(ANS – Rome) – After the five appointments already made throughout 2023, the appointments of the Team Visit – an animation tool of the Rector Major and the General Council to verify the ongoing journey in the different Salesian situations, to ensure convergence and unity – have now resumed in February. It will therefore start once more with the Team Visit to East Asia-Oceania (EAO), scheduled in Vietnam from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 February 2024.

Lima, Peru – February 2024 – The first meeting of 2024 of the Salesian Rectors from St Rose Province of Peru (PER) took place from 7 to 9 February, on the theme "The Dream that makes you dream". The meeting was opened by Fr Juan Pablo Alcas, PER Provincial, who stressed, among other things, that the figure of the Rector represents Don Bosco and that every Rector must be in the Salesian house for which he is responsible. The first day focused on the study of the Rector's Manual and the analysis of the role of the Salesian Rector in the religious community. On the second day, various topics were addressed, including the presentation of the 2023 financial statement, the fundamental role of the Don Bosco Foundation, innovative Social Communication projects, the Evaluation of the 2023 Programming of Youth Ministry and the pastoral accompaniment process for works. On the last day the participants reflected on the challenges and opportunities in the vocational animation of the PER Province. At the end of the meeting, Fr Juan Pablo Alcas presided over the installation ceremony of the new Salesian Rectors for PER Province.

Walkerville, South Africa – February 2024 - The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Johannesburg celebrated the Feast of Don Bosco on Sunday 11 February at the Bosco Youth Centre in Walkerville. It was a beautiful meeting of the groups of the Salesian Family, SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, as well as former Salesian Volunteers and members of the SYM. The day began with the Mass presided over by Fr Václav Klement, Superior of the Southern Africa Vice-Province (AFM), followed by the video presentation of the Rector Major's Strenna 2024, followed by a debate. The day ended with a talent show with which the young people celebrated, with music and poetry, Don Bosco's Dream at 9 years of age of which this year marks the 200th anniversary.

Angadikadavu, India – February 2024 – Don Bosco College in Angadikadavu, Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious Deepika award, in recognition of academic excellence. The award was presented at the 137th annual celebration of Deepika, the pioneering Malayalam newspaper founded in 1887. The award was presented on 10 February, thus adding another recognition to the illustrious history of the Salesian institute. Fr Bastin Nellissery, Director of Don Bosco College, and Fr Francis Karackatt, Dean, had the honour of receiving the award from the Honorable President of the Legislative Assembly of Kerala, A. N. Shamseer. The Salesian Institute in Angadikadavu, attended by over 1,200 students from all over India, offers a wide range of courses, including ten undergraduate programs and eight postgraduate programs. This award testifies to the endless dedication of teachers and all staff and strengthens the institution's position as a pioneer in the field of education, inspiring future generations.

(ANS – Cisternino) – Several events were organised for the anniversary of the death of the Venerable Fr Francesco Convertini, SDB, which took place in Krishnagar, India, on 11 February 1976, and which sees the involvement and collaboration of the civil and church communities of Locorotondo and Cisternino each year, with the Pro-Marinelli Association animated by Giuseppe Convertini.

(ANS – Madrid) – A meeting of Provincial Delegates for Youth Ministry from the two European Regions (Mediterranean and Central and Northern Europe) was held in Madrid from 5 to 9 February, convened by Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councillor for Youth Ministry.