some artistic shows from groups of the Salesian Family.

Sliema, Malta – December 2024 – The Salesian St Patrick’s Church in Malta has been designated by the Archbishop of Malta as one of the doors for the Jubilee of Hope. This honour reflects the vibrant and inclusive pastoral mission of the Salesian Church, which has flourished in particular over the last four years. St Patrick’s has become a centre of spiritual renewal, welcoming members of 29 nationalities and offering them a sense of belonging and accompaniment. Its focus goes beyond the offer of sacramental services, giving priority to the personal guidance of different groups, including young people from all over the world and young families. In announcing this recognition, the Archbishop urged the Salesians to promote two key practices: promoting the Sacrament of Reconciliation and encouraging Eucharistic Adoration. This invitation underlines the profound spiritual significance of these sacraments as pillars of hope and renewal in the Jubilee year. St Patrick’s continues to embody a dynamic and inclusive spirit, bringing people closer to God and each other.

(ANS – Tirupattur) – The second day of the South Asian Salesian Youth Movement Fest (SYMFEST) in Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu, India, on December 30, 2024, was an enriching and dynamic experience designed to inspire, reflect, and celebrate the values of youth engagement, environmental responsibility, and interfaith harmony. The participants engaged in meaningful discussions, interactive sessions, and vibrant celebrations, each contributing uniquely to the day’s themes.