Wrocław, Poland – May 2024 – The priestly ordination of Salesian Deacon Łukasz Grzenia from the Wrocław Province (PLO) was celebrated on 25 May in the Salesian parish church of St Rafał Kalinowski in Sosnowiec. The ordaining prelate was Bishop Artur Ważny, bishop of Sosnowiec.

Foto: Facebook PLO

Juba, South Sudan – May 2024 –  The Assembly of Salesians in the St Josephine Bakhita Delegation of South Sudan was held in Juba from 27-30 May. A total of 21 Salesians, representing communities in Sudan and South Sudan, came together after several years. The last assembly had been held in February 2020, before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. For the Delegation, given also the canonical erection of the Salesian Province of Tanzania (TZA), which is now detached from the East Africa Province (AFE), this Assembly thus stands as a milestone for an in-depth evaluation and discussion on the growth and welfare of the youth of the Delegation itself. These days also provided an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has caused, among other things, the closure of three communities. This dramatic situation thus challenges the Salesians to be creative in carrying out their mission and to be open to the signs of the times to reach out to many more deserving youth. 

Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Italy – May 2024 – Formation in the charism was provided for employees of the Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta Special Circumscription (ICP) on Wednesday, 22 May. This was for roles and functions together with the Salesians in the economic, management, pastoral, planning and editorial aspect of the entire Province. During the pastoral year, the province's community offers two retreats and one formation session on the charism. Last year formation in the Charism included a guided tour of the Salesian places in Valdocco, and this year, for the bicentennial of the Dream, it was a must to explore the characteristic places of Colle Don Bosco. Fr Luca Barone, from Salesian Headquarters in Rome, acted as guide, combining with wisdom and competence the historical, biographical, charismatic and artistic/symbolic aspects of the many places that tell of a call, an accompaniment and a mission. The “sonship and responsibility” focuses that served as a content and link for all the places were especially valuable.

Source: salesianipiemonte.info

Lima, Peru – May 2024 –  The St Rose of Lima Province, Peru (PER) is celebrating the 2024 Provincial Chapter at the John Paul II Retreat guided by the motto "Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to the young", from 27 May to 1 June. It is a time of listening and discernment where 31 Salesian Chapter members and 5 lay people from the different communities, renew the commitment and challenges of the PER province. “This event, which brings together Salesians from all over Peru, is a unique opportunity to strengthen our bonds and renew our commitment to the mission that Don Bosco bequeathed to us. Besides being a spiritual enrichment, of fraternal dialogue and community discernment” said Fr Juan Pablo Alcas, PER Provincial. The Provincial argued that the title of this Chapter, “Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to the young” invites us to reflect on the essence of “our dedication to God and youth. God and young people are the central axis of our dedication. I hope that in these days we can open ourselves to the light of the Spirit and live the atmosphere of fraternity that characterises us Salesians in Peru.”

Mexico City, Mexico - May 6, 2024 - More than five thousand people participated in the annual Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family of Mexico South to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The event was led by Fr Ignacio Ocampo Uribe, Superior of the Salesian Province of Mexico City (MEM) and Sister Margarita Chavarría Primavera, FMA Provincial. After a festive and joyful guided tour, amidst songs, prayers and band music dedicated to Our Lady of Tepeyac, the Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Carlos Barbosa Castillo and the homily by Fr Ocampo, concelebrated by 31 Salesian priests, also from Central America and South America, many of them Rectors of works and members of Provincial Councils.

(ANS - Munich/Benediktbeuern) - The Salesians of Don Bosco held their Provincial Chapter at the Benediktbeuern monastery from 20-24 May 2024. The topics discussed included the situation of the German religious province, important issues for the future and new impulses for working with young people. 48 Chapter members and up to 40 other leading members and guests of the Chapter participated in the discussions. A special feature was the involvement of five elected youth representatives from the Don Bosco institutions in Germany. The current political situation in Germany and Europe as well as concerns about social polarisation, populism and the rise of a new extremism were the focus of iscussions. Under the title "Together – for the sake of youth", the Salesians of Don Bosco and their employees in leadership positions adopted a declaration in which they distance themselves from any form of nationalism and extremism and call for a commitment to respect for human dignity, peace, justice and the integrity of creation and to promote the free development of children and young people.