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

Madagascar – October 2024 - The Salesian Mary Immaculate Vice-Province of Madagascar and Mauritius (MDG), has received a family and fraternal visit from Fr Joan Lluís Playà, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat. It is an opportunity to meet all the groups who are members of the Salesian Family in the country. On 27 October, Fr Playà met with the different groups: SDB, FMA, Salesian Cooperators, CMB, ADMA, VDB, CDB. After the introductory prayer led by Fr Graziano De Lazzari, Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family, the presentation of all the members  took place. Fr Playà began his address on the Salesian Family in which he highlighted the union of all the groups and the specific characteristics of each one. There were also moments of exchange with questions from participants posed to the Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat.  It was really an afternoon with the family.

Tiruchy, India – October 2024 – "DB Jananam" (Don Bosco Joint Action for New Alternatives to Narcotics and Alcoholism), the Department for Addictions and the Counselling and Treatment Centre of the Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT), organised a seminar on the theme: "Improving the quality of the family environment" held on 14 October at Don Bosco Thanjavur. The seminar was attended by more than 50 people including Salesian Cooperators, members of ADMA, Past Pupils, VDB, SYM youth, students, teachers, parents and lay collaborators. Mrs Dhanaseeli Thivyanathan spoke of the challenges that families face today and stressed the importance of communication and trust within families. She also advised parents to support and understand their children even when they make mistakes. Finally, a VDB gave a talk on addiction management, highlighting how problems such as drug addiction, alcohol addiction and gambling addiction can lead to financial, relational and health difficulties. She then advised families to talk to their loved ones about their addiction and to offer support and encouragement. She also urged families to seek professional help, if necessary.

Bogotá, Colombia – October 2024 – On 18 October, at the Salesian León XIII College belonging to the Province of Bogotá Colombia (COB), the first Entrepreneurial Association Fair was held, a plce where ideas are converted into projects in the style of Don Bosco. The fair is the result of Saleisan group work which promotes teamwork and service as a reflection of God's love among young people. "From the beginning, we promoted Salesian youth leadership, encouraging our students to develop their talents in projects with Salesian values. Each group participated enthusiastically, applying collaborative work, critical thinking and communication skills to respond to the needs of the community,” say the organisers. "Entrepreneurship in the Salesian spirit is more than creating companies, it is a tool of service. Being a Salesian entrepreneur means having creativity, resilience and passion to transform the environment. Each group presented its own entrepreneurial projects, demonstrating that in this house ‘We educate with our hearts’".