Lubumbashi, DR Congo – October 2024 – The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) officially opened the activities of the Youth Ministry in the Central Africa Province (CFA) on 20 October. The event took place with the theme "Like Mary, anchored to hope, young people act for a better environment", and brought together more than three thousand young people from various Salesian works. The programme included two conferences on caring for the environment, the Mass presided over by Fr Tryphon Kalimira, Vice-Provincial of the AFC, and various recreational and sports activities. The final blessing was given by Fr Jonas Yav, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry.

Krakow, Poland – October 2024 – The 18th edition of the National Football Championship of the Religious and Diocesan Seminaries of Poland ended on Saturday 19 October. The championship was organised by the Salesians in Krakow, winners of the last edition. Thirteen teams from 14 seminars participated in the competition, for a total of over 100 players. The winners were once again the students from the Salesian Seminary (WSDTS) in Krakow, beating the diocesan seminary in Tarnów in the final. The championship began on the evening of 18 October and was attended by diocesan seminarians from: Częstochowa, Katowice, Koszalin, Kraków, Radom, Tarnów, Wrocław and a joint team from the dioceses of Zielona Góra-Gorzów and Szczecin. The religious congregations were represented by the Society of Christ from Poznań, Franciscans from Łódź, Oblates from Obra, Paulines from Krakow and Salesians from Krakow. The matches began on Saturday morning after the Holy Mass presided over by the Superior of the Salesian Province of Krakow (PLS), Fr Marcin Kaznowski SDB, and culminated in the final won 2-0 by the Salesians. Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz, Archbishop emeritus of Krakow who brought a gift for the winners, was invited to the award ceremony and congratulated all the participants.

Photo: Fr Dariusz Bartocha, SDB
Photo: ch. Bwalya Kasonde SDB, Fr Dariusz Bartocha SDB

Thanjavur, India – October 2024 - The Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT), organised an Exhibition Visit and a Talent Expo for members of the water conservation club on 15 October at Don Bosco Thanjavur and the Agricultural Farm in Sengipatti. The event aimed to inspire young minds on the importance of water conservation and to educate them on sustainable practices for the efficient use of water resources, promoting a more environmentally conscious future. 140 club members from six Salesian educational institutions, including Salesians and staff who accompanied the boys, took part in the event. The day began with an information session, followed by a series of competitions, including the creation of posters, speech competitions, mimes and quizzes. These activities offered students a great opportunity to express their creativity and knowledge, while fostering a sense of collaboration and enthusiasm. The winners were rewarded with prizes, and each participant was given a stationery kit as a sign of encouragement. Students were accompanied on a guided tour of the Sengipatti Agricultural School, which proved to be a practical demonstration of water conservation techniques in action. The students observed various methods, such as drip irrigation, spray irrigation, rainwater collection systems at terrace and ground level. The young people were fascinated by the new and innovative techniques used. They also explored the eco-sustainable farm, discovering different species of trees, medicinal plants, agricultural practices, and eagerly observed peacocks, small birds, butterflies, and beetles.