Siliguri, India - November 2024 – On November 19, the University of North Bengal in Siliguri organised a conference entitled "Crossing the terrain of the internationalization of education", given by Prof. Fr George Thadathil, SDB, General Coordinator of the Salesian Higher Education Institutions (IUS). Fr Thadathil was on his first visit as General Coordinator of IUS to the annual meeting of the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education in India, which was held at the Salesian College Sonada from 14 to 17 November. The intellectually stimulating event attracted a diverse audience, made up of lecturers, researchers and students of Youth Ministry, as well as three former University Rectors, and provided in-depth references on the challenges and opportunities inherent in globalised education. Prof. Thadathil's reflections concerned global student mobility and, among other things, prompted a critical introspection on the fact that in the global educational narrative, countries such as India are seen as mere suppliers of raw intellectual resources. An established scholar, Prof. Thadathil is the author of several scientific works and articles and in 2019 was awarded the prestigious silver medal by the"International Association of Facilitators".

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - November 2024 - Salesian Mission Day for the Salesian Family of the Saigon, Dong Nai, Western Region area took place on Saturday 23 November at the Philip Rinaldi Theological Studentate Community in Xuan Hiep, near Ho Chi Minh City. Organised by the Provincial Animation Team, it brought together over 600 participants, including Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, relatives of the missionaries ad gentes, lay people and young people from Salesian communities and parishes. After the opening and blessing by the Provincial, Fr Barnabas Le An Phong, a video clip was screened on the theme of Salesian Mission Day 2024, ‘Builders of Dialogue’, and on the 25th anniversary of the sending of the first Vietnamese Salesian missionaries. Afterwards, Fr Jerome Nguyen Dinh Cong, Director of the Pontifical Missionary Works in Vietnam, explained how the role of a missionary leader is to lead others to God, looking to the Trinity, having Christ's capacity for ‘openness’ and the courage of the Holy Spirit. The programme continued with songs and dances by groups from the various communities. The heart of the day was the Eucharist, during which the Provincial urged the participants to be evangelisers through two movements: ‘Knowing’ Christ, having a close relationship with Him; and ‘understanding’ people, to bring them the Good News. After the missionary transmission at the end of the Mass, the day ended with a moment of celebration and fraternal agape.

Sokołów Podlaski, Poland – November 2024 - The Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) acquired new members on 23 November. The promises were made by eleven people from the family community that was formed over the years at the Educational Community of the Nursery of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Sokołów Podlaski. The moment of promise, during the Mass in the church of St John Bosco in Sokołów Podlaski, was preceded by a day of retreat. The meeting began with an introduction to the reflection on the Gospel of the Good Shepherd, led by Sister Dorota Czyżewska, FMA, Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family. After praying together before the Blessed Sacrament, a meeting took place during which the Aspirants shared their experience of life in the Salesian charism. In the second part of the day, a meeting was held with representatives of the ASC Provincial Council. Mr Maciej Baraniecki, SSCC Provincial Coordinator, presented the importance of the charismatic identity of the Salesian Cooperator and its importance in the modern world. Fr Henryk Bońkowski SDB, Provincial Delegate, stressed the vitality of the Salesian charism. Mrs Elżbieta Gawłowska, who in recent years has been the Coordinator, bore witness to her vocation and stressed the importance of fidelity to vocation and prayer. Sister Teresa Nowak FMA, FMA Provincial Delegate, congratulated the courage involved in the decision to join the Association. The solemn Eucharist was presided over by Fr Bońkowski and after Mass a celebration was held at the kindergarten where the children expressed their gratitude to their parents.