RMG - December 2024 - On 6 December, the Missions Sector convened an online meeting of the Province Mission Offices from the East Asia-Oceania Region, led and animated by Fr Eric Mairura, Coordinator of the Mission Offices. In his address, the General Councillor for Missions, Fr Alfred Maravilla, emphasised the importance of having a clear understanding of the identity and mission of the Province Mission Offices, as outlined in the guidelines and orientations approved by the Rector Major and his Council (AGC 443). Fr Maravilla emphasised that adherence to these guidelines and orientations is essential for the effective functioning and strategic direction of each Province Mission Office. During his presentation, Fr Mairura expanded on the role and functions of the Province Mission Office. He clarified that it is an agency reporting directly to the Provincial and his Council and is a vital expression of Don Bosco's missionary spirit. The Province Mission Office plays a central role in the management, support and promotion of Salesian missionary activities. Although the Province Mission Office is not new, the meeting reinforced the central role that these Mission Offices play in promoting global solidarity, mobilising resources for missionary activities. The Missions Sector promotes networking, formation and collaboration through various workshops and events aimed at strengthening identity and fostering teamwork among the various bodies.

Goma, DR Congo - December 2024 - This Saturday, 7 December, the Don Bosco Ngangi Salesian Community experienced a moment of conviviality on the occasion of the solemnity of the Immaculate Conceptiony. Salesian Family, lay collaborators and students gathered to celebrate this Marian feast, giving the event a spiritual and cultural dimension. The day was structured around three main moments: the solemn mass, a cultural performance by the students and fraternal sharing. The Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Gauthier Tshibangu, Provincial Delegate of the AFC-EST St Joseph Delegation, brought together several members of the Salesian Family. In his homily, Fr Tshibangu retraced the historical roots of the Salesian mission, evoking the key encounter between Don Bosco and Bartholomew Garelli.

Fatumaca, Timor-Leste - December 2024 - On 7 December, after a year of formation in the Salesian novitiate in Fatumaca, 13 young people made their first religious profession as members of the Salesian Congregation. Twelve of these young people come from the Timor-Leste Vice-Province (TLS) and one from the Indonesia Vice-Province (INA). The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the TLS Superior, Fr Anacleto Guterres Pires, and concelebrated by dozens of Salesian priests, including Fr Lino Quintão Assis Belo, vice-Province of the INA Vice-Province. The ceremony was attended by the families of the newly professed, clerics and religious from different Congregations.