Ashaiman, Ghana – June 2024 - The conclusion of the Extraordinary Visitation to the Province of South Western Africa (AOS) conducted on behalf of the Rector Major by Fr Américo Chaquisse, former Councillor for the Africa-Madagascar Region, was celebrated on 21 June. The meeting took place at the Provincial House located in Ashaiman. Since 17 March 2024, Fr Chaquisse has visited 21 Salesian communities located in the five countries of the AOS Province: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo. During these three months the Visitor had the opportunity to speak with each confrere and to meet members of the Salesian Family and collaborators in the works. The closing of the Extraordinary Visitation was marked by two meetings: the first with the Provincial Council and the second with Rectors of communities, followed by the Eucharistic celebration and a fraternal agape moment. Fr Américo Chaquisse expressed his joy at having carried out the Extraordinary Visitation. Fr Denis Soro, AOS Provincial, expressed his gratitude to Fr Chaquisse on behalf of the Salesians for the availability shown by agreeing to conduct this Extraordinary Visitation and ensured the implementation of the recommendations that the Rector Major will send with the concluding letter.

Barinas, Venezuela – June 2024 – On 15 June, young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Barinas gathered at the Salesian Technical-Agricultural School to celebrate the first edition of the SYM Festival in Barinas. Under the theme "Christ lives, he wants you alive, happy and holy", the young people had the opportunity to celebrate their faith, to form themselves spiritually and to get to know each other, in an atmosphere of joy and fraternity. The event opened with typical dances and songs and allowed young people to rediscover their roots and cultural identity. Several members of the Salesian Family in Venezuela also collaborated in the preparation of this meeting, including the Damas Salesianas Association. The day then culminated in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the school chapel, where young people were able to give thanks and reflect on their experiences of the day.

Antofagasta, Chile – June 2024 – In recent weeks, about 50 students from different schools in Chile have gathered at the Don Bosco Salesian Institute in Antofagasta to take part in the 8th Congress of Vocational Technical Education Students from the Norte Grande region. The participants were welcomed by the Principal of the school, Héctor Ramírez, and by the Rector, Fr Miguel Rojas, He referred to Strenna 2024, inviting young people to dream and look at new technological trends as a great challenge in the educational and work environment. The event, which is part of the "Exponor 2024" programme, addressed important issues such as the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in education and the world of work. José Aravena, Production Director of the Arquimed Company spoke at the Congress, underlining the importance of the irruption of this new technology in different sectors of industry and society. Finally, the students of the participating schools and high schools went to the "Exponor 2024" exhibition centre to learn about the new technologies, products and services offered by over 1,100 exhibitors from 32 countries and from all over Chile.

Genzano, Italy – June 2024 – The Regional Council of Salesian Cooperators of Italy, the Middle East and Malta was held on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 June at the Salesian house in Genzano. During the first day there was a moment of discussion with the animation sectors, during which an evaluation of the year was also carried out. In the afternoon, a meeting with the novices of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from Castel Gandolfo took place. The day ended with a walk to admire the traditional "Infiorata di Genzano". On Sunday 16th,  the parish priest of Holy Trinity church in Genzano, Salesian Cooperator Fr Pietro Massari, celebrated Mass. After communications from the Regional Secretariat, the opportunity was taken to greet Maria Paganini and Andrea Ioli,  outgoing coordinators of the Provinces of Emilia-Romagna and San Marino and Lombardy respectively. Domenico Augello, Sonia Guglielmo and Marco Ridolfi, new coordinators from Emilia-Romagna and San Marino, Lombardy and Tuscany, were welcomed.

Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Italy – June 2024 - From 12 June, an animation proposal entitled: "A Day with Don Bosco" began at Colle Don Bosco. There are 29 groups that have so far been booked to participate in this programme, organized in the months of June and July. This year, celebrating the Bicentennial of Don Bosco's Childhood Dream (1824-2024), the chosen theme for the animation was "Dare to Dream". The organisation of the programme involves novices, Salesian theology students from Rome-Bufalotta and Messina, along with some local young people and Salesians from the Colle Don Bosco community. The programme includes a moment of welcome in the newly renovated theatre, the reception of the groups and the presentation of the theme of the year "Dare to Dream" through a skit and a moment of prayer. The young people are guided in their visit to the birthplace of Don Bosco and are helped to reflect on the theme of the dream through some games. The animation of "A Day with Don Bosco" is a way of walking with young people, helping them to reflect on their dreams and the dream they must cultivate in their lives by looking at the example of Don Bosco, seeking the help of Jesus and Mary.

Source: salesianipiemonte.info

Estoril, Portugal – June 2024 – A combined meeting of Youth Ministry Coordiantors of the Salesians and the FMA took place on Monday 17 June, at the Provincial House of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in Monte Estoril. Fr Juan Freitas, Delegate for Youth Ministry in the Salesian Province of Portugal (POR), opened the event, the second of the year, focused mainly on the objective of evaluating the activities carried out together during the pastoral year and outlining the plan for the coming year. The part of experiences among the participants was also a high point of the meeting, providing a rich exchange of best practices and learning. The meeting, which involved representatives from the various Salesian houses in Portugal, was a moment of great communion and support for collaboration between the Salesians, the FMA, the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement and the collaborators in the area of Youth Ministry. Fr Freitas also led a formative moment that explored Pope Francis' address to participants in the International Congress on Youth Ministry, and the highlights were the subject of reflection and sharing by the participants. The meeting in Monte Estoril was an important step in the combined journey of the Salesians and the FMA in Portugal, in view of the activities carried out together during the pastoral year, as a starting point for collaboration in the organisation of events, in the formation of young people and in pastoral accompaniment.