Fatima, Portugal – May 2024 – It was in a festive atmosphere that the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of Portugal welcomed Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, on the occasion of the SYM meeting that took place on 18 May in Fatima. Hundreds of young people gathered in the auditorium of the Paul VI Pastoral Centre and celebrated St John Bosco's childhood dream with the Rector Major. "Let's advance in the dream" was the title of the show "Art and Faith" that the SYM from the different schools and settings of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians brought to the stage. This year the SYm celebration had the special presence of the Rector Major, who was in Fatima to preside over the Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family. The words of Jesus and Mary, Mother and Teacher of the young John Bosco, were the inspiration for young people to reflect on their lives, their experiences, their learning and even their problems. The audience, guided by the voices and choreographies of the young people, retraced the night of the prophetic dream that St John Bosco had as a nine-year-old.

Madrid, Spain – May 2024 – On 17 May Fr Emmanuel Lokossou from the Salesian community in Parla (Madrid), received the Prize of the 9th edition of the "Creativity in defence of the life of CEU university students" competition organised every year by the Institute of Family Studies of the University itself. The "CEU Awards in Defence of Life" aim to contribute to the debate and promotion of values related to respect and dignity of human life in all its phases. The award ceremony was presided over by Alfonso Bullón, president of the Catholic Association of Propagandists, together with the Rector of the CEU San Pablo University of Madrid, Rosa Visiedo Claverol. The award was then presented, which this year went to Fr Emmanuel Lokossou, a second-year student of the Degree in Audiovisual Communication. In his essay entitled "Care for the Elderly: Challenges, Inheritances and Future Prospects", Fr Lokossou argues that one should consider old age as an opportunity and not as an inevitability. The elderly have contributed a lot to society and, although they are no longer in the vital moment to carry out certain activities, they continue to be a source of wisdom and inspiration.

Caracas, Venezuela – May 2024 - The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in St Luke Province of Venezuela (VEN) joined in a moving Pentecost vigil on 18 May, proclaiming the feast that commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus. The central theme of the vigil focused on the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, illuminating a unique experience in which young people discerned the gift of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Several Salesian works hosted groups of young people, from 220 to 86 participants per work. With joy and enthusiasm they celebrated the feast that invites them to announce the good news to young people far away. The liturgical signs of Pentecost enriched the experience. Fire, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, inspires moments of reflection and prayer. The wind, which represents the power of the Spirit, encouraged young people to open their hearts to the encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist. Through dynamics, music and moments of Eucharist and adoration, the young people explored the different gifts of the Holy Spirit and his presence in their lives. They recognised the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, and committed to cultivating them in their hearts. The Pentecost Vigil was an exceptional opportunity for young people to meet, deepen their faith and discern their vocation in the Church and in society. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, they will continue their mission to be witnesses of Christ and bring his message of hope to the world.

Cuenca, Ecuador – May 2024 - On 19 May, Pentecost Sunday, the "Técnico Salesiano" Educational Unit in the city of Cuenca celebrated the March of Faith with devotion and fervour. This event, which has been taking place for 57 years, brings together young people, teachers, students, past pupils, parents of family members and the community in a demonstration of gratitude and trust in Mary Help of Christians. The procession is a clear manifestation of the charism of the city, demonstrating a Christian commitment that is lived with enthusiasm, dedication and affection. After the procession through the streets of Cuenca, the solemn Eucharist was celebrated to Mary Help of Christians, presided over by Fr Javier Herrán, former Rector of the Salesian community in Cuenca and current Rector of the Salesian community in Cayambe. Concelebrating with him were Fr Juan Francisco Flores, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Ecuador (ECU); Fr Ángel Lazo, Rector of the Salesian community in Yannuncay; and Fr Franklin Arévalo, coordinator of Pastoral Care of the Técnico Salesiano.

Juba, South Sudan – May 2024 - The Saint Josephine Bakhita Delegation from South Sudan concluded the Youth Synod involving 120 young people from all six Salesian presences in South Sudan. Some of the highlights of the Synod, in addition to the activities and presentations on Don Bosco's dreams and the Synod have been 16 May,  Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla presided over the Eucharist and urged young people to continue the synodality through participation, Communion and the ongoing Mission. And on the same day all the participants spent time in adoration and received the sacrament of confession. On 17 May participants went on a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of St Teresa of the Child Jesus and Our Lady of the Rosary, the centuries-old church of the faith in Sudan. They visited a girls orphanage and shared some food and monetary supplies that the young women were able to collect on their own. In conclusion, Fr Paul Antimi, Provincial Delegate for Sudan, Fr Joseph Can, Economer of the delegation and Fr Leo Arockianathan, Youth Coordinator, entrusted the young people with the mandate to be agents of peace and love in South Sudan, urging the young people to courageously continue to dream and realise their dreams. The participants expressed their gratitude for what they had learned and were happy to have made new friends during the meeting, which helped them open their eyes and hearts to live together in peace and harmony in a country with multiple languages, tribes and cultures.

Dhaka, Bagladesh – May 2024 - On 15 May the Salesian mission in Bangladesh celebrated a significant milestone with the diaconate ordination of Salesian Ruram Johnny. The event took place at Moushair Dhaka, marking an epochal moment in the journey of the Salesians in the country, which has lasted for 15 years. The ordination ceremony was presided over by the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, Archbishop Bijoy D’Cruze OMI, who expressed his heartfelt joy and admiration for the achievements of the Salesians. “In 15 years of missionary work in Bangladesh, you have already formed a priest, a deacon and 13 Salesians. This is a remarkable success in your mission" he said, underlining the rapid growth and dedication of the Salesian community. The ceremony was attended by 14 priests, including Fr Sunil Kerketta, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Calcutta, India (INC), on whom the presence in Bangladesh depends. The vibrant Catholic community also flocked in large numbers to witness and celebrate this joyous occasion. Subsequently, on 19 May, at the parish of St. John Bosco in Lokhikul, four Salesians, Dip Dines Hasda, Ignatius Mankhim, Polash Kerketta and Shanto Hasda, made their perpetual profession into the hands of Fr Kerketta. This milestone also highlights the rapid growth of local vocations within the Salesian community in Bangladesh over the past 15 years.