Augustów, Poland – April 2024 – The Salesian St Stanisław Kostka Province of Warsaw Poland (PLE), began its Provincial Chapter on the theme "Passionate about Jesus Christ and dedicated to Young People" on 2 April 2024. This is an extremely important event during which decisions will be made that will affect the functioning of the Warsaw Province for the next 4 years. The assembly is attended by Salesians, Salesian Cooperators and youth representatives and is chaired by the Provincial Fr Tadeusz Jarecki. During the days of the Provincial Chapter, which will conclude on 6 April, the participants discuss various topics: vision and common mission of the Province of Warsaw; pastoral priorities for the coming years; education and formation of Salesians; cooperation with young people; life and service in the community.

New Rochelle, United States – March 2024 – Directors, principals and school leaders from the Salesian Province of the United States East and Canada (SUE) met on 21 and 22 March. The meeting was attended by John Devlin, Executive Director of the schools of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, and Father Robert Reiser, SJ, Executive Director of the Jesuit Schools Network, who both spoke about the functioning, advantages and development of a school network. In addition to these contributions, participants were encouraged to provide reports on standards and benchmarks for Provincial schools that will be reviewed during the next Provincial Chapter.

Venezuela – April 2024 - In a demonstration of faith and commitment to Salesian values, more than a thousand young people gathered to participate in youth missions which toured different areas of the country, bringing a message of joy, love and hope. Under the motto, “I will speak to your Heart and you will turn wolves into lambs,” these young people set out to transform not only their own lives, but also those they met along the way. Salesian Youth Ministry has closely followed the processes and stories of these courageous young missionaries, providing them with the necessary support so that they are faithful to the Gospel in every action they take. During the missions, Easter celebrations were held for children, young people and adults of all ages, as well as a missionary vocation day that brought together two hundred young people from different areas of the country. During visits to villages, homes, orphanages and nursing homes, young people performed a living Way of the Cross and special celebrations for the sick, bringing comfort, hope and the light of divine love to those who need it most. Through their actions, they have shown that love always wins and that true strength lies in solidarity and selfless service to others. The work carried out by these young Salesian missionaries is a living testimony of the commitment of young people to build a better and more just world, in the footsteps of Saints John Bosco and Mary Mazzarello.

Brasilia, Brazil – March 2024 - On 26 March, the Ambassador and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic in Brasilia, Alessandro Cortese and his delegation, paid a courtesy visit to the CESAM-DF Salesian Apprenticeship Centre and the Shrine of Don Bosco in Brasilia, belonging to the Salesian Province of Belo Horizonte Brazil (BBH). The event further contributed to enriching the ties between the Italian and Brazilian communities in the capital. The Ambassador was received at the Don Bosco Shrine by the Parish Priest and Rector of the Shrine, Fr João Carlos. This visit offered a moment of cultural and religious exchange, strengthening the historical ties between Italy and the Salesians, as well as between the two countries. After visiting the Shrine, Alessandro Cortese was received by the Executive Director of CESAM-DF, Tatiana Furtado, where he had the opportunity to interact with some young apprentices of the Salesians, who shared their experiences and testimonies on the importance of the Learning Program in their lives. One of the highlights was the report by João, an apprentice at the US Embassy. In the interview with the Italian authorities, he stressed that, through the apprenticeship program he had the opportunity to acquire professional skills and learn English, which greatly expanded his future prospects. The presence of the Italian Ambassador in these institutions underlines the importance of dialogue and cooperation between nations, especially with regard to the promotion of education and social development. These meetings strengthen the Salesian mission to form young people also as individuals committed to the values of solidarity and fraternity.

Canlubang, Philippines – April 2024 – With their desire to follow Jesus’ footsteps this Holy Week, 17 young Seekers stayed at the Don Bosco Aspirantate Formation House from March 27 to March 31, Holy Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Wanting to journey with Christ closely in these most important days of the Church, the Seekers were called to partake in the different liturgical preparations and celebrations. Fr. Jake Lopez, SDB's input about the Theology of Holy Week, followed the orientation on the first day of the retreat. This aimed to predispose and prepare the participants for what would happen during the rest of the week. On the evening of the first day, the seekers joined the Lenten Recollection facilitated by Fr. Armand Robleza, SDB. After the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, they proceeded to have a Visita Iglesia among nearby Churches in Calamba on the night of Maundy Thursday. Fr. Jayson David, SDB, and Br. facilitated a Lectio Divina session throughout their stay. Paolo Romero, SDB, is conducted to help the participants prepare themselves for upcoming liturgical celebrations. These sessions occurred on the mornings of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday, and until Easter Sunday. Together with the Aspirants, they helped prepare the celebrations for the lay faithful at the Diocesan Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. “Footprints” is a program of the Vocation Office designed to guide young people who are closely discerning their life’s mission. Through their participation in the different liturgies, the program intends to lead them to encounter God through moments of silence and reflection. Hopefully, it will also help them see the beauty of service and a life dedicated to God.

Thailand-April 2024 - In Thailand, churches under the care of the Salesians, such as Mary Help of Christians in Phanom, Surat Thani, St Joseph's in Banpong, Ratchaburi, Lourdes Parish, Hatyai, Songkhla, and St Joseph's in Tham Singh, Chumphorn have organised a catechetical camp for young people aged 8 to 15. Normally, this camp is held during Holy Week and lasts 7 to 10 days. This year there were more than 500 participants, including students from Salesian schools and young people from other public institutions. During these days, in particular, the young people were prepared to receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confession, Communion and Confirmation. In addition to these catechetical activities, the youth participated in Masses, the Rosary and Stations of the Cross. They were also engaged in sports and other group activities, which helped them live together in community and assimilate the Catholic faith. Various groups from the Salesian Family came together to animate the catechetical camp. Representatives of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Daughters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate were present, as well as the Pre- and Postnovices from Salesianum Sampran, catechists and leaders.