Guatemala City, Guatemala - October 2024 – The Mesoamerican University celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding with a special gala that brought together academic authorities, collaborators, special guests and members of the Salesian community. The anniversary marks an important stage for the institution, which has established itself as a reference in higher education in Guatemala, with a history deeply linked to the Salesian charism and the mission of St John Bosco. The history of the Mesoamerican University dates back to the Salesian Theological Institute founded in 1957 in Guatemala City. In 1971, the collaboration with the Francisco Marroquín University formalised the basis of what, in 1999, would be established as the Mesoamerican University, officially recognised by the Council of Private Higher Education of Guatemala on October 1st of the same year. Since then, the University has maintained constant growth, expanding its infrastructure and academic offerings, with a strong focus on comprehensive formation and the development of professionals committed to serving young people. With offices in Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango, Alta Verapaz and Morales, Izabal, the Mesoamerican University has diversified its programs, distinguishing itself above all in the fields of humanities, communication, medicine and engineering. During the celebration of the 25th anniversary, some collaborators were awarded and the new promotional image and the new logo of the University were presented. The evening ended with a message from the Rector, Fr Rómulo Gallegos Alvarado, SDB,  who shared a vision for the next 25 years, reaffirming the University's commitment to educational innovation and the formation of upright professionals at the service of society.

Dimapur, India – October 2024 – Last 25 October, an orientation day on young people at risk and migrants took place at the Provincial House in Dimapur, Nagaland. The program was led by Fr Francis Bosco and Fr Joe Prabhu from the Don Bosco National Forum for Young at Risk in Delhi and involved 52 participants, including Rectors and leaders in the Dimapur India Province. The participants were welcomed by Fr Joseph Pampackal, IND Provincial, and then listened to the words of the Vice-Provincial, Fr Kapani Deli David, who moderated the meeting. A series of talks followed, focusing on various issues, such as the promotion of family care for young people at risk, the use of the "Homelink DIGI" platform and strategies to support migrant workers. Fr Prabhu then conducted a session on the "Salesian Policy for the Protection of Children" and presented a biennial compliance framework that provides for the establishment of committees for the protection of minors in each institution and regular monitoring. The day ended with the celebration of the Provincial Community Day, Mass and a shared meal. The meeting not only strengthened the dedication to Youth Ministry and migrants, but also fostered a sense of solidarity among the participants.

Cebu, Philippines – October 2024 – About 100 young people from the Don Bosco Youth Centre in the Salesian Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Cebu, participated on 25 October in a course on the grieving process, in view of the upcoming anniversaries of All Saints and All Souls. Young people were shown the common stages of coping with loss. The speaker of the course, psychiatrist Semhre Quijano, explained to the young people the non-linear and overlapping phases of grieving according to psychology and stressed the fact that each person can face grieivng in a different way. It is therefore necessary that loved ones always show they are close to those who have suffered a loss. Some participants then had the courage to describe their personal experience of loss or death.

Concepción, Chile – October 2024 – The National Formation Congress of Salesian Cooperators took place from 18 to 20 October, an opportunity for meeting, formation and communion around the Year of Prayer in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee. The Provincial Council, led by Talca coordinator David Escalona, together with the host community in Concepción, created a fraternal climate to welcome the delegations. The event made it possible to live pleasant and revitalising days where vocationa was prominent, including prayer and grateful remembrance of recently deceased Salesian Cooperators. They reflected on their identity linked to the origins of the Salesian Family and on the predilection for the poorest young people, according to the Project of Apostolic Life and their Promise, as recalled by the national coordinator of formation, Rodrigo Gallardo. The participants worked on identity through the dreams of young people presented recently at the Youth Synod in Turin, in relation to the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco's dream. Present were SDB  and FMA Delegates, Fr Claudio Cartes and Sister Ana Cecilia Aguilar, together with the SDB delegate from Copiapó, Fr Jorge Rivera. In addition to identity, the power of prayer in the life of the community was discussed,involving the Provincial Delegate for Formation, Fr Darío Navarro, and Auxiliary bishop, Vicar General of Concepción, Bishop Bernardo Álvarez. The Association presented its new website to share the identity and progress of each community with a library, news and specialised research to promote the values and spirit of the community.

Guayaquil, Ecuador – October 2024 - In the heart of Mount Sinai, one of the most vulnerable areas of Guayaquil, the María Auxiliadora Reference Center serves more than 120 children, adolescents and young people. Thanks to the tireless work of the Guayaquil Salesian Project Foundation and the generous funding of the German Salesian Jugendhilfe Weltweit Juwe NGO, recipients receive comprehensive assistance that allows them to develop all their skills. In two daily sessions, morning and afternoon, the beneficiaries are given school reinforcement, balanced nutrition and a wide range of workshops that promote their skills and talents. From guitar, football, chess, dance and plastic arts classes, children, teenagers find a safe space to learn, have fun and grow. In addition to caring for children and teenagers, the Foundation offers technical courses for parents, such as baking, allowing them to generate their own income and improve the quality of life in their homes.

Warsaw, Poland – October 2024 – In order to continue to develop the charism and deepen its identity in the Salesian charism, a formation course for Oratory Directors in all Provinces in Poland took place at the Mission Office in Warsaw. The course which lasted 5 days, from 21 to 25 October, was organised by members of the National Centre for Youth Ministry in Poland: Fr Franciszek Janyga, Fr Szymon Mastalerz, Fr Krzysztof Tomeczkowski and Fr Mikołaj Wyczałek. The very intense programme included various times for prayer, masses and conferences on various topics about the Salesian Congregation and the world of youth. Special guest at the event was Fr Francisco Cervantes, from the Youth Ministry Sector of the Salesian Congregation who deals with Oratories-Youth Centres. He was involved in all the workshops, gave a talk on oratories around the world and on their management and made a final summary of the meeting. Other Salesians and lay people also spoke. An important voice was one Salesian co-worker who works with children and young people and drew attention to the extraordinary role of accompaniment. Lectio divina led by biblical scholar, Fr Adam Węgrzyn, Rector of the Głosków community, introduced the participants to the mysteries of the Word of God. In addition, participants were able to visit the Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko Museum and the prison on Rakowiecka Street 37, where Salesian Archbishop Antoni Baraniak and other preachers of freedom were held. The course just concluded was the beginning of a process that will continue. The goal is to refine skills, form sensitivity, build room for dialogue and the exchange of experiences.

photo by CK DM