Atlanta, United States – June 2024 – The 2024 Catholic Media Conference was held on the theme "Connected in the AtL" from 18 to 21 June at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead and Conference Center, in Atlanta Hundreds of professionals from all over the country took part. Cardinal John P. Foley Award was given to Matt Riedl from the Diocese of Lansing, while Ana Rodriguez-Soto, of Florida Catholic, won the St. Francis de Sales Award. A member of the Salesian Family, Chioma Okoye, Director of Communications in Tampa and coordinator of youth ministry, was presented as an “example” of a compelling story in “Faith in Action: Showing Real-Life Stories of Individuals and Communities Living Their Faith and How the Media Can Spotlight These Inspiring Stories to Motivate Others,” led by the Executive Director of Communications for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Teresa Peterson. "It was a beautiful and moving experience to participate in the Conference and connect with other Catholic media professionals, especially those like us who hold many roles in our departments," Ms. Julia St. Clair, Province Communications Director, says. 

Interamerica – June 2024 – A workshop entitled "Writing posts for social networks" was held on  Zoom on 20 June, led by Cristian Calderón, Community Manager of the Salesian Province of Ecuador (ECU). The workshop, organised by the General Secretariat, brought together participants from different countries of the Interamerica Region, creating an environment of collaboration and learning without borders. Cristian Calderón shared valuable strategies and techniques in order to improve the presence and interaction on social networks.

Madrid, Spain – June 2024 - Nearly 900 children and young people participating in Pinardi projects visited Madrid's Amusement Park on 26 June, in an event that has become a tradition since 2014. Accompanied by 130 educators, the members of the body's Socio-Educational Assistance projects in the Community of Madrid and Castilla La Mancha had the opportunity to share this experience. This includes young people from the Socio-Educational Assistance programmes for school success, juniors and young people from reception and emancipation sectors, as well as young people from the Organisation's Training and Employment programme. This annual visit to the Madrid Amusement Park is the final touch to a course in which all participants worked for a whole year to achieve success in studies, training and integration into society. For them, this visit is a celebration and an opportunity to enjoy healthy leisure during the summer. The participants were welcomed at the entrance of the Park by the young people who participated in the "First Professional Experience" project and who are now part of the Park's team of employees. This collaboration between Parques Reunidos and Pinardi, which has been promoting youth employability for more than eight years, is an inspiring example for the younger participants, who see in their colleagues a successful model of work and social integration. The Madrid Amusement Park is a strategic ally of Pinardi in the development of its "First Professional Experience" (PEP) program to improve employability and educational return. To date, 145 young people have had the opportunity to train and get their first job at the Madrid Amusement Park.

Vila Dique, Brazil – June 2024 – On 21 June, the Salesian St Pius X Province of Porto Alegre Brazil (BPA), carried out an important solidarity action, distributing basic necessities to the population in Vila Dique, one of the areas most affected by the floods. During the month of May, several initiatives were promoted by the BPA Province, with the support of the Colégio Dom Bosco in Porto Alegre and the Obra Social Novo Lar in Viamão. These actions included receiving donations, registering needy families, delivering food and preparing lunch baskets, mobilising the entire community to help those who needed it most. The efforts concentrated in Vila Dique aimed to meet the primary needs of families who have lost almost everything due to the floods. The distribution of aid is of fundamental assistance to them. The activities will continue in the coming weeks to provide the population with continuous support.

Goma, DR Congo – June 2024 - On Thursday 27 June, Fr George Menamparampil concluded his visit to the Salesian St Joseph Delegation of Central East Africa. His mission was aimed at "sharing experiences and supporting the financial management and mobilization of funds within the AFC-EST delegation". On this occasion, Fr Menamparampil animated a two-day formation session, 25-26 June, for the Economers of all the communities of the Delegation in order to help them improve the management of assets and patrimony. Before the session, Fr Menamparampil visited several Salesian communities in AFC-EST, with the exception of that of Shasha due to the war situation that forced the Salesians to leave it and take refuge at Don Bosco Ngangi, in Goma. The visit ended on 27 June with a meeting with members of the AFC-EST Delegation's Planning and Development Office (PDO) team. During the meeting, Fr George Menamparampil shared tips and suggestions that could help the PDO to better support Salesian communities. Fr Carlos Balezi Kabumba, SDB Director of the Planning and Development Office of the AFC-EST, warmly thanked Fr Menamparampil for all the guidance provided to the Economers and the PDO team with a view to judicious management of the assets of the respective communities.

Caracas, Venezuela – June 2024 - The Salesian Provincial House was the scene of a fraternal meeting and reflection that brought together the Rectors of the Saint Luke Province of Venezuela (VEN) on 20 and 21 June. This event, which culminated in the celebration of the Day of Fidelity, aimed to strengthen Salesian communion, assess the current situation of young people and plan the future of the Province. During the meeting the Rectors had the opportunity to analyse the situation of the Province through the Report, community life, provincial excellence and the youth situation. They analysed the challenges young people face today and discussed strategies to respond to the needs of the context. In addition, provincial self-management campaigns was discussed. The celebration of the Day of Fidelity took place on 22 June, at the Salesian Postnovitiate. This space made it possible to remember the figure of Don Bosco, drawing inspiration from his charism and reaffirming the mission of the Province: to accompany young people on their journey towards holiness and to contribute to the construction of a more just and fraternal society. The celebration was a testimony of the love and dedication of the Salesians, an example for young people and a source of inspiration to continue working with enthusiasm and hope.