Rome, Italy - 4 August 2024 - It was a day of cultural immersion for the participants of the "Shaping Tomorrow" Communication Conference as they embarked on an exhilarating exploration of the rich history and vibrant religious sites of Rome. The day began with a visit to St. Peter's Square, where the group witnessed the profound experience of receiving the Angelus blessing from Pope Francis himself during the Sunday Angelus at the Vatican. Seeing the Pope appear at the window was a deeply moving moment for everyone. The group then embarked on a guided tour of Rome's iconic landmarks, including the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, the architectural marvel of the Pantheon, the historic Castel Sant'Angelo, and the lively Piazza Navona. More than just a sightseeing excursion, this outing was a day filled with fun, joy, and meaningful interactions. As the participants marveled at the architectural wonders and absorbed the historical significance of each site, they were not merely observing – they were actively engaging with the city's rich cultural heritage. The day fostered a sense of learning, cultural exchange, and a strong community among the conference attendees, making it a truly memorable part of the media event. This Roman adventure was not just a day of sightseeing, but a deeply enriching experience that allowed the participants to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty and captivating history of the Eternal City. The memories of this journey will undoubtedly linger, serving as a testament to the power of cultural exploration and the value of shared experiences.

Bangalore, India - August 2024 – In response to the devastating landslide in Wayanad, Don Bosco College Sulthan Bathery, with the support of BREADS Bangalore, has been actively involved in relief efforts. To date, essential supplies worth ₹13 lakhs have been distributed to various camps. Seven students and four teachers participated in the initial rescue operations. Over 100 students are currently volunteering in different camps, providing much-needed assistance. Door-to-door trauma counseling and psychological first aid have been carried out in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) by 12 Master of Social Work (MSW) students. Psychosocial support for affected students in camps is being provided by 65 students, while 60 students are stationed at the college's collection point for organizing and distributing relief materials. Faculty from the psychology department are also offering psychosocial support. In the grim task of identifying deceased individuals, six MSW students have been actively involved. Additionally, four students are engaged in data entry tasks, and ten vehicles have been deployed to support logistics. The relief efforts are a collaborative initiative, also involving the District Legal Service Authority, district administration, Health Department, and District Child Protection Unit.

Santiago Sacatepéquez, August 2024 - The first meeting of the lay people with governance roles at provincial level in the Divine Saviour Province of Central America took place from 31 July to 2 August, with great enthusiasm and a profound sense of mission. The event was held at the Verbite retreat centre in Guatemala, under the motto "With Don Bosco, united in mission, growing in vision", and brought together more than 40 participants from Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. The gathering was led and accompanied by the CAM Provincial Council, led by Fr Julio Navarro, Provincial, together with Fr René Santos, Gabriel Romero and Edward de la O. The purpose of the meeting was to promote common formation for collaborators in the Salesian mission and to encourage lay management processes in the Province. The participants not only shared experiences and strategies, but also had moments of recollection and relaxation, spiritually accompanied by the Salesians, and strengthened the bonds between the laity in the Province and also their commitment to the Salesian mission.