Messina, Italy - December 2024 - On 13 December, an important symposium was held at the St Thomas Theological Institute (ITST) in Messina on the theme ‘Dai Dubia a Fiducia Supplicans: Per un dibattito teologico dialogico e non polemico’ (‘From Dubia to Fiducia Supplicans: For a dialogical and non-polemical theological debate’), an opportunity for profound and serene reflection on the delicate relationship between faith, ecclesiastical authority and bioethics. The discussion, moderated by Professor Rosa Faraone, Professor of the History of Philosophy at the University of Messina, was attended by distinguished speakers, including Professor Marianna Gensabella Furnari, former Professor of Bioethics at the University of Messina and President of the Italian Institute of Bioethics, Sicily Section. The central theme of her address was ‘The maternal heart of the Church’, an exploration of the Church's role as a loving and attentive guide in contemporary moral challenges. Prof. Dino Calderone, former professor of philosophy at Messina high schools, offered a reflection on the delicate balance between freedom, conscience and authority in the Church, raising questions on how these concepts can be integrated without falling into polarisation. Lastly, Prof. Fr Giovanni Russo, SDB, Professor of Bioethics and Director of the ITST and SSSBS in Messina, explored moral and ecclesiological hermeneutics in the context of the passage from the ‘Dubia’ to the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’, inviting the search for a constructive dialogue that overcomes the dichotomy between doubt and the supplication of trust, highlighting the dimension of hope and openness to grace. In his speech, Fr Russo emphasised a fundamental aspect of divine mercy: never judging the sinner, but looking at him with the eyes of compassion.

Cagliari, Italy – December 2024 - From 1 to 6 December 2024, the Salesian community in Cagliari hosted a fraternity and formation meeting for the Salesians in their Quinquennium.  The Quinquennium is a fundamental formation stage that accompanies Salesians in the first five years of their apostolic life after perpetual profession or priestly ordination. Led by Fr Daniele Merlini, Vice-Provincial of the Central Italy Circumscription (ICC), the six Salesians had the opportunity to delve into various issues. Fr Andrea Lupi, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, encouraged a reflection on vocational animation, while Fr Roberto Colameo, Superior of the ICC Circumscription, offered a picture of the Salesian reality in the Mediterranean Region and in Italy. Fr Angelo Santorsola, director of the community of Cagliari, shared the experience of his community and the path that led it to the current configuration. Finally, Fr Francesco Valente, ICC Economer, led a reflection on the financial issues that young Salesians face in the early years of their activity. In addition to the moments of formation, there were also opportunities for fraternity and leisure, such as a visit to the ancient city of Tharros. The welcome of the Salesian community in Cagliari has also helped to make this experience particularly significant. For the young Salesians, the quinquennium Meeting in Cagliari proved to be a precious opportunity for their human and spiritual growth, strengthening the sense of belonging to the Congregation and offering concrete tools for their apostolic service.

(ANS - Turin) - On the afternoon of Saturday 7 December 2024, the 25th edition of the Exhibition of Cribs organised by the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians was opened, hosted this year at the Casa Don Bosco Museum. Numerous nativity scene designers, guests and volunteers were in attendance.

(ANS – San Cataldo) – "So far I thought that the best Oratory after Valdocco was somewhere else, but from this evening I can say that the best Oratory after Valdocco is the one in San Cataldo". This is how Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, Rector Major Emeritus, last Sunday, 8 December 2024, concluded the Immaculate Conception Academy held at the Salesian San Luigi Oratory, at the end of three intense and beautiful days dedicated to the opening of the centenary year of Salesian presence in San Cataldo.

(ANS – Rome) – On Monday 9 December 2024, during the winter plenary session of the Saleisan Congregation's General Council, Fr Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, with the favourable opinion of the other members of the General Council, appointed Fr Domenico Saraniti as superior of the Salesians in the St Paul Province of Sicily, Italy (ISI) for the 2025-2031 period.

(ANS – Genzano, Rome) - The course for the Salesian Congregation's Novice Directors, which began last 17 November, ended on the morning of Saturday, 7 December 2024, with the participation of almost all the Salesians who accompany Salesian novices all over the world in the current 34 novitiates: in fact, 29 of them attended the course in person and the other five were connected remotely.