Messina, Italy - December 2023 - The academic community at the Salesian St Thomas Theological Institute (ITST) in Messina gathered to commemorate the birth of the Salesian Oratory, where "everything began with a Hail Mary," as the Memoirs of the Oratory written by St. John Bosco remind us. After a greeting from the ITST director, Fr Gianni Russo, the student representative, Fr Federico, took the floor, reminding those present that: "After starting the academic year with an address that reminded us of the theological meaning of the 9-year dream, we are now pausing to consider the beginning of Don Bosco's missionary activity, through the episode of young Bartholomew Garelli." Brother Federico recalled how Don Bosco did not wait in the sacristy for the boys to come to him, but went to visit them where they lived, especially the most disadvantaged, offering them an alternative way of life through human and Christian education. This is how the Oratory was born! Don Bosco's missionary activity is in line with today's Magisterium, of a Church in exit, of a field hospital, as Pope Francis' heart desires.

Hua Hin, Thailand – December 2023 – A touching Christmas Concert 2023 was organised on the evening of 4 December with the English Choir of St Teresa, at the initiative of Fr Dheparat Pitisant, currently parish priest of the St Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Hua Hin and former Provincial of Salesian Thailand. The event took place right in front of the Parish and attracted a large audience of faithful. Fr Pitisant, before the beginning, recalled the message of love that Christmas brings with it and wished great happiness to all those present. Soon after, the talented musicians of the choir delighted the audience with the most traditional Christmas songs, such as "Silent Night" and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".

Limerick, Ireland - December 2023 - On 8 December, Salesian clerics Micahel Kekung Takim, Lucianmary Chinoso Okafor, Maria Jerin Antonysamy and Maria Paulson Aswin Pilavendran made their perpetual profession at Pallaskenry Salesian College in Limerick. The date and place were specifically chosen to witness to the young people of the college that these four young people have dedicated their lives to the service of God and young people. It is the mother house of the Salesian St Patrick Province' (IRL) founded over 100 years ago. During his homily, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Fr Eunan McDonnell, Superior of the IRL Province, drew the attention of the young people to the fact that Mary was a teenager when she was called by God to fulfil his plan; Don Bosco founded the Salesians with a group of teenagers; and the four young men who took their vows began their Salesian life as teenagers. It was a wonderful occasion, overflowing with vitality, life and joy.

Bangalore, India – December 2023 – The Salesian Province of India-Bangalore (INK) celebrated Salesian Family Day, which took place on two distinct occasions and in two places: on 26 November in the State of Karnataka, at Don Bosco Ajjanahalli, and on 3 December in the State of Kerala, at Don Bosco Vaduthala. In total, more than 350 members of the Salesian Family participated, belonging to different groups, including Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), Volunteers of Don Bosco, Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians, Catechist Sisters of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians and Sisters of Maria Auxiliatrix (SMA). Numerous activities were organised during the two days,  and the participants were able to experience an atmosphere of authentic family communion. The presence of Fr Jose Thomas Koyickal, Superior of the Province of Bangalore, and Fr Shalbin Kalanchery Paul, Vice-Provincial, added further joy and closeness among the members of the Salesian Family.

Leiria, Portugal - December 2023 - An Assembly of Salesians in the Province of Portugal (POR) was held on 1 and 2 December on the theme "For a future of hope". The meeting was presided over by Fr Tarcízio Morais, Superior of the POR Province, and was held with the following objective: to define and construct the Overall Provincial Project (OPP) and subsequently the Provincial Salesian Educative and Pastoral Project (SEPP). To achieve this, it was necessary to work for the following objectives: to reflect and listen to the concerns about consecrated life in the Province; to listen, dialogue, build together a future of hope for the Province of Portugal and Cape Verde; to establish the guidelines and important contents for the preparation of the OPP and SEPP.

Kigali, Rwanda – December 2023 – In Rwanda, the 16 days of social activism called to confront gender bias have come to an end. At the end of this initiative, a march was held in various locations in the Gatenga sector, which is part of the Kigali Province and the Kicukiro district. This event, organised by "Gender Matters for Green TVET" was promoted and followed by the Salesians in Rwanda. The march was attended by students of Don Bosco Gatenga, residents of the surrounding areas, members of the Young Womens Christian Association, the local administration, including many women, and the Rwandan National Police. After the march, the participants met at Don Bosco Gatenga to listen to various speeches, all focused on the elimination of gender violence. In addition, Ms Uzamureba Clementine, responsible for promoting gender equality at Don Bosco Gatenga, recalled that the "Gender Matters for Green TVET" project aims to promote gender equality in technical and vocational schools and improve the skills of girls, encouraging them to carry out professions traditionally reserved for boys.