Wrocław, Poland - November 2024 - On 9 and 10 November, about one hundred young people from the Salesian presences in Wrocław, Lubin, Dzierżoniów and Chocianów, took part in the night vigil organised at the Christ the King Youth Centre The programme included two special guests: Jasiek Mela, a Polish explorer the youngest person in history to conquer the South and North Poles in one year and the first person with a disability to do so; and the diocesan youth pastor of the Wrocław Archdiocese, Fr Piotr Rozprzedowski. A particularly moving point of the programme was the testimony of Jasiek Mela, who spoke about his experiences, the accident in which he lost his limbs, but also about his journey to the North Pole and his mission and work in various foundations. Fr Piotr Roznpowski, who presided over the evening Eucharist, spoke about the role of young people in the Church and how important it is for young people to be active in their faith. He spoke about the power of prayer and community. A unique moment, as the vigil participants themselves pointed out, was the night adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, a time of personal prayer and reflection. This was followed by various workshops in decoupage, functional dance, film marathon and board games. The vigil ended in the morning with a classic integration dance.
Sarandí del Yí, Uruguay - November 2024 - The annual meeting of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) in Uruguay took place on 17 November, The meeting was accompanied by Fr José Correa, SDB, National Animator of ADMA, and by Fr Julio González, parish priest of Sarandí del Yi.
Kolkata, India - November 2024 - The annual feast of the Holy Rosary took place at the Bandel Shrine on 9 and 10 November in Kolkata. 425 years old, the Shrine was built in 1599 by the Portuguese, and houses the miraculous statue of Our Lady of Happy Voyage, the focus of faith for the faithful and pilgrims. The feast of the Holy Rosary attracts many devotees of different linguistic origins, particularly from the same parish and neighbouring parishes and villages. On Saturday evening, 9 November, Archbishop Thomas D'Souza, Archbishop of Calcutta, presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The liturgy was enriched by readings led by members of different groups, with the prayer of the faithful organised by the ‘Mothers’ Sodality' and the offertory dance procession of the Ferrando hostel girls. After the mass, a large Eucharistic procession with the Blessed Sacrament marked a solemn moment for the participants in a prayerful atmosphere. The liturgical programme on Sunday, 10 November included masses in Hindi, Bengali and English, reflecting the multicultural and multilingual composition of the congregation.
Kobylnica, Poland - November 2024 - On 16 November, in the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Kobylnica, cleric Dariusz Kopczyński SDB, from the Province of Piła (PLN), was ordained deacon by Bishop Edward Dajczak, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of Koszalin-Kołobrzeg. Numerous relatives, parishioners and Salesians were present.
Photo: Facebook of WSDTS Seminary in Krakow
Huong Tran, Vietnam - November 2024 - On Saturday morning, 16 November, the parish of Huong Tran joyfully welcomed Bishop Dominic Hoang Minh Tien, bishop of the Hung Hoa diocese, to preside over the Mass of Thanksgiving and lay the foundation stone for the construction of the pastoral house. Present were the delegate from Vietnam, Fr Thomas Vu Kim Long, SDB, together with some 20 diocesan and Salesian priests, and members of the Huong Tran parish community.
Los Angeles, United States - November 2024 - As women around the world increasingly assume leadership roles, it is essential to empower young women with skills and confidence. This year, 22 young women from the Salesian Family Youth Centre attended the ‘Women in Leadership Conference’ hosted by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. Accompanied by Executive Director, Juan Carlos Montenegro, and Council members, these young leaders gained insights on mental health, inclusiveness, economic stability, resilience and open communication, all vital foundations for modern leadership. The Salesian Family Youth Centre's participation in this conference provided a concrete example of its dedication to fostering growth, skills and resilience in young people, particularly young women. Seeing these young women networking with each other and learning new skills was a source of pride for the Centre. Indeed, this experience inspired the young women to create positive change, reflecting the wider impact in young women around the world.