Bangalore, India – July 2024 - On 6 and 7 July, the Provincial House of the Salesians of Bangalore (INK) hosted the gathering of Salesians engaged in practical training and studies. The meeting was designed to inspire and prepare young Salesians for their role in the modern world. The meeting included sessions led by Fr Eugene Dickson and Fr Bastin Nellissery, focusing on "The Salesian communicator of Generation Z". Through in-depth presentations, they addressed the unique challenges and opportunities in contemporary media communication. A diverse group of over 32 Salesians took an active part in the sessions, which explored the practical skills of the media. Participants appreciated the relevance and applicability of the discussions to their roles. The spiritual dimension of the meeting was enriched through the sacraments of Confession and Eucharist, celebrated by Fr Jose Koyikal, INK Provincial, and his Vice-Provincial Fr Shalbin Kalanchery. These moments provided spiritual nourishment and reflections for participants. The two-day event was not only informative but also deeply enriching, culminating in a productive discussion that set the tone for future engagements.

Venice – Mestre, Italy – June 2024 - The Faith and Culture Project has involved about a hundred teachers from Salesian schools in Triveneto this year, divided into three separate events: 20 June for primary school teachers; 26 June for vocational school trainers and 27 June for secondary school teachers. Fr Emanuele Zof, Delegate for Youth Ministry in the Salesian Province of Italy-North-East (INE), summed up the project and illustrated the meaning of the work carried out. He reminded those present that the project started a year ago and has already seen a meeting in September, followed by constant work at the local level. A formation moment was then followed by Fr Lorenzo Teston, School Delegate, who delved into the current cultural context, strongly influenced by digital and Artificial Intelligence, and used concrete examples of school life to reiterate the importance of educating for truth and freedom. Each Salesian work then recounted its local project carried out during the year, providing ideas for reflection and sharing. The participants were divided into mixed groups for a review of the projects, allowing an exchange of ideas and suggestions between different educational realities. Finally, space was given to the review for houses, encouraging discussion among colleagues from the same institution to take stock of the situation and relaunch the project next school year. The Faith and Culture Project is an important tool for professional and spiritual growth for teachers in Salesian schools in Triveneto.

Nova Dubnica, Slovakia – July 2024 - In the first week of the holidays, a summer camp was held in the Salesian Nova Dubnica Centre focused on the centenary of the arrival of the Salesians in Slovakia. 127 children were accompanied by 49 leaders and three Salesians. The history of the Slovak Salesians from 1924 to 2024 was retraced each day from the early years, with the construction of the oratories. The program included Holy Mass, during which four Salesians spoke to the children. They explained the idea of the day and then further explored it during the meetings. The oldest Salesian, Fr Štefan Wallner, recalled how he lived his years as a Salesian in hiding during communism. In the morning and in the afternoon, the leaders tried to instill in the children, through various games, the mentality of never giving up, just as the Salesians did during communism. They knew how to be creative, transmit the faith and help young people find a joyful life. There was no lack of theatrical representations of the periods of Salesian history, interpreted by the leaders, recalling Blessed Titus Zeman and other important figures of Slovak Salesians.