NEWS PHOTOS
Três Lagoas, Brazil – September 2024 – On 7 September, Salesian Deacon João Marcos de Almeida Molina was ordained a priest at the Church of Our Lady of Fatima by Bishop Luiz Gonçalves Knupp, Bishop of Três Lagoas. The ceremony was concelebrated by the Superior of the Salesian Province of -Campo Grande, Brazil (BCG), Fr Ricardo Carlos, his Vice-Provincial, Fr Ademir Lima de Oliveira, as well as dozens of Salesians.
Chennai, India – September 2024 – The Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) recently hosted a two-day meeting for its senior Salesians, appropriately entitled "Experienced and energetic Salesians". The theme of the meeting, “The best is yet to come”, was an appropriate reminder of the ongoing contribution of these dedicated Salesian priests and brothers, all aged 70 or over. The event was a wonderful opportunity for the older Salesians to share their experiences and reconnect with each other. The sessions included discussions on health and happiness, offering valuable insights into well-being in old age. In addition to the illuminating speeches, the meeting also offered moments of fun and fraternity, making it a truly joyful occasion. The older Salesians concluded the meeting feeling rejuvenated, having had a significant experience of union and reflection. As they returned to their respective communities, the bond between these wise and devoted members of the INM Province remained stronger than ever.
Valencia, Spain – September 2024 – The 25th Assembly of the Youth Council of Spain (CJE in Spanish) took place from 6 to 8 September, during which young people discussed, shared ideas and worked together to defend the rights of young people throughout the country. As a member entity, the Don Bosco Confederation was actively represented at the event. The representatives of the assembly and the permanent council contributed with their ideas and proposals, reiterating their commitment to free time, educational leisure and the promotion of young people's rights. Among the noteworthy results of this Assembly, Pilar Blasco, former President of the Don Bosco Confederation and former student of the Salesianos Alicante school, was elected vice-president of the permanent commission of the Youth Council of Spain for the period 2024-2026, together with Andrea Henry, current President of the Council. The political strategy and working methodology of the Permanent Commission of the Youth Council of Spain has an internal and an external dimension.
Bogotá, Colombia – September 2024 – A meeting of Rectors of Salesian presences in the St Peter Claver Province of Bogotá (COB) took place on 6 September in the provincial headquarters, aimed at proceeding with the accompaniment, direction and animation of their communities. The meeting, chaired by the Provincial Fr John Jairo Gómez Rúa, began with a message of reflection and animation focused on the application of the Rector Major's Strenna 2025 at the local and provincial level and with the invitation to the Rectors to further understand their work with educators, young people, the laity and the Salesian mission. During the day, an evaluation of the six-year period was carried out, highlighting how the Provincial's animation contributed to the spiritual growth and development of the mission in Salesian presences. The challenges for the next six years were also discussed, tracing a clear path to continue in the formation and expansion of the Salesian mission. The meeting included a review of the work done by the Preferential Option, focusing on network efforts to support those who need it most and working with mixed migration movements. A three-year evaluation of the Overall Province Plan was presented, highlighting the impact of pastoral work and the joint effort of the Province.