Messina, Italy - March 2024 - Taking its cue from the recent handbook by Fr Giovanni Russo entitled “Bioethics in Dialogue: Foundations and Texts”, an event was organised with the State University of Messina, involving the S. Tommaso Theological Institute, attached to the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, the Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, the University Centre for Bioethics Studies of the State University, and the Sicilian section of the Italian Institute of Bioethics. The book by Fr Russo, director of the S. Tommaso Theological Institute (ITST) and the Higher School of Specialisation in Bioethics and Sexology, combined with the UPS, has seen two editions in just a few months and has been published by the ITST publisher. The event, which took place on 15 March 2024 in the premises of the prestigious Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, the oldest academy of sciences in Sicily (1729), was attended by five leading professors from the State University, in addition to the academic heads of the institutions involved:  Emeritus Prof. Antonio Metro, of Institutions of Roman Law, Prof. Marianna Gensabella Furnari, former Professor of Bioethics and member of the National Bioethics Committee, Emeritus Prof. Francesco Trimarchi, of Endocrinology and Director of the Class of Medico-Biological Sciences of the Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, Prof. Maria Laura Giacobello, Associate Professor of Bioethics and the University's Deputy Vice-Rector, Prof. Giuseppe Giordano. Finally, Fr Russo spoke, dwelling on the idea of a dialogical and open Bioethics which gives voice to the various positions, a voice that listens without raise fences, meeting in a synodal way without customs or duties to be paid, but ready to care and help like the Good Samaritan.

Bangalore, India - March 2024 - Archbishop Peter Machado, archbishop of Bangalore, ordained 33 acolytes from Kristu Jyoti College as deacons on 18 March in the Shrine of St Anthony,  T C Palya : 27 Salesians and 6 belonging to other Congregations. Present at the celebration were: Fr Jose Thomas Koyickal, Superior of the Province of Bangalore (INK), Fr Don Bosco Lourdusamy, Superior of the Province of Chennai (INM), Fr Agilan Sarprasadam, Superior of the Province of Tiruchy (INT), Fr Thomas Rajkumar Santiagu, Superior of the Province of Hyderabad (INH), Fr Nazarius Lakra, Vicar of the Province of Dimapur (IND), besides other religious authorities.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - March 2024 – The Salesian Province of Vietnam (VIE) organised a formation course for 22 Salesian practical trainees from 12 to 14 March 2024, following the annual program. The aim was to improve knowledge, skills and spirit during their practical training. The course, which took place at the Provincial House, was accompanied by Fr Barnabas Le An Phong, VIE Provincial,  Fr. Joseph Do Duc Dung, Delegate for Formation, Fr Nicolas Kieu Long Ho, Provincial Economer, and Salesians from the Provincial Community.

Guayaquil, Ecuador – March 2024 – The Mary Mazzarello Educational Unit in Guayaquil celebrated the "Costa" Volunteer Sending Eucharist 2024-2025 on 18 March  which brought together 21 young people destined for different religious communities of Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. These young people will undertake a year-long missionary experience aimed at educative andvpastoral work with children, youth and adults, especially in schools, parishes, oratories, social works and missions in the Shuar, Achuar, Andean and Afro-descendant communities. Fr Juan Flores, Vice-Provincial of the Province of Ecuador (ECU), presided over the Eucharist and began by thanking God for this group of young people, their parents, families and communities that accompanied and prepared them. After giving the missionary cross to the volunteers, Fr Flores told them that this time of life and hope that they are about to have will be proclamation and prophecy wherever they go, because "Your dreams are sublime, and God dreams with you".

Mestre, Italy – March 2024 - Young people who are preparing to leave for summer missions with the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in the Triveneto gathered for the second time in Mestre on 16 March. About 50 of them, aged between 18 and 30 from Salesian houses, gathered to prepare to face the adventure that awaits them together. Next summer the Triveneto SYM will send groups of young people to various parts of the world to bring their contribution and solidarity: two groups in Brazil, two in Madagascar, two in Moldova and one in Peru. These missions are not only an opportunity to live a meaningful experience, but also to put into practice the Salesian values of solidarity and sharing. In addition, for high school students, a work camp is planned in Italy in collaboration with the volunteers of Operation Mato Grosso, an opportunity to contribute to the well-being of local communities and grow in social commitment. The meeting took place in different phases, each designed to best prepare young people for the challenges that await them. Led by Fr Fabio Maistro and Sister Silvia Berto, together with the team, they accompanied the young people on this inner and outer journey. In the coming months, before the summer, young people will participate in further formation sessions.

Pakkred, Thailand – March 2024 - The Pakkred Skills Development Centre for the Blind, Nonthaburi, run by Salesians since 1978, held a degree-giving ceremony for 154 students. The ceremony, which took place on 13 March, was attended by Mrs. Saowanee Suwannacheep, president of the Foundation for the Blind of Thailand, who delivered the certificates to the students who completed the various courses offered by the Centre. Currently Fr Charles Velardo and Salesian Brother Joseph Suwan Jutasonpakorn are supervising this Centre together with 25 lay employees. The Centre offers a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond teaching a trade. In addition to acquiring an education and learning valuable work skills, students participate in sports activities that promote physical development and self-confidence. Most graduates manage to find work immediately and continue to hone their skills for many years. The Salesian contribution to the visually impaired in Thailand is a very real and important response to disadvantaged young people in society.