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.

Bogotá, Colombia – February 2024 - 14 Rectors of Salesian presences belonging San Pedro Claver Province, Bogotá, Colombia met on 15-16 February, convened and led by Fr John Jairo Gómez, Superior of the Province. They were offered opportunity for reflection and formation where they could share the animation and governance of the COB Province together and become aware of the important role they have in communities and local bodies as the ones chiefly responsible for educational ministry. During the days the atmosphere of family, serenity, joy, shared responsibility and work prevailed. In the time scheduled for the meeting, it was also possible to address the theme of the Provincial Chapter, which will take place soon.

(ANS – Lubumbashi) – Frs  Andrea Bozzolo and Jarosław Rochowiak, Rector Magnificus and General Academic Secretary of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome respectively, paid a working and courtesy visit to the newly founded Don Bosco University of Lubumbashi from 15 to 17 February 2024. On the occasion they met the administrative staff, representatives of the teaching staff and some groups of students.

(ANS - Rome) - Thinking about Don Bosco and detaching him from his dreams means taking away a fundamental aspect of his complex and rich personality. Besides, he himself in the Memoirs of the Oratory recounted many of his dreams, where dreamlike experiences, external psycho-sensations, spiritual inspirations when although not prophetic always, make whole and define a reality.