(ANS - Manta) - "The people we work for in the school and in the parish are passing through a time of sorrow and need. I invite everyone to have an attitude of solidarity in this Year of Mercy,” said Fr Jorge Molina, Provincial in Ecuador, after hearing of the situation of many people after the earthquake.

Isole delle Femmine, Italy - April 2016 – The Second National Meeting of the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) took place from 15 to 17 April, on the theme "With Jesus, in the Church, for the world." The meeting which takes place every two years elaborated on the documents of the conference in Florence and on the 2016 Strenna of the Rector Major.  The more than 400 participants discussed the concrete experiences of the Salesian Cooperators, shared the situation in their own centre and their experience of faith. Archbishop Corrado Lorefice of Palermo and Archbishop Michele Pennisi of Monreale were also present, the latter presiding over the concluding Eucharist.

Nasugbu, Philippines - April 2016 - On 18 April Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga, Councillor for the Southern Asia Region, concluded the Extraordinary Visitation to the Salesian Province of the Northern Philippines (FIN) He had a meeting with the Provincial, Fr  Paul Bicomong, and his Council to share observations and recommendations. During the visit, which began on 4 February, Fr Kanaga took part in a meeting with the directors, visited the 26 Salesian Houses and listened to all the Salesians. He also participated in the re-enthronement of the Statue of Mary Help of Christians in Manila Cathedral at a ceremony which was presided over by the Archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. On 8 March he gave a good night at a meeting of the Provincials and Delegates of the East Asia-Oceania Region, in the presence of the Rector Major and some General Councillors.