Thailand – December 2024 – On 14 December, the Catechism Commission of the Salesian Family organised a Catechists of the Salesian Family on a journey in the Holy Year activity. A total of 105 representatives of catechists and religious from five Groups of the Salesian Family joined the boat trip to retrace the journey of the Salesian missionaries along the Mae Klong River from the church of St. Jacob, in the province of Samut Songkhram, to the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, in Bang Nok Khwaek. During the boat trip, Sister Supha Thong-ampai, historian of the Sisters Handmaids of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SIHM), described the important events that occurred along the historical route that the Salesian missionaries followed to carry out their pastoral work. Participants were able to observe the lifestyle of the villagers living on both sides of the river, understanding their culture and the challenges they face. Arriving at the Cathedral, those present joined the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Surat Thani, and concelebrated by Fr Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, Superior of the THA Province. This activity was organised to prepare Catechists for the Holy Year 2025 and to move towards the 100th anniversary of the Salesians in Thailand (1927-2027). At the same time, the activity prepared the participants to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the expedition of the first Salesian missionaries, which Don Bosco sent to Argentina in 1875, led by the future Cardinal Cagliero.

Apia, Samoa – December 2024 – A historic and joyful event was celebrated in the Salesian mission in Samoa with the ordination of Fr Anh Vu Nguyen to the priesthood, the first Vietnamese Salesian to be ordained in Samoa. The ordination Mass was celebrated in the St John Bosco parish in Sinamoga, and was presided over by Archbishop Mosese Vitolio Tui, SDB. The celebration was honoured by the presence of the Australia-Pacific Provincial Council (AUL), Salesians working in Samoa, and the wider parish community.

Guadalupe, Colombia – December 2024 - On 14 December, Salesian deacons Wilmer Delgadillo and Juan Guillermo Olarte were ordained to the priesthood. The ceremony was held in Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Guadalupe, Santander. The ordaining bishop was Bishop Luis Augusto Campo Flórez, Bishop of the Diocese of Socorro and San Gil. The celebration, rich in expressions of fraternity and unity towards these two religious now fully consecrated to God, was accompanied by the Superior of the Provincial of Bogotá, Colombia (COB), Fr Jhon Jairo Gómez Rúa, as a family member and friend of the two new priests, and by numerous Salesians.

Messina, Italy - December 2024 - On 13 December, an important symposium was held at the St Thomas Theological Institute (ITST) in Messina on the theme ‘Dai Dubia a Fiducia Supplicans: Per un dibattito teologico dialogico e non polemico’ (‘From Dubia to Fiducia Supplicans: For a dialogical and non-polemical theological debate’), an opportunity for profound and serene reflection on the delicate relationship between faith, ecclesiastical authority and bioethics. The discussion, moderated by Professor Rosa Faraone, Professor of the History of Philosophy at the University of Messina, was attended by distinguished speakers, including Professor Marianna Gensabella Furnari, former Professor of Bioethics at the University of Messina and President of the Italian Institute of Bioethics, Sicily Section. The central theme of her address was ‘The maternal heart of the Church’, an exploration of the Church's role as a loving and attentive guide in contemporary moral challenges. Prof. Dino Calderone, former professor of philosophy at Messina high schools, offered a reflection on the delicate balance between freedom, conscience and authority in the Church, raising questions on how these concepts can be integrated without falling into polarisation. Lastly, Prof. Fr Giovanni Russo, SDB, Professor of Bioethics and Director of the ITST and SSSBS in Messina, explored moral and ecclesiological hermeneutics in the context of the passage from the ‘Dubia’ to the ‘Fiducia Supplicans’, inviting the search for a constructive dialogue that overcomes the dichotomy between doubt and the supplication of trust, highlighting the dimension of hope and openness to grace. In his speech, Fr Russo emphasised a fundamental aspect of divine mercy: never judging the sinner, but looking at him with the eyes of compassion.

Cotonou, Benin - December 2024 - Benin has always been a dream destination for two Past Pupils and Friends of Don Bosco from Malta and France. Two volunteers from the Friends of Don Bosco Malta, Albert and Fay, have always dreamed of helping street children in Cotonou, Benin. These children are lovingly cared for by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, whose tireless efforts require considerable funding and energy to sustain. Albert and Fay's mission is led by a team called ‘No Limits’, a part of the Friends of Don Bosco, under the guidance and mentorship of the President of the World Confederation of Past Pupils, Bryan Magro. Thanks to the generosity of many sponsors, Albert and Fay were able to provide these children with small essentials, including school supplies, hygiene products and large bags of rice and pasta. ‘This year was their second visit to Benin, made possible by Fay's physical presence to bring everything the children needed. Nothing is impossible when you believe in Don Bosco's mission for the young, especially the poor, because love really opens all doors and these children teach us the best lesson of love,’ said Bryan Magro.

Tlazala, Mexico - December 2024 – Savio Camp 2024 was held On Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, at the Salesian Casa del Hombre Nuevo spirituality centre  in Tlazala. It was an associative camp experience aimed at adolescents aged between 12 and 15. The event is part of the integral formative experience of the Friends of Dominic Savio (ADS), promoted by Youth Ministry in Mexico City Province (MEM), and part of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM. Convened by Fr Juan Aarón Cerezo Huerta, SDB, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, and his team of collaborators, this year's meeting focused on the meaning of profound prayer, friendship with God and with others, conversion and Hope, in preparation for Christmas and the Jubilee Year 2025, based on the theme of Christian Hope. The Savio Camp was attended by 13 Salesian works, including boys and girls from the MEM and MME Provinces of the FMA, as well as a team of 80 young Salesian Animators. Fr Ignacio Ocampo Uribe, SDB, MEM Provincial, presided over the closing Mass.