Valparaíso, Chile – November 2024 – With a solemn ceremony rich in spiritual meaning, the community of the Salesian School in Valparaíso celebrated on 14 November, the ceremony of thanksgiving for its 130 years of history and educational mission. The event took place in the Cathedral of Valparaíso, presided over by Bishop Bernardo Bastres Flores, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Punta Arenas, on a day that brought together students, teachers, educational assistants, parents, past pupils representatives of the Mary Help of Christians School and the general public. The solemnity of the meeting was enhanced by the participation of the Provincial Council and the rectors of the Salesian presences from all over Chile. Moments of prayer, reflection and gratitude marked a ceremony that not only recalled the achievements of the past, but also renewed the commitment to continue building an education based on Salesian values. Bishop Bernardo Bastres Flores said "This Te Deum is not only a tribute to 130 years of history, but a call to project ourselves into the future with hope, always guided by faith and commitment to our families and communities". The event stood out for the great participation of people, which reaffirmed the place of the Salesian School of Valparaíso as a pillar in the educational and spiritual life of the region.

Chennai, India – November 2024 – The Sisters of Maria Auxiliatrix (SMA), the 27th group of the Salesian Family, known for their extensive socio-economic, educational and health services for the disadvantaged in Tamil Nadu and other states, have taken a significant step forward with the launch of their Project Planning and Development Office (PDO). The inauguration of the PDO at their headquarters in Madhavaram, Chennai, marks a pivotal moment in the Congregation's mission to expand its reach and deepen its impact. For decades, the SMA has been dedicated to improving the lives of slum dwellers and rural communities through programs that promote education, economic stability and health. Their initiatives have ranged from the organisation of groups of women and young people for personality development to the management of schools and vocational training centres. SMAs have also initiated health centres, income-generating self-help programmes and material assistance for people with disabilities. Recognising the transformative impact of these services, several business entities expressed interest in collaborating with SMA to strengthen and expand its initiatives. To facilitate this support and extend SMA's mission to even more communities, the PDO will serve as a strategic hub for resource mobilisation and project management. Sister Maria Clara, SMA, who leads the PDO, underlines the importance of collaboration and support. "With PDO, we aim to multiply our efforts and touch many more lives. We warmly invite business partners, supporters and benefactors to join us in this noble mission,” she said.

Brasilia, Brazil – November 2024 – On 22 November, the headquarters of the Salesian Network Brazil (RSB), in Brasilia, DF, hosted the 36th Ordinary General Assembly, bringing together representatives from the four provinces of the Conference of Provinces of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (CIB) and the six provinces of the Conference of Salesians of Don Bosco in Brazil (CISBRASIL). The meeting, which is traditionally held in April and November, represents a fundamental stage to evaluate the actions carried out and plan the next steps of the RSB in its educational and pastoral mission. On the second day of the assembly, the Salesian provincials and sisters participated in the meeting, guaranteeing the equality necessary for the work to be carried out. Representing Rome were Fr Gabriel Romero, Councillor of the America South Cone Region, and Sister Paola Battagliola, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, General Councillor of Rome, Visitor and Contact Person of the CIB. Their contributions enriched the reflections, bringing a charismatic perspective to the meeting. "We are here to build together, on the basis of our charismatic values, paths that enhance youth education and ministry, always attentive to the needs of our time", highlighted Fr Romero. The event reaffirmed the mission of the RSB to transform life through integral and evangelising education, faithful to the charism of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello. Collaboration and strategic alignment between the Provinces and the RSB have distinguished themselves as pillars to face contemporary challenges in education and evangelisation. "We walk with hope, strengthening our educational and pastoral mission as a Network, always aligned with the Salesian charism", highlighted Sister Alaíde Deretti, President of the RSB.

Turin, Italy – 1952 – The remarkable increase in students enrolled at the Agnelli Institute in Turin imposed the need for a new, more suitable school building. In August 1951 work began. The Costruzioni e Implantì Fiat management commissioned architect Albertini, who, at Fr Rossi's suggestion, designed a long three-storey building plus a basement. In October 1952 the Salesian Community finally left the old house and moved into the new building and with the beginning of the new school year the young people found a place in large classrooms. The opening was also attended by lawyer Giovanni Agnelli, who was accompanied by the then Rector Major, Fr Renato Ziggiotti, on a visit to the new premises.

(ANS – Rome) – Scholars at the Don Bosco Study Centre (CSDB) at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome actively participate in the discussion, research and development of various Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects, with the aim of accompanying and supporting researchers and students by offering relevant scientific resources in the fields of education, history and Salesian spirituality in the digital age.

(ANS) – Last Saturday, 16 November, Salesian Cooperators (ASC) in the Interamerica Region held their fourth and final formation meeting in 2024, digitally, as usual. Salesian brother Dominic Duc Nam Nguyen, World Delegate of the Salesians of Don Bosco for the Association of Salesian Cooperators, as well as for the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, offered a report that left its mark on all those present.