(ANS - Ramaparam) - "Although we are confounded and distressed our certitude in the Lord’s power ushers us on." For more than 40 days Mathew Uzhunnalil has not heard from his brother who was kidnapped in Aden during a terrorist attack. Yet, along with the rest of his family, he trusts always in the Lord and he still finds the strength to thank everyone who has shown concern for Fr Tom, beginning with Pope Francis for his appeal, and including all those who pray for his release.

Caracas, Venezuela - April 2016 - The Chapter of the Salesian province of Venezuela (VEN) took place from 10 to 15 April. In his homily the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Aldo Giordano, said: "on behalf of Pope Francis I am pleased to say thank you for your life and mission for the Church in Venezuela. As a Piedmontese I feel particularly proud of the presence of the very rich charism of Don Bosco in this 'land of grace', especially in the educational field, with young people, in marginalized areas of the country. "

Ondo, Nigeria - 15 April 2016 - Fr Ivo Coelho, Councillor for Formation, has travelled to Ondo to meet the educational community, the youth of the technical school and the Salesians. The technical school in Ondo is one of the most popular in the country. The Salesians are working to raise the educational level and to further improve youth employment and the continuation of studies in university programmes.