Mestre, Italy - July 2024 – The provincial assembly for the beginning of the pastoral year 2024-25 was held on 20 July at Don Bosco Mestre,, an event of great importance for the Salesian Province of North-East Italy (INE). The day was enriched by the presence of Fr Juan Carlos Pérez Godoy, Councillor for the Mediterranean Region, who held a conference on the current situation in the Mediterranean Region and on the preparation for the next General Chapter 29. His words offered a clear and encouraging perspective on the challenges and opportunities that await the Salesian Congregation. During the assembly, the anniversaries of consecration and ordination of some Salesians were celebrated. The day reached its climax with the installation Mass for the new INE Provincial, Fr Silvio Zanchetta, celebrated in the parish church of Mary Help of Christians in Mestre. The ceremony was attended by numerous young people and lay people, testifying to the liveliness and unity of the Salesian Province. Fr Igino Biffi, former INE Provincial, addressed a warm greeting and words of encouragement to his successor, conveying a sense of continuity and hope. Fr Zanchetta is called to lead the INE Province, which has 280 Salesians distributed across 32 works, 29 of which are scattered between Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, 2 works in Romania and 1 in Moldova. The Salesians, with the collaboration of numerous lay people, carry out a valuable service for the education of young people in Schools, Vocational Training Centres, Oratories, Parishes and Social Works including several Communities for Minors.

Malkerns, eSwatini – July 2024 – Last 10 July was a day of joy for the Blessed Michael Rua Vice-Province of Southern Africa (AFM). On this date at the St John Bosco parish, Malkerns, Salesian Nhlanhla Nxumalo made his Perpetual Profession before Fr Václav Klement, AFM Superior. He is the fourth Swazi Salesian, joining Fr Bonginkosi , Fr Bhembe and Salesian Brother John Thusi: a good contribution for the 70th anniversary of the Salesian presence in eSwatini. In 2024, the year in which the Catholic community in the country celebrates its 110th anniversary, there have also been numerous professions of men and women religious of Swazi ethnicity. In January, Sister Temndeni, OSM, made her Perpetual Profession, while in June Sister Meseret, of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the clerics Msimisi Lawrence Mbisi, Bheki Dlamini and Charles Chambers, of the Order of Servants of Mary of Florence, made theirs.

Czaplinek, Poland – July 2024 - The “Summer at the Oratory” Meetings took place in Czaplinek, on Drawsko Lake, in two sessions: 1-5 July and 8-12 July 2024. The two camps were led by Fr Michał Kwiatkowski, SDB, assisted by Sister Marta Napora, FMA, and 9 youth workers. Forty-two children took part in each shift, assigned to three different groups. During these summer camps the activities were focused on Don Bosco's dreams, the children were able to integrate, develop their skills, learn to help, cooperate and, above all, have fun. The “Summer at the Oratory 2024” meetings were co-financed with funds received from the Municipality of Czaplinek.

Photo: SDB and FMA of Czaplinek