NEWS PHOTOS
Juba, South Sudan – March 2025 – The Salesian Delegation of South Sudan organized a financial reporting software training session from March 17 to 22 for the economers of the five Salesian missionary communities in the country. The session, held in Juba, was facilitated by Fr. Erastus Chege, Provincial Economer of AFE. The primary objective of the training was to ensure a smooth transition to the new financial reporting software, "Acme" (Accounts Made Easy), and to finalize financial reports for the 2024 fiscal year. Fr. Chege emphasized the importance of financial accountability and the need for a seamless transition to the new system. Participants engaged in interactive sessions, gaining hands-on experience in budget preparation, financial monitoring, and year-end reporting. The successful completion of this training marks a significant step towards streamlining financial management within the South Sudan Delegation, strengthening transparency and efficiency in financial operations.
Coimbatore, India – March 2025 – March 26 was an extraordinary day for 25 children from "Don Bosco Anbu Illam" (Don Bosco’s Home of Love)—the day their dreams quite literally took to wings. Thanks to the generous support of Round Table India, Ladies Circle India, and GEM Hospital, these children experienced their first-ever airplane journey, flying from Coimbatore to Chennai in an unforgettable adventure filled with excitement, learning, and inspiration. Accompanied by three staff members, the children boarded the plane for what was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Upon arriving in Chennai, they embarked on an enriching city tour, visiting the planetarium and aquarium. The young travelers expressed immense joy and gratitude, cherishing an experience that will remain etched in their hearts forever. Don Bosco Anbu Illam, which works tirelessly for the care, protection, and empowerment of vulnerable children, expressed deep appreciation to the partners who made this journey possible.
Johannesburg, South Africa – March 2025 –The Salesian community of Johannesburg led a Salesian Missionary Week at St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Port Elizabeth from March 18 to 23.
Salesian Bro. Clarence Watts, Fr. Odise Lazri, and Fr. Alberto Villalba, the Rector of the community, guided the parishioners through various discussions on themes of hope, family life, ecology, and reconciliation.
This mission had three key purposes:
Celebrating 150 years since the first Salesian missionaries were sent by Don Bosco. Expressing gratitude to St. Joseph’s Parish, which has produced two Salesian vocations: Fr. Chris Sharpe and Bro. Clarence Watts. Spreading Salesian charism in a non-Salesian settings, in alignment with the Jubilee of Hope celebrations.
As part of the mission, the Salesians also visited the sick and blessed around 60 homes. The event concluded with a special day dedicated to the youth of the parish, centered on the theme: “Young Pilgrims of Hope.”
San Lorenzo, Peru – March 2025 – Over 60 pastoral leaders from various communities and parishes in the Datem del Marañón region of the Peruvian Amazon gathered for a pastoral leadership meeting at the Salesian community’s pastoral house in San Lorenzo, Loreto.
Organized by Fr. Juan Espinoza, parish priest of San Lorenzo, and Fr. Fidelius Adjanohoun, Rector of the Salesian community, the event aimed to strengthen the spiritual and pastoral formation of community leaders, who play a crucial role in areas where priestly presence is limited.
Facilitators from various parishes—including those from the Marañón, Cahuapanas, and Bajo Pastaza communities (San Lorenzo Mártir Parish, Santa María Reina de Morona Parish, and Santo Tomás de Andoas Parish)—reflected on their essential role as pastoral agents in building a strong and committed faith community.
Participants also engaged in both individual and group discussions, analyzing their perspectives, challenges, and difficulties related to evangelization, Christian formation, and pastoral accompaniment.
Salesians accompanying this discernment process included:
Fr. Juan Espinoza, Vice Rector and Economer Fr. Alberto Niquén, Parish Priest of Santo Tomás (Andoas) Fr. Fidelius Adjanohoun, Rector of the Community and Parish Priest of María Reina (Morona) Fr. Ricardo Lach, Promoter of CETPRO in San Fernando Fr. José Luis Coz, Pastoral Coordinator