Rome, Italy – September 2024 - On the morning of 24 September, professors from of the five Faculties of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) prepared for the start of the new academic year by meeting for a moment of common formation, focused on the theme "Salesian Charism and University". Leading the reflection was Prof. Mario Rafael Olmos Argueta, SDB, Rector of the Don Bosco University of El Salvador, Doctor in Sociology, who held the role of General Coordinator of Salesian University Institutions in the Congregation from 2010 to 2016. The reflection prompted a fruitful exchange of ideas between the professors at the working tables. The morning of formation ended with the celebration of Mass and a convivial lunch.

Source: unisal.it

Mumbai, India – September 2024 – From 19 to 21 September the South Asian Youth Animation Team (DBYA-SA) organised a formation programme for young Salesians, which took place at the Provincial House in Mumbai. The meeting brought together 19 participants from five Provinces of India, with the aim of preparing themselves on some Salesian documents and methods and to live the Salesian charism together with young people. Those present were animated by Fr John Christy, of INM, Fr Joji Yeruva, of INH, Fr Leon Cruz, of INB, Br Peter Das and Fr Patrick Lepcha, of DBYA. The event was also attended by Fr Savio Silveira, Superior of the INB Province, who, during Holy Mass, urged everyone to "live the dream and mission of Don Bosco". Paraphrasing Strenna 2024, then, Fr Silveira said that it is the task of the Salesians to take care of the dreams and aspirations of young people. Subsequently, various topics were addressed, such as the situation of young Indians, education, evangelisation and the importance of accompaniment. The group also had the opportunity to discuss how to carry out the Salesian Youth Movement in the various contexts of the South Asia Region. On the day of the Feast of St Matthew, the Rector Major Emeritus, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva was main celebrant at the Mass. Among the distinguished guests of the event are Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, and Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Mumbai. 

Madrid, Spain – September 2024 – On 19 and 20 September, the Salesian National Centre for Youth Ministry in Spain (CNSPJ, in Spanish) held a meeting of the coordination team, in which the stages to be followed in the work plan for this new working year were outlined. The meeting took place at Don Bosco House, recently opened, in Vallecas in Madrid, and opened with a reflection led by the Director of the CNSPJ, Fr José Miguel Núñez, who in his speech highlighted the opening of Don Bosco House as a space designed for work, hospitality and formation – a centre that brings together several Salesian delegations under the same roof and thus consolidates the sense of unity and service within the Salesian youth ministry in Spain. One of the central themes was the revision of the strategic plan for the two-year period 2024-2026. During the session, the objectives and strategies outlined above were reviewed, adjusting the goals achieved and defining new priorities. At the same time, the importance of the processes being promoted was highlighted, such as the formation of pastoral workers, the strengthening of the "Valdocco Communities", the promotion of paths of accompaniment for young people, the affective and sexual formation course for educators and the formation process for prayer. The CNSPJ Director also introduced the Regional Seminar on First Announcement and Inter-religious Dialogue, which will be held from 11 to 13 October in Madrid.