Hyderabad, India - February 2016 - A meeting of the Provincial Economers of the South Asia Region took place from 21 to 23 February, in the Province of Hyderabad. It was led by Fr Piotr Gozdalski and Fabio Buconi from the Economer General’s office. During the opening session, the Provincial of Hyderabad, Fr Thathireddy Vijaya Bhaskar, stressed the importance of transparency and the ability to guide the Province efficiently and effectively. Various issues were discussed including compliance with tax laws, collaboration and relationship with the Economer General’s office, strengthening collaboration with the Mission office in New Delhi, improving financial management through a common accounting software package - Acme ERP - and the strengthening of financial management networks in the region.  

Curitiba, Brazil - February 2016 - On 2 February, Fr Asidio Deretti, Provincial of Porto Alegre (BPA), presided at the opening Mass in the Salesian novitiate of the Immaculate Conception. He entrusted twelve novices to the Rector and Novice Master Fr Cássio Rodrigo (BSP), who will guide them through the year. The formation team took part as did Fr Adalberto Alves De Jesus, Vice-Provincial of Campo Grande (BCG).  

Medellin, Colombia - February 2016 - On 22 and 23 February the commission for Formation in Communication of the Salesian Family met at the Provincial House of Medellin (COM). The participants included Salesians, FMA, Daughters of the Sacred Heart and committed lay people in charge of education and communication in their respective provinces. Various issues were addressed including a reflection on assertive communication, revision of a document that will be shared with the communities, and the agenda for the fourth ESA Congress (Medellín 2017)