Portugal – October 2024 - The first meeting of local heads of Social Communication of the Salesian presences in the St Anthony Province of Portugal (POR) took place on 10 October. A moment of preparation for the new educative and pastoral year and strengthening networking. Led by the Provincial Delegate for Social Communication, Fr Álvaro Lago, and the coordinator of the Communication team from the "Fundação Salesianos", Miguel Mendes, the meeting was held as a videoconference involving local people and members of the Provincial Social Communication team. “The purpose of the meeting is to get to know each other and understand the mission,” said Fr Lago, “and to remember that, both from an internal point of view, in bringing people together, but also from an external point of view, a process of sharing life needs to take place.” Miguel Mendes then presented the functions and responsibilities of local heads of Communication and recalled some fundamental documents, tools and internal flows of the Fundação Salesianos, which regulate this "vital area of the Educative and Pastoral Communities". The Salesian Social Communication System, under review, was then examined, which  brings together a series of guidelines from the Congregation's Social Communication Sector; and the Provincial Communication Plan, currently being developed, which constitutes the basic document for developing communication strategies, internal and external, in order to improve communication between Salesians, the Educative and Pastoral Community and society in general, promoting Salesian spirituality and focusing on the quality of the content produced.

Mambucal, Philippines – October 2024 - From 4 to 6 October, students from Don Bosco Technical College (DBTC) undertook a significant retreat, combining reflection, service and friendship. The retreat began with a visit to the Don Bosco Technical Institute and the Church of Mary Help of Christians in Victorias, followed by a warm welcome by Fr Rosmon Miguelangelo Valenciano, at the Salesian parish of Mambucal. Upon arrival at the Don Bosco retreat house, the students prepared for two days of reflection and spiritual growth. On the second day they immersed themselves in the daily life of the families of Purok Katugasan Dos, where, welcomed by the community, they learned about the work carried out by families in the area for their livelihood, namely the cultivation and sale of ornamental flowers. The experience offered students a deeper understanding of the value of hard work and real life. The retreat ended with a time for reflection, a Mass celebrated by Fr Antonio Velarde, SDB, and a special group activity to strengthen friendships.

Cuenca, Ecuador – October 2024 – "BoscoCamp 2024" took place from 16 to 18 October at the Baguanchi Congress Centre in Cuenca, with 58 participants from 14 communities of the Salesians of Don Bosco and 11 participants from 3 communities of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The event allowed participants to explore and acquire tools and skills to face the challenges of evangelisation in the digital age, through communication workshops focused on the use of mobile devices for audiovisual production and sound and graphic production with the use of AI. Through practical sessions in different "Bosco Labs", young communicators learned to create multimedia content, videos for social networks and effective strategies to capture the attention of young audiences, and above all they understood the importance of being authentic and creative in the processing of content. The work organised in groups to develop projects and share experiences and visions was also fundamental. The activities were carried out by a team of teachers and students from the Communication Faculty of the Salesian Polytechnic University.

Krakow, Poland – October 2024 – On Friday 18 October, the Province of Krakow (PLS) was visited by Fr Francisco Cervantes, who deals with Oratories-Youth Centres in the Youth Ministry Sector of the Salesian Congregation. First, Fr Cervantes visited the Oratory of St John Bosco and the Oświecim School Complex; then he visited the Salesian Public Secondary School in Kraków and the Oratory of the Guardian Angels, located on the premises of the school. During the meeting with the cheerful, energetic and joyful volunteers, he spoke about the mission of the oratories, thanking them for their dedication, their commitment and their work. During the meeting there was also time for fraternal agape and moments of jovial coexistence with the volunteers who celebrated the namesakes of their companions named Luca and the birthday of Fr Franciszek Janyga, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry.

Text and photo: Julia Stankowska

Rome, Italy – October 2024 – The course for English and Italian-speaking Provincial Secretaries, coordinated by Fr Guido Garino, Secretary of the General Council, concludes today, 24 October, at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS). Over the course of the several days, the Secretaries, from almost 50 Provinces and Vice-Provinces, have had the opportunity to learn the fundamental contents for their assignment. In addition, they were able to meet some members of the Salesian Headquarters in Rome, including Fr Luis Botasso and Fr Jose Joseph of the Economers Office for financial matters; Fr Pier Fausto Frisoli, Procurator General for legal issues; and  Salesian Brother Marco Bay, Director of the Central Salesian Archives and the Photographic Archive, for cataloguing and statistics. Fr Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, spoke at the meeting on 23 October, establishing an interesting dialogue with the Provincial Secretaries focused on the different issues facing the Salesian Congregation in the near future, in view of GC29. Today, the Secretaries also had the opportunity to appreciate the beauties of Rome, visiting St Peter's Basilica.

Nairobi, Kenya – October 2024 - The Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival (DBGYFF) 2024 ended on a powerful note last weekend, challenging the young minds from two Salesian institutions in Nairobi to face urgent climate challenges through the lens of cinema, . The two-day event, held on 18 and 19 October, brought together students, staff and members of the community at Don Bosco Boys Town, and faithful and people interested at Don Bosco Upper Hill. On the occasion, several works selected from the 120 films in competition were presented, focusing on environmental issues. "Through the language of films, this festival can allow us to express our experiences on climate change and inspire in us a sense of urgency for action in favor of the natural environment of Africa," said Fr Andrew Kafua, Communication Coordinator of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of East Africa (AMECEA) and guest of honour at the Upper Hill evening. At Boys Town the Director of the Institute highlighted the crucial role of student participation in defending the environment. The Provincial Delegate for Technical and Vocational Education and Training encouraged greater involvement of students in these initiatives. An important moment was the recognition of two selected films produced by the students from Boys Town. After the screenings, the students engaged in productive discussions focusing on practical steps to create more climate-friendly environments within their schools and local communities. The interactive sessions transformed environmental awareness into concrete commitments.