NEWS PHOTOS
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
Democratic Republic of Congo – Youth Leader Training School for the Africa Congo Congo Vice Province
Dolisie, DR Congo – March 2025 –The Salesian Vice Province of Africa Congo Congo (ACC) organized a final training session for young leaders from the Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire regions to enhance the formation of oratory and youth center leaders and help them be more effective in their mission.
Under the guidance of Fr. Jerry Matsoumbou, Delegate for Youth Ministry of the ACC Vice Province, the animators gathered in Dolisie from March 22 to 26. This session brought together 77 young participants, focusing on the main theme: “Train oneself to Train others well.”
One of the most engaging topics, according to participants, was the sub-theme on the responsible use of social media in relation to sexuality. In addition to lessons, prayers, and practical workshops, on March 23, the young leaders visited the Dolisie General Hospital, where they offered comfort and support to patients.
Palermo, Italy – March 2025 – From March 24th to 30th, the Don Bosco Ranchibile Institute in Palermo will be hosting Vocational Week. This event will provide students and young people from the oratory with a unique opportunity to introspect on their future aspirations and the significance of their vocation, both within the context of their religious faith and as a driving force for personal and societal achievement.
The initiative involves nearly 1,000 students from the high school and lower secondary school and about 200 young people from the oratory. On March 28, a special session will be dedicated to the oratory’s youth groups, focusing on vocation through experiences of sharing and personal testimony.
A Salesian team is leading this journey, coordinated by Fr. Alfredo Calderoni, responsible for the oratory and a catechist at the middle school, and Salesian Cleric Danilo Finocchiario, who is preparing for priesthood and already serves as a counselor at the high school. Other Salesians involved include Fr. Emanuele Geraci, Fr. Orazio Moschetti, and Sr. Rosanna Zammataro, FMA, along with Sr. Silvia and novice Desiree from the Bell’Amore congregation.
The theme, “Where Do You Feel at Home?”, highlights the idea that vocation is not only where one finds personal fulfillment but also a home to be built with commitment and dedication. In the Salesian spirit, this "home" does not build itself—it requires strong foundations rooted in dialogue with God, authentic friendships, and conscious choices. It is not just a refuge but a mission and a challenge to be embraced with courage.
Vocational Week is an opportunity to listen, question one’s choices, and look to the future with hope. Everyone has a vocation—it is up to us to discover it and build it with passion.