Bangalore, India – December 2024 - In its mission to give children and communities the tools to understand and support human rights, the Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society (BREADS – Bangalore), the Planning and Development Office of the Salesian Province of Bangalore, India (INK), organised an event. On 10 December, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, BREADS Bangalore with the help of teachers from the Don Bosco schools in Karnataka conducted various activities and competitions. The teachers of the Don Bosco English and Kannada Medium Schools in Chitradurga, Devadurga, Gulbarga, Prakashpalaya and Mithra School in Bangalore, took the initiative to organise poster creation, drawing and diction competitions, along with awareness sessions and much more, all designed to instill knowledge of human rights among students. The United Nations theme for this year's Day, "Our rights, our future, now", underlines the transformative power of human rights in creating a better world. It serves as a path to solutions for global challenges, promoting peace, equality and sustainability. As UN Secretary General António Guterres said, "Human rights are the foundation for peaceful, just and inclusive societies." The theme stresses the need to embrace human rights as a preventive and transformative force for good. By speaking out against hate speech, fighting disinformation, and mobilising action, we can reinvigorate the global human rights movement. BREADS 'efforts to educate children on these principles ensure that they are equipped to help pave the way for a more just and equitable future.

Kinshasa, DR Congo – December 2024 - One year has passed since the death of Fr Léopold Feyen, Salesian of Don Bosco, a missionary of Belgian origin. Of this Salesian we can repeat the words of St. John Bosco: "I promised God that my life, until his last breath, would be for my poor boys", because Fr Feyen remained at the service of young people until his death on 12 December 2023. To honuor his memory, a mass was celebrated in the parish church of Mary Help of Christians in Masina with the participation of numerous parishioners, friends, Salesians, prenovices and FMA from the surrounding communities. From Belgium there were three compatriots of the one who was affectionately called "Koko Pol". Fr Aurélien Mukangwa, Superior of the Salesian Vice-Province of Africa Congo Congo (ACC) said "One year after this tragic death, which occurred at the age of eighty-two, we remember Father Pol's love for the Church and passion for young people".

RMG – December 2024 - On 12 December, the Advisory Team for the Salesian Missionary Museums met online to evaluate the first year of work and plan the activity for 2025, in preparation for the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian missionary expedition. During the meeting, the results obtained during the year were analysed, with a reflection on the current state of the team, the first challenges faced and the objectives achieved. The importance of strengthening collaboration between the different Salesian museums emerged, creating opportunities for mutual growth and a common vision. The 150th anniversary of the first expedition represents an opportunity to strengthen the ties between Salesian museums around the world, through the sharing of resources, common projects and training events that involve museum staff in a shared path of appreciation of the Salesian heritage. The Advisory Team concluded the meeting with the commitment to work closely together, continue to develop the museum network. In particular, it was decided to plan formation events and initiatives that could involve an international community, appreciating the stories, experiences and heritage preserved in each venue.

Etobicoke, Canada – December 2024 – On Sunday 8 December, the Association of Salesian Cooperators in Canada rejoiced at the promise of two new Salesian Cooperators, Boban and Luna Mathew, from the Mary Help of Christians Centre in Etobicoke. After two years of preparation and formation provided by the delegate, Sister Alphonsine Roy, FMA, the local coordinator John Lope,; and by formator Rosina Di Felice, Boban and Luna made their promise during the Mass presided over by Fr John Puntino, Rector of the local Salesian community, and concelebrated by Fr John Mariapragasam. The rite was attended by other Salesian Cooperators, family, friends and members of the parish community.

Rimac, Peru – December 2024 – On the occasion of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December, the Provincial of the Salesians in Peru, Fr Juan Pablo Alcas, presided over the Eucharist at the Salesian San Juan Bosco Oratory in Rimac. During the homily the said, "Today Don Bosco begins the Oratory through the Immaculate Virgin", recalling the meeting between Don Bosco and Bartholomew Garelli, a moment that marked the beginning of the Salesian Oratory in 1841. With this event, the Salesians of Peru closed the activities commemorating the Bicentenary of Don Bosco's "Dream at 9 years of age". The celebration was attended by young people, teachers and families who cycled from the San Francisco de Sales school to arrive together at the Rímac oratory. The route filled the streets of Lima with joy, with participants of all ages, from the youngest to the most experienced cyclists. All united in a single mission: to reach the oratory to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the beginning of the Salesian Oratory. "We came to the first Salesian house in Peru, on foot, by car or by bicycle, to celebrate a special event: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. We are a Marian Congregation par excellence," said the Provincial. After the ceremony, the courtyard at the Rímac youth centre became the scene of a great Salesian celebration. Parents with their children, those who attend the oratory, students and members of the Salesian Family gathered to participate in a lively gymkhana full of games, and moments of shared joy; an atmosphere that fully reflected the true Salesian spirit.

Walvanda, India – December 2024 – On Sunday 1 December, past pupils from the Bosco Boys Unit – Borivali organised an awareness programme for disadvantaged Adivasi children attending Don Bosco Walvanda in the rural area of Maharashtra. The programme aimed to support and involve the 100 children who regularly participate in the activities of the oratory. A team of 15 past pupils interacted with the children, with a series of lively games that brought visible excitement and joy. To further support their educational journey, 100 gift baskets were distributed, each containing essential school items such as backpacks, stationery, notebooks, geometry boxes, watercolor sets, and more. The initiative not only gave happiness to the young students, but also strengthened the commitment of the past pupils in supporting disadvantaged and marginalised communities.

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