Valencia, Venezuela – February 2024 – As part of the Extraordinary Visitation to the St Luke Salesian Province of Venezuela (VEN), Fr Hugo Orozco, Councillor for the Interamerica Region visited Casa Don Bosco in Valencia from 2-5 February. The Extraordinary Visitation, which began in November 2023, had a break and resumed at the end of January at the El Concejo community. Its objective is to listen, converse with confreres, accompany and encourage the educative and pastoral work that takes place in the Salesian presences in Venezuela. The presence of Fr Orozco was very close and joyful for this occasion, characterised by sharing with the youngsters of the house and by accompaniment and animation of the work of the Salesians. The Regional Councillor met with each Salesian, the members of the council of the Educative and Pastoral Community, the representatives of the Salesian Youth Movement and the heads of Salesian Family groups.

Bariloche, Argentina – February 2024 - The Extraordinary Visitation to the Ceferino Namuncurá Province of South Argentina (ARS) began on 7 February, led by Fr Gabriel Romero, Councillor for the America South Cone Region, on behalf of the Rector Major. The visitation began by taking advantage of the conclusion of the meeting of the Salesians of ARS Province, at the Cardenal Cagliero Retreat House in Bariloche. In the meeting with the Provincial Council on 8 February, the situation of the ARS Province in all sectors of animation was presented to the Regional Councillor: Youth Ministry, Formation, Mission and Economy. In addition, the Province's Educative and Pastoral Plan and the Overall Pastoral Plan were presented. Fr Darío Perera, ARS Provincial, commented on the situation of the Salesian houses that make up the Province, which is preparing to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Salesian missionaries in Argentina.

Genzano di Roma, Italy - February 2024 - From 7 to 10 February, the World Formation Council, convened by Fr Ivo Coelho, General Councillor for Formation, is held in Genzano di Roma to verify the progress of the Sector since the last General Chapter to date. The seven Regional Formation Coordinators and the heads of the Regional Centres for Ongoing Formation, present in Nairobi (Kenya), Quito (Ecuador) and Bangalore (India), are taking part. The participants are discussing the six-year planning of the Rector Major and his Council following the 28th General Chapter, the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence to initial and ongoing formation paths, and the verification of the processes initiated by the Sector in this sexennium. The presence of Fr Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, made it possible to reflect on the causes of confreres leaving from the Congregation, in order to encourage suitable paths to guard one's vocation every day. The dialogue with a group of young Salesians from the "Zeffirino Namuncurá" community in Rome UPS favoured an interpretation of the Congregation's journey from their young experience. The summary of the work will be a contribution to the report on the state of the Congregation that will be presented at GC29.

Kenscoff, Haiti – January 2024 - On the occasion of the Feast of Don Bosco, in the village of Kenscoff, the Salesian Cooperators at the Bartholomew Garelli Work and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from st Teresa of Avila community have the tradition of holding a meeting with the young Oratory members of the house. This year the party saw the participation of the children from the Croix des Bouquets, with whom they shared the joy of celebrating Don Bosco. The children who participated had to leave their homes because of the insecurity caused by armed gangs, but at the time of the celebration, joy and hope were read on their faces. During the celebration, a representation of John Bosco's Dream at Nine Years of Age was presented, and there were games, dances and a snack.

Dili, East Timor – February 2024 – The St Francis de Sales Philosophical Institute awarded certificates to the 34 students who completed their studies. The students, belonging to different religious congregations and some lay people, received their certificates as part of a ceremony held at the Don Bosco Gymnasium in Comoro, Dili. Fr Manuel Pinto, Vice-Superior of East Timor and Dean of the Institute, congratulated the new graduates for their commitment and spirit of sacrifice, reminding them that all their efforts will be repaid and that this is only the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. The event was attended by numerous personalities, including the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, the Hon. Jose Onorio da Costa Ferreira Jeronimo, the President of the National Agency for Academic Assessment and Accreditation, the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to East Timor, representatives of the Salesian Family and of the various higher institutes in Dili and the Superiors of various religious Congregations in Dili.

Cebu, Philippines – February 2024 – The evening of 4 February was filled with music and singing in honour of Our Lady of Lourdes, in view of her feast commemorated on 11February. Nine different parish choirs and musical groups performed a Marian repertoire in her honour. The Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Cebu is known for its strong musical culture and has trained many artists and musicians for the local Church and the city. The current parish priest, Fr Lamberto Paradiang Jr, taking up the legacy of the musical work begun by the late Fr Jose Bosch, continues to emphasise the importance of music as one of the most powerful expressions of devotion. In his "goodnight", Fr Paradiang thanked everyone for their service in the parish and encouraged musicians to use their talents to spread devotion to Mary.