Salamanca, Spain - February 2024 - In an event that marked a significant moment for the Salesian community and for admirers of the life and work of St. John Bosco, the Aula Magna of the "Mary Help of Christians" institution in Salamanca became the setting for the presentation of the book "Don Bosco and His Dreams" by Fr. Eugenio Alburquerque, SDB. The launch of the book, which took place recently, aligns with the celebration of the bicentenary of Don Bosco's first prophetic dream, the 9-year Dream, which still guides the Salesian mission today. Fr Alburquerque, is a reference point in Salesian spirituality. With a degree in Dogmatic Theology and a doctorate to his credit, he is a key figure in the teaching of moral theology and the direction of important publications such as the magazine 'Misión Joven' and the Spanish Salesian Bulletin. His profound knowledge and passion for Salesianism are reflected in his almost 60 published books, ranging from ethics and moral theology to spirituality and family life, making him an undisputed expert on Saint Francis de Sales. The work 'Don Bosco and His Dreams' stands not only as a tribute to the founder of the Salesian Congregation, but also as a window into Don Bosco's soul, offering a selection of 14 dreams that outlined his vocation and mission. The presentation of the book was a moment of reflection on the importance of dreams in Don Bosco's life, highlighting how these divine visions helped him face challenges, inspired his missionary initiatives, and ultimately transmitted his spirit and spirituality to future generations.

(ANS – Lubumbashi) – During the period rom 3 to 13 February, Radio Don Bosco Lubumbashi, a Salesian radio station active in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo – which broadcasts only on the 103.10 MHz FM band – found itself in a situation of serious difficulty. In fact, during the recent rains in early February, its 2,000 kilowatt transmitter was severely damaged by lightning that unfortunately hit its facilities and destroyed the motherboard circuit. The failure was so severe that it had a considerable impact on the signal, making it impossible to transmit for several days.

(ANS – Kigali) – The 15 Superiors of the Salesian Provinces and Vice-Provinces of the Salesian Africa-Madagascar Region, with their respective Councillors, have been gathered in Kigali from Friday 16 February 2024  for the traditional meeting known as the "Team Visit" – an animation tool used by the Rector Major and the General Council to verify the ongoing journey in the different Salesian circumscriptions and ensure their convergence and unity. The meeting began with a day of pilgrimage, Monday, 19 February in Kibeho, in southern Rwanda, a significant place where several Marian apparitions took place between 1981 and 1989. It was a good opportunity for all those present to entrust the Salesian African Provinces and Vice-Provinces, with all their young people, to the Virgin Mary.

Quito, Ecuador – February 2024 - On Saturday, 17 February, a Eucharist of thanksgiving was celebrated for the missionary vocation of the Salesian Klimer Sánchez, who on 24 September 2023 was destined for Mozambique, in Africa, at the Sending Eucharist for the 154th Salesian Missionary Expedition, celebrated by the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime. The Provincial of the Salesians of Ecuador, Fr Marcelo Farfán, presided at the Eucharist in the María Auxiliadora Shrine at El Girón, concelebrated by Fr Juan Flores, Vice-Provincial, and Fr Luis Mosquera, Provincial Economer. They were accompanied by Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, young people from Salesian School Centres (CES) and the Polytechnic University of Quito, oratories and collaborators of Salesian works. During his homily, Fr Farfán stressed the joy of seeing so many young people present celebrating and giving thanks for missionary life and gave the Bible to Klimer Sánchez as a sign that his main mission will be to proclaim the Gospel among those who need it most, especially young people. For his part, the young man thanked his family and the Salesians for their support, especially from Fr Virgilio Noboa, who reawakened his vocation to continue God's project. As part of the celebration, the Missionary Collection collected last year and destined for the Salesian communities of Esmeraldas, San Lorenzo, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Simiatug and Yaupi was delivered. These donations will now become many projects for the benefit of children and young people.

Krakow, Poland – February 2024 – The 93rd edition of the sacred representation of the Passion of Christ entitled "Misterium" was staged on 17 February, at the theatre in the Salesian Seminary (WSDTS) in Krakow. Actors were the Salesian clerics in Krakow and also some young people from the "Ziemia Boga" group. This year the theme of the performance is to invite all Christians to remember their baptism and to rediscover their relationship with Jesus and with others. "Misterium" is interwoven with meetings and relationships. It is a valuable help to live Lent and prepare for Easter. Director and author of the screenplay, for twelve years now, is an actor from the "Bagatela" Theatre in Krakow, Mr Marcin Kobierski. The show will run every Saturday and Sunday of Lent until 23 March.

Photo: Agnieszka Krzyształowicz

Sepahijala, India – February 2024 – On the occasion of National Girls Day, celebrated on 17 February, the district administration of Sepahijala, together with the District Office for Education, awarded the band at the Salesian St Institute during a large ceremony held at the multipurpose hall in Bishramganj. The school band, consisting of 25 girls, was praised for winning third prize in the national competition for school bands, held in Delhi on 22 January. The ceremony was organised in order to encourage and motivate girls to excel in everything they do in their lives. Numerous institutional and dignitary personalities from the district administration and the education department were present on the occasion, speaking to those present about the importance of emancipation of girls. During the same function, many other girls, from different schools, who have distinguished themselves in various sports and cultural events of the State, were also rewarded.