NEWS PHOTOS
Vitória, Brazil – November 2024 – At the end of October, Salesian social works in Vitória (ES) received over a ton of food. Donations were collected during the “Salesian Interclass Games” organized by the Salesian Jardim Camburi school, with primary students from grades 2 to 4. The donations will be organized into more than 100 food baskets to be distributed to families of children attending the Festive Oratories and Cesam-ES apprentices in vulnerable situations. After the food delivery, Fernanda Aparecida Chisté de Andrade, the pastoral coordinator of Salesian social works in Vitória, visited participating classes to talk about the Salesian social work in Vitória and its history of social action. “It’s very important for these children to understand how sharing helps others. Thanks to the children and families' initiative, we’re able to provide food for those who lack it. It’s transformative, and it’s great for them to learn this from a young age,” Fernanda explained. “We want to thank the families for their support, the volunteers who helped with transportation, and especially the children, who participated so wonderfully,” said the coordinator. The initiative also received support from Christian Family Movement (MFC) volunteers who helped transport the donations to the Salesian Fort São João location, the headquarters for Salesian social action in Vitória.
Dimapur, India – November 2024 – The annual youth gathering from various oratories, parishes, and ecclesial units in Nagaland and Assam took place on November 3 at Salesian College in Dimapur, centered around the theme "Eucharist: The Way to Heaven" inspired by Blessed Carlo Acutis. With approximately 500 participants, the event aimed to deepen faith, strengthen community ties, and celebrate cultural heritage. Fr. Elow Samuel, Rector of Salesian College, presided over the inaugural Holy Mass, encouraging the youth to live purposeful, faith-rooted lives and strive for holiness like Blessed Carlo Acutis. Salesians led interactive sessions and team-building activities to promote unity, teamwork, and leadership. In the afternoon, Fr. Deli David, SDB, Vice-Provincial of Dimapur (IND), attended as the chief guest, blessing and encouraging the youth. The program included traditional dances, songs, and performances in Nagamese and other regional languages, celebrating cultural heritage and diversity. In his speech, Fr. Deli urged the youth to use the digital age to proclaim Christ, following Blessed Carlo Acutis’ example. Organizers expressed their heartfelt thanks to volunteers, clergy, and community leaders for making the day memorable.
Betafo, Madagascar – November 2024 – The 5th National Congress of the Salesian Cooperators Association (SSCC) of the Salesian Vice-Province "Mary Immaculate" of Madagascar (MDG) took place from October 31 to November 3 at the Salesian Community’s Spiritual Center in Betafo. Starting with a Eucharistic celebration, the congress served as a moment of fraternal and spiritual sharing. Fr. Eric Franck Randriamiandrinirinarivo, Delegate of the MDG Vice-Province for the Salesian Cooperators Association, delivered a lecture on the identity and source of Salesian Cooperators and their belonging to the Salesian Family. Reports from each local center and the SSCC Provincial Council were presented. A new SSCC Provincial Council for the next three years was also elected.
Valencia, Venezuela – November 2024 – On Friday, November 1, the Casa Don Bosco community in Valencia gathered to celebrate its 40th anniversary on All Saints' Day. A thanksgiving Eucharist led by Fr. Rafael Montenegro, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Venezuela (VEN), marked the start of the day. The Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows was filled with the Casa Don Bosco staff, students, alumni, Salesian Family members, and a large group of friends and collaborators. In his homily, Fr. Montenegro emphasized the meaning of Don Bosco’s sanctity: "to live joyfully and do one's duty." Don Bosco embodied holiness and invited others to do the same, as understood and emulated by Fr. Lorenzo Stocco, who founded Casa Don Bosco 40 years ago to provide a home and education for children in vulnerable situations. Testimonies from former and current students demonstrate Casa Don Bosco’s positive impact on hundreds of young people, proving that education and love can transform lives and build a better future. This celebration also kicked off events commemorating the 130th anniversary of the Salesians' arrival in Venezuela, to be remembered on November 19.