Bethlehem, Palestine – July 2024 - Despite the situation in Palestine, on 7 July the Don Bosco Salesian Work in Bethlehem will host summer activities. Hundreds of young people take part in the various activities, which will last three weeks, on the theme "Bosco World".

Warsaw, Poland – July 2024 – On 3 July, the Rector of the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University (UKSW) in Warsaw, Prof. Ryszard Czekalski, presented the appointments of the new Vice-Rectors for the 2024-2028 term. Among the nominees is Prof. Ryszard Sadowski, Salesian priest from the Province of Piła (PLN). Fr Ryszard Sadowski has been appointed Vice-Rector for Science and International Cooperation. So far he has been associated with the Faculty of Christian Philosophy at UKSW, where he has held the positions of Head of the Department of Eco-Philosophy and Director of the Institute of Philosophy. The main areas of scientific research of the new Vice-Rector concern sustainable development, bio-cultural diversity, cultural ecology and environmental history. In addition, in the course of his scientific research he is introducing a new strand of research called "religion and ecology" to Poland. He is editor of the "Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae" journal. In the photo, Fr Sadowski (right) with the Rector of UKSW.

Photo: Facebook PLN

Recife, Brazil – July 2024 - Last Saturday, 6 July, the Catholic community gathered with great devotion to begin the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Patroness of Recife, with the first day of the novena in her honour. The programme, which lasted the whole day, ended with the Solemn Novena, led by Fr Valdomiro José de Lima, O. Carm., and with the prayer of Fr Francisco Inácio Vieira Junior, SDB, Superior of the Salesian St Aloysius Gonzaga Province of Recife, Brazil (BRE). Under the theme "On pilfrimage with us in  fidelity  your ‘Yes’", the celebration stressed the importance of faith and commitment, following the example of Our Lady of Carmel, patroness of religious communities. For many believers this first day of the novena was a time of renewal of faith and devotion to the Virgin Mary. The  event programme will last until 16 July and is marked by the celebration of 100 masses which will take place in the Basilica of Carmel, in the church of the Third Order of Carmel and in the Convent cloister; in addition to cultural programming.

Mosquera, Colombia – July 2024 - The Salesian community in the St Peter Claver Province of Bogotá celebratedthe priestly ordination of Salesian deacon Jonathan Camilo Plazas Beltrán, SDB with great joy . The celebration held on 6 July in the parish of Mary Help of Christians in Mosquera was presided over by Bishop Héctor Julio López Hurtado, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Girardot, and was attended by Fr Jhon Jairo Gómez Rua, COB Provincial, a large number of Salesians, family members and friends of the new priest.

Aparecida, Brazil – July 2024 - The Fourth National Meeting of Parishes and Shrines entrusted to the Salesians took place from 5 to 7 July in the city of Aparecida (SP). The meeting took place in an atmosphere of serenity, generous openness and attentive listening to the calls of the young people and the people of God; the mission of the priest and the Salesian brother. The meeting provided each parish priest and Rector with a vision of Salesian Brazil. The parish priests and young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) were able to share some challenges and positive experiences. The meeting programme ended with Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida and the sharing of each Province. The participants left the meeting loaded with projects to be carried out, especially in parishes and basilicas.

Goma, DR Congo – July 2024 - On Tuesday 9 July, the heads of the different groups of the Salesian Family that make up the Advisory Council for the St Joseph Delegation of the AFC-EST attended a capacity-building formation course. The event took place at the Maison Maman Marguerite, headquarters of the Delegation, and was attended by the six groups of the Salesian Family in the AFC-EST: Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), Past Pupils of Don Bosco (PPDB) and the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA). The session was led by Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesian Congregation in the presence of Fr Guillermo Basañes, Superior of the Salesian Province of Central Africa (AFC). During the meeting, Fr Chávez stressed that the Advisory Council is the body that helps the members of the Salesian Family to look in the same direction. Close cooperation is necessary to achieve this goal. Continuing, he indicated to the members of the AFC-EST Council three important dimensions that must guide their action: Reinvigorate, that is, revitalise; Unite, to promote unity in diversity; and promote the charismatic identity of the Salesian Family. Fr Chávez also recalled that the Salesian Family is called to grow. Numerical growth in all the groups of the Salesian Family but also at the level of charismatic identity and spiritual depth. The Salesian Family is called to unity and synergy. Apostolic work will become meaningful and effective as the branches work in communion.