(ANS – New Rochelle) – The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, recognized on June 4 each year since its United Nations designation in 1982, affirms the commitment by the UN and the international community to protect the rights of children. This work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history. Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in honouring that day and remember what Salesian missionaries do in more than 130 countries around the globe work to ensure that all youth know their rights, are able to fully participate in their communities, and receive the support they need in the aftermath of trauma and abuse.

(ANS – New Rochelle) – Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and the international community in celebrating Global Day of Parents, which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012. The day, celebrated each year on June 1, honours parents throughout the world and provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents for their commitment to children.

(ANS – Rome) – “We believe that it is the Holy Spirit who formed within Don Bosco the heart of a father and teacher, capable of total self-giving to poor young people, and that Mary is our Mother and Intercessor. Like Don Bosco, we believe that Mary has guided and protected this Family for its growth in all continents. She inspires us to care for the well-being of the young generation so that they can have a better future”. Thus begins the Councilor for the East Asia - Oceania Region, Fr Joseph Thinh Phouc, in the letter he sent to the Salesians and the Salesian Family of his Region on the occasion of the Solemnity of Pentecost and the Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians, celebrated this year one after the other, on 23 and 24 May. Below is the text of his letter, in which he glances at the current state of the Region.