Rome, Italy – July 2024 - A Youth Ministry Assembly for Salesian Italy was held on 12 July at the National Centre for Salesian Works. The summer event, following one in January, brings together the Coordinators of the National Offices and those in charge of Liaisons, with the heads of the CNOS bodies, as well as the Lay Directors of the National Associations and lay people with roles of national responsibility, the San Lorenzo Community and the National Centre EPC. A first moment of the assembly was dedicated to listening to the experience of the SOG Friars, the Youth Orientation Service of the Friars Minor of Umbria and Sardinia, with Fr Mirko Mazzocato who recounted the birth of the SOG and the question of first announcement as it occurs in the courses offered to young people. This discussion was preparatory to information relating to the seminar on  first announcement in the Mediterranean Region to be held in Madrid in October: the main seminar points were outlined in June, during the meeting between the national centres of Italy and Spain; in the coming weeks the details for registration and the final programme will be released. In the second part of the meeting there was time for pastoral year-end reports by the national offices, during which various matters were addressed. The meeting then continued with Provincials and Youth Ministry delegates tackling the questions of Universal Civil Service.

Buenos Aires, Argentina – July 2024 - The Salesian work in Argentina has once again been involved in the Caminos y Sabores gastronomic fair, represented through the stand of "Por los Jóvenes – Don Bosco", the Salesian Mission Office in Argentina. At the event that took place at the La Rural property, in the city of Buenos Aires, "Por los Jóvenes – Don Bosco" presented the products made in the Salesian Agricultural Schools: wines and oil from the Salesian work in Rodeo del Medio, Mendoza; the "dulce de leche", cheeses and cured meats from the EAS "Carlos M. Casares" of Del Valle, Buenos Aires; and the yerba from the  "Pascual Gentilini" Agricultural Institute in Misiones. In the four days of the fair, there were over 100,000 visitors with record sales. The Salesian stand was visited by many people, by those who had already tried Salesian products and also many who did not know them, being pleasantly surprised that they would help many young people with their purchase. "Caminos y Sabores" was a new opportunity to spread the work that Don Bosco does through Salesian houses throughout the country and to involve thousands of people to offer education and formation opportunities. Among the more than 450 initiatives, the "Por los Jóvenes – Don Bosco" stand was highlighted for the social impact of its sales, since the proceeds are destined to educational, socio-community and professional formation proposals in which young people from different vulnerable contexts participate. This year the stand was chosen to be part of the official press tour, which was attended by more than 40 journalists and influencers, testifying to the value of Salesian work in the country.

AddisAbaba, Ethiopia – July 2024 – In an atmosphere of great joy for the entire Salesian Mary Kidane Meheret Vice-Province of Africa Ethiopia Eritrea (AET), three young Salesians - Mario Kebede, Kidanu Balcha and Negussie Kahsay - made their before Fr Hailemariam Medhin, AET Superior. The celebration took place on 14 July at the Salesianum in Addis Ababa, in the presence of numerous Salesians, religious, friends and relatives.

Rome, Italy - July 2024 - On 17 July, at the Headquarters of the Sacred Heart Community, the Rector Major of the Salesians, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, had a special meeting with Fr John Zosiama, Superior of the Salesian Province of Shillong, India (INS) and Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, Superior of the Salesian Province of Guwahati, India (ING). Also present for the occasion were Fr Sunil Barla, new Rector of the Sacred Heart Theological College in Shillong, Fr Ivo Coelho, General Councillor for Formation, and Fr Biju Michael, Councillor for the South Asia Region. The Rector Major discussed some issues with them  such as the theological formation of future Salesian priests, the spiritual accompaniment of each candidate, Salesian formation in the theologate, the need for a systematic preparation of good formators and professors, and other important issues for the governance and animation of the Provinces. The two Provincials then met with all the General Councillors and the Heads of the various sectors present at Headquarters. This meeting, organised by Fr Biju Michael, was an opportunity for the two Provincials to congratulate the Rector Major before the end of his term of office on 16 August.

Cebu, Philippines – July 2024 – On 14 July at the Don Bosco Youth Centre - Parish of Lourdes - the after-school music, art, dance, sport and academic study programs in the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes ended with a grand musical recital. The Lourdes Enrichment Activity Program (LEAP) lasted 6 weeks with training courses in the different pathways. It is organized by young volunteer leaders and managed by young teachers and is aimed at young people in the parish who are interested in playing an instrument, being able to choose between violin, guitar, bandurria, piano and others. During the show, the parents were delighted by the songs from the Disney films that highlighted not only the students' skills in playing musical instruments but also their singing skills, drawing much applause from the audience. LEAP is an after-school training program designed by young people and for young people. Through training courses, young people not only develop their talents, but youth animators have the opportunity to hone their leadership and organizational skills.

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala – July 2024 - Salesian Cooperators aspirants (ASC) from Guatemala met to celebrate their national meeting at the St Boniface retreat house in Quetzaltenango. Various topics were addressed, the exhibitions of the different centres were presented, testimonies were shared and they made a visit to the Salesian parish of San Nicolás.
The applicants came from different local centres in the country and the activity was coordinated by the National Advisory Council for Guatemala and hosted by the local ASCs.