Almonte, Spain - October 2024 - A youth pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Virgin of Rocío, located in the province of Huelva in southern Spain, took place on Saturday 26 October. The event, now in its twentieth year and organised by the Youth Delegation of the Matriz Confraternity, brought together over 3,500 young people from eighty confraternities and was attended by an exceptional pilgrim, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime. Among the highlights shared by the Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesian Congregation, who led the young people from Almonte to the foot of the Virgin of Rocío, were the recitation of the Angelus in the area known as the Pastorcito and the Eucharist that concluded the pilgrimage to the Sanctuary, which he presided over and was concelebrated by the Bishop of Huelva, Bishop Santiago Gómez Sierra. As a memento of his participation, Cardinal Fernández Artime then signed the Book of Honour of the Matriz Confraternity.

Rukago, Burundi – October 2024 - The mission of young Salesian Eric Ndayicariye, was celebrated on 24 October in the Marie de Dieu Parish of Rukago, during the Eucharist presided over by Fr Benjamin Gahungu, Delegate for Mission Animation in the Africa Great Lakes Vice-Province (AGL). Born in 1997 in the Parish of Kirombwe, Archdiocese of Bujumbura, he made his first religious profession in the Society of Saint Francis de Sales on 16 August 2021. During the first year of Philosophy Eric Ndayicariye expressed the desire to become a missionary "ad gentes". In June 2024, he received a positive response to his intention from the General Councillor for the Missions, Fr Alfred Maravilla, specifying that he would be sent to Mongolia, a delegation of Korea Province.

Krakow, Poland – October 2023 – On 20 October, together with the Salesian Voluntary Missionary Youth of the World, the Salesian Missionary Volunteer Group "Młodzi Światu" (SWM) in Krakow actively participated in the Great Mission Sunday, that is, the 98th World Mission Day entitled "Go and invite everyone to the banquet". SWM volunteers met the faithful in ten parishes in and around Krakow, where they shared their mission experiences, gave various testimonies and managed mission mini-shops. After the Holy Masses in the respective churches, those who wanted to were able to buy interesting souvenirs from Central America to support the volunteers in their work and Volunteer initiatives: construction of wells in Madagascar and the Ivory Coast. During the Great Mission Sunday, SWM volunteers in Krakow, accompanied by several Salesians, managed to collect a considerable sum. A heartfelt thanks went to all participants and donors for their support and their big heart!

Text and photo: Julia Stankowska

San José, Costa Rica – October 2024 – CEDESDon Bosco participated in the screening of the winning short films of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF), held in New York on 17-18 October. CEDES Don Bosco, faithful to its educational mission and commitment to the complete formation of its students, participated in the third edition of the festival focused on the theme "I have a dream: young people and climate change: making Mother Earth a cleaner and greener place". During the screening, the students watched some of the winning short films, which invited them to reflect on climate change, analysing both its causes and individual and collective actions to mitigate this problem. The activity was organised by the Department of Social Communication and involved students from the Don Bosco Vocational Technical School, in particular students from the second and eleventh classes. The young people showed great interest and actively participated, sharing ideas about the environmental crisis and possible solutions for their environment. CEDES Radio was also involved, providing support in the dissemination of the short films.

Tiruchy, India – October 2024 - The Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) in the Province of Tiruchy (INT) has launched an innovative initiative with the foundation and management of the Amalan Academy, a training centre dedicated to preparing disadvantaged young people for government examinations and career opportunities. This represents a significant milestone, being one of the first projects of this type managed autonomously by the ASCs in the Southern Provinces of India. With their active commitment in the 28 Salesian presences (SDB and FMA), the ASCC have undertaken new initiatives in collaboration with the Salesian mission for young people. A long-standing vision has been to establish an independent mission under the leadership of the Salesians. This new venture marks the realisation of that dream, turning it into reality after years of aspiration. The land for the academy was generously donated to the Province of Tiruchy by Mr Lawrence and Ms Lucial, in memory of their late son Amalan. The Province then built a multipurpose room on the site, and the entire management of the Amalan Academy was entrusted to the ASC, who committed to support this academy with each local unit contributing a sum to cover the operating expenses. With a capacity to accommodate up to 50 students at a time, the academy ensures high quality training, provided by experienced teachers. Particular recognition goes to Fr John Barnabas, SDB, and the other previous delegates.

Toruń, Poland – October 2024 – Over 130 people – Salesians, Salesian Cooperators and young people from different locations participated in the Salesian Animators SChool  (SAS) which took place in Toruń from 11 to 13 October. On the first day participants were divided into three degrees of formation (0, I and II) took a test on the "Small Catechism" and their knowledge of a book on Don Bosco, as well as taking part in a moment of integration. Each grade had its own patron: Blessed Czesław Jóźwiak, Blessed Laura Vicuña and Blessed Carlo Acutis. At the end of the day there was the Rosary and the opportunity to go to confession. The next day, which began with the prayer in honour of Our Lady, each group participated in its own workshops: games, integration dances and an in-depth study of the "General Order of the Roman Missal". Workshops on healthy relationships were held in the afternoon, and the day ended with community prayer and dances. On the last day, after Morning Prayer, conferences were held on youth integration and Christian meditation, and the event ended with Mass.