Cebu, Philippines – July 2024 – On 13 July in the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, the members of the Music Ministry in this Parish, both choirs and musicians, received their second liturgical formation led by Fr Amelito Racelis, SDB, on the theme "The role of music in the liturgy". This session is one of the four parts of the Ongoing Formation Programme for the Music Ministry. In his talk Fr Racelis provided seven liturgical guidelines on the use of music and song within the Holy Mass. He also guided participants in understanding the principles of the liturgy outlined by the Second Vatican Council and introduced them to the beauty of Gregorian chant. At the end of his talk Fr Racelis gave the participants practical advice on how to maximise their ministry, participation and prayer while serving Mass.

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – July 2024 – From 7 to 12 July in Sivaria Namona, Bomana, Cardinal John Ribat, MSC, together with the parish priests and chaplains of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby took part in the spiritual retreat led by Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF, Bishop of Bougainville, who focused on synodality in the parish community. Bishop Kaluza highlighted the encounter, listening, prayer and discernment where the Spirit leads. He encouraged everyone to see and recognise the Lord in ordinary events, in brother priests, and in the community. The mornings were spent in prayer, in the sessions and in the Eucharistic celebration. The second half of the day focused on “Conversations in the Spirit”, Adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist, personal rosary and reflection. “Conversations in the Spirit” is what was used at the Synod of Synods. It consists of listening, sharing, praying, and discerning what the Spirit invites you to do. It was a time when each participant was able to gain an understanding of the priesthood, a deeper understanding of the Church that calls us to face the challenges we face in our ministry and in life.

Pejo Fonti, Italy - The Salesians of Don Bosco have celebrated the 65th anniversary of their presence in Val di Pejo, in Trentino, at the "Casa per vacie Hotel Aurora" a hospitality facility that has been welcoming children, teenagers and young people for summer and winter holidays since the 1950s. At the solemn moment of the blessing of a shrine created by a young craftsman from Cogolo, in addition to the groups of children and young people present, the Parish Priest of Pejo, Fr Enrico Pret, the Assistant Parish Priest Fr Michele Canestrini, the Deputy Mayor Paolo Moreschini, some Councillors and several representatives, collaborators of the structure, friends and locals spoke. The Salesians included Fr Gianluca Marchesi, Economer of the Salesian Lombardy Emiliana Province (ILE) and Fr Giuseppe Battello, a 99-year-old confrere who opened the place at the end of the 1950s and was Reector of the House in the first thirty years of its activity. The Hotel Aurora, located in the Stelvio National Park, is a hospitality facility that over the years has been renovated by the Salesians with large internal and external spaces and a functional welcome for the activities of its guests. In the light of the Salesian mission, Aurora adheres to a Plastic-Free Project and carries out multiple solidarity initiatives, including the Merciful Hospitality projects of the Italian Religious Hospitality Association.

Ngozi, Burundi – July 2024 – On 5 July, at the Cathedral of Ngozi, Bishop Georges Bizimana, Bishop of the Diocese of Ngozi, celebrated the conferral of the ministries of reader and the acolyte on a large number of candidates, testifying to the fact that Burundi has many vocations to consecrated life. The next day, 6 July, was a day of joy and grace for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the diocese of Ngozi. The ceremonies began with a long procession and, on the occasion the bishop presented the results achieved by the diocese since its creation, tracing its history and the various pastors who have followed each other over the years, and drawing up a balance sheet in view of a better future. Bishop Bizimana presided over the ordination to the diaconate of 12 candidates and the priestly ordination of 15 deacons. Among the latter, 10 deacons are diocesan, 3 missionaries and 2 Salesians of Don Bosco: Alexandre Majambere and Aaron Rivuzimana. In addition to numerous bishops, priests, men and women religious from various parts of the world, the ceremonies were attended by the country's senior political leaders, including the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of National Defence, the former President of the Republic, Domitien Ndayizeye, as well as other leaders.

(ANS – Vielsalm) – An exciting project is taking shape in Farnières, a 40-hectare estate near Vielsalm, Belgium. The “Don Bosco Aujourd'hui”. website speaks about it.

(ANS – Antananarivo) – "Mobile Journalism" was the title of the workshop from which journalists from the Radio Don Bosco station in Madagascar benefited from 8 to 12 July. The formation course was facilitated by Fr Maciej Makuła, SDB, a member of the Social Communication Sector, and Ms Aleksandra Stankiewicz.