Loyola, Spain – March 2024 – A meeting of Salesian Cooperators from Northern Spain was held o 9-10 March on the theme "Are we Church? Yes. The event, organised by the St Francis Xavier Province, brought together 60 people at the Ignatius Loyola mother house, including Salesian cooperators, aspirants, delegates and guests who experienced moments of formation and sharing. Fr Antonio Quintana, an ASC for some months, offered a realistic and enlightening vision on the figure of the Salesian Cooperator in the Church. In addition, a proposal was approved in relation to Salesian Family Councils.
Kigali, Rwanda – March 2024 - Through the "Gender Matters for Green TVET" project, funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and carried out by the Salesians of Don Bosco in Rwanda and Uganda, the Don Bosco Gatenga Technical Secondary School in Kigali celebrated International Women's Day with a special event on 10 March. The event featured a special presentation urging girls to pursue technical subjects as enshrined in the project objectives, and highlighting the progress made in promoting gender equality at the national level and in school. During the celebration the students participated in various activities such as songs, poems, dances to honour the achievements achieved by women in society. One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of a student who distinguished herself in the last academic year. The recognition served as a symbol of encouragement for other girls to strive for success and break down barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Puerto Ayacucho, Venezuela – March 2024 - The Councillor for the Interamerica Region, on behalf of the Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, visited several areas in Amazon State, culminating with a visit to the lands of the Vicariate Apostolic of Puerto Ayacucho. On 9 March, during a meeting with the Salesian Family at the Don Bosco Work Training Centre, Fr Hugo Orozco said he had visited the municipalities of Autana, Atabapo, Alto Orinoco and Atures during his stay in the region. The Regional Councillor expressed his love for the people living in the Amazon. "It gives us great hope to find so many good people inspired by God, who live life despite difficulties" he said. He then highlighted 4 important traits of Salesian spirituality: affection for young people, the real lives of men and women, friendship as an important experience in life and joy as a means to reach Jesus. Finally, Fr Orozco invited young people to develop creativity with different methods, especially reading to nourish the brain with approaches of hope.
Nyakadaka, Democratic Republic of the Congo – March 2024 – After the Team Visit to the Africa-Madagascar Region which took place in Rwanda in February, Fr Alphonse Owoudou, Regional Councillor, has resumed his Extraordinary Visitation to the Central Africa Province (AFC), in particular to the Central Africa-East Delegation (AFC-EST). After Uvira and Bukavu, Fr Owoudou visited the interesting agro-pastoral project in Nyakadaka (meaning "fertile land"), where the Salesians train young people and villagers in agriculture and tailoring. The AFC Province also has another work of this kind. It is located further east than Nyakadaka, closer to Lubumbashi, and is known as Jacaranda.
Makati, Philippines – March 2024 - The Zepherin Camp vocational experience organised by the Salesian Province of the Northern Philippines (FIN) ended on 2 March 2024, bringing together 42 young people in vocational discernment from different Salesian houses. During the days, the young participants learned about the works and apostolate of the Salesians, explored the figure of Don Bosco and his mission, carried out social activities, lived moments of prayer and reflection. In Calatagan, the camp team, made up of Salesians Dandrew Matias, Roj Mallari, Nathan Petate, and Fr Jay David, SDB, prepared a series of activities to increase teamwork and friendship among the participants. In addition, special moments of prayer were prepared so that the participants could immerse themselves in their reflections with God appreciating the nature that surrounds them.
Hua Hin, Thailand – March 2024 – The Salesians in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos gathered for the 2024 annual retreat, divided into two groups: the first met from 24 February to 2 March, while the second from 3-9 March. The event, which took place at the HuaHin Retreat House, was led by Bishop Patrick Abella Buzon, SDB, Bishop of Bacolod. The retreat focused on the Salesian vocation, with Bishop Buzon leading those present to reflect on Consecrated Life, the Sequela Christi, Prayer, Communion, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Eucharist, the Meaning of the Church and Mary Help of Christians. The days of retreat were also an opportunity for the Salesians of the three different countries to meet and exchange experiences.