Johannesburg, South Africa – October 2024 - On 28 and 29 October, the Salesians of Don Bosco in the Southern Africa Vice-Province (AFM) comprising South Africa, Lesotho and eSwatini, gathered for their Annual Assembly at the Bosco Youth Centre (Walkerville, Johannesburg). Thirty participants among Salesian priests, brothers and young Salesians in practical formation gathered to celebrate their patron, Blessed Michael Rua (1837-1910), the first successor of Don Bosco, who sent the first Salesian missionaries to southern Africa in 1896. The rich program of the event included vibrant multicultural presentations from 18 different countries; the Golden Jubilee of priesthood celebrated by Fr Edmund O'Neill; the reception of new missionaries from other African Provinces; the profession of faith by the new rectors of the communities located in all three countries; and a particular event typical of South Africa called Braai. Two days of sharing and bonding focused on building the culture of accompaniment, a Salesian way of expressing the new synodal way of being Church. Three Salesians who attended the "Salesian Accompaniment School" involved the participants in the formation phase to spread the basic skills in personal spiritual accompaniment of Salesians and young people. Among the Salesians in the 3 AFM countries, small gifts were exchanged, the entire Assembly watched 15 short video-messages sent by the remaining 17 Salesians and novices who are now scattered in another 9 countries in Africa and other continents due to formation, specialisation studies or pastoral commitment.

Rome, Italy – November 2024 - The second session of the course for French, Portuguese and Spanish-speaking Provincial Secretaries is taking place from 5 to 8 November at the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, coordinated by Fr Guido Garino, Secretary of the General Council, with the support of Davide Colombo and Marco Fragapane. There are about thirty participants and they come from Provinces and Vice-Provinces of Central and South America, Francophone Africa and Timor-Leste. The course deals with issues related to the role of the Provincial Secretary, analysing the various challenges he faces on a daily basis.

Clifton Hill, Australia – November 2024 – The celebration of All Saints' Day was a special occasion for the Salesian community in Clifton Hill, as it marked another stage in the spiritual journey and commitment of five Salesian students currently studying at the Catholic Theological College. On this date the Ministry of Reader was conferred on Cirilo Boavida, Carlos Gusmao and Damien Taofinu'u while the Ministry of Acolyte was conferred on Foua Junior Tea Peato and Afia Enosa. The celebration was presided over by Fr Peter Hoang, Superior of the Australia-Pacific Province (AUL). During the homily, Fr Hoang stressed the importance of these Ministries, reminding those who received them of their vital role in the Church. He spoke passionately of the call to serve the faithful with all their heart, urging them to take up their commitments with dedication and love.