(ANS - Vatican City) – By way of conclusion of the pilgrimage to the Caucasus which began in Armenia on 24-26 June, Pope Francis will visit Georgia and Azerbaijan from 30 September to 2 October. The most significant events include: an ecumenical prayer for peace in the Chaldean Catholic Church in Tbilisi; the participation, for the first time, of an Orthodox delegation at the papal Mass in M. Meskhi stadium; and prayer for peace in Syria and Iraq. In Azerbaijan Pope Francis will celebrate Mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception at the Salesian Centre.

(ANS - Turin) – Yesterday, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, launched a strong appeal for a renewal of the missionary spirit in the style of Don Bosco. He was speaking to the 46 members of the 147th Salesian Missionary Expedition: "We are heirs of a tradition in our Salesian Family that is more than century old,” he said. “Be courageous heralds of the boundless mercy and generosity of God especially among the poor and needy."

(ANS - Turin) - There is one day every year at the end of September when the Salesian missionary heartbeat is felt in Turin.  It is the day when we celebrate the sending of the Salesian Missionary Expedition. That day is next Sunday 25 September and there will be a number of other significant events taking place around this great Salesian event.