Colombia - January 2017 - On 31 January, on the occasion of the feast of Don Bosco, at the end of the Mass in the "El Sufragio" parish of Medellín, the Salesian Brother, Andrés Felipe Loaiza, Delegate for Social Communication of the Medellin Province launched the new version of the Salesian Bulletin of Colombia, renovated in format and content. On the same day in the Province of Bogotá, the director of the Salesian Bulletin, Fr Luis Bernardo Mur, presented the new version and the editorial policy. Carolina Triana introduced the national team of the Salesian Bulletin.
Uvira, D. R. Congo – 2 February 2017 - In preparation for the missionary expedition of 11 November 2017, young people of the Salesian Missionary Movement of the Democratic Republic of Congo, took part in a formation course led by Fr Albert Kabuge SDB, and Salesian Brother Deo Kalenda.
Siguiri, Guinea Conakry - January 2017 - On 29 January Fr José Elégbédé, Provincial of French-speaking West Africa, presided over the graduation of the second class of students of the Salesian Vocational Centre at Siguiri. The group of graduates was named "Fr Tom Promotion " to draw attention to Fr Tom Uzhunnalil, the Salesian missionary kidnapped in Yemen. In addition, in response to the call of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, a novena was also launched to pray for his release.
Porto Novo, Benin - January 2017 - On 28 January Bishop Aristide Gonsallo of Porto Novo, presided at the Eucharistic celebration for the 60th anniversary of the erection of the Salesian parish of Saint François-Xavier. The Mass was concelebrated by 40 priests and many of the faithful of the parish took part.
Rimac, Peru - January 2017 - On 31 January the Salesian Family in Rimac (Lima) celebrated Don Bosco with a Eucharistic celebration at the end of which Fr Luis Berroa, SDB, received an award from the Mayor of Rimac, Enrique Peramás for the important Salesian presence in the neighbourhood, especially among the children and young people. Afterwards there was a procession in honour of Don Bosco in the streets of Rímac.
Nairobi, Kenya - 31 January 2017 - Feast of Don Bosco at Don Bosco Boys’ Town.