(ANS - Vitória) - On Tuesday, 3 December 2024, the Instituto Américo Buaiz (IAB) social promotion organisation held a ‘Meeting of Ideas’, an event dedicated to the presentation of achievements in 2024 and proposals for 2025. One of the highlights of the year was the innovative collaboration between IAB and CESAM, the Salesian educational centre in Vitoria, in the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo, in the area of involving adolescents in professional communication projects.
(ANS – Damascus) – Almost two years after the terrible Earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on 8 February 2023, today the Middle East PDO and Don Bosco Network launched the final report of the Salesian Emergency Response given to the local population and coordinated by these two institutions. In figures, almost 3 million euro in 30 projects supported by 27 Salesian NGOs, Mission Offices and Provinces.
(ANS - Rome) - The Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio, taking into consideration the consultation carried out previously and with the favourable opinion of the other members of the General Council, has appointed Fr Dariusz Bartocha as the new Superior of the St Hyacinth Province of Krakow, Poland (PLS) during the winter plenary 2024-2025 session.
Wrocław, Poland - December 2024 - On 14 December in Wrocław, it was a time of prayer, reflection and community sharing of experiences. The meeting brought together 61 Salesian Cooperators from 14 local centres, together with those from a newly formed community in Poznań. The theme of the day, ‘Mary - Mother of Promise. Receive, Trust, Share Hope!’, invited the participants to rediscover the profound value of entrusting oneself to God in Mary's footsteps. The Eucharist, celebrated by Fr Piotr Lorek, SDB, was the central moment of the day, with the homily delivered by Fr Bartosz Balcerzak, SDB, focusing on Mary's biblical fiat. Fr Paweł Figura, SDB, presented a talk on ‘Mary as the Mother of Promise’, during which he encouraged participants to listen carefully to the Word of God, meditate on it and integrate it into their daily lives. Another significant element of the day was group work, during which participants shared their experiences of community life and apostolic activity. These discussions led to valuable insights that can strengthen the mission of the Association. The Advent recollection day ended with hearts full of gratitude and renewed zeal.
Malta - December 2024 - For the first time, the consecrated groups of the Salesian Family in Malta came together for a joint quarterly recollection, bringing together Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) and Volunteers with Don Bosco (CDB). The meeting thus gave concrete expression to Rule 147: ‘The Provincial will seek to promote a sense of belonging to a common vocation and a deeper understanding of what it means’. The day began with Morning Prayer, followed by a talk on Hope, given by Fr Brendan Gatt, which then left time for personal reflection. The recollection ended with a celebratory Mass and a shared lunch, which further strengthened the bonds within the Salesian Family.
Richmond, United States - December 2024 - The 35th Annual Project Santa, hosted by by SLAM (Salesian Leadership and Ministry), has been a resounding success over the past few days. The event, moderated by Adrian Fulay, together with Salesian Cooperators, teachers and students from the Salesian school in Richmond, brought holiday cheer to over 520 children from the school. Numerous activities were organised such as art workshops, face painting, balloon sculpting and biscuit decorating. In addition, participants were involved in games, dances and sports. The children also met ‘Mr. and Mrs. Claus’, who brought gifts, amidst smiles and applause. The school's Salesian Choir then made a significant contribution to the Christmas spirit with live performances of classic songs. Thanks to the generosity of the Salesian community, each child received a special gift: from stuffed animals to puzzles and toys, the prize stall was a favourite stop for the kindergarten children, ensuring that no one left empty-handed. Events like these remind us of the power of kindness and the joy of giving during the holidays.