Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - 25 September 2016 - The Salesian Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, on the occasion of the 41st anniversary of independence of Papua New Guinea, has been given the award "Great Logohu Companion of the Order", with the title of "Chief". This is the highest award given by the nation of Papua New Guinea and was awarded for his outstanding contribution to the pastoral care, guidance, education and technical training of the youth of the country.
Bogotá, Colombia - September 2016 - The second meeting of the Community Reconstruction of the Historical Memory of the Salesian Province was held on 22 and 23 September. It was attended by coordinators and members of the teams of various works, with five specific objectives: to continue reflection on the importance of the Community Reconstruction Process of the Historical Memory; to share progress and challenges of the process in each community; to discuss the provincial project system; to discuss the progress on the artistic and cultural heritage of each house; to inaugurate the travelling exhibition "Italian Engineers and architects in Colombia".
Shizuoka, Japan - September 2016 - The Shizuoka Integrated School and Mission has about 1100 students and 120 teachers from kindergarten to high school, and offers over 20 artistic and extra-curricular sports activities. The institute is the only one in the country - and probably in the whole East Asia-Oceania Region - to be directed by the Salesian Cooperators. The teaching staff receive pastoral care from both the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. There are several past pupils on the staff and the number of Christians is well above the national average.
Natal, Brazil - September 2016 - The Natal City Council has held a Solemn Session in tribute to the 80 years of the Salesian College "São José", officially celebrated on 20 September. During the commemoration diplomas were awarded to Rectors, former Rectors and employees of the Salesian College in recognition of the significant service provided.
Jhajjar, India - September 2016 - Fr Giordano Piccinotti, SDB, Economer of the Province of Lombardy-Emiliana and executive director of the Don Bosco Onlus Foundation, is visiting some Salesian missions in India. In the Jhajjar district, near New Delhi, he visited "Don Bosco Pasahaur", built 10 years ago in an area where there are 500 kilns for making bricks. Children under 10 years of age work there 12 hours a day. The Salesian community is building a village to help these children. It has launched an awareness programme for women and child workers, created centres for disadvantaged children and provides education and assistance to the most needy.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - September 2016 - On 24 and 25 September Salesian Family Day was celebrated, the first since the establishment of the new Vice-Province of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands (PGS). The event was presided over by Fr Peter Baquero, SDB, Superior of PGS, with 70 participants, including members of the Salesians, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA, Past Pupils, the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and the FMA.