(ANS – Rome) – Even during Don Bosco’s lifetime, requests for Salesian missionaries reached him from Croatia, requesting their presence in Croatian territories. One of the most prominent requests came from the bishops and clergy of Split and Krk in the 1880s and early 1900s. Additionally, there was an attempt to establish the first Salesian community in Pula during the rectorate of Fr. Michele Rua, Don Bosco’s first successor.

Tiruchy, India – March 2025 – Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, a leading institution for career guidance, training, and job placement within the Salesian Province of India-Tiruchy, conducted a unique mentoring program at Don Bosco Care Home in Nilavarapatti. The initiative specifically focused on supporting students from Child Care Institutions (CCIs) as part of the “Aftercare” program. This program aims to assist young people who, upon turning 18, leave these institutions and need guidance to secure education, employment, and stability. However, many of these young adults face significant challenges. To address this, the Salesian institutions in the Tiruchy Province play a crucial role in mentoring and empowering them to build independent and dignified lives. Fr. Ricopar Rayan, SDB, Director of Don Bosco Care in Nilavarapatti, inaugurated the program, emphasizing the importance of discipline and perseverance in building a successful career. The beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging that this program is not just an initiative but a lifeline, providing them with opportunities they never thought possible. With thousands of students preparing for government job placements, access to proper career guidance remains a challenge—especially for underprivileged youth who lack resources and structured preparation. This project aims to bridge that gap by offering expert coaching, career counseling, and mentorship.

Bellflower, United States – March 2025 – The young members of the spiritual team of the Salesian Youth Leadership Conference (SYLC) in the United States gathered from March 14 to 16 at Camp St. Francis in Aptos, California, for a weekend of formation, preparation, and faith, in the joyful spirit of Don Bosco. After a warm welcome, participants attended Mass and later joined in prayer, reflecting on their personal journeys of faith during this Lenten season. The following morning, Fr. Marcos Castillo celebrated the Eucharist, the heart of this Salesian experience. In the afternoon, the youth engaged in discussions on leadership, Salesian presence, and hospitality—essential elements for "creating a home that welcomes, a school that educates, a playground that brings joy, and a church that nurtures faith." The evening was animated by the “Chispa” committee, which led conversations on ethical and social responsibility. On Sunday, after Mass, the participants shared in moments of authentic Salesian joy and reaffirmed their commitment to accompany young people in the Salesian way—with joy, presence, and hearts full of God’s love.

Xuan Hiep, Vietnam – March 2025 –The Youth Ministry of the Salesian Province of Vietnam (VIE) organized a Lenten retreat at Xuan Hiep Parish, gathering over 700 young people from Saigon and Dong Nai on the afternoon of March 22.

Under the theme “Witnesses of Hope – Missionaries of Life”, the retreat aimed to help young people encounter God during Lent, strengthen their faith, and cultivate hope in their daily lives.

The event was attended by Fr. Joseph Nguyen Kim Khanh, SDB, Vice Provincial of the VIE Province, along with Salesians, religious men and women, collaborators, and young participants. The retreat concluded with a “Night of Prayer”, featuring sacred hymns performed by the Chúa Sai Đi band. The deeply moving melodies and heartfelt testimonies left a lasting impression on all participants.

Duaca, Venezuela – March 2025 –The Domenico Savio Youth Center in Duaca (Lara State) commemorated its 25th anniversary with a series of events uniting educational and pastoral communities from March 19 to 23.

The celebrations began with a Mass on March 19, attended by 400 people, followed by a Salesian congress led by Fr. Jorge Bastidas, Delegate for Youth Ministry of the Salesian Province of Venezuela (VEN). Fr. Rafael Borges guided a reflection on the Letter from Rome of 1884, emphasizing the sacramental value of Salesian presence.

Throughout the week, the community participated in cultural activities, including a musical dedicated to Don Bosco, a talent show, a documentary screening on the arrival of the Salesians in Duaca, and a festive Inter-Oratory gathering.

The closing ceremony on March 23 featured a solemn Eucharist, presided over by Archbishop Polito Rodríguez of Barquisimeto, who encouraged young people to “turn their hearts and gaze toward God.” Fr. Bastidas urged the Salesian family to “keep dreaming like Don Bosco and build on solid foundations.”

These events underscored the Salesian community’s commitment to educating and evangelizing vulnerable youth, following Don Bosco’s legacy. The celebration reinforced faith and hope, marking 25 years of service in Lara State.

Madrid, Spain – March 2025 – The Provincial House of Atocha hosted the 5th National Day of Salesian Educational Sports on Saturday, March 22. The event was organized by the sports commissions of the Spain-St. James the Elder Province (SSM) and the Spain-Mary Help of Christians Province (SMX), bringing together 75 participants from across Spain. Most attendees were coordinators of Salesian sports clubs and coaches, along with representatives from Salesian houses interested in developing sports programs aligned with Salesian identity.

The day began with a keynote speech by Fr. José Miguel Núñez, SDB, who emphasized the importance of the playground in Salesian education. He stressed that sports ministry should be an integral part of the Salesian educational and pastoral project, ensuring that sports in Salesian settings contribute to holistic youth formation.

Following this, Gema Sáez, a professor of Sports Science at Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid, delivered a talk on “Sports Ministry in Action”. The event continued with a dynamic roundtable discussion featuring experts in Salesian sports, followed by a session with Iñaki Alonso, an international expert on child protection, who spoke about creating safe environments for children in sports.

At the conclusion of the event, Diego Pérez and Mario Fernández, coordinators of Salesian Educational Sports in the SMX and SSM Provinces, respectively, thanked the participants and speakers, highlighting the importance of fostering Salesian values through sports.