Mexico City, Mexico – May 2024 - A Meeting of Rectors of the Mexico City-Mexico Province (MEM) was held, chaired by Fr Ignacio Ocampo Uribe, MEM Provincial and the Provincial Council on 7-8 May, at the premises of the Pastoral Formation Centre of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Parish. Participants prayed, shared moments of formation, analysis of the socio-political and cultural situation, including legal ones, in the light of the teaching of the Church, of the mission and of Salesian pastoral education. They analysed the areas of formation and orientation of beneficiaries in the different environments, from the perspective of the Church's social doctrine; Salesian youth ministry and Christian human values, so that each can exercise Don Bosco's ideal of Christian identity and upright and committed citizenship autonomously but with a sense of community. The need to respond to current challenges was shared with concrete initiatives enlightened by hope, based on Christian and civil principles, respectful of the human being, their processes and development, rights and concrete responses and allowed by a critical but at the same time proactive analysis, which highlights faith in Jesus.

Lo Cañas, Chile – May 2024 – After intense days of prayer, dialogue and reflection, Salesians and invited lay people concluded the Provincial Chapter of the Salesians in Chile, held at the Lo Cañas Spirituality Centre from 26-30 May. The work of the Provincial Chapter was carried out under the GC29 motto: "Passionate about Jesus Christ, dedicated to young people. Living our Salesian vocation faithfully and prophetically", and began with the presentation of the report on the state of the CIL Province by the Provincial, Fr Nelson Moreno. During the assembly, the participants explored and reflected on four main themes: Animation and care for the true life of every Salesian; Salesians, Salesian Family and laity together, "with" and "for" young people; Letter from the Rector Major to the Province; Overall Provincial Plan (OPP) 2022-2027. The meeting ended with the election of the provincial delegate for the GC29, Fr Claudio Cartes, Rector of the Salesian Presence in Concepción and his substitute, Fr Juan Pablo Moreno, Rector of the Salesian Presence in Valparaíso.

Bogotá, Colombia – May 2024 – On May 23, trumpets, drums, saxophone and other symphonic instruments marked the rhythm of the celebration of Vespers of Mary Help of Christians, a moment of rich music, prayer, theatre and artistic performances concluded with the prayer of thanksgiving from Fr José Arcadio Riaño for the graces received in the San Pedro Claver Province of Bogotá (COB). The real celebration, however, began with the procession that marked the beginning of 24 May. The key figure, of course, was Mary Help of Christians, leading a procession comprising the band and followed by the different members of the congregation. It was a journey full of joy, celebration, faith and love around the Virgin, who was not only Don Bosco's first teacher, but also knew how to guide the Salesian community in its charismatic mission. "Let us embrace our Holy Mother so that she continues to guide us in the mission of Don Bosco with young people and especially with the most needy", said the Salesians of Bogotá.

Genoa, Italy – May 2024 – Fr Gabriel Cruz, Spiritual Animator of the Primary ADMA, accepted the promises of 13 aspirants from the Sampierdarena, Genoa ADMA group on Sunday, 26 May. Founded in 2013, the Sampierdarena, Genoa ADMA group has 43 members.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – May 2024 – Bishop Dominic Hoang Minh Tien, Bishop of the Diocese of Hung Hoa, was the ordaining prelate for five deacons and four Salesian priests on 28 May at the church of Xuan Hiep, in Ho Chi Minh City. The ceremony was attended by almost 200 Salesians, members of the Salesian Family and many representatives of other religious congregations present in Vietnam. At the end of the Mass, Fr Barnabas Le An Phong, Superior of the Salesian Province of Vietnam, thanked the Bishop for presiding over the ceremony and expressed gratitude to all those present. For his part, Bishop Minh Tin, congratulated the Province for the new deacons and priests and thanked the generosity of the parents and families who dedicated their children to God.

Cordoba, Argentina – May 2024 – In May, the Salesian houses in the Province of Northern Argentina (ARN) dressed up to celebrate Mary Help of Christians. Especially on the day of 24 May, celebrations and processions took place that brought together people of all ages, in every corner of the country. In particular, in Colonia Vignaud, in the province of Córdoba, the celebrations attracted more than 60,000 faithful. Touching processions also took place in the Salesian houses in Tucumán, San Juan and Rodeo del Medio. Finally, the agrotechnical schools in San Ambrosio, Venado Tuerto and Gentilini also paid tribute to the Virgin Mary Help of Christians, patronness of the Argentine countryside. Every year, therefore, the month of May seeks to be an opportunity for the entire ARN province to thank the Help of Christians.