Quito, Ecuador - December 2017 - On 8 December 1977, the “home” for young street workers was established by a group of young Salesians with the support of the community of the post-novitiate "El Giron" of Quito. Over the years, this service, called the Salesian Project Foundation - Northern Zone, has been strengthened, and has supported 2,581 young people and 1,790 families in situations of social risk. To commemorate the 40 years of activity, a session of the National Assembly was held on December 8 with the participation of the Provincial of Ecuador, Fr Francisco Sánchez; the Director of the Salesian Project Foundation - Northern Zone, Fr José Ruiz; a number of Salesians involved in the project, and young people representatives.
Libreville, Gabon - 8 December 2017 - On the celebration of the Immaculate Conception, Msgr. Basile Mvé Engone, SDB, archbishop of Libreville, presided over the consecration ceremony of the "Mary Help of Christians" parish of Okala Mikolongo. Present: the parish priest Fr Roland Mintsa; the Vicar of the Vice Province of Tropical Equatorial Africa (ATE), Fr Paco Moro; various Salesians, FMA, priests of the diocese and political authorities. Work on the church began in 2013; built in Gothic style, it is about 60 meters wide, with 6 side exits and 102 benches and features, among other things, a multi-purpose hall for parish animation.
Puebla, Mexico - November 2017 - On 26 November in Puebla, Msgr Víctor Sánchez Espinosa, SSCC, VIII Archbishop of Puebla presided at the Eucharist for the feast of Christ the King, homage to Msgr Rosendo Huesca Pacheco, archbishop of Puebla from 1977 to 2009, and tribute for the 125 years of Salesian presence in Mexico.
Brussels, Belgium - November 2017 – Taking place in Brussels from 20-24 November was the 2nd edition of the Vocational Training Week, promoted by the European Commission, via Commissioner Marianne Thyssen, of Belgian origin, and highly familiar of Salesian work. Don Bosco International and CNOS-FAP represented all its educational institutions and various activities: the first education-business summit, several meetings of European experts on mobility, business practices and innovation in the field of technical formation and professional training.. A wide range of possibilities are opening up for Salesian centers throughout Europe.
Madrid, Spain - November 2017 – In Madrid, November 19, the Don Bosco Confederation celebrated the closing act of the institution's 25th anniversary celebrations. On the theme "We are Don Bosco's, the following participants met: federation representatives, members of previous executive councils, representatives of the networks of which the Confederation is a part, the federation's Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, animators and technical collaborators. The Don Bosco Confederation is made up of 9 federations, 4,319 volunteers, 55,718 beneficiaries and 127 youth centers.
Sanya, China - November 2017 - During the election ceremony of Miss World 2017, the Salesian Don Rocky Evangelista, of the "Don Bosco Street Children Village", Tuloy Foundation, Muntinlupa City (Philippines), received the "World Humanitarian Award" for his precious work with street children. The event was broadcast live on television in 160 countries.