Tiruchy, India – October 2024 - The Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) in the Province of Tiruchy (INT) has launched an innovative initiative with the foundation and management of the Amalan Academy, a training centre dedicated to preparing disadvantaged young people for government examinations and career opportunities. This represents a significant milestone, being one of the first projects of this type managed autonomously by the ASCs in the Southern Provinces of India. With their active commitment in the 28 Salesian presences (SDB and FMA), the ASCC have undertaken new initiatives in collaboration with the Salesian mission for young people. A long-standing vision has been to establish an independent mission under the leadership of the Salesians. This new venture marks the realisation of that dream, turning it into reality after years of aspiration. The land for the academy was generously donated to the Province of Tiruchy by Mr Lawrence and Ms Lucial, in memory of their late son Amalan. The Province then built a multipurpose room on the site, and the entire management of the Amalan Academy was entrusted to the ASC, who committed to support this academy with each local unit contributing a sum to cover the operating expenses. With a capacity to accommodate up to 50 students at a time, the academy ensures high quality training, provided by experienced teachers. Particular recognition goes to Fr John Barnabas, SDB, and the other previous delegates.

Toruń, Poland – October 2024 – Over 130 people – Salesians, Salesian Cooperators and young people from different locations participated in the Salesian Animators SChool  (SAS) which took place in Toruń from 11 to 13 October. On the first day participants were divided into three degrees of formation (0, I and II) took a test on the "Small Catechism" and their knowledge of a book on Don Bosco, as well as taking part in a moment of integration. Each grade had its own patron: Blessed Czesław Jóźwiak, Blessed Laura Vicuña and Blessed Carlo Acutis. At the end of the day there was the Rosary and the opportunity to go to confession. The next day, which began with the prayer in honour of Our Lady, each group participated in its own workshops: games, integration dances and an in-depth study of the "General Order of the Roman Missal". Workshops on healthy relationships were held in the afternoon, and the day ended with community prayer and dances. On the last day, after Morning Prayer, conferences were held on youth integration and Christian meditation, and the event ended with Mass.

Tampa, FL, United States – October 2024 – Fr. Hugo Orozco, SDB, the regional councilor for the Interamerica Region of Salesians, visited Mary Help of Christians Tampa this week. During his visit, which happens only every six years, Fr. Hugo met with each Salesian confrere at Mary Help of Christians Center to check in on them individually. As part of his brief visit to Mary Help, Fr. Hugo shared lunch and fellowship with some members of the Salesian Family. Representatives from the Cooperators, Salesian Sisters, Salesian young adults, long-time parishioners, and the Korean Catholic Mission of Tampa were present at the luncheon. Fr. Hugo listened, laughed, joked, blessed, and encouraged all those present, as well as the entire Salesian Family of the Tampa Bay area. As the gathering came to a close, Fr. Hugo imparted a few words to everyone: “I want to tell you two things: One, be proud of our Salesian charism because it is beautiful! Two, always remember that we love and serve the young for the sake of loving God.” Fr. Hugo’s final words were: “Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime asked for the prayers of the Salesian Family, and I ask you to keep me in your prayers too”.