São Carlos, Brazil - August 2016 - During the Extraordinary Visitation by Fr Natale Vitali, Councillor for the American Southern Cone Region, the new bishop of the Diocese, Bishop Paulo Cézar paid a visit to the Salesian pre-novitiate of São Carlos. In the photo are the bishop, Fr Vitali, the community of formation guides and eight pre-novices.
Naeri, Korea - August 2016 - The 24th Seminar on "Reality Therapy" for nineteen Rectors, Delegates and Members of the Council of the Salesian Province of South Korea (KOR) opened on 22 August. The participants experienced, through a series of action and planning processes, the benefits of the therapy for the perception of reality and the analysis of needs. Reflections were given on the Rectors' leadership skills, not only for youth ministry activities, but for all the works done in their respective communities.
Damascus, Syria - August 2016 - As part of his visit to the Province of the Middle East (MOR), Fr Guillermo Basañes, Councillor General for the Missions, arrived in Damascus, Syria on 26 August. He was accompanied by Fr Munir El Rai, Provincial, and Fr. Simo Zakerian, Rector of the house in Damascus. Fr Basañes visited the areas of the city where the people with whom the Salesians are working come from. He met the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and later visited the Salesian house of Kafroun.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea - July 2016 - On 30 July, the Don Bosco Technological Institute, celebrated the fifth edition of the Cultural Show on "Joining culture and peace". The biennial event was celebrated for the Year of Mercy. During the show there was a presentation of the 21 provinces of the country where they speak more than 800 languages, with their rich diverse culture.
Sao Paulo, Brazil - July 2016 - Fr Natale Vitali, Councillor for the American Southern Cone Region, chaired the meeting in the theologate in Lapa of the Salesians in formation of the Province of San Paolo (BSP). Taking part: 11 students of theology, 5 practical trainees, 11 post-novices and 12 pre-novices.
Havana, Cuba - July 28, 2016 - More than a thousand young people invaded the Plaza de Cathedral of Havana to inaugurate the Cuban Youth Capital, in conjunction with the World Youth Day in Krakow. The video message of Pope Francis to the youth of Cuba was welcomed with great enthusiasm. The opening ceremony continued with the enthronement of the Pilgrim Cross and the image of the Virgin of Charity in a ceremony presided over by Archbishop Juan de la Caridad García of Havana. This marked the beginning of World Youth Day in Havana.