Hua Hin, Thailand – March 2024 - From 18 to 23 March 2024, the Salesian Commission for Youth Ministry of Thailand organized the annual vocation camp at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Khao Takiep, Hua Hin, on the theme of the Rector Major's Strenna 2024: "The dream that makes you dream". A heart that transforms "wolves" into "lambs". The "Friendship Camp" was attended by young Catholics from all regions of Thailand, as well as Salesians, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils and senior aspirants for a total of 81 people. The opening ceremony was conducted by Fr Nattawut Kitsawat, head of the vocation work of the Salesian Commission for Youth Ministry and deputy director of the camp. During the days there were moments of learning and formation on different topics, such as: "Getting to know Don Bosco"; "Don Bosco's Dream at 9 years of age"; "The Salesians join forces to take care of the world". In addition to other Salesian-inspired activities such as treasure hunts, games, theatrical presentations, sports competitions. In addition to meeting the Salesians so that they could learn more about the Salesian lifestyle, the young participants also had the opportunity to welcome Fr Joan Lluís Playà, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat, and Bro. Dominic Nguyen Nam, SDB, Salesian Brother and World Delegate for Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators, who came to visit the Salesian Province of Thailand. Fr Playa gave an encouraging message to the young participants. The "Friendship Camp 2024" ended with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Fr Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, Superior of the Salesian Province of Thailand (THA).
Córdoba, Argentina – March 2024 – In March, the Provincial Economic Commission of the Salesian Province of Northern Argentina (ARN) met for the second time since its establishment. The team comprising the Provincial Economer, Fr Roberto Carlos Camusso, the Administrator of the commission, two Salesians, two administrators of works and a member of the commission, worked on various issues aimed at valuing local and Provincial economic resources, as well as drawing up guidelines for the development of a Solidarity Project and an Exchange of Assets Project.
La Crau, France – April 2024 – The Provincial Chapter of the France-Belgium South Province (FRB) is being held from 1 to 3 April at the Salesian work at La Navarre , on the theme of the upcoming GC29: "PASSIONATE ABOUT JESUS CHRIST, DEDICATED TO YOUNG PEOPLE".
Lubumbashi, DR Congo – March 2024 - The concluding assembly of the Extraordinary Visitation to the Central Africa Province (AFC) was held in the great hall of the Theologicum Saint François de Sales on 27 March 2024, led by Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Councillor for the Africa-Madagascar Region, on behalf of the Rector Major. It was a meeting during which Fr Owoudou provided the conclusions of the Extraordinary Visitation to the Salesians present from all the communities and those of the AFC-East, represented by the Provincial Delegate Fr Gauthier Tshibangu, who came for the occasion. Fr Guillermo Basañes, Superior of the Central African Province (AFC), thanked the Rector Major through Fr Owoudou, and thanked God for the fact that the Extraordinary Visitation took place according to the program. The Regional Councillor focused his address on community life and prayer; formation and accompaniment; ministry and mission; Salesian Family and laity; economy and management. At the end of his address Fr Owoudou established a fraternal exchange with those present. On 28 March Fr Owoudou chaired the meeting of the AFC Provincial Council, giving them precise indications for the life of the Province and the realisation of the Salesian mission in the country.
(ANS – Urnieta) – The Extraordinary Visitation by Fr Fabio Attard to Spain’s St James the Greater Province (SSM) has continued in March. In recent days he visited the Salesian houses of Logroño, Pamplona, Urnieta, Donostia, Azkoitia and Madrid-Estrecho, meeting with the Salesian Family, lay people with positions of responsibility in the different sections, parish councils, Salesian family groups and young people from Salesian schools and youth centers. In Pamplona, he also met the Archbishop of Pamplona and Tudela, who has just begun his service for the diocese.
(ANS - Francova Lhota) – A significant jubilee is being commemorated in 2024: the 50th anniversary of the death of Cardinal Štěpán Trochta, one of the most important figures of the Czech Salesian Family and of the entire Czech Church. His legacy not only remains in history, but is also alive in the present as confirmed by the numerous events prepared to commemorate this anniversary.