(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 Morcucende, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, and Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Councillor for the Mediterranean Region.

(ANS – Aleppo) – While Aleppo faces yet another period of profound uncertainty and hardship, the Salesians of Don Bosco present in the city have shared a message to reassure everyone of their continued presence and commitment to supporting and accompanying young people, families, and those in need as much as the current situation allows. Their focus remains firmly on Jesus, the source of eternal hope.

Hanoi, Vietnam – November 2024 – The first formation meeting of Rectors and those in charge of non-canonical communities in the Northern Delegation of Vietnam took place on 28 November. The event took place at the Parish of Van Phuc, in the Archdiocese of Hanoi, and represented an important moment in preparation for the establishment of the North Vietnamese Vice-Province, as indicated by the Rector Major after the Extraordinary Visitation made on his behalf by the Councillor for the Missions, Fr Alfred Maravilla. During the meeting there were numerous interventions, including one by Fr Anthony Nguyen, a Salesian from Australia, who dealt with the theme: "The Rector as guardian and animator of the Salesian consecrated identity". In the afternoon, Fr Thomas Vu Kim Long spoke and gave instructions on the way forward for the Delegation. The meeting marked the intention of the entire Delegation to put into practice the directives and recommendations of the Rector Major, with great hope for the growth of the Salesian charism in the northern part of Vietnam. 

Venezuela – November 2024 - In recent days, the Salesian Province of Venezuela (VEN) has celebrated two great anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the Salesian Don Bosco School of Entrepreneurship (EPES) in Mariches and the 44th anniversary of EPES Dolorita. The celebration of these anniversaries coincides with a time when technical and vocational training is more necessary than ever. The EPES remain faithful to the vision of Don Bosco, they continue to offer a quality education based on Christian values, which prepares young people not only for the world of work, but also for life. Both EPES Don Bosco de Mariches and La Dolorita are examples of educational institutions that, through their work, contribute to building a more just and equitable future for all. "In celebrating these anniversaries, we recognise the importance of technical and vocational training and reaffirm our commitment to quality education," the Salesians say.

Goma, DR Congo – December 2024 – On the occasion of the canonical visit to the Don Bosco Ngangi Work, Fr Tryphon Kalimira, ViceProvincial of the Salesian Province of Central Africa (AFC), met all the members of the Salesian Family from the work: Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), Past Pupils of Don Bosco (EX.DB) and Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA). After the Mass presided over by the Vice-Provincial, the day continued with talks with the participants during which he stressed the crucial importance of these groups in the realisation of the Salesian mission: "The different Salesian branches constitute the backbone of our Congregation," he said. Fr Tryphon encouraged the groups to create a digital database that brings together the information of all members, in order to facilitate exchanges and strengthen spiritual, material and social solidarity. He also recommended the regular organisation of moments of formation and spirituality to strengthen the Christian and missionary life of each person. Finally, he insisted on the importance of unity and cooperation between the groups to ensure the success of the Salesian mission in the work. The day ended with a moment of conviviality and fraternal sharing in the inner courtyard of the Salesian community where all the participants gathered around Fr Tryphon Kalimira to strengthen fraternal ties within the Salesian Family.

Nairobi, Kenya – November 2024 – On 30 November a lively ceremony at the Don Bosco Boys Town Technical Institute in Nairobi celebrated the awarding of certificates to 321 young people who completed two years of rigorous training in various trades, including carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, carpentry, electricity, wiring, mechanics, computer science, solar technology, etc. After the thanksgiving Mass celebrated by Fr George TJ, Superior of the Salesian Province of East Africa (AFE), the participants attended cultural shows and speeches that highlighted the results of the graduates. The event also marked the official opening and blessing of a newly built pavilion that hosted the ceremony. In addition to the awarding of certificates, recognition was also given to the students who participated in the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF), celebrating their involvement and contribution. The event attracted hundreds of participants, including parents, relatives, friends of graduates, benefactors and partners of the institution.