Juazeiro do Norte, Brazil – July 2024 - On the morning of Saturday 20 July, a large number of pilgrims and devotees of the Servant of God Father Cícero Romão Batista gathered in front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapel to participate in the Mass in suffrage for the soul of the Sertão Missionary, and pray for the 90 years of his transition to eternal life. The celebration was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Crato, Bishop Magnus Henrique Lopes and concelebrated by the bishops of the Northeast Region 1 – Ceará. After Mass, all the bishops, together with the diocesan parish priest of Crato, laid a wreath on Father Cícero's grave inside the Chapel of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Subsequently, the prayer for the beatification and canonisation of the Servant of God was said, ending with the sprinkling of holy water on the grave. The Salesians of Don Bosco were also present at the celebration. The Salesian work in the city was a desire of Father Cicero himself. "We Salesians, the Salesian Family, are here to thank God for the gift of life, the legacy of evangelisation and the witness that Father Cicero has left us. It is important to remember that Father Cícero, since last February, has also been counted among the members of the Salesian Family. It is, therefore, a day of gratitude for all of us, members of the Salesian Family, who give thanks to God for the whole legacy of Father Cicero. From him we inherited love for Jesus Christ, devotion to Our Lady and pastoral zeal, "said Fr Inácio Vieira, Superior of the Province of Brazil-Recife (BRE).

Mestre, Italy - July 2024 – The provincial assembly for the beginning of the pastoral year 2024-25 was held on 20 July at Don Bosco Mestre,, an event of great importance for the Salesian Province of North-East Italy (INE). The day was enriched by the presence of Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Councillor for the Mediterranean Region, who held a conference on the current situation in the Mediterranean Region and on the preparation for the next General Chapter 29. His words offered a clear and encouraging perspective on the challenges and opportunities that await the Salesian Congregation. During the assembly, the anniversaries of consecration and ordination of some Salesians were celebrated. The day reached its climax with the installation Mass for the new INE Provincial, Fr Silvio Zanchetta, celebrated in the parish church of Mary Help of Christians in Mestre. The ceremony was attended by numerous young people and lay people, testifying to the liveliness and unity of the Salesian Province. Fr Igino Biffi, former INE Provincial, addressed a warm greeting and words of encouragement to his successor, conveying a sense of continuity and hope. Fr Zanchetta is called to lead the INE Province, which has 280 Salesians distributed across 32 works, 29 of which are scattered between Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, 2 works in Romania and 1 in Moldova. The Salesians, with the collaboration of numerous lay people, carry out a valuable service for the education of young people in Schools, Vocational Training Centres, Oratories, Parishes and Social Works including several Communities for Minors.

Malkerns, eSwatini – July 2024 – Last 10 July was a day of joy for the Blessed Michael Rua Vice-Province of Southern Africa (AFM). On this date at the St John Bosco parish, Malkerns, Salesian Nhlanhla Nxumalo made his Perpetual Profession before Fr Václav Klement, AFM Superior. He is the fourth Swazi Salesian, joining Fr Bonginkosi , Fr Bhembe and Salesian Brother John Thusi: a good contribution for the 70th anniversary of the Salesian presence in eSwatini. In 2024, the year in which the Catholic community in the country celebrates its 110th anniversary, there have also been numerous professions of men and women religious of Swazi ethnicity. In January, Sister Temndeni, OSM, made her Perpetual Profession, while in June Sister Meseret, of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the clerics Msimisi Lawrence Mbisi, Bheki Dlamini and Charles Chambers, of the Order of Servants of Mary of Florence, made theirs.

Czaplinek, Poland – July 2024 - The “Summer at the Oratory” Meetings took place in Czaplinek, on Drawsko Lake, in two sessions: 1-5 July and 8-12 July 2024. The two camps were led by Fr Michał Kwiatkowski, SDB, assisted by Sister Marta Napora, FMA, and 9 youth workers. Forty-two children took part in each shift, assigned to three different groups. During these summer camps the activities were focused on Don Bosco's dreams, the children were able to integrate, develop their skills, learn to help, cooperate and, above all, have fun. The “Summer at the Oratory 2024” meetings were co-financed with funds received from the Municipality of Czaplinek.

Photo: SDB and FMA of Czaplinek

Tonj, South Sudan – July 2024 – In each academic semester Don Bosco Tonj Secondary School reserves a day for social service; therefore, on 19 July, despite the rain, students exercised their eco-responsibility to clean the city of Tonj. Fr Peter Kariuki, SDB, Principal, said: “It is both a service and an education for students. This initiative is an invitation and a wake-up call to people to keep the environment clean and green. And when we take care of Mother Earth, she blesses us with everything we need for our livelihood.” The students went in groups to clean the premises of the Tonj Civil Hospital and the John Lee Memorial Hospital, in addition to the market and the city square. Tonj residents and government officials appreciated the school's leadership for instilling a love of the environment in the minds of young people. Students in general follow holistic training at the Don Bosco School in the world's youngest country. And it is one of the primary needs to keep it clean and green with large-scale reforestation to make it favorable to all inhabitants.

La Paz, Bolivia – July 2024 - The National Leaders School 2024 has concluded successfully, after five intense days of formation, workshops and participatory dynamics. More than 170 young leaders from different Salesian works in Bolivia, gathered at the Don Bosco Fátima retreat house to share experiences and acquire new knowledge. The workshops dealt with a series of crucial issues for youth development and leadership, including the Preventive System, evangelisation through social networks and the creation of ecological leadership projects, inspired by the encyclical Laudato si'. The participants had the opportunity to interact with experts and facilitators in each area, who encouraged them to apply what they learned in their work. The event culminated with a significant ceremony presided over by Fr Henry Córdova, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry. During the sending Mass, Fr Córdova urged young people to reaffirm their vocation to service and to be bearers of hope and positive change as Salesian leaders. As a symbolic gesture, each young person was given a candle which represents the light that is called to be in their works and in society. The National Leadership School has not only provided practical tools for youth leadership, but has also strengthened teamwork, fostering a spirit of collaboration and solidarity. It is expected that the fruits of this experience will be reflected in the promotion of youth initiatives that contribute to the pastoral development of their works.