Kochi, India – November 2024 – The Salesian Psychological Association (SPA) of the South Asia Region organised a five-day workshop on "Growing up in psychosexual and celibate maturity", on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the association's foundation. The event, held at the Ashir Bhavan pastoral centre of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, in Kochi, from 15 to 19 November, was aimed at priests, Salesian brothers and sisters. Fr Jose Parappully, SDB, Director of the Sumedha Centre for Psychological and Spiritual Well-being at Jharmari, in the Indian Punjab, as well as founder and former President of the SPA, facilitated the work, and the days were organised under the guidance of Fr CM Joseph Cherukunnel, SDB, President of the SPA, and Fr NK George Nedumkallel, SDB, member of the SPA. The activities were opened by Bishop Antony Valumkal, the newly consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly; sessions then focused on the understanding of both sexuality and celibacy, and on their healthy integration. The 22 participants, involved in various apostolates and from various parts of the country, explored some challenges faced by priests, men and women religious and covered numerous topics that allowed them to conduct an effective personal introspection, capable of supporting them and allowing them to experience strength and commitment to lead a full and happy life.

(ANS – Rome) – Last Friday, 22 November 2024, at the UPS, the Salesian Historical Institute (ISS), in collaboration with the Don Bosco Study Centre (CSDB) at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome, presented the volume Giovanni Bosco, Predicazione. Introduzione, testi critici e note a cura di Aldo Giraudo e Massimo Schwarzel. (= ISS – Fonti, Prima Series, 18). Rome, 2024. The symposium involved numerous scholars who were able to illustrate the originality and specific value of this new text on St John Bosco.

(ANS – Ivato) – Each year, the “Mary Immaculate” Vice-Province of Madagascar (MDG) organizes a special three- or four-day training course for young Salesians in the internship/practical training phase, held between October and November, depending on availability. This year, the meeting took place from November 16 to 19, 2024. While the community in Fianarantsoa, housing the post-novitiate, is usually chosen as the venue for these training sessions, this time the event was hosted at the Vice-Province headquarters, the “Don Bosco Ivato” center.