Abidja, Ivory Coast - April 2016 - The Chapter of the Salesian Province of French-speaking West Africa (AFO) began on 19 April.
Rome, Italy - April 2016 - In line with the decision of the 27th General Chapter, the first Seminar on Salesian personal accompaniment was held from 22 to 24 April. There were 35 participants, including one lay person, from all over the Salesian world. The seminar was organized by the Departments for Formation and Youth Ministry and led by the respective councillors Fr Ivo Coelho and Fr Fabio Attard. The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández, also participated at the opening session.
La Vecilla, Spain - April 2016 - On the weekend of 15 to 17 April thirty young people gathered to continue their training for an international volunteer experience with the Salesian NGO "Jóvenes y Desarrollo". They came from various parts of the Province of Saint James the Greater. The participants received information on the various projects and the possible work they may be asked to do, as well as practical advice on travel, and information on health precautions and on the activities of the Salesian Youth Ministry. The day ended with Mass celebrated by Fr Manuel de Castro, President of the "Jóvenes y Desarrollo" Foundation.
Seoul, South Korea - April 2016 - The fifth annual Catholic Youth Day of the Archdiocese of Seoul was held on 17 April to coincide with Vocations Sunday. The event was attended by 13 religious orders and various Catholic groups who set up 43 booths, with over 8,000 young participants. Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and ten young volunteers coordinated various activities in the four stands they had prepared. On the same day the members of the Salesian Family in Kwangju took part in a similar event in their archdiocese and attended by 2,000 young people.
Ayagualo, El Salvador - April 2016 - The Provincial Chapter of the Salesians of Central America took place from 18 to 23 April with 51 chapter members from twenty-five houses spread over six countries.
Bari, Italy - April 2016 - On April 16th a new multimedia room was inaugurated at the Salesian Oratory of the Redeemer in the Libertà area of Bari in the presence of civil and religious authorities, and personalities from the sports world. It includes a cinema and a multipurpose room, and was made possible thanks to the "APS MARCOBALENO, the friends of Marco and Fabrizio Partipilo". With over two hundred square metres and a capacity of about 70 seats the new space will allow for educational programmes on cinema and also space for young people to run dance and music workshops. Every day the Salesian Oratory of the Redeemer of Bari, directed by Fr Francesco Preite, SDB, welcomes hundreds of young people from the Libertà neighbourhood who see the Oratory as an educational space for growth and joy.