Quetta, Pakistan – May 2024 - The Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta has taken a courageous step towards environmental conservation, inspired by the teachings of Pope Francis and his call for the care of the planet outlined in his Encyclical Laudato Si'. Pakistan is among the top five Asian countries severely affected by climate change, as indicated by the Global Climate Risk Index. In light of this sad reality, the Don Bosco Learning Center in Quetta has taken up the challenge, trying to instill a deep sense of responsibility and pride in protecting the environment through seminars and concrete actions. During March and April 2024, the entire community of the Don Bosco Learning Center, including teachers, students, former students and young people, gathered under the guidance of the rector, Fr Samuel Ghouri, SDB, to plant over 200 trees both inside the school compound and outside, marking a significant commitment in the fight against climate change and in the growth of a generation of environmental stewards. Particular attention was paid to the selection of tree species suitable for the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring their survival and maximising their environmental benefits. Each member of the Don Bosco community has committed not only to planting but also to cultivating these trees, becoming an advocate for ecological preservation.
The Don Bosco quiz in the south region of the St. Joseph vice province of Sri Lanka (LKC) was held on April 27, 2024 at Matiyaganne Salesian Community. The theme of the Strenna - “The Dream that makes you dream” was chosen as the theme for the quiz. Young people from Six Salesian Communities Palliyawatha, Dankotuwa - Juniors and Seniors, Arabegama, Uswetakeiyawa, Nochchiyagama took part in the quiz. Don Bosco Chinthnaloka Post-Novitiate Community organized the quiz. The quiz comprised of written exam, group round, individual round, Singing competition and drama competition. The presence and messages on the part of Fr. Paul Sajeewaka, the Vice Provincial and Fr. Sagayaraj, the Provincial Economer was a greater motivation. The DB quiz was meticulously planned and executed by Fr. Sebastian Fernando, with the support of the Salesian Community of Matiyganny.
The second Provincial Chapter of the Africa Nigeria Niger (ANN) Province, held in Iju, Lagos came to close on April 28, 2024. The Provinicial Fr. Jorge Crisafulli, in the concluding eucharist emphasized the essence of passion and the significance of abiding in faith. The solemn evening prayer marked the official closure of the Provincial Chapter, during which Fr. Jorge Crisafulli shared his reflections on the sessions and proceedings. His sentiments were unequivocally positive, underscoring the unity, dedication, and fervour that characterized the Chapter. The chapter members departed emboldened, fortified by a renewed commitment to their faith, their mission, and their community.
The second session of the Provincial Chapter of the Province of Bombay concluded on 26 April 2024, at Don Bosco, Lonavla with the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr Savio Silveira, the Provincial of INB. During the homily, Fr Silveira took the opportunity to reflect with the capitulars on the attitudes needed to contribute to the good growth of the province. He exhorted the participants to recall with gratitude the blessings the Lord is showering on the Province - talented confreres, generosity of resources, and the opportunity to work with the young despite circumstances. The previous afternoon, the Chapter elected Fr Michael Fernandes and Fr Ashley Miranda as the two delegates to represent the province at the General Chapter. Later, in the evening session, the capitulars voted on the documents of the Chapter, after which the Moderator, Fr Valerian Pereira, declared the Chapter closed.
Cebu, Philippines – April 2024 - The economers from several Salesian institutions in the Salesian Province of the Southern Philippines (FIS) met at the Don Bosco Provincial House on 23 April for their annual meeting. The meeting focused on responsible management, sustainability and best practices in resource management. The program began with a contribution from Fr Fidel Orendain, Superior of the FIS Province who highlighted the proactive approach of the Province in caring for the confreres, staff, the natural environment and infrastructure. He also explored initiatives towards sustainability. Following Fr Orendain's address, Fr Mike Samaniego, financial administrator of the diocese of Lipa, held a session on the management of asset portfolios. In the afternoon session, the following were presented: the report by Fr Adriano Satura; the Facilities Management Manual by Fr Mario Baclig, and updates on Ms Leah Samson's FIS projects. The meeting ended with a session on cybersecurity and digital asset management for the economy, led by Fr Keith Amodia. The annual meeting of economers served as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaborative reflection towards a more sustainable FIS Province.
Mogliano Veneto, Italy – April 2024 - The Salesian Family Festival of the Salesian Province of North Eastern Italy (INE) took place on 25 April at the Salesian Astori College in Mogliano Veneto (TV) . It was a day of reunion and celebration that made this traditionally Provincial Day significant, marking the bicentennial of the Dream at nine years of age. Some 500 people were present, representing the branches of the Salesian Family in the Triveneto: SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, VDB, Past Pupil, Sisters of Maria Auxiliatrix, Sisters of Mary Help of Christians and also the Mamma Margaret Association, a group formed by some parents of the SDBs. After the greetings, the participants had a moment of prayer echoing Don Bosco's childhood dream. Later, the new FMA Provincial of the ITV Province, Sister Antonella Franchini, offered a "goodmorning". Those present then watched a video of some testimonies of several members of the Salesian Family relating to how Don Bosco's dream became a reality in their lives. Then the musical entitled "A heart that dreams" created for the occasion by the Salesian Oratory in Chioggia was performed for the first time. This helped to pass on the beauty of the Salesian mission through artistic expression. This was followed by the Eucharist was celebrated in honour of St Mark, patron saint of the Province, presided over by Fr Igino Biffi, Superior of the INE Province, who this year concludes his mandate and celebrates his silver jubilee of priestly ordination: at the end of the mass the Provincial received a gift and thanks in appreciation for his service.