Aparecida, Brazil – July 2024 - The Fourth National Meeting of Parishes and Shrines entrusted to the Salesians took place from 5 to 7 July in the city of Aparecida (SP). The meeting took place in an atmosphere of serenity, generous openness and attentive listening to the calls of the young people and the people of God; the mission of the priest and the Salesian brother. The meeting provided each parish priest and Rector with a vision of Salesian Brazil. The parish priests and young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) were able to share some challenges and positive experiences. The meeting programme ended with Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida and the sharing of each Province. The participants left the meeting loaded with projects to be carried out, especially in parishes and basilicas.

Goma, DR Congo – July 2024 - On Tuesday 9 July, the heads of the different groups of the Salesian Family that make up the Advisory Council for the St Joseph Delegation of the AFC-EST attended a capacity-building formation course. The event took place at the Maison Maman Marguerite, headquarters of the Delegation, and was attended by the six groups of the Salesian Family in the AFC-EST: Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Salesian Cooperators (ASC), Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB), Past Pupils of Don Bosco (PPDB) and the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA). The session was led by Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesian Congregation in the presence of Fr Guillermo Basañes, Superior of the Salesian Province of Central Africa (AFC). During the meeting, Fr Chávez stressed that the Advisory Council is the body that helps the members of the Salesian Family to look in the same direction. Close cooperation is necessary to achieve this goal. Continuing, he indicated to the members of the AFC-EST Council three important dimensions that must guide their action: Reinvigorate, that is, revitalise; Unite, to promote unity in diversity; and promote the charismatic identity of the Salesian Family. Fr Chávez also recalled that the Salesian Family is called to grow. Numerical growth in all the groups of the Salesian Family but also at the level of charismatic identity and spiritual depth. The Salesian Family is called to unity and synergy. Apostolic work will become meaningful and effective as the branches work in communion.

Krakow, Poland – July 2024 - The Central Council of Don Bosco Volunteers (VDB) met in Krakow from 3 to 14 July for the summer session  devotes an extended time that every year to the animation work of the Institute. A whole day was dedicated to meeting with a large group of VDBs from Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The joyful sharing, fraternity and communication of their experiences, with simplicity and spontaneity, strengthened the sense of belonging and the family spirit among them all.