(ANS - Medellin) - Colombia is "the only country of America with child soldiers," wrote El Heraldo. In a Sputniknews report it states very clearly: "child soldiers: the hidden scourge that afflicts Colombia." For the Salesians in fact it was indeed a scourge, because these children are the people they work for and the reason for their vocation.

(ANS - Damascus) – There was, understandably, a worldwide reaction to the video message of the Pope on behalf of the Caritas Internationalis campaign "Syria, peace is possible." The Holy Father offered clear words of comfort to the suffering, support to the peacekeepers, a call to prayer, and a warning to those who want to take advantage of the war. His words have not left the Salesians in the country unmoved. "We who live in Syria, have listened with great respect and admiration to what the Pope said. As always, he was very brave to tell it as it is!" Below is the letter sent by the Salesians of Damascus.

(ANS - Rome) - Over 2 million young people enrolled, 350 thousand volunteers and animators involved, 8,000 buildings utilized – these are the statistics for the summer oratory in Italy in 2016. According to the Forum for the Italian Oratories (FOI), about 2000 new oratories have opened since 2001. This year the attendance is up by 10% on last year.  The Salesian oratories in Italy offer a summer experience to young people who often come from difficult and problematic backgrounds.