Tlaquepaque, Mexico - January 2024 - From 2 to 5 January, the formation teams of the Pre-Novitiate, the Novitiate and the Theologates  and of "CRESCO America" (the Specific Formation Centre for Salesian Brothers from the two American Regions - Interamerica and America South Cone  - also known as CRESCO, from the Spanish acronym Centro Regional de Formación Específica del Salesiano Coadjutor) met at the Theological Studentate of Tlaquepaque to take part in the week dedicated to the formation of formators. In an atmosphere of fraternity and prayer, those responsible for formation in the Salesian Provinces of Mexico-Guadalajara (MEG), Mexico-México (MEM) and Central America (CAM), as well as the person in charge of the Pre-Novitiate and part of the formation team of the Postnovitiate of the CAM Province and the members of the MEG Formation Commission, analysed various topics of interest related to the challenges that arise in the initial formation of the Sons of Don Bosco. This formation week follows a tradition of the MEG Province, which for years has been promoting the updating of criteria on formation issues and reflection on daily practice, in the light of the Magisterium of the Church and the Congregation. Among the topics dealt with during the week are the study of the formation models proposed in the books of Fr Amedeo Cencini; Reflection on the Ratio Fundamentalis, for the implementation of common criteria in formation houses; and reflection and formation on the issue of the affectivity of formators and practical trainees.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - January 2024 - The Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago and President of the Educational Area of the Bishops' Conference of Chile, Bishop Alberto Lorenzelli, SDB, presided at the Eucharist on the second day of the 28th Inter-American Congress of Catholic Education (11-13 January). "Evangelisation in some cases requires more than one person to be effective," commented the Salesian bishop, speaking of the Gospel of the day about the healing of the paralytic who comes to Jesus in Capernaum, helped by four people who lower him down from the roof from where he was standing (cf. Mk 2:1-12). In his reflection, the Auxiliary Bishop of Santiago highlighted "the action of faith of these men" who "give us directions to help in the salvation of the lost; they show us the value of teamwork; the value of unity in a single goal; they inspire us to do the same". Theirs is a "faith determined by a compassionate heart". "The Church needs to work in communion if it wants to see the conversion of those around us," the Salesian bishop said in front of more than 1,200 Catholic educators at the Congress organised by the Inter-American Confederation of Catholic Education (CIEC) on the theme 'Educating for a Sustainable Future'. Bishop Lorenzelli concluded his homily by saying: "Even when the path to the Lord is hindered by a 'multitude' of obstacles, we must be persevering and bold until we bring people to the Lord."

Madrid, Spain - January 2024 - On 11 January, the online meeting of the Youth Ministry Delegates of the Salesian houses of the "Saint James the Major" (SSM) Province took place. After the opening prayer, Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, the General Councillor for Youth Ministry, took the floor and presented the book "A Youth Pastoral Ministry that Educates to Love", which he co-authored with Antonella Sinagoga. Highlighting certain portions of the book, he then focused on the didactic criteria and invited the participants to reflect together. The meeting, also served to offer information on various pastoral environments and areas, besides the current situation of youth ministry and of the up-coming events such as the premiere of "Dreams - The Musical“ (Sueños - El Musical), "Bosco Summer Camp 2024” (CampoBosco 2024) and the Salesian Youth Synod. Fr Xabier Camino, the Delegate of Youth Pastoral Care of the SSM Province  concluded the meet by saying: "Thank you for your pastoral service and commitment. May this month of January, with the feast of Don Bosco on the horizon and the vocations campaign underway, be a privileged occasion to encourage and accompany God's dreams for all of us who form our Educational-Pastoral Communities, especially for the children and young people that the Lord entrusts to us".

Iauaretê, Brazil – January 2024 – On January 7, the St Michael the Archangel Parish based in Iauaretê, in the diocese of São Gabriel da Cachoeira, rejoiced at the beginning of a new Christian community on the Papuri River, a community known as "Cabeça da Onça", where some of the Hupda people live. In addition, it was decided that the Patron Saint of the new community will be Saint Artemides Zatti, for his dedication to the poor and the sick. On the same day, 46 people received the Sacrament of Baptism and, as stated by the parish priest, Fr Wellington Abreu, SDB, it was an historic day for the parish and an opportunity to show “gratitude to God, who continues to realise his Epiphany by manifesting himself to all peoples without distinction and continues to make new disciples everywhere.”

Lisbon, Portugal – December 2023 - The ADMA Centre in Lisbon renewed its Council at the beginning of 2023. Last December the group gathered, as a family, at the church of Our Lady Help of Christians for the celebration of Christmas. The entire ADMA Council was present at the event, including the current spiritual animator, Fr Artur Pereira; as well as 20 associates and three guests: the two parish priests and the previous spiritual animator, Fr João Chaves. The Lisbon ADMA group is a very active group, consisting of six members and 44 associates, with the governing council meeting every month, on the Saturday closest to the 24th, to revitalise the group and increase unity among all. The proposed topics and sharing of opinions are of general interest. The monthly meetings also led to a constant collection of funds to be donated to the "Aid to the Church in Need" (ACS) a foundation of pontifical right.

Anisacate, Argentina – January 2024 - From 3-7 more than 800 "Exploradores" of Don Bosco from the provinces of Salta, Córdoba, Tucumán, Mendoza, San Juan, San Luis and Santiago del Estero celebrated their summer camp. The experience, enriching for all participants, took place in Anisacate (Córdoba), and was organised by the Northern Region of the Argentine Explorers of Don Bosco. Under the motto "A heart that dreams, a thousand who live it", inspired by the Rector Major's Strenna 2024, young people experienced days of workshops, catechism and games. The summer camp was accompanied by various Salesians, in the presence of Bishop Alejandro Musolino, SDB, Auxiliary Bishop of Córdoba, and Fr Horacio Barbieri, Superior of the Salesian Province of Northern Argentina (ARN). Bishop Musolino expressed his joy at having participated in such a beneficial experience for young people, underlining the importance of these meetings for their integral development.