Trai Gao, Vietnam – December 2024 – A solemn welcome and fervent exaltation were shown the Holy Cross, symbol of the 21st Youth Day in the Ecclesial Province of Hanoi. The Cross was delivered on 10 December to the parish of Trai Gao from the parish of An Lac, in the presence of Bishop Peter Nguyen Van De, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Thái Bình, the Salesians, numerous religious and parishioners and, of course, many young people from the parish. Youth Day began with a brief historical excursus, followed by greetings and welcome to young people, invited to live and express the Catholic faith in life. The first day ended with an hour of prayer and adoration before the Cross. On 12 December the Cross was paraded throughout the parish, as a reminder that the Cross of Christ invites everyone to a spiritual conversion and urges everyone to be witnesses of the love that our Lord has offered for the salvation of the world.

Palermo, Italy – December 2024 -  Don Bosco Ranchibile is hosting the travelling photographic exhibition entitled "Anne Frank: a current history" from 10 to 20 December. Produced and set up by the "Anne Frank House" association in Amsterdam, it arrived at the Salesian centre in Palermo thanks to the contact with the Honorary Consul of the Netherlands, Dr Emanuele Pirazzoli, and his invitation to participate in a project that involves selected students from four Palermo high schools: Regina Margherita, Gonzaga, Vittorio Emanuele II and Don Bosco. Before the exhibition, on 6 and 7 November 2024 six students attending the last year in various subjects at Don Bosco Ranchibile high school had a formative experience: two days of workshops in which students from other Palermo schools also took part, and during which tutors from the "Anne Frank Youth Network" (AFYN) association trained them as exhibition guides. The whole thing took place in an interactive way, through group activities and discussion, thoroughly analysing the historical context starting from the rise of the National Socialist party in Germany, and then focusing in particular on the life of Anne Frank, a young German Jewess and victim of the Holocaust. Despite the complexity of the topics covered, the tutors managed to fully involve the students, also teaching them how to assemble the entire exhibition, consisting of 34 panels. The exhibition is highly appreciated by the many visitors who arrive at the Salesian centre, many of whom are students from nearby schools who show a particular sensitivity to Anna's story and to the question of racial discrimination, unfortunately still current today.

Guatemala City, Guatemala – December 2024 - On Sunday 8 December, on the occasion of the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) in Guatemala joyfully celebrated the promise of three new members of the Mama Margarita Centre. The ceremony took place in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd a the studentate of Philosophy  in Guatemala City, and was presided over by Fr Marcelo Navarrete, head of Vocationl Animation in the Salesian Province of Central America (CAM). The promise was received by Carlos León Toledo, Provincial Councilor for ASC Ongoing Formation.

Anisakhan, Myanmar – December 2024 – In recent weeks, the Salesian Vice-Province of Myanmar has experienced times for celebration, reflection and animation in the presence of priests, religious and faithful. On 8 December, the priestly ordination of two Salesians and an OFM was celebrated, presided over by Archbishop Marco Tin Win, Archbishop of Mandalay, and Fr Dominic Jyo Du. Then from 10 to 11 December, the Vice-Province welcomed Fr M.C. George Menamparampil, a Salesian of the Province of Dimapur, India, former Coordinator of Salesian Mission Offices. Various subjects were discussed in his talks, such as valuing the Salesian charism and spirituality, the importance of working with others, the use of free time to update oneself and methods to overcome the limits imposed by one's ego. Finally, on 12 December, the day on which Our Lady of Guadalupe is commemorated, the different sectors of the Vice-Province were presented: Formation, the Salesian Family, Social Communication, Missions, the Economy and the Salesian Youth Movement. All delegates presented activities and projects, answered questions and developed clear guidelines for the future.

Shillong, India – December 2024 – The first Mini Boscoree 2024 is taking place in the Salesian Province of Shillong, India from 15 to 18 December, organised by the Education Commission under the guidance of Fr Babu Stephen, SDB. The event is held at the St Xavier Secondary School in Pathaliaghat, with the aim of promoting unity, collaboration and the Salesian spirit among the institutions in the region. The Boscoree was opened by Bishop Lumen Monteiro, Bishop of Agartala, in the presence of priests, sisters, teachers, students and special guests. A large inter-school march followed involving 17 schools, representing Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura and Silchar. The disciplined and vibrant performance set the tone for the Mini Boscoree, showing the unity and enthusiasm of the participants. Bishop Monteiro then spoke to those present, encouraging them to embrace the fundamental values of scouting, or teamwork, discipline and service. Girls from the school band performed, charming the audience with their enthusiasm and skill. The event fostered a spirit of unity and mutual respect among the participants from different cultural and social contexts, embodying the fundamental values of the Salesian tradition. The Mini Boscoree 2024 is also a testimony to the dedication and collaborative efforts of the Salesian community, which make it a truly memorable and impactful event.

Thailand – December 2024 – On 14 December, the Catechism Commission of the Salesian Family organised a Catechists of the Salesian Family on a journey in the Holy Year activity. A total of 105 representatives of catechists and religious from five Groups of the Salesian Family joined the boat trip to retrace the journey of the Salesian missionaries along the Mae Klong River from the church of St. Jacob, in the province of Samut Songkhram, to the Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, in Bang Nok Khwaek. During the boat trip, Sister Supha Thong-ampai, historian of the Sisters Handmaids of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (SIHM), described the important events that occurred along the historical route that the Salesian missionaries followed to carry out their pastoral work. Participants were able to observe the lifestyle of the villagers living on both sides of the river, understanding their culture and the challenges they face. Arriving at the Cathedral, those present joined the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Bishop Joseph Prathan Sridarunsil, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Surat Thani, and concelebrated by Fr Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, Superior of the THA Province. This activity was organised to prepare Catechists for the Holy Year 2025 and to move towards the 100th anniversary of the Salesians in Thailand (1927-2027). At the same time, the activity prepared the participants to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the expedition of the first Salesian missionaries, which Don Bosco sent to Argentina in 1875, led by the future Cardinal Cagliero.