Świętochłowice, Poland – December 2024 – A meeting of young people from Salesian oratories in the Province of Krakow (PLS), called "Oratoriada", was held from 29 November to 1 December at the Don Bosko" School complex in Świętochłowice For three days, the young people associated with Salesian works in the south of Poland prayed together, shared experiences, participated in workshops and moments of play and fun. It all began with adoration led by Fr Adam Starzyk and accompanied by the "Pactum" band and the testimony of David Cmok, also known for the film "The Called". There was also a time for confession, prayer and singing. After the moments of integration, the rector of the local community, Fr Krzysztof Pyzik, addressed a few words to the participants. The second day began intensely with an inspiring conferences by Fr Adrian Chojnicki and the Missionary Sisters of Charity. Participants, divided into groups, took part in a series of workshops: drumming, folk dances, journalism (conducted by Radio EM), theatre, medicine, creativity, health, as well as interaction with alpacas. In the afternoon there was a cultural trip to the city of Świętochłowice and on the way back there were sports games, short friendly meetings and an original St Andrew's Day. The last day coincided with the beginning of Advent and the new liturgical year. The young people were introduced to this special time by Fr Mirek Kosiec, who encouraged everyone to reflect on their own intentions.

Text: Facebook Oratorium Świętochłowice
Photo: Oratorium Świętochłowice

Belo Horizonte, Brazil – November 2024 – A Meeting of the Salesian Family Commision took place on 30 November at the Salesian Belo Horizonte (BBH), , with ten participants, including priests and laypeople in charge of the coordination of the different groups of the Salesian Family in the Province. One of the topics discussed at this meeting, chaired by Fr Natale Vitali, BBH Provincial, was the beginning of the reflection on the Salesian Family Spirituality Day 2025 for all members. In addition, a formation event was held on the theme of Strenna 2025. The various groups of the Salesian Family shared the evangelising activities underway in the BBH Province and evaluations of each group were made.

Manta, Ecuador – November 2024 – The authorities of the San José Educational Unit in Manta, belonging to the Salesian Province of Ecuador (ECU), received an acknowledgement from the delegates of Cambridge University Press that they belong to the Cambridge International Certification project. The oyalty Partner Program was awarded to the San José Educational Unit, for having been one of the institutions that, for five consecutive years has delivered graduates with international certification in English to the company. The Educational Unit started the project to strengthen the English language, promoting the international Cambridge certification at levels B1 and B2, starting from the 2019-2020 school year. This program stems from the national project to strengthen the English language promoted by the English Commission of the National Council of Salesian Education (CONESA). Year after year, third-year high school students have the opportunity to have an exclusive preparation to take the international English exam as part of the curricular lesson day and thus obtain their international certificate. This year was no exception and in December, in addition to having a group of students who will take the B1 "Preliminary for School – PET" exam, there will be a group of students who will take the "First Certificate in English" exam, also known as FCE. This is an exam that belongs to the Cambridge family of international assessments that guarantees a level from B2 to C1 and C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).