Cañas, Chile - May 2017 - From 16 to 19 May, fifty Salesians from the Chilean Province (CIL) gathered to discern and work on the document for the renewal of the Provincial Plan, and the reorganization of various aspects of the CIL Province. The Vice-Provincial, Fr David Albornoz, presented a synthesis of what has been done so far. The Salesians who were present were divided into groups to work on the operational aspects of the reorganization based on new specific goals: to evaluate the situation of the Province; to ensure the consistency of the Salesian communities; to consolidate vocations ministry; to foster ongoing formation. to consolidate the economic sustainability of the works; to develop social ministry; to reinforce the Salesian Family, the communication area and the charismatic project of the Catholic University of "Silva Henríquez". Every aspect will be discussed and reflected on by the working groups, which will then draw up a working paper orientating the overall reorganization of the CIL Province in the coming years. After this work and during this year the Provincial Council will analyse the document, then send it to the Rector Major who is responsible for the final review and approval.
Mumbai, India – 14 May 2017 - Fr Chrys Saldanha, SDB, launched his new book entitled "Challenges in Salesian Life Today". In 336 pages, it recounts the role of millions of Catholics in promoting peace and love in a World full of conflicts. The event was attended by Nimala Rego, former Director of the Xavier Institute of Management & Research (XIMR), and Fr Godfrey D'Souza, Superior of the Mumbai Province.
Kiev, Ukraine - May 2017 - Salvador Sobral and Luísa Sobral, Salesian past pupils from Lisbon in Portugal, won the 62nd Eurovision Song Contest with a song entitled "Amar pelos dois". Luísa is the author and Salvador the performer. This is the first time the competition has been won by Portugal. It received the highest score in the history of the festival: 758 points.
Nairobi, Kenya - May 2017 – The Directors of Pre-novitiate of the region of Africa and Madagascar met the "Bosco Boys" of Langata, Nairobi, and the aspirants who are having their first experience of the charism and mission of Don Bosco among them. In many Provinces of the region, the vocational journey towards Salesian life begins with an experience of service of the poorest young people. Langata's "Bosco Boys" is a work for street children from the slums of Nairobi who agree to begin a rehab programme with literacy classes and gradual placement in school or learning a trade. This phase lasts from one to three years, and as far as possible, it also encourages the young people to return to their families of origin.
Turin, Italy - May 2017 – On Saturday,13 May at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the Salesian Fabio Mamino was ordained priest by Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia of Turin.
Lubumbashi, R.D. Congo – 13 May 2017 - Celebration of the feast of St Maria Domenica Mazzarello in the "Laura Vicuña" community.