Gumbo, South Sudan – January 2024 – With the approach of the feast of Don Bosco, many Salesian works in South Sudan have organised sports tournaments to honour the Saint of Youth. A few days ago, in fact, in the Don Bosco mission in Gumbo, Juba, a football tournament was inaugurated involving many young people. Fr Allen, SDB, Assistant Parish Priest of St Vincent de Paul Parish, encouraged those present to maintain a spirit of sportsmanship, playing in the name of Don Bosco. Also in the Don Bosco mission in Maridi, young people gathered to play football and pay homage to St John Bosco. Fr Michael reminded them of the importance of sport, through which it is possible to reach the hearts of young people. Finally, the football tournament organised at the Don Bosco mission in Kuajok, which welcomes refugees fleeing the war, was particularly significant. By involving boys and girls, this competition sought to promote fellowship and the values of sport. The Salesian community also plans to organise many other cultural and recreational activities to encourage young people to make good use of their time and energy.

Venezuela – January 2024  - Zonal meetings of the Salesian Family were held  in the various Salesian presences in the St Luke Province of Venezuela, the with the aim of deepening, reflecting and sharing the theme of the Rector Major's Strenna 2024: "The dream that makes you dream". A heart that transforms "wolves" into "lambs". The meetings served as opportunities for the different groups of the SF and young people gathered to pray, reflect and plan the Salesian mission in the Province, within the framework of the 130 years of Salesian presence in the country. For the participants, these activities were moments of profound importance and in a joint statement, the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement of Venezuela expressed their gratitude to the FS for making them possible, and asked them to continue to accompany them in the realization of their dreams and in the realization of their commitment to the Salesian mission in the Country. The desire is to keep the missionary spirit alive and to continue building together a future full of hope and opportunities for young Venezuelans. The Rector Major's Strenna 2024 was the catalyst for these reflections and dreams, promoting a moment of listening, discernment and projection, based on the values and vision of Don Bosco that have guided Salesian work in these 130 years in Venezuela.

Shillong, India – January 2024 – During a solemn ceremony held on 20 January in the Archdiocese of Shillong, Archbishop  Victor Lyngdoh, archbishop of Shillong, ordained ten deacons, including six Salesians from the Province of India-Shillong (INS) and one from the Vice-Province of Sri Lanka (LKC). Also present were Fr Richard Majaw, Vicar General of the archdiocese, Fr. Paul O Lyngkot, Superior of INS Province, parish priests, heads of institutions and numerous other priests and religious.

Venice Mestre, Italy – January 2024 – The 8th Provincial Chapter of the Salesian Province of Italy-North-East (INE) began on 20 January, , convened specifically and as a priority in view of General Chapter 29, to explore the theme "Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to Young People"; as well as to elect the Delegate, or Delegates, to the General Chapter and their substitutes. The first session began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Fr Igino Biffi, Superior of INE Province. Then the regulations, the Provincial Chapter process and other documents related to the Chapter were presented to the 70 Chapter members, with the first discussions on the proposed methods, presented by the President of the Provincial Chapter, Fr Biffi and the Moderator, Fr Loris Benvenuti. In the afternoon, Dialogue Groups were held to share and reflect on two of the three themes required by the GC29: Core Area 1. "Animation and Care of the true life of each Salesian"; and Core Area 2: "Salesians, Salesian Family and Lay people together ‘with’ and ‘for’ young people". The second session of the Chapter will take place from 25 to 27 April 2024, where the document to be submitted to the GC29 will be drawn up and there will be the election of delegates from INE Province.

Poiares da Régua, Portugal – January 2024 - The 100th anniversary of the presence of the Sons of Don Bosco in Poiares da Régua was celebrated on January 19. On Sunday, 21 January, Father Tarcizio Morais, Superior of the Salesian Province of Portugal (POR), was main celebrant at the Eucharist, concelebrated by numerous Salesians and with the participation of the Salesian Family. It was a day to thank God for the centenary and fruitful presence of the Salesian charism in this land that saw the birth of many future Salesians and many Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and a large number of Salesian Past Pupils, Salesian Cooperators and Friends of the work of Don Bosco. During his homily, Fr Morais invited those present to live this charism with a vision of the future and hope. After lunch at the Dom Manuel Vieira de Matos Social and Parish Centre, a house that welcomed the new presence of the Salesians 100 years ago, the Salesian Youth Band of Poiares concluded the event with a performance.

Goroka, Papua New Guinea – January 2024 – The 56th Cultural Orientation Course (COC), which began on 8 January at the Melanesian Institute in Goroka and organised by the Executive Director of the Institute, Fr Martin Tnines SVD, ended on Saturday, 20 January. The course, involving 26 participants from the Catholic faith and other Christian faiths, addressed issues related to Melanesian culture, to help missionary work in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The theme chosen, for this reason, was: "Unexpected land, cultures to be respected and faith to be elevated". The Salesian Family, led by Fr Gregorio Bicomong, Superior of the Salesian Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS), had the largest representation with 11 participants (7 Salesians, 2 FMA and 2 Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians). Thanks to several sessions, conversations and activities, participants were able to share their experiences, clarify doubts and receive guidance to deal with the situations they encounter. Finally, on the last day, those present took part in a cultural evening, with music, songs and dances.