Porto Alegre, Brazil – May 2024 - In a movement of national solidarity, several Salesian institutions have come together to support families affected by the recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul. The Colégio Dom Bosco in Porto Alegre has stood out as a point of reference in helping the homeless, receiving daily donations from all over Brazil. This solidarity movement has been widely publicised by the media also through a live broadcast by the "Novo Lar" Social Work that produces lunch containers every day. The Salesian Leão XIII work, through the Corrente do Bem initiative, is mobilising resources to help the affected families in the city of Rio Grande. As a further demonstration of the spirit of unity and support, the São João Bosco Parish in Itajaí, in Santa Catarina, also joined the movement, promoting solidarity campaigns for the victims of the floods in the neighbouring state. The contribution of Salesian institutions does not stop there. UniSALESIANO, in collaboration with Colégio e Faculdade Dom Bosco, announced the sending of 37 volunteers to work in the emergency health services in Rio Grande do Sul, strengthening local efforts and bringing hope to the affected communities. This movement demonstrates the strength of solidarity and the capacity of mobilization of Salesian institutions in times of crisis, providing fundamental support to flood victims, highlighting the commitment to social welfare and humanitarian assistance ".

Krakow, Poland – May 2024 – Four young Salesians were ordained deacon on Saturday, 18 May in the Salesian St Stanislaus Kostka Church in Dębniki, Krakow: Paweł Klasa, Norbert Rosiński, Radosław Szyłak and Maciej Walkowiak. The celebration was presided over by Bishop Edward Kawa, OFMConv, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Lviv and Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Ukraine. In addition to parents and friends of the four new deacons, many young people were present, as well as the Superiors of the Polish Salesian Provinces and various Salesians. It is worth noting that Bishop Kawa arrived in Poland personally driving a bus to bring some stalls to the Salesian church in Przemyślany on his return to Ukraine. In 2023, the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, awarded the bishop the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

Photo: Facebook PLS

Esmeraldas, Ecuador – May 2024 - Ten years ago, in the San Rafael Valley in the Province of Esmeraldas – a place marked by violence, drug trafficking, poverty and lack of opportunities – the María Auxiliadora Formation Centre (CEFORMAX in Spanish) came into being. The Centre has the support and collaboration of the Salesian Ecuador Project and the Salesian San Juan Bosco Community in Esmeraldas, which guarantees the recognition of the Pichincha Artisan Chamber for the courses and supports the Salesian identity of the proposal. Inspired by Don Bosco's work and Salesian values, its mission is to form vulnerable populations, especially those who aspire to forge a life plan and create their own activity. CEFORMAX currently maintains its formation offer thanks to the support of the Fundación del Valle and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID in Spanish) through the Inclusive economy for the women of Esmeraldas Project, as well as the Association for Cultural, Technical and Educational Cooperation (ACTEC in Spanish) with the Opening horizons to the vulnerable population of the Coast region Project. These initiatives allowed more than 130 participants to enroll in the courses in 2023, and until April 2024 the number of beneficiaries increased to over 270 people. The formation offered by three lay professionals consists of six sectors, with twelve courses, and is mainly aimed at women in Esmeraldas who face unemployment, lack of resources, gender violence, abandonment or who are heads of household.

Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic – May 2024 – The Salesian Saint John Bosco Province of the Antilles (ANT) concluded the final session of its 23rd Provincial Chapter on Friday, 17 May at the Salesian Pinar Quemado Centre for Formation and Spirituality  in Jarabacoa. For five intense and active days, Chapter members met to reflect, plan and celebrate the Salesian mission. The 23rd Provincial Chapter focused on the core areas of the 29th General Chapter (GC29) and the contributions that will be presented. Among the most notable results of this meeting the conclusion of the review and approval of the new Code of Ethics is to be noted, a fundamental document that will guide the actions and decisions of the ANT Province in the years to come. During the sessions the representative of the ANT Province to the GC29 and his substitute, Fr Jorge Santiago and Fr Edison Capellán respectively, were elected. The official closing of the 23rd Provincial Chapter was marked by a solemn Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr José Pastor Ramírez, ANT Provincial.

Lima, Peru – May 2024 - As happens every year, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Breña it is a tradition that a few days before the procession "The Enthronement of the Virgin" takes place. Step by step, rhythmically and elegantly, past pupils from the 1999 class prepare for the procession of the Virgin Mary Help of Christians in Breña, practising movement, coordination and movement of the bearers of the statue. Step by step with a feeling of love for the Mother, tears of emotion and joy, the young people participated accompanied by their family members sharing this experience of Salesianity.

Caracas, Venezuela – May 2024 - On 13 May the Don Bosco Church in Altamira, Caracas, Venezuela, was filled with joy and gratitude for the commemoration of the 56th anniversary of the founding of the Damas Salesianas Association (ADS). The solemn celebration began with the Eucharist in which God was thanked for the precious mission entrusted to the Association. Fr Rafale Montenegro, Superior of the Salesian Province of Venezuela (VEN) presided, accompanied by Fr Luis Germán Prato, SDB, Spiritual Coucillor General of ADS and other Salesians present on this special day. The celebration was attended by the Damas Salesianas from all centres in Caracas, as well as workers, collaborators and students from two schools belonging to the Association. The National Directorate of Venezuela and the International Directorate were also present, consolidating the union and common purpose that characterises this great family. At the end of the Eucharist, there was a moment of fraternal sharing that further strengthened the bonds of fraternity between all those present. Undoubtedly, these 56 years of history reflect the tireless commitment of ADS to sow hope and build a better world.