Tucumán, Argentina – March 2017 – On 18 March, Bishop Alfredo Zecca Tucumán, presided over the ordination of the Salesian Alejandro Jorrat, in the presence of Fr Gabriel Romero, Provincial of Northern Argentina, and many Salesians, relatives and friends.
Turcifal, Portugal – March 2017 – The first spiritual retreat of the pastoral year for Salesians of the province of Portugal took place from 23 February to 1 March, led by Fr Stefano Martoglio, Councillor for the Mediterranean region. There were 76 participants. On 27 February Fr Martoglio presided over the consultation for the next Provincial who will succeed Fr Artur Pereira.
Cochabamba, Bolivia – March 2017 – A meeting of the Rectors of Salesian Houses and persons in charge of Youth Ministry in the province of Bolivia took place on 15-16 March at the Don Bosco – Fatima Events Centre.
El Obeid, Sudan – 13 March 2017 – During her visit to the city of El Obeid, Sudan, the Queen of Qatar, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser, visited the Don Bosco Vocational Training Centre run by the Salesians. There she was interested in the literacy programme for the children. Although her visit lasted only 25 minutes, the presence of the Queen of Qatar attracted the attention of the Government, of the NGOs and many others who were able to see and appreciate the educational work that the Salesians do for the young people of El Obeid. The Salesians are grateful to UNICEF and the World Food Programme for considering the Salesian Centre worthy of international attention.
Ypacaraí, Paraguay – 22 March 2017 – The Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, received Archbishop Edmundo Valenzuela, SDB, of Asunción, in the House of the Salesian family of Ypacaraí. They had a pleasant and fraternal meeting .
(ANS – Thika) – The life of a missionary is dotted with small episodes, courageous decisions taken in haste and without the certainty of what will follow, but these decisions can improve and indeed, save, the lives of many people; especially when they involve the collaboration of many people. This is what happened in Kenya to Catherine, and a little girl who was in danger of dying in the hospital.