Lubumbashi, DR Congo – November 2024 - On 23 November, in the park of the community "Les Buissonnets des Carmes Déchaux", the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Assumption Province of Central Africa (AFC) celebrated the missionary life of their confreres who, having arrived in the region several years ago, continue to work for the Salesian mission. The Eucharist, presided over by Fr Guillermo Basañes, Superior of the AFC Province, brought together numerous members of the Salesian Family. In his homily, Fr Basañes invited his confreres to meditate on three verbs: thank, rethink and relaunch. "To thank the first missionaries for their commitment to the proclamation of the Good News; to rethink the Salesian mission in the face of current challenges; to relaunch the young missionaries who, even today, proudly carry the flame of this mission". The emphasis was placed on the need to reach out more to poor and abandoned young people, primary recipients of Salesian work. Another important moment of the celebration was the passing of the baton between the old and the new generation of Salesian missionaries. The Provincial Delegate for Mission Animation, Fr Dominique Kubuya Luanda, presided over the symbolic ceremony, during which the elders gave the young missionaries sandals, lighted candles and rosaries. Among the concelebrants were several early missionaries, in particular Fr Jean VandeKherkove, Fr Eric Meert, Fr Piero Gavioli and Fr Leon Verbeck.

Valparaíso, Chile – November 2024 – With a solemn ceremony rich in spiritual meaning, the community of the Salesian School in Valparaíso celebrated on 14 November, the ceremony of thanksgiving for its 130 years of history and educational mission. The event took place in the Cathedral of Valparaíso, presided over by Bishop Bernardo Bastres Flores, SDB, Bishop Emeritus of Punta Arenas, on a day that brought together students, teachers, educational assistants, parents, past pupils representatives of the Mary Help of Christians School and the general public. The solemnity of the meeting was enhanced by the participation of the Provincial Council and the rectors of the Salesian presences from all over Chile. Moments of prayer, reflection and gratitude marked a ceremony that not only recalled the achievements of the past, but also renewed the commitment to continue building an education based on Salesian values. Bishop Bernardo Bastres Flores said "This Te Deum is not only a tribute to 130 years of history, but a call to project ourselves into the future with hope, always guided by faith and commitment to our families and communities". The event stood out for the great participation of people, which reaffirmed the place of the Salesian School of Valparaíso as a pillar in the educational and spiritual life of the region.

Chennai, India – November 2024 – The Sisters of Maria Auxiliatrix (SMA), the 27th group of the Salesian Family, known for their extensive socio-economic, educational and health services for the disadvantaged in Tamil Nadu and other states, have taken a significant step forward with the launch of their Project Planning and Development Office (PDO). The inauguration of the PDO at their headquarters in Madhavaram, Chennai, marks a pivotal moment in the Congregation's mission to expand its reach and deepen its impact. For decades, the SMA has been dedicated to improving the lives of slum dwellers and rural communities through programs that promote education, economic stability and health. Their initiatives have ranged from the organisation of groups of women and young people for personality development to the management of schools and vocational training centres. SMAs have also initiated health centres, income-generating self-help programmes and material assistance for people with disabilities. Recognising the transformative impact of these services, several business entities expressed interest in collaborating with SMA to strengthen and expand its initiatives. To facilitate this support and extend SMA's mission to even more communities, the PDO will serve as a strategic hub for resource mobilisation and project management. Sister Maria Clara, SMA, who leads the PDO, underlines the importance of collaboration and support. "With PDO, we aim to multiply our efforts and touch many more lives. We warmly invite business partners, supporters and benefactors to join us in this noble mission,” she said.