Yamanaka, Japan – June 2024 – The Salesian Province of Japan (GIA) concluded the Provincial Chapter held at the FMA retreat house in Yamanaka, at the foot of Mount Fuji, two hours from Tokyo on 6 June. The 2024 Provincial Chapter involved 24 Chapter members who completed five fruitful days under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Various topics were discussed and approved, such as suggestions for the next GC29 and for the reshaping of the GIA Province: recommendations of the GIA Province on the core areas of the GC29; criteria for the restructuring of works; partial revision of the Provincial Directory. In addition, exchange of opinions on the concrete process for the Extraordinary Provincial Chapter 2025 to achieve the reshaping according to the approved criteria; exchange of ideas on how to make a Salesian brother head of the community; report and exchange of opinions on the centenary of the arrival of the Salesians in Japan. Time for free discussion on the relevant problems of the GIA Province proved to be very useful. Before the closing of the Provincial Chapter, on 6 June Fr Joseph Phuoc, Councillor for the East Asia-Oceania Region, presided over the installation ceremony of the new Superior of the GIA Province, Fr Francis Assisi Hamasaki Atsushi.

Rome, Italy - June 2024 - The patronal feast of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Castro Pretorio, Rome, was celebrated on Friday, June 7, 2024, with a full congregation. The solemn Mass was led by Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, the titular Cardinal of the Basilica, accompanied at the altar by numerous Salesians, including the entire General Council of the Congregation, except for the Rector Major, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, who was attending a Vatican engagement.
During his homily, Cardinal Versaldi, drawing from his farming background, explained the day's Gospel passage and the significance of the "yoke"—an agricultural tool carried by two animals together—to illustrate Jesus' promise that He will bear the greater burden. Following the Mass, the traditional procession of the statue of the Sacred Heart took place through the neighborhood streets, joined by about 600 people, including religious and lay individuals, many young people, and tourists.

Portugal – June 2024 - Madalena Sampaio, Eduardo Carrolo and Tatiana Pereira, students of the Salesians of Manique, won five Gold Medals and one Bronze in the National School Athletics Championships, held from 23 to 26 May, in Lagoa and Portimão, in the Algarve. It was a memorable weekend for athletes, coaches, the educational community and Salesians. The three students excelled in athletics: Eduardo Carrolo won gold medals in the high jump and long jump; Tatiana Pereira won the title of National Champion in the long jump and 100 meters, thus obtaining two gold medals; Madalena Sampaio won the gold medal in the high jump and the bronze medal in the shot put. In addition, Eduardo Carrol qualified for the U18 European Championships in the high jump. The event, organised by the School Sports Division of the General Directorate of Education, brought together more than 1,500 students and about 250 teachers from all over the country, engaged in various sports disciplines.