Ban Pong, Thailand – September 2024 - On 14 September 2024, the Don Bosco Past Pupils Association in Bangkok, together with the Salesian Past Pupils Association, organised a  Day of Gratitude attended by Past Pupils of Don Bosco from St Dominic Bangkok and Sarasit School. In the morning, a thanksgiving ceremony dedicated to the souls of deceased Salesian priests and brothers was held at the cemetery  at St Joseph's church in Ban Pong. The Eucharist was presided over by Fr Boonlert Paneetatthayasai, Superior of the Salesian Province of Thailand. Several football matches were held in the afternoon involving students, past pupils and Salesian aspirants.

Recife, Brazil – September 2024 – On 16 September, during the traditional Salesian Good Morning, Fr João Carlos, Vice-Provincial and Delegate for Social Communication of the St Aloysius Gonzaga Province of Recife, Brazil (BRE), launched its Social, Educational and Pastoral Impact Report 2023 for the first time. Conceived by the Provincial Social Communication Service at the end of 2023, it is the result of research, commitment and data analysis to guarantee society the social return that the Salesians of Don Bosco offer to young people, especially those in situations of social vulnerability. Among the extensive content, which includes an opening message prepared by the BRE Provincial, Fr Francisco Inácio, the publication contains information on the works and activities of the BRE Province, including, in particular, Pastoral identity; Presentation of social action projects; Vocational qualification projects; Partnership with companies for the integration of young people in the labor market; Distribution of Salesian Works in the Northeast, in Brazil and in the world; Participation in political organisations; Work in basic education;
Number of children and teenagers served and much more. "The social impact report is an important step to consolidate the Social Group of the Province, giving it unity and visibility. It will also be an important working tool for those in charge of the Education Group. The mission is a collective work, done by many hands, ” said Fr João Carlos.

To download the Report click here.
https://impactosocial.salesianos.org.br/

Bogotá, Colombia – September 2024 – The 3rd Salesian Family Spirituality Congress in Colombia was held from 12 to 15 September at the León XIII Salesian College, involving 320 participants from all over the country, organised by the Inter-Provincial Joint Formation Commission. In an atmosphere of fraternity and joy, members of the Salesian Family, FMA and SDB young people in formation and SYM young people reflected on Don Bosco's Childhood Dream, led by the guest speaker, Fr. Luis Timossi, SDB, from the Salesian Ongoing Formation Centre America. Several activities took place during the congress, such as workshops, moments of prayer and group dynamics, which allowed the participants to explore Salesian spirituality and strengthen the bonds of fraternity. The challenges that the Salesian mission must face today were also explored, underlining the importance of education and accompaniment of young people on their journey of faith.

Civitanova Marche, Italy – September 2024 - On the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary of Don Bosco's famous "Dream at Nine Years of Age", the educative and pastoral community of the St Dominic Savio Oratory in the San Marone Parish of Civitanova Marche (MC), has chosen to celebrate this important anniversary in a special way: with the creation of a mural placed above the entrance, highlighting the importance of the dream, which has now become a reality. The work of art was commissioned to the Vedo a Colori - Museo d 'arte urbana project, under the direction of Giulio Vesprini who selected Parma artist Rise The Cat. The mural represents the spirit of Don Bosco and the profound meaning of this dream that inspired the beginning of his educational and pastoral mission. In the murals, among the various images, you can see the path of Don Bosco's dream: from the famous scene of the wolves and lambs, we move on to a contemporary vision of the oratory, in which Don Bosco, surrounded by young people, expresses the happiness and harmony typical of life in the Oratory courtyard. At the margins of the work, the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco is ideally connected to the ordinary homes around the oratory in Civitanova and the San Marone shrine, a parish which the oratory is a part of.

Malta – September 2024 - An extraordinary historical relic has emerged in Malta, arousing new interest in the island's Salesian heritage. An original autograph of Cardinal Giovanni Cagliero, the first Salesian Cardinal, dated July 1921, was recently discovered on a picture of Pope Benedict XV imparting his apostolic blessing to Mr. Alphonse Maria Galea, a well-known Maltese philanthropist whose efforts were instrumental in bringing the Salesians to Malta. Alphonse Maria Galea is a significant figure in Maltese history, remembered for his unceasing dedication to creating the Salesian presence on the island. His tireless work paved the way for the arrival of the Salesians, a moment of transformation in Maltese religious and educational life. What makes this discovery particularly fascinating is that the document is signed by Cardinal Cagliero himself. Cagliero, a close confidant of Don Bosco and a missionary, occupies a special place in the Salesian tradition. The presence of his autograph on an image linked to Alphonse Maria Galea raises intriguing questions about the possible involvement, direct or indirect, of the Cardinal in the arrival of the Salesians in Malta.

Piazza Armerina, Italy – September 2024 - "Every beginning brings with it a grace": with these words, full of hope, the Provincial Delegate for Past Pupils, Fr Carmelo Umana, SDB, after the greetings of the newly elected President Francesco Muceo, welcomed all the Sicilian Unions that took part in the 101st Provincial Council, held in Montagna Gebbia on 14 and 15 September. The meeting was widely attended by more than 40 participants and the stimulating debate held at the oasis of Salesian spirituality actively involved everyone, even after the Saturday dinner and until the traditional Salesian goodnight by the delegate of the union in Gela Fr Andrea Giarratano. Several topics emerged, all united by the feeling that Past Pupils are called to commit themselves more to working in the field to effectively tackle the new challenges that today's society poses. To do this, it is a shared opinion to promote dialogue between unions, recovering the purest concept of "Salesian Family" through the sharing of their talents and, then, to open up to the territory through various social activities which are especially attractive to young people. A first step to implement the dialogue between the unions of Sicilian alumni has already been taken: the creation of a community on WhatsApp seems to practically the idea of the widest possible sharing in a practical way.