Guwahati, India – September 2024 - The quarterly retreat and animation programme of the Salesian Province of Guwahati (ING), held at the provincial house on 21 and 22 September, brought together forty-eight young Salesians for a period of reflection, spiritual growth and community strengthening. The meeting, which aimed to deepen the commitment to their vocation, also fostered a strong sense of fraternity and collaboration. After the initial prayer and the welcome, Fr Jayaprakash Anthonimuthu, Provincial Economer, intervened, urging the young Salesians to establish clear objectives for their future journey, strengthening their shared mission as Salesians. The first session was led by Bivan Rodriques Mukhim, Vice-Provincial, on Salesians in Initial Formation, during which the various phases of Salesian formation were explored; the evening session focused on consecrated life and the commitment of young Salesians to their vocation; the good night by Fr Sebastian Kuricheal, ING Provincial, concluded the first day. The next day after the Mass celebrated by the Provincial, a session was held led by Fr Cletus Pattamkulam, Executive Director of the Don Bosco Institute Kharghuli, focusing on the Salesian Youth Movement, the importance of caring for young people entrusted to the Salesians and the responsible use of the Media.

Iju, Nigeria – September 2024 – From 20 to 27 September 2024, Fr Daniel Antúnez, President of the Missioni Don Bosco Salesian Mission Office in Turin, and his team undertook a week-long visit to the Africa Nigeria-Niger Salesian Province (ANN) to supervise and evaluate sponsored projects in the country. During the visit, the team made stops at several key initiatives that are part of the Missioni Don Bosco commitment in the country. Among these, the Bosco Boys projects stand out, operating in Lagos and Ibadan, offering shelter, education and support to vulnerable children and young people. They also visited the Stitches project, a vocational training programme to equip young women with tailoring skills, and the Ijebu Ode technical school, where students are trained in various trades to improve their employability and economic independence. Fr Antúnez and his team were deeply impressed by the impact the projects have on local communities, noting the dedication and commitment of both the staff and the beneficiaries. However, they also offered suggestions to improve some areas, stressing the need for sustained efforts to ensure the longevity and success of the initiatives. The visit served not only as a verification, but also as an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and reflection. The team interacted with local partners to better understand the challenges and needs on the ground. These discussions aim to define plans for greater collaboration and resource allocation. The team expressed optimism about the future, hinting at further collaborations to expand the reach and effectiveness of Missioni Don Bosco's work in the region.

Hua-Hin, Thailand – September 2024 – The Salesian St Paul Province of Thailand (THA), which also includes Cambodia and Laos, hosted the 2024 Annual Seminar, focusing on Salesian Accompaniment. The seminar was facilitated by Salesian Brother Raymond Callo, a member of the Formation Sector at Salesian Headquarters in Rome. Two groups were scheduled: the first took place from 25 to 27 September, while the second from 28 to 30 September. The first seminar was held at the Salesian Retreat House in Hua-Hin, involving 80 people including Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Sisters of the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Daughters of the Queenship of Mary Immaculate and members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians. After the opening ceremony, Fr Boonlert Paneetattayasai, Superior of the THA Province, gave a welcome speech, urging all participants to welcome this opportunity with open minds and hearts, allowing them to appreciate the essence of Salesian Accompaniment. He developed several important and essential components in the process of supporting people, in particular young people. In addition to the Salesian historical context regarding accompaniment, Bro. Raymond Callo stressed the importance of being ready to support others by cultivating essential skills such as presence, active listening, empathy, the art of understanding, the sacrament of presence and the crucial attitudes necessary for spiritual growth. The seminar proved very useful for the Salesians and the members of the Salesian Family, providing them with a clear direction to effectively support young people in today's world.