Blitar, Indonesia – April 2024 - One of the special features of the Indonesian nation is the diversity of religions: Islam, Catholicism, Protestant Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and other indigenous religions. The St Yusuf Catholic Vocational School Salesian community in Blitar, which has this kind of religious diversity, organised an "iftar" (evening meal consumed by Muslims that interrupts the daily fast) on 3 April, on the theme "Sharing happiness and strengthening brotherhood". The activity began with the prayer followed by talks from Mr. Imam Susilo, the Principal Fr Ferdinandus Reo, SDB, and Mrs. Endang Sulistiowati, as school supervisor of the educational office for the city of Blitar and Mr. Alex Silli, President of the School Committee. Imam Susilo stressed that every believer has been destined by God and the hope is that everyone can do their best for the common good. Fr Ferdinandus Reo invited all teachers and school employees to set an example for each other, thanking the Muslim employees who work in the institution. Ms Endang for her part stressed that “one form of tolerance in being together is breaking the fast together”. Then Mr. Hendra Budi Rukmana spoke on the theme "Work ethics", which was followed by dinner shared together.

Panama City, Panama – March 2024 – From 27 to 31 March, a group of 20 young people belonging to the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) of the Don Bosco Basilica carried out a missionary experience in the province of Darién. The group was accompanied by Fr Manuel Gómez and Salesian Brother Roberto Laniado. The activities were carried out thanks to the collaboration of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who facilitated collaboration with local communities. The young people were assigned to the communities of El Real de Santa María, Yape and Boca de Cupe. During their stay, they created a cultural and spiritual exchange with people from indigenous populations. They made home visits and were involved in the Easter Triduum celebrations together with the children, young people and adults of the communities. For many young people this was the first missionary experience, which proved to be a profoundly enriching experience.

Veržej, Slovenia – April 2024 – The 27th Provincial Chapter of the Salesian Province of Slovenia (SLO) is being held from 2 to 6 April 2024 at the Marianum Veržej  Salesian house. The Chapter is being attended by 32 Salesians: 29 with the right to vote and three without the right to vote (two young Salesians – a practical trainee and young Salesian from the Europe Project – and one Salesian from the suspended community in Serbia). The Chapter is chaired by the Provincial Fr Marko Košnik, in the presence of the newly appointed Superior Fr Peter Končan who will be installed on 25 May 2024 on the Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians in Ljubljana in the presence of Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major. With the greetings and visit of Bishop Peter Štumpf, SDB, Bishop of Murska Sobota, and of the FMA Provincial, Sister Mateja Kranjc, the conclusion is scheduled with the Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Andrej Saje, Bishop of Novo mesto and President of the Slovenian Episcopal Conference.

Krakow, Poland – April 2024 – The Provincial Chapter of the Krakow Salesian Province (PLS) began at the Salesian Seminary (WSDTS) on 2 April. It will conclude on Friday, 5 April. It is an opportunity to talk about common crosses and "resurrections", since both are part of the daily life of the Province. In addition to the main issues at the Chapter, which are the authentic life of the Salesian charism, collaboration with the laity in the evangelisation of young people and the reform of the Congregation's Government structures, Chapter members will address issues relevant to the PLS Province proposed in the motions sent by the communities. These include the care of vocations; solutions for the care of elderly and sick confreres; the future of Salesian schools; the future of presences in Ukraine; the prospect of the possible opening of new works; the future of initial formation in the context of the restructuring of formation houses in Europe; the updating of the Directory (in particular the articles concerning formation and the economy). The Provincial Chapter will also elect a delegate to the next General Chapter and his substitute. Special thanks go to theModerator of the Provincial Chapter Fr Andrzej Król, and to all the pre-Chapter Commissions for the preparatory work carried out.

Oud-Heverlee, Belgium – April 2024 – On 27 March 2024, Salesian Father Jan Wauters turned 100 years old, and received, in addition to dozens of greeting cards, congratulations from the Mayor of Oud-Heverlee, Bart Clerckx, from Bishop Emeritus of Ghent, Bishop Luc Van Looy, SDB, and from the Salesian community in Oud-Heverlee to which he belongs. The actual feast was celebrated in the Salesian community in Oud-Heverleen on 1 April , with the traditional cake cutting that took place after five moving speeches. Salesian Wilfried Meert traced Fr Wauters’ story, with some surprising events such as his mother's relationship with Woinke Turck, who at 112 years and 186 days, became the oldest Belgian woman ever. Fr Wauters took the floor to personally thank his family, the Salesians, the many friends in his life, the staff of the residential and care centre, and finally God: "It is thanks to him that I am here" he said amid general emotion. Fr Jan Wauters entered the novitiate at Groot-Bijgaarden (Belgium) on 24 August 1946, and made his perpetual profession on 1 August 1953. He was ordained a priest on 5 August 1956 in Oud-Heverlee. Among his assignments in the community he was Rector and Vice-rector of various Salesian presences in Belgium.

Capriglio, Italy - April 2024 - A Mass was celebrated in memory of the Venerable Margaret Occhiena, mother of Saint John Bosco on Tuesday, 2 April at 9:00 p.m., at the Parish of San Martino in Capriglio, in memory of her birth on 1 April 1788. The Mass was presided over by Fr Mario Maritano SDB, professor emeritus of Church History and Patrology. Concelebrating with him was the diocesan Vicar of the Mamma Margaret Pastoral Unit (formed by the communities of Capriglio, Montafia, Viale and Cortazzone) Fr Domenico Valsania. The Mass also featured the Mamma Margaret Choir, Capriglio. In his homily Fr Maritano, taking up the Gospel of the day, underlined how Jesus, calling Mary by name, also calls each of us by name. A personal, direct call that renews life in the light of his resurrection and the paschal mystery. So too Mamma Margaret was called by name by Jesus and her answer was prayer but above all charity towards her neighbour: she helped people less fortunate than herself during her life at the Becchi and then she was a caring mother for many boys at the Valdocco Oratory. The president of the Friends Association of the Mamma Margaret Museum, Diego Occhiena, with reference to the bicentenary year of John Bosco's childhood dream, highlighted the prophetic interpretation his moth made of the dream, imagining a priestly vocation for her son.