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(ANS - Rome) – The General Council of the Salesian Congregation’s work of appointing new Superiors continues. On Wednesday, 11 December, it was announced that Fr Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, with the favourable opinion of the other members of the General Council, appointed Fr Vitális Gábor as the new Superior of the St Stephen the King Province of Hungary (UNG), with its provincial headquarters in Óbuda Budapest.
Phuoc Loc Don Bosco, Vietnam – December 2024 – On December 9, 2024, the Phuoc Loc Don Bosco Community celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, its patron saint. The thanksgiving Mass, held at 5:30 p.m., was presided over by the Provincial Fr. Barnaba Le An Phong, alongside other priests from the Province and the Community. In his homily, Fr. Barnaba highlighted the significance of the Virgin Mary's "Immaculate Conception" as a divine grace and noted that God grants grace uniquely to each individual. This feast holds particular importance for the Don Bosco Congregation, marking the day Saint Don Bosco founded his oratory. The well organized solemn mass concluded with the expressions of gratitude from Fr Giuse Nguyen Xuan Quang, the Rector, which was followed by a fraternal agape.
Victorias, Negros, the Philippines - December 2024 - On November 9, 2024, the Leaders and Animators’ Formation (LAF) 2024 took place at Don Bosco Technical Institute - Victorias, Inc., themed “Bridging the Gap: Design, Technology, and Youth Ministry.” The event aimed to equip young leaders with skills for effective ministry through the ethical use of technology.
Participants from various Don Bosco settings in the Negros District attended workshops, including one on “Artificial Intelligence & the Usage of Adobe, Canva in Youth Ministry.” Kuya Eduardo Empelis, Jr. discussed AI's significance and introduced tools for time management and content creation, aligned with the PIE method: Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating. Ate Patlyn Panares led a session on design principles using Adobe and Canva, culminating in a hands-on project. The event concluded with awards for the best design and a mass celebrating the motto “Youth Serving Youth,” reinforcing commitment to youth ministry.
Daejeon, Jeju Island, Korea – December 2024 – On December 8, 2024, during the concluding Mass of the annual retreat, 14 aspirants made their promises as Salesian Cooperators. This year’s retreat was held at the Salesian Education and Pastoral Center in Daejeon and the Isidore Youth Center on Jeju Island. In Daejeon, approximately 190 participants attended the retreat from November 30 to December 1, where 12 new cooperators made their promises. The event also celebrated six cooperators marking the 25th anniversary of their commitments under the theme "Journey Towards Hope." On Jeju Island, 25 participants, including cooperators and assistants from three centers, gathered on December 8, where two new promises were made. In his homily, Fr. Marcello Baek Kwang-hyeon emphasized the importance of being "beacons of hope" for marginalized youth. The retreat was organized by Fr. John Bosco Park Hae-seung and Sr. Gertrude Kim Seong-min, along with the national council, creating a meaningful experience for all attendees.