Santiago, Chile – 3 gennaio 2017 - Over two thousand volunteers animated at the votive temple of Maipú a great “Mannequin Challenge” – an initiatives that consists in remaining motionless while been filmed. Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, SDB, archbishop of Santiago, the Rector of the Catholic University of Chile, Ignacio Sánchez, the Rector of Duoc UC, Ricardo Paredes also participated in this event, which was realised to transmit the message “With Christ we change Chile”. On the web the video is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5_ZQU9strI 

Rome, Italy – January 2017 - The Strenna 2017 of the Rector Major “We are Family! Each home a school of life and love”, received a prompt resonance in the two days of January 14th-15th organised by the Office of Youth Ministry of Salesian Central Circumscription ICC – Consultancy of Youth Ministry and Family, chaired over by Fr. Karim Madjidi, ICC Provincial Vicar and coordinated by Fr. Daniele Merlini and Fr. Michelangelo Dessì. 60 parents, some with their children, coming fro local Educative Communities and accompanied by some Salesians, gathered at the “Sacred Heart” in Rome for two days of confrontation, dialogue and study on the theme “Family and Salesian Charism: at the discovery of a shared mission at the service of the young”. Among the speakers there were also Fr. Rossano Sala, Professor of Youth Ministry at the Salesian Pontifical University, and Fr. Flaviano d’Ercoli.

Bari, Italy – January 13th, 2017 – On January 13th, the “Course of Superior Formation on the Theory and Technology of Social Communication” commenced in Bari. This is formative path organised at the Salesian House of “Redentore (Redeemer)” in Bari by the “Don Bosco Today Workshop”, together with the Provincial Library of the Capuchins of “Santa Fara”, under the patronage of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), of the Faculty of Theology of Puglia, of the Archdiocese of Bari – Bitonto, of CISM and of Tele Radio Padre Pio. The course comprises five theoretical modules, and a sixth practical one, and will be held in San Giovanni Rotondo, in the headquarters of Tele Radio Padre Pio, from June 30th to July 2nd". For further information refer to informazioni.

Lomé, Togo – January 2017 – On January 14th, in the Parish of Mary Help of Christians in Gbenyedzi there was the day of the presentation to the Salesian Family of Lomé of the Strenna 2017 of the Rector Major on the theme “We are Family! Every Home a School of Life and Love”  . The event was guided by Fr. Jésus-Benoît Badji, Vicar of the Province of West Africa French (AFO).

Concepción, Paraguay – January 2017 – On January 10th in Concepción there was the beginning of the Summer Activities organised by the Salesian Youth Movement. Hundreds of young people participate in these activities.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti – January, 14th, 2017 – On January 14th, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Arch-diocese of Port-au-Prince, Msgr. Ducange Sylvain, SDB, presided over the ceremony of the priestly ordination of four Salesians. Fr. Jean-Paul Mésidor, Superior of the Vice-Province of (HAI), members of the Salesian Family, parents and friends of the new priests were also present at the ceremony.