(ANS - Vatican City) – By way of conclusion of the pilgrimage to the Caucasus which began in Armenia on 24-26 June, Pope Francis will visit Georgia and Azerbaijan from 30 September to 2 October. The most significant events include: an ecumenical prayer for peace in the Chaldean Catholic Church in Tbilisi; the participation, for the first time, of an Orthodox delegation at the papal Mass in M. Meskhi stadium; and prayer for peace in Syria and Iraq. In Azerbaijan Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the Salesian Centre.

(ANS - Turin) – Yesterday, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, launched a strong appeal for a renewal of the missionary spirit in the style of Don Bosco. He was speaking to the 46 members of the 147th Salesian Missionary Expedition: "We are heirs of a tradition in our Salesian Family that is more than century old,” he said. “Be courageous heralds of the boundless mercy and generosity of God especially among the poor and needy."

(ANS - Turin) - There is one day every year at the end of September when the Salesian missionary heartbeat is felt in Turin.  It is the day when we celebrate the sending of the Salesian Missionary Expedition. That day is next Sunday 25 September and there will be a number of other significant events taking place around this great Salesian event.

(ANS - Lima) - Peru prepares to celebrate 125 years of Salesian presence in the country. Their presence was a result of the love of Don Bosco but did not commence officially until 28 September 1891. Many activities have been planned to celebrate the event.

(ANS - Rocchetta Tanaro) - Celebrations for the centenary of the death of Monsignor Fagnano in his hometown of Rocchetta Tanaro in the province of Asti came to a conclusion on Sunday 18 September with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at which the Councillor General for the Salesian Missions, Fr Guillermo Basañes, presided. Monsignor Giuseppe Fagnano (1844-1916) was for 33 years Prefect Apostolic of Southern Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego and the Malvinas Islands.

(ANS - Florence) - "Our goal with this seminar was to bring the subject to the table and to hear different points of view," says Lauretta Valente, President of CIOFS- FP, at the end of the 28th European Seminar held in Florence, 7-9 September. It was organized with the support of the association of category FORM on the so-called "dual system". The objective was fully achieved, with the participation in the Seminar of numerous influential people from the world of education, professional training, business and institutions.

(ANS - Florence) - Professional Training in Italy is at a turning point: from September experimentation of the so-called "dual system" is starting.  It provides for the full implementation throughout the country of a structured national system of vocational training, alongside the classic education programme in high school and university. The 28th European Seminar in Florence from 7 to 9 September is intended to encourage reflection and constructive dialogue on this issue. This is an initiative of the Italian Women’s Centre for Salesian Works - Professional Training (CIOFS-FP), in collaboration with the Association of FORMA.

(ANS - Krakow) - The message of the Salesian Youth Movement is the result of reflection during World Youth Day, but mostly it is the result of a sharing of the experiences of these young people in various parts of the world. The final message is a word that confirms their commitment and reiterates their willingness to continue the journey of faith in Jesus according to the Salesian charism.

(ANS – Aleppo) – Fr. Pier Jabloyan, Vicar of the Salesian house in Aleppo, recounted how they lived in the oratory of Aleppo the witness delivered at WYD 2016 by their animator Rand Mittri. “While Rand was speaking to the Pope, we all felt that our voice was being heard all over the world”.