Rome, Italy - August 2024 - As part of the "Shaping Tomorrow" Social Communication Conference, renowned branding expert Andy Stalman gave an inspiring talk on the importance of branding in today's world. During his talk, Stalman stressed how branding not only defines a brand identity, but also establishes an emotional connection with people. "To put off a good communication strategy is to waste an opportunity," he said. Furthermore, he emphasised the need to adapt to technological and cultural changes in order to remain relevant in an ever-changing market. The "Shaping Tomorrow" World Social Communication Conference, which ends today, has established itself among the various social communication representatives from Salesian provinces around the world as a key space for the exchange of ideas and the formation of new strategies.

Ayagualo, El Salvador - July 2024 - The Provincial Salesianity Commission met from 23 to 25 July in Ayagualo, El Salvador, with the firm intention of strengthening the Salesian charism among the lay people in the works of the Divine Saviour Province of Central America. The meeting marked a significant step in the conception of the Salesian formation program at the provincial level, reaffirming the commitment to the education and integral formation of lay collaborators in the mission. This year, according to the guidelines of the Overall Province Plan (OPP) and the reflections of the Provincial Chapter, the Commission has restructured itself to reorganise and update formation courses in the presence of the Salesian community, with the aim of actually implementing them by 2025. In addition, the commission has established that the "Salesians Always" Program be reactivated, as an ongoing formation program, not only to instruct, but also to accompany all works at the local level, ensuring formation in Salesianity of the respective educative and pastoral communities.

Dimapur, India – August 2024 – On 3rd August, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pampackal, SDB, was installed as the 8th Provincial of the Salesian Province of Dimapur in the presence of Fr. Biju Michael, the Regional Superior for South East Asia. The Salesians, Salesian Family members, Religious from neighbouring communities, guests and well-wishers attended the installation ceremony. Fr. Nazarius Lakra, the outgoing Vice Provincial, welcomed the esteemed guests during the Holy Mass. Fr. Biju Michael presided over the Mass with four Salesian provincials, Bishop Emeritus Joseph Aind of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, and 90 priests. In his address, Fr. Joseph Pampackal expressed gratitude and pledged to meet the expectations of the Rector Major, the Congregation, and the Province. During the felicitation program hosted by Fr. T C Joseph, Fr. Biju Michael expressed gratitude to the outgoing Provincial, Fr. Jose Kuruvachira, SDB, for his effective leadership over the past six years. Fr. Jose Kuruvachira delivered a heartfelt farewell message, thanking everyone for the journey with him. Fr. James Mani, representing the batchmates of the new Provincial, spoke on the occasion. The event also featured the release of Fr. PX Andrew's book Echoes of Grace. The book celebrates the lives of some Salesians and their intellectual and spiritual contributions of the time.