Italy – September 2024 - After the silent retreat led individually at Madonna dei Laghi, Avigliana, the 24 participants in the seventh Salesian School of Spiritual Accompaniment had a grace-filled experience of appreciating silence, praying the word of God in solitude and personalised spiritual accompaniment. They were able to appreciate what Don Bosco experienced during the 32 years he regularly went to Sant'Ignazio di Lanzo for his annual retreat. The participants then went on pilgrimage to the various places of Don Bosco around Colle Don Bosco (Becchi, Capriglio, Moncucco, Cascina Moglia, Morialdo, Castelnuovo and Chieri). They studied and reflected on the different life experiences of Don Bosco, in particular how he gradually grew in his appreciation of the importance of having spiritual guidance and the importance of spiritual accompaniment in his vocational discernment and spiritual growth. It was an opportunity for the participants to experience the process of what it means for Don Bosco to have spiritual accompaniment in his life, so as to better understand what his own experience was like and be able to accompany others. In the next phase of the programme, the participants will study the different Christian and Salesian traditions of spiritual accompaniment. They will also have practical formation in skills in spiritual accompaniment. The school is led by a team made up of members of the Formation Sector - Salesian Brother Raymond Callo, Fr Guido Errico and Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil - and by two simultaneous translators: Fernando Saade, SDB, and Fr Gerard Umoh.

Matriz de Camaragibe, Brazil – September 2024 - The Regional Meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Alagoas took place from 30 August to 1 September at the Don Bosco Youth Centre in Matriz de Camaragibe. The event was led by Salesians of Don Bosco and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians who animated moments of formation on various topics: Salesian youth spirituality, the profile of the young Salesian leader in the light of Don Bosco's dream at the age of 9, the Synod of Young People held in Valdocco and the Missionary Dimension of Salesian Youth Ministry. There were also moments of prayer, activities in the festive oratory at the Don Bosco Youth Centre, Eucharistic celebrations and the cultural evening full of music, games and interactions.

Cáceres, Brazil – August 2024 – The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Cáceres on 31 August gave rise to a meeting with the youthful expressions of the Salesian presence in the city. The aim was to integrate and mutually support the different groups of young people who identify with Salesian youth spirituality. The SYM seeks to promote synergy between groups, providing joint action representative of the local mission, in order to meet the expectations and needs of young people in the current context. The event was attended by young students of the Salesian Santa Maria College, teachers, collaborators and faithful from the Salesian Holy Trinity Parish, including members of oratoriess, groups of altar servers and acolytes, youth ministry and other youth groups. The meeting was organised by Salesians, Aspirants and young leaders from the Salesian presence. During the day, the participants had times for spirituality, formation, Holy Mass, group dynamics, missionary sending of the participants to their respective groups and movements. The election of the Local SYM Council also took place. The Rector of the Salesian community, Fr Lauro Takaki Shinohara, and the Principal of the Salesian Santa Maria College, Salesian Brother Antônio Teixeira, also accompanied the young people with great dedication during the meeting. In the afternoon, those present had fun with games, swimming pool, music and dances, promoting coexistence and integration between the different participating groups.