Giffoni, Italy – July 2024 - "The illusion of distance" is the theme of the 54th edition of the Giffoni Film Festival, scheduled from 18 to 28 July 2024. Also confirmed are the 35 participants in the C.G.S. Training Camp (Cinecircoli Giovanili Socioculturali - National Association of Film Culture promoted by the CNOS and CIOFS Bodies), adult managers, animators and young people of the two C.G.S. Percorsi Creativi  juries who will be present at the international film festival in Giffoni Valle Piana (SA) starting on Saturday 20 July. Since the last edition, the presence of C.G.S. has made it possible to set up two Juries: one for the +13 section, which has had them present since 2007, and one for the +16 category, which testifies to the fact that CGS jurors grow and undergo a training course with repercussions on those who enter later, not only stopping at the emotional adhesion that the experience inevitably triggers. Finding themselves from all over Italy with groups from Ancona, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Padua, Taranto and Cagliari, young people and leaders will experience a "permanent workshop" in Giffoni  made of viewing and evaluation of the films in competition for the two C.G.S. Creative Pathways Awards, web journalism of documentation, seminars and team building courses. Starting from the Marche coordination of the CGS-Sentieri di Cinema project, the group of formators who will lead the experience this year has become the expression of several regional associations (Marche, Lazio, Veneto, Sardinia, Liguria, Puglia), in a network that sees the constant organisational and design presence of the C.G.S. national presidency.

Cape Town, South Africa – July 2024 - A group of 13 students from the Salesian school in Treviglio spent an unforgettable study holiday in Cape Town, organised by the "Helkin" agency. Accompanied by Fr Luca Paganini and Professor Marco Locatelli, the children had the opportunity to improve their English and immerse themselves in South African culture, having unique and enriching experiences. The typical day for students began with English lessons at the "LAL School", renowned for the excellence of its language programmes. The morning hours were dedicated to the study and deepening of the language, with qualified teachers and innovative teaching methods. The afternoons were reserved for discovering Cape Town and its surroundings. There was no shortage of excursions to the Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean, and a visit to Robben Island, the prison island where Nelson Mandela was held for many years. A particularly significant aspect of the trip was exploring the question of apartheid. Thanks to the collaboration with the Salesians in Cape Town, the students had the opportunity to better understand this dark chapter of South African history. It was also an opportunity for them to learn about a Salesian place outside Italy and to see how the charism of Don Bosco is universal. Visits to the "District Six Museum" and the "South African National Gallery" offered ideas for reflection and a greater awareness of the injustices of the past.

Przemyśl, Poland – July 2024 – The 24th “Salesian Summer” Music Festival takes place in Przemyśl from 8 to 19 July. This year's edition began at the Salesian Saint Joseph's Shrine, belonging to the Salesian Province of Krakow (PLS), and includes 10 concerts held in various places: 4 concerts in the auditorium of Casimir Castle, 3 concerts in the Salesian Church, 2 concerts in the Carmelite Church, 1 concert in the hall of the Musical Society. The last event of the Festival is scheduled for 19 July and will take place where the Festival began, namely in the Salesian Church. The programme of musical presentations is rich and varied, including a wide musical repertoire that satisfies both classical and contemporary music lovers. In the photo is the "Giocoso Ensemble" group , which performed in concert on 15 July at Casimir Castle. Organisers of the Festival: ZAMEK Cultural and Scientific Center of Przemyśl; St. Joseph Parish - Salesians; Renata Nowakowska - director of PCKiN ZAMEK; Don Wiesław Wilkosz, SDB – parish priest; Daniel Prajzner - artistic direction; Tomasz Ślusarczyk - director of the Festival.

Photo: Tomasz Beliński, Przemyskie Centrum Kultury i Nauki ZAMEK (ZAMEK Cultural and Scientific Center in Przemyśl)

Panama City, Panama – July 2024 – From 15 to 18 July, the Don Bosco Basilica welcomed a delegation of young Spanish  scouts with open arms , heading to the province of Darien with the  "Spain to the South" (España Rumbo al Sur) expedition. This project is aimed at young Spanish-speaking pre-university students, between the ages of 16 and 17, and its objective is for participants, accompanied by various teachers, to learn about cooperation and volunteering, along with adventure and expedition. Young scouts learned more about Salesian work in Panama thanks to the Valdocco d 'America project, an initiative that aims to spread and preserve the life and work of St John Bosco in Panama. Through the Don Bosco Museum, visitors were able to embark on a historical journey of the Congregation, which illustrates the life of the saint and his impact on the education and formation of young Panamanians. The Relic of Don Bosco offers the faithful the opportunity to venerate a significant part of his spiritual legacy, strengthening the bond with his mission. In addition, there is an exact replica of Don Bosco's birthplace located in I Becchi. Together, these elements create an educational and devotional environment that keeps the spirit and work of Don Bosco alive in the hearts of those who visit the Basilica of Don Bosco. In the words of Telmo De La Cuadra Salcedo, director of the expedition: "The Salesians have been welcoming us as true brothers for years and teaching us their work".

Vatican City, Vatican – July 2024 - Yesterday morning, 18 July, Pope Francis visited the "Estate Ragazzi in the Vatican" summer centre, accompanied by Fr Franco Fontana, SDB, responsible for organising the physical, educational and spiritual activity weeks of the centre. After a brief greeting and a thank you to the benefactors at Casa Santa Marta, the Pope moved to the area of the small sports centre, recently built and intended for the children of employees, dedicated to Saint Joseph. Upon his arrival, a brief meeting with the leaders took place first and then the Pope held a conversation with the children and young people participating in the summer centre. In answering their questions and their interventions, inspired by the reflection and activities that they are following over these days, Pope Francis spoke of the value of the family, parents, the relationship with grandparents, and urged them to work for peace, because "making peace is the most beautiful thing in life", and to prepare for the next jubilee "with the spirit of joy". Finally, after a moment of prayer, the children and young people threw coloured, natural rubber, biodegradable balloons into the air, all together, each with the words of the Pope "To you, dear boy, to you, dear girl, you are precious in the eyes of God", hoping that the message can reach as many people as possible.

Lubumbashi, DR Congo – July 2024 - At the Cité de Jeunes on Sunday 14 July, Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, received the promises of 14 new Salesian Cooperators (8 women and 6 men) during the Eucharistic celebration. Fr Guillermo Basañes, Superior of the Central Africa  Province (AFC), the Vice-Provincial Fr Tryphon Kalimira, the Salesian Family, Provincial Delegate, Fr Placide Mukundi and other Salesian priests concelebrated.