Maputo, Mozambique - 1 March 2018 - As part of its program of "Assistance to Community Projects and Human Security", the Government of Japan has signed a collaboration agreement with the Salesian Vice Province of Mozambique (MOZ) for the construction and fitting of a library at the "San Domenico Savio" Vocational Training School in the Inharrime district, in the province of Inhambane. The agreement was signed on March 1 at the Japanese Embassy by Japanese Ambassador Toshio Ikeda and by the Provincial of the MOZ Vice-Province, Fr Marco Biaggi.
K'Long, Vietnam - March 2018 – Taking place from 14 to 18 March was the Second Formation Meeting for the assistants of the Secular Institute of Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB). It was led by Major Responsible of the institute Ms Olga K., by the Central Assistant of the Institute, Fr Joan Lluís Playà, SDB, by Ms Dagmar, Central Councilor for Formation and moderated by Maria Lee. The meeting was attended by 34 people from 5 regions of the VDB of Asia, including 14 Salesian ecclesiastical assistants. The formation meeting helped the participants to explore their awareness of identity and to obtain inspiration to live their precious vocation in their respective countries with greater commitment.
Freetown, Sierra Leone - March 2018 – On 23 February, after being stopped for a time due to mechanical problems, the "Don Bosco Mobil", a bus of the Salesian center "Don Bosco Fambul", directed by Fr Jorge Crisafulli, SDB, resumed its program to help young girls involved in prostitution in the areas of Congo Water and Grafton in Freetown. The program offers the young women medical and psychological assistance oriented towards social reintegration, as well as accommodation, food, clothing, non-formal education and vocational training. Since the opening of the "Girl Shelter", 126 girls have left the streets and many of them have reunited with their families, returning to school or vocational training.
Caracas, Venezuela - March 2018 – With the last Sunday of Lent, the preparation of the young people participating in the Salesian Mission Day for the 2018 Holy Week reached its conclusion. The Eucharist celebrating the missionaries of Caracas leaving was by Fr. José Luís Lofrano, parish priest of the Church "Mary Help of Christians" of Boleita, and by Fr Felipe Colmenares, Vicar and Delegate for Youth Ministry in the Province of Venezuela, and it invited the young missionaries to preach the Gospel in the name of Jesus.
Rome, Italy - March 2018 - The Grand Duke of Luxembourg, Henri Albert Gabriel Félix Marie Guillaume, has nominated the Economer General of the Salesian Congregation, the Salesian Brother Jean Paul Muller, Officer of the Order of Merit of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. On March 17 at the Salesian Central Office, H.E. Jean Paul Senninger, Ambassador of Luxembourg to the Holy See, Secretary General of the Council of the Government of Luxembourg, conferred the honor on Jean Paul Muller.
Chofu, Japan - March 2018 - On March 19, during the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr Mario Yamanouchi, Provincial of Japan, the Salesians Gabriel Yakushiji and Joseph Takeshita made their perpetual professions.