NEWS PHOTOS
Nairobi, Kenya – November 2024 - 11 November marked a significant milestone for the Salesian Province of East Africa (AFE), as it celebrated the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco's first missionary expedition. The event, held at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, which houses the relic of Don Bosco, was of particular importance given that there are currently 45 missionaries actively serving in the region, which includes Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan. The celebration involved the Superiors of the Province of North West Africa (AON), the Vice-Provinces of Angola (ANG), Zambia-Malawi-Zimbabwe-Namibia (ZMB), Madagascar (MDG), Africa Congo Congo (ACC), Equatorial Tropical Africa (ATE), and the ViceProvincial of the Africa Nigeria Niger Province (ANN). Their presence coincided with the launch of the Global Program II, an initiative launched by Don Bosco Tech Africa. The events of the day began with Lectio Divina, followed by a short video highlighting the missionary activities that spread the charism of Don Bosco throughout East Africa. This was completed by the presentation of the province mission animation plan, which aims to strengthen the commitment of the Congregation in its missionary dimension. There was also the "goodnight" from the Provincial.
Tellier, Argentina – November 2024 - With faith in God and great emotion, the Community Centre and Chapel named "Don Artémides Zatti" was inaugurated on Saturday 9 November in Tellier, in the Department of Puerto Deseado. The Chapel was blessed by Fr Darío Perera, Superior of the Province of Argentina South (ARS) on 30 October, on the occasion of his visit to the Salesian house in Desedense. The St Artemides Zatti chapel is a dream come true for which the Rector of the Work, Fr Patrick Warjri, worked tirelessly. Visibly moved, he thanked the families who collaborated in the construction of the House of the Lord that recently opened its doors to bring the Christian faith to the Tellier community. The opening day of the Chapel was attended by the municipal Mayor, Juan Raúl Martínez, the municipal and provincial civil authorities, parish groups, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, the faithful from Pico Truncado, residents of Puerto Deseado and Tellier. The commemorative plaques were unveiled, the Book of Consecration was placed and the faithful present were blessed. The Chapel is dedicated to Saint Artemides Zatti, the Salesian nurse who dedicated himself to the care of the poor and sick of Patagonia. The Community Centre and the Chapel will provide services for the various parish and educational activities that make up the entire Salesian house in Puerto Deseado.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – November 2024 – The Don Bosco Osterbay Vocational Training Centre organised a Career Fair on 6 November, a large job fair that brought together students and professionals to explore interesting job proposals. It was an opportunity to network with industry leaders and learn about the latest advances in new technologies. After the official opening of the event, with a prayer by Fr Deogratias Massawe, the Director of the Centre, Fr Augustine Sellam spoke, greeting those present and inviting everyone to actively participate. The theme of the event was: "Unlock your future", which emphasisesempowerment, self-discovery and preparation for the professional world, through a smooth transition from training to rewarding careers. During the event the students presented five projects, entirely designed and developed by them. Tooku Garments Tanzania Ltd and Toyota Tanzania Ltd, who deal with the export of fabrics and mechanics of motor vehicles, presented the technologies they use. It was a very important day for young people, who were able to learn and discover their future in the world of technology.
Cayambe, Ecuador – November 2024 - Mass was celebrated at the St John Bosco Church in Cayambe, with the sending of seven young international volunteers who will carry out missions in Bolivia and Peru. This ceremony was part of a joint process with the National Meeting of Missionary Groups, an event that gave the volunteers the opportunity to share their personal testimony. During these meetings the young people explained how they fell in love with mission, stressing that mission is not only an act of giving, but also of receiving and learning. In addition, they encouraged other young people to listen and respond to the Lord's call. The celebration of the Eucharist was presided over by Fr Marcelo Farfán, Superior of the Salesian Province of Ecuador (ECU), who during his homily stressed three fundamental principles for missionaries: "obedience to God, generosity in what I am and in what I have and trust", stressing that "the more generous they are, the more they will receive; this is how God works." The Provincial also pointed out that these seven young people are part of the first joint groups that send international missionary volunteers, thus paving the way for future missions to other continents.