Mostazal, Chile – October 2024 - The last major event in 2024 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Chile is CampoBosco which is taking place from 30 October at the Hacienda de Picarquín, located in Casas de Peuco s/n, San Francisco de Mostazal, O'Higgins Region. Last held in 2015 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Don Bosco, this new edition of CampoBosco aims to be an unforgettable experience for all participants, bringing together the Salesian community in a celebration of faith, commitment and shared joy. One of the largest Salesian meetings of all time in Chile sees the participation of 1,400 young people from the country's Salesian schools and more than 700 people from the communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA). The days include work in which every dimension of Don Bosco's dream at the age of nine will be explored, from an anthropological, Christological and charismatic perspective. The activities begin with morning prayer, and then are divided into three large spaces: formation moments during the morning; afternoons of online games and formation oratory and evenings of community shows.
Funchal, Portugal – October 2024 – For the Salesians, 25 October marked the beginning of the celebrations of the 75th anniversary of their presence in Funchal, Madeira (1950-2025). The school courtyard was the centre of celebrations with the students during the morning with music, folk dances, speeches and cake for all. In the evening, the Bishop of Funchal, Bishop Nuno Brás, presided at the Eucharist, in the presence of Fr Tarcízio Morais, Superior of the Salesian Province of Portugal (por), and the local civil, religious and military authorities. Representatives of the Past Pupils, the Salesian Family, "Juventude Atlântico Clube", "Art & Sal" and other guests linked to the presence of the Salesians in Funchal over the years since the arrival, development and consolidation of Don Bosco's educational project in the lands of the "Pearl of the Atlantic".
Satgaon, India – October 2024 – Salesian Fr Francis Bosco, National Director of the Salesian Migrant Desk, addressed 49 head and village catechists on the occasion of a three-day formation opportunity for the Diocese of Diphu, held at the Mary Help of Christians Church in Satgaon, Assam. The event, held on 27 October, aimed to educate local Church leaders on the urgent issues of migrants. Fr Albert Thyrniang, Parish Priest of Satgaon, presented his extensive survey of 1,596 migrant workers, shedding light on the socio-economic factors that drive young people in the Northeast to seek work in urban centres. Fr Francis Bosco, in his address, drew attention to the difficult living conditions of migrants, who face issues such as low wages, unhealthy working conditions, discrimination and poor knowledge of their legal rights. Offering practical insights into the legislative landscape that affects migrant workers, Fr Francis Bosco therefore provided catechists with the tools to become a real help for migrant families. This meeting reflects the constant dedication of local catechists in supporting these workers and the commitment to ensure that primary needs are met and rights are guaranteed.
Wrocław, Poland – October 2024 - Last weekend, 26-27 October, in the Salesian Province of Poland-Wrocław (PLO), the "Oratoriada 18+" event took place, following up on the oratory meetings dedicated to adults. The event attracted a total of over 40 young adults from the Province of Wrocław, mainly from the Salesian Most academic ministries in Wrocław and Fort in Poznań. The event, full of joy, prayer and community, began on Friday evening with a fraternal agape followed by volleyball and basketball matches. The next day the participants took a walk in the Jelenia Góra Valley, in the Sokoli mountains in Rudawy Janowskie, on the green path that crosses Góra Sokolnik. The journey together through forests and meadows was not only a physical challenge, but also a spiritual experience, because during the stops the academic chaplains held short conferences on hope, this year's Youth Ministry theme in Salesian Poland: Mission of Hope. After returning to Wrocław, the young people continued their meeting in the Salesian spirit of joy and community. A panel of lectures was held the following day with Mr. Dawid Radomski, social skills trainer, moderator of creative processes and development leader animator. The Eucharist presided over by Fr Mikołaj Wyczalek, Delegate for Youth Ministry in the Province of Wrocław concluded the meeting.
Goma, DR Congo – October 2024 – On 29 October, the Salesian Delegation of St Joseph of Central Africa celebrated a significant moment in Goma in the memory of Fr Michael Rua, Don Bosco's first successor. The Provincial Delegate, Fr Gauthier Tshibangu, laid the foundation stone for the construction of a community building, a project included in the overall plan of the Mamma Marguerite Community, headquarters of the Delegation. The event was preceded by a Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Tshibangu, in the presence of eight Salesian priests, Boscolac prenovices and several lay collaborators. In his homily, the Provincial Delegate stressed that the laying of this first stone is an act of faith. He expressed his trust in Providence, like Don Bosco, trusting in the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This initiative marks a new chapter in the Salesian mission in the AFC-EST Delegation, symbolising the continuous commitment to the educational and spiritual values of the community.
Madrid, Spain – October 2024 – On 26 and 27 October, a new class of young people and adults from St James the Greater Province Spain (SSM) began its accompaniment formation (level 2). The Provincial House in Madrid hosted the meeting that brought together 35 educators and leaders from educational, youth and social centres. The Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, Fr Xabier Camino, introduced the first of the modules of the "Accompaniment in Salesian Youth Ministry" Course. Through different group dynamics, the participants explored the contents of the art of accompaniment. Then Fr Sergio Oter, Director of the Salesian work in Puertollano, explored what the relationship, the meeting and the listening in the accompaniment entail. The following day Begoña Rodríguez, from the Provincial Schools team, offered a series of keys to carry out interviews in the accompaniment process. The SSM Provincial, Fr Fernando García, greeted the participants and encouraged them to experience this task as an authentic pastoral ministry at the service of young people. This was also the topic of the homily by Fr Óscar Bartolomé, Provincial Coordinator of schools, who presided at the Sunday Eucharist. After this first weekend focused on the pastoral field, two more are planned: 16 and 17 November, with a psychological profile, and 14 and 15 December, with a spiritual profile.