Gambella, Ethiopia – October 2024 – As part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Salesians in Ethiopia (1975-2025),  Don Bosco Gambella, belonging to the Africa Ethiopia Eritrea Vice-Province (AET), organised the start of the football competitions of the Jubilee Premier League - Don Bosco Gambella on Sunday 13 October. Various NGOs and government organisations in the city were invited to participate in the tournament and 12 teams signed up for the event. The opening match was between two of the city's leading NGOs, World Vision and ZOA and the launch ceremony was presided over by the President of the regional state of Gambella, Ms Alamitu Omod, and the Vice-President, Dr Gatlwak Ron. In her opening address, the President praised the Salesian presence in the region and recalled the contributions of the Catholic Church in Ethiopia. The event was attended by more than a thousand young people. The championship matches will continue for almost three months, ending near the feast of Don Bosco, next January. The event brought great enthusiasm to the city, thanks to the wide coverage on local media and social networks. On the occasion of the Jubilee Year, a small shrub was also planted and the President then visited the Salesian work.

Krakow, Poland – October 2024 – The first meeting of the volunteers of the Salesian Missionary Volunteering “Młodzi Światu” (SWM) took place on October 7. The event began with Mass during which everyone prayed for the volunteers and missionaries. Then, the participants moved to the Park “Villages of the World”, where an executive meeting was held regarding the current and future functioning of the SWM. Besides various speeches and sharing of experiences, there was also a moement for music, snacks and lively family atmosphere.

Palermo, Italy – October 2024 – On October 12, the official launch of the formation of groups for the new pastoral year took place at “Don Bosco – Ranchibile” in Palermo. It was a moment of celebration and joy that saw the participation of more than 150 teenagers and young people from the formative groups, along with Salesians and educators. The formative groups currently consist of five groups and include young people and adults (from middle school students to university students and workers). The celebration began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Oratory director, Fr. Alfredo Calderoni, and the greeting from the Rector Fr. Domenico Saraniti. Later, the young people gathered in the theater for a moment of celebration and formation. After welcoming dances, Marco and Federica, a young married couple and animators at Ranchibile, shared their missionary experience in Senegal and introduced two young Senegalese animators. Through films and photos, they recounted how the Oratory started in Senegal in collaboration with the “DonBosco 2000” Association. It is an Oratory that has had a special connection with Don Bosco Ranchibile, thanks to Cinzia Pennino, an animator and teacher who passed away in 2020. Cinzia brought her joy, cheerfulness, professionalism, and competence to those places where the Salesian charism was still little known, paving the way for the founding of the new Oratory in Senegal. Antonino Sella and Cinzia Vella, founders and parents of Cinzia Pennino were the Chief Guests of the evening, besides the two young Senegalese. The evening concluded with prayer and an invitation to be missionaries in everyday life.

France – October 2024 –The headmasters of various schools in the “Don Bosco” schools’ network, which educates about 40,000 students across Salesian institutions in France, Belgium, Morocco, and Tunisia, gathered for their annual seminar in the beginning of October. It was also an opportunity for a pilgrimage following in the footsteps of St. Francis de Sales between Annecy, Thonon-les-Bains, and Chambéry. As every year, this back-to-school seminar provided the occasion to work on various dossiers prepared by the supervisiory team (training, solidarity, international governance), but also to discover the nearby Salesian missions.

Paipa, Colombia – October 2024 – The 50th National Band Competition took place in the municipality of Paipa, from October 2 to 6, as an event that brings together the best band troops in the country and is distinguished for its recognition at the Latin American level. On this occasion, the Symphonic Band of the Salesian Community of “Nino Jesús” of the Province of Bogotá (COB) dedicated to “San Pedro Claver”, excelled in the university category, winning the first place and receiving the “Golden Lancer” award. The band was directed by Maestro Kevin Gómez. This achievement attests to the effort, passion, and dedication of the young musicians of Salesian presences in the zone, as well as the commitment of their parents, teachers, and band directors, whose constant support made this success possible. “We extend our gratitude and congratulations to all the members and collaborators of the band for their excellent performance and for representing the Salesian Society with dignity in this prestigious competition,” said the representatives of the Salesian Symphonic Bands Program (PIBSS). Music as a life-transforming tool continues to be a pillar of the Salesian mission, and these successes strengthen the commitment to continue supporting the talent and artistic development of our young people, just as Don Bosco dreamed.

Turin, Italy – October 2024 – The 34th Marian Day was held in Valdocco on Sunday 13 October  on "Towards the Jubilee: a symphony of prayers", in which the members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) Primary of Turin and also a large group of associates from Lombardy, Sicily and Liguria participated. The day was characterised by a formative moment led by Fr Roberto Carelli who took up the theme of prayer indicated by the Pope in preparation for the Jubilee, and commented on the  "I adore you my God" prayer, which every morning invites us  to renew our love for God and to offer our actions in advance, asking that they be truly good and in accordance with His will. This was followed by a time for prayer and personal reflection and the Rosary in the Valdocco courtyard. All the new aspirants were then presented and the testimonies of the 9th International Congress of Mary Help of Christians, held in Fatima under the theme: "I will give you a Teacher", were followed. The day ended with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr Gabriel de Jesus Cruz Trejo, Spiritual Animator of the Primary ADMA and concelebrated by Fr Manuel Jiménez, Rector of the Community of Mary Help of Christians, Fr Roberto Carelli and Fr Giovanni Frigerio. 24 new members professed their commitment to join the Association.