(ANS – Rome) – In the year of the Ordinary Jubilee 2025, ANS is reviewing the Salesian shrines dedicated to Don Bosco around the world, beginning in the Eternal City, with the Don Bosco Church (Tempio Don Bosco) located on the Via Tuscolana.

Gatchina, Russia - January 2025 - This year, the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was celebrated by the Salesian Catholic parish of Gatchina with other denominations over two days. All events took place in the Catholic parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The ‘hird interreligious festival of religious hymns and organ music took place on 18 January. The charity festival was jointly celebrated by Catholics and Lutherans in Gatchina and brought together about 50 listeners. All donations were divided equally for three social projects: Salesian Oratory; care for the elderly in the Evangelical Lutheran Parish; Orthodox Charitable Foundation for the Poor. The following day, 19 January, the traditional annual meeting, dedicated to the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, brought together representatives of the Catholic, Lutheran and United Methodist Churches. This year, the meeting brought together about 30 Christians. Traditionally, Taizé hymns are performed during this meeting.

São Paulo, Brazil - January 2025 - A week of Salesian Missionary Action mobilised around 400 young people from the Missionary Animation Group (GAM) from 4 to 12 January, experieincing a mission of evangelisation and spreading the Salesian charism in the different communities. The young people were divided into seven locations, in Rio Claro, Campos Elíseos, Barueri, Francisco Morato, Osasco, Limeira and even Leopoldina (MG). Accompanied by 40 Salesians, including Salesians in formation and professed, they devoted time and energy to missionary activitie, which included visits to families, liturgical animations, moments of prayer and interaction with local communities. For many participants, the missionary experience was transformative. ‘Trusting in the signs God gives us, through the faith we have in him, and believing that with the charism and collaboration we can make the mission bear fruit in many hearts,’ said Tatiana, a member of the GAM Lapa coordination team in Barueri. Some groups had the privilege of carrying out the mission together, facilitating the exchange of experiences and strengthening the bonds of brotherhood. The experience strengthened the missionary spirit and reinforced the commitment to be a sign of God's love in the world, inspired by Don Bosco, in a true witness of faith and service, reaffirming the propulsive role of young people in the evangelising mission of the Salesian Family.

Salamanca, Spain - January 2025 - The commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Salesian Youth Centre in Pizarrales in Salamanca began on Friday 17tJanuary with a celebration in which the Mary Help of Christians Youth Centre in the city actively participated in an atmosphere of joy and fraternity. The main anniversary events took place on Saturday, starting in the afternoon. Highlights included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque commemorating the centre's 50 years of service and dedication, and a panel discussion attended by former members, current members and founders, who shared anecdotes and reflections on the centre's history. The celebration continued with a mass of thanksgiving for these five decades of history and culminated with a concert by Toño Casado in the Jesús Obrero parish, moving the audience with his meaningful music. Various personalities took part in the commemoration, including Fr Fernando García, Superior of Spain’s Saint James the Greater (SSM) Province, the Vice-Provincial, Fr Samuel Segura, and Fr Xabier Camino, Youth Ministry delegate, who emphasised the important role of the centre in the formation and accompaniment of young people over the years. On 2 February, the 30th Don Bosco People's Run will be held, also celebrating its 30th anniversary. Another perfect opportunity to continue living the Salesian spirit.

Tonj, South Sudan - January 2025 - A regional meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of South Sudan was held from 16 to 19 January, inspired by the Vicar of the Rector Major's Strenna 2025, ‘Anchored in hope, pilgrims with young people’. The event was held at the Salesian Mission in Tonj and brought together 110 young leaders from the three communities of Wau, Kuajok and Tonj of the St Bakhita Delegation of Sudan. The meeting began with prayer, the formation of working groups and a welcome address by Fr Joseph Can, SDB, Provincial Delegate for South Sudan and Sudan. Friday's theme, ‘Anchored in Hope’, encouraged the young people to remain hopeful in a world marked by crises. Discussions centred on Don Bosco's dream of the ‘two pillars’, which urged young people to anchor their lives in devotion to Mary Help of Christians and the Holy Eucharist to overcome their challenges. The following day, the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, highlighted the mission of bringing the hope of Christ to others. Participants were invited to reflect on their missionary vocation, the meaning of education, and the power of unity and collaboration. They were encouraged to become evangelisers and agents of transformation within their communities. On Sunday, the concluding Eucharist was presided over by Fr Joseph Can, SDB. The event was accompanied by Salesians Fr Reddy Papi, Sudan Delegation Youth Coordinator; Fr Tamil Selvan, Tonj Salesian Mission; Fr Francis Raj and Salesian Brothers Joshua, Henry and Mario.

Ciudad Real, Spain – 1963 – This black and white photograph shows a religious procession in honour of Mary Help of Christians. At the centre is the large statue of the Virgin Mary, who carries the Child Jesus in her arms. Both figures are richly dressed and surrounded by floral arrangements. In the historical context, it should be noted that this is the first Salesian procession of Mary Help of Christians in the city of Ciudad Real in 1963, and that the people portrayed in the image are members of that Salesian community. At the centre you can also see Fr Joaquín García SDB, owner of the photograph, kindly granted for publication.