(ANS – Rome) – The third missionary who shares his missionary experience is Indian Alan Andrew Manuel, who dreams of being a humble missionary and a source of hope for young people, especially those he will meet in his missionary destination: North Africa.

Bellflower, United States – September 2024 – The Youth Ministry team of the Salesian Province of the United States West (SUO) met on 21 September at St John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, to begin an enthusiastic series of meetings. After the opening prayer and the invitation to reflect on what gives hope, the day continued with a discussion based on Strenna 2024. Focus was on the dreams and aspirations of young people who attend Salesian communities and they reflected on how to create more opportunities for young people. Also taking part in the event was Fr Fabian Cardenas, SDB, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, who led the group in a review of strategic and pastoral plans. In conclusion, updates and inspirational testimonials were shared for all those present. Overall, this meeting was not only a review of the work in progress but an appreciation of the effort made by the Salesians to give strength to the young people of the Province.

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – September 2024 - Leaders in the parish of Mary Help of Christians, Sabama Oratory - students of the MHC TVET and some from DBTI, had the opportunity to participate in a formation programme on 20 and 21 September at the Sivarai Namona Pastoral Centre in Bomana. The programme was organised by Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB, parish priest, with the help of Sister Theresa Trinh Vu, FMA, who has been instrumental in coordinating the students in oratory programmes at MHC parish, Sabama since 2023. The formation programme, with its theme, "Sharing our talents and gifts", was dynamic, characterised by moments of prayer, fun, games and discussions.

Santiago, Chile – September 2024 - The Salesians of Don Bosco from all the religious communities in the country gathered on 23 September at the Lo Cañas Spirituality Centre to celebrate the St Gabriel the Archangel Province of Chile  Provincial Day (CIL). The meeting, traditionally held near the liturgical feast of the holy Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, was aimed at giving thanks to God and celebrating an active and current Province, which projects its charismatic work into the future. The morning involved an address by the Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago, Bishop Alberto Lorenzelli, SDB, and the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by the Provincial, Fr Nelson Moreno. During his homily, the Provincial said: "Let us thank God for all of us who today form the Province of St Gabriel the Archangel, 90 Salesians, four postnovices and three students of Theology. We are building today together, and while our past has been important, tomorrow will be much more important, because I am encouraged by the certainty and confidence of knowing that each of us brings the best of himself to our Province." In the afternoon, recognition was given to some Salesians who received the "Camilo Ortúzar Montt" award from the Provincial, Fr Nelson Moreno, and from the Economer, Fr Néstor Muñoz, for their service and Salesian life. A video was presented in honour of some Salesians who celebrate different jubilees.

Panama City, Panama - September 2024 –The elections for the new Board of Directors of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) took place In an atmosphere of fraternity and Salesian spirit on Sunday 22 September. The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Fr Carlos Vilanova, SDB, who in his homily stressed the importance of the active involvement of young people in building up a community more committed to the values of Don Bosco. Voting took place after  invocation to the Holy Spirit. The leaders and secretaries of the various SYM youth groups exercised their right to vote and it is important to highlight that the new governing council was elected by suffrage, where the candidates with the most experience and with a firm will to serve were selected without distinction of gender, conscientiously guided and enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Once the new leaders were defined, the outgoing board thanked them for the support they received during their management. The new council expressed words of gratitude and commitment, underlining its enthusiasm in continuing to strengthen the SYM and consolidate projects that reflect the Salesian charism.

Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Brazil – September 2024 – Thousands of faithful participated on 22 September in the 81st  "Romaria" of the Salesian Family, a traditional pilgrimage in honour of Mary Help of Christians organised by the Salesian Province of Recife, Brazil (BRE). The event, which began in the São Sebastião Chapel with the Rosary, led by Fr Délio Mota, SDB, National Coordinator of ADMA, continued with greetings from Fr Francisco Inácio, BRE Provincial, Fr Cleyton Coutinho, Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family. After the warm and festive welcome from Fr Francisco Demontier and the Petrus community, the Marian program continued in various locations in the so-called "Salesian Bethlehem". In the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, Fr Délio Mota led the prayer in the presence of various ADMA groups and faithful. In the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians, the FMA prayed the Rosary with children and young people followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament  presided over by Fr Antonio João Neto, SDB, involving different groups of the Salesian Family. In the outer courtyard, the Sociedade Musical 15 de Agosto entertained the faithful with popular songs, passing the essence of the charism of Don Bosco and Mary Help of Christians. Fr João Carlos, Vice-Provincial and Delegate for Social Communication, animated the Pilgrimage with Marian songs, as well as moments of evangelisation and interaction with the public. The Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Francisco Inácio and concelebrated by the Salesians of the Northeast. The Coronation of Our Lady was finally performed by a child.