Tonj, South Sudan - June 2024 - The students from the primary and secondary classes in Don Bosco Tonj" carried a spade and other agricultural tools in addition to pen and books. They did so as a way of facing the serious economic crisis that the country is going through with inflation of 300% on basic necessities, which is why it has become very difficult to eat at least two meals a day. During the rainy season, students took the initiative to grow various products for school meals. Work on the school farm is not an obstacle to regular attendance in classes. Every day, in the morning, before the school assembly at 7.30 am and the afternoon after class time at 3.00 pm, each in their respective houses has planned to devote a lot of time to sowing and caring for the land to get a better harvest. Similarly, young parishioners with the help of the Justice and Peace desk of the Catholic diocese of Rumbek, have also ventured into agriculture in addition to their work and study commitments. Young people have shown great resilience by finding a solution to the crisis through agricultural initiatives.

Tegucigalpa, June 2024 — A National Meeting of Salesian Works and Social Services took place on 7 June, bringing together 90 participants, including formators  nd teachers from the San Juan Bosco Vocational Training Centre, and young people from the two works in Tegucigalpa. The day focused on reflection on "Faith and commitment" and on the practice of justice in the youth mission that animates the Salesian presence in the country. During the event, three fundamental workshops were developed that addressed crucial issues in the lives of privileged recipients: the use of social networks, gender equality and the phenomenon of migration. These workshops were supported by renowned collaborating institutions such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The awareness and information provided in these workshops have allowed participants to understand in depth issues that directly affect their lives, analysing the causes and consequences they have at a personal and community level. From the perspective of the Don Bosco Preventive System, an educational response was sought to effectively manage these problems. The Salesian mission is facing great challenges and the Salesians are called to accompany young people on their journey so that they can achieve their dreams. The event not only strengthened the commitment of the Salesian community towards young people, but also reinforced the importance of justice, equity and the responsible use of social networks in building a better future. The event ended with a renewed sense of purpose and a firm determination to continue working on the Salesian youth mission, facing challenges together and building a more just and equitable environment for all.

Sydney, Australia – June 2024 – OzBosco is an annual event for young people who want to know more about the spirituality of Don Bosco or the Salesians. The gathering recently took place in Tops Stanwell, Sydney, Australia. This year’s event saw over a hundred young people from Salesian schools, Youth groups, Don Bosco camp, Hostel residents, come together to spend a fun-filled weekend with their leaders, teachers and friends. The three-day gathering was themed around this year’s Strenna, “The dream that makes you dream,” and featured a range of activities designed to engage and inspire the young people. From workshops to hands-on projects, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The event aimed to foster unity and friendship among the young people, many of whom had never met before.
Young people were excited as they expand their knowledge of the Salesian spirit, history and mission of the Salesians in the AUL-Pacific Province and the world, and the life of Saint John Bosco.
The excitement was palpable as they shared their experiences and enthusiasm for the activities and projects they had taken part in. By the end of the gathering, it was as if they had known each other since childhood. The bonds of friendship and unity forged over the weekend were a testament to the success of the event. The OzBosco gathering concluded with the Eucharistic celebration, presided by Father Brian Ahern (Delegate of Youth Ministry), assisted by Fathers Duc Tran and Abilio Guterres.
The program was planned by Emma Rigo (Coordinator of Youth Ministry), along with leaders from the Salesian Brothers and FMA Sisters, under the leadership of Father Brian Ahern. Their efforts ensured that every aspect of the event was well-coordinated and enjoyable for all.

Bollington, Great Britain – June 2024 – The weekend of 7-9 June 2024 saw the Salesian Brothers in formation come together at Savio House to catch up and for a Youth Ministry formation session on the theme of Communication. Input was provided by Fr Bob Gardner SDB, Delegate for Youth Ministry, and Jonny Dearden, from “Salesian Link”. The Brothers were able to understand the importance of effective communication and how the province tries to spread the news of its activities. The Brothers were in good spirits and took time to reflect, pray and play in equal measures.

Tlaquepaque, Mexico – June 2024 - The Guadalajara, Mexico Province is hosting a preparation course for Perpetual Salesian Profession from 8 to 30 June at the Salesian Brother Regional Centre (CRESCO America). The objective of the course is to prepare eleven Salesians from different Provinces and Vice-Province of the Interamerica and South America Cone Regions for this important step in religious life. In the first two weeks, participants were immersed in a series of courses and conferences that covered a variety of topics essential to Salesian religious life: Affectivity and Sexuality; Life in Community; Vows of Obedience, Poverty and Chastity, and other fundamental topics for the integral formation of Salesians. In the last week, the Salesians in formation were involved in a spiritual retreat, a period of deep reflection and intense prayer, according to the spiritual method developed by S Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus. The eleven Salesians participating in this course represent seven different Provinces and Vice-Province of the Interamerica and America South Cone Regions, strengthening the international dimension of the Salesian Congregation: Mexico-Mexico (MEM), Mexico-Guadalajara (MEG), Central America (CAM), Haiti Vice-Province (HAI), Brazil-Recife (BRE), Brazil-Manaus (BMA) and Brazil-São Paulo (BSP). This preparation course for Perpetual Profession is a unique opportunity for spiritual and community growth for Salesians. During this period, participants deepen their knowledge and experiences on topics crucial to religious life, as well as strengthen their fraternal bonds. The environment of study, reflection and prayer offered by the Salesian Congregation provides the ideal conditions for each participant to discern and confirm their vocation to the service of God and youth, following in the footsteps of Don Bosco.

Oświęcim, Poland – June 2024 – From June 7 to 9, a sports competition for altar servers, lectors, and candidates for the Liturgical Service of the Altar (LSO) of the Salesian Province of Kraków (PLS) was held at the Salesian House in Oświęcim. The event saw a good participation from boys representing eight locations: Lublin, Rzeszów, Skawa, Staniątki, Kraków-Pychowice, Oświęcim Zakład, Oświęcim-Zasole, and Kielce. Following the Eucharist, various sports competitions were held, including soccer, running, and games such as a liturgical quiz, checkers, and table football. In the overall ranking, LSO from Rzeszów took first place, LSO from Skawa secured second, and LSO from Staniątki claimed third.

Foto: Facebook PLS