(ANS – Rome) – Near the opening of the Holy Year, on 24 December 2024, the Salesian San Callisto Community in Rome, responsible for the catacomb complex of the same name, invites the entire world Salesian Family to visit, the Catacombs of San Callisto during the Jubilee Year, a unique treasure chest of hope entrusted to the Congregation.

Rome, Italy – November 2024 - Continuous legislative changes and the desire to achieve the objectives that the Church and the Salesian Congregation indicate as best practices for the good life impose the need to meet and be formed. This is what the Economers, the Coordinators of Administrative Management (CGA in Italian) and the Rectors of the houses in Central Circumscription, Italy (ICC) did in Rome at the Provincial House on 27 and 28 November. The programmme, busy and well organised by the Provincial Economer, Fr Francesco Valente, and his collaborators, saw several consultants take turns as speakers to present some legislative innovations and proposals in terms of sustainable electricity supply. The theme that held the session for part of the morning and for the entire afternoon was the one relating to photovoltaic systems, whose implementation meets two fundamental requirements: financial savings and a response to the 8th action guidelines of GC28. Presented by the ‘Fratello Sole’ Consortium, of which the Province is a member, are the CERS, responsible and solidarity-based energy communities: a way to share the energy produced by specially united photovoltaic cells, set up in order to reinvest what is saved in goods and/or services available to the community. Another issue addressed was tax reform. On 28 November, the Rectors were added to address two other very important issues: the final budget of the Province for the year 2023 and the new Code of Ethics. The morning then saw the presentation, by lawyer Anna Rita Zedda, of the innovations introduced by Legislative Decree 81/2008 that led to the modification of the already existing Code of Ethics adopted by the Salesian Works throughout Italy.

An emotion-filled weekend marked the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the San Giovanni Bosco Catholic Action Group in Vasto. On Saturday, November 30, and Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Salesian Parish welcomed a vibrant community eager to celebrate half a century of shared commitment and values. "Step by Step: A Journey of 50 Years" was the theme guiding the two days of celebrations, emphasizing the importance of constant and patient work that transformed a small seed into a flourishing tree. This unique Salesian initiative stands out, as the presence of Catholic Action within Salesian communities is rare. However, the story of the Vasto group, which began in 1974, continues to joyfully witness the Gospel, enriching the area it serves. The main event, held at the Rossetti Theater, retraced 50 years of history through a short theatrical performance, supported by videos, historical photos, and heartfelt personal testimonies. Among the attendees was the Mayor of Vasto, Francesco Menna, who highlighted the crucial role of Catholic Action in shaping younger generations. Fr. Giovanni Molinari, the first assistant parish priest in 1974, shared emotional memories of the association's beginnings. The current parish priest, Fr. Alvaro Forcellini, emphasized the importance of Catholic Action in parish life, and Fr. Massimiliano Dragani, the group’s animator, concluded with words of gratitude and encouragement. The evening’s second part featured a stimulating debate on the theme "From Discernment to Thinking, From Thinking to Action," with the participation of numerous guests. The event concluded with Sunday’s Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Molinari.

(ANS – Turin) – The Extraordinary Visitation to the Mary Help of Christians Special Circumscription of Piedmont and the Valle d'Aosta, Italy (ICP) also came to a close at the end of November, led by Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, and Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Councillor for the Mediterranean Region.

Turin, Italy – 1952 – The remarkable increase in students enrolled at the Agnelli Institute in Turin imposed the need for a new, more suitable school building. In August 1951 work began. The Costruzioni e Implantì Fiat management commissioned architect Albertini, who, at Fr Rossi's suggestion, designed a long three-storey building plus a basement. In October 1952 the Salesian Community finally left the old house and moved into the new building and with the beginning of the new school year the young people found a place in large classrooms. The opening was also attended by lawyer Giovanni Agnelli, who was accompanied by the then Rector Major, Fr Renato Ziggiotti, on a visit to the new premises.

(ANS – Rome) – Scholars at the Don Bosco Study Centre (CSDB) at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome actively participate in the discussion, research and development of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects, with the aim of accompanying and supporting researchers and students by offering relevant scientific resources in the fields of education, history and Salesian spirituality in the digital age.