Lourdes, France - June 2017 - Over 800 young people from various parts of the diocese of Lyon went to Lourdes to serve the sick and elderly visiting the Sanctuary. Among the volunteers, 16 young people from the “Ressins” Salesian Agricultural School.
Dong Thuan, Vietnam - June 2017 - On June 10, Dong Thuan Salesian Technical & Vocational Center, led by Fr Thomas Vu Kim Long, celebrated the closing ceremony of the 2016-2017 school year by awarding diplomas to 132 graduating students. Present at the ceremony were Duong Ngoc Tan, Deputy Director of the Religious Affairs Committee, various business representatives and students' family members.
Coacalco, Mexico - June 2017 - On 26 June, the annual meeting of all Salesians of the Mexican-Mexico Province (MEM) was held, chaired by Fr Gabino Hernández Paleta, MEM Provincial. The meeting brought focus on the conformation of the new communities for the 2017-2018 Pastoral Year and was an opportunity to share stories, anecdotes and experiences among the Salesians themselves. Significant was also the reading of a book on the history of the MEM Province, a forum on the apostolate and the mission of the Salesians of past generations, and the presentation of the Congregational Training Plan for Salesians and Laity.
Łódź, Poland - June 2017 - From 27 to 30 June, in the Salesian house of Łódź, about 10 lay Salesians, representatives of the 4 Polish Provinces, took part in the Training Meeting for Salesian Coadjutors. The meeting was led by Fr Zenon Klawikowski, head of the Center for Spirituality of Łódź, with lectures by Fr Stanisław Szmidt on the theme of Salesian missions; Fr. Przemysław Solarski, Vicar of the Warsaw Province, with a report on "Christian Morality"; and Fr. Tadeusz Furdyna on sacred art as an instrument of evangelization – he also exhibited some of his works. In addition to its training objectives, the meeting also included informal talks and a cultural-religious tour.
Lisbon, Portugal - June 2017 - From June 26 to 29, the Salesian Youth Pastoral Days were held, focusing on the preparatory document for the Synod of Bishops: "Young people, faith and vocational discernment." Present: Msgr. Joaquím Mendes, SDB, auxiliary bishop of Lisbon; Professor Doutora Teresa Messias of the Portuguese Catholic University; Fr David Teixeira, SDB; Fr Rui Alberto, SDB; and Fr Artur Pereira, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Portugal. The Days constitute a source of training for the Youth Ministry Pastoral Teams of Salesian Presences and are an important moment for work and planning in view of the new educational-pastoral year.
Benguela, Angola - July 2017 - On 2 July the ordination of Salesian Dionysius Kassindula Tchamuene was celebrated in the parish of Our Lady of the Navigants.