Panama City, Panama - August 2023 - From 29 to 31 August, the Don Bosco Technical Institute (ITDB), hosted the meeting of economers, administrators, national accountants, delegates of the National Planning and Development Offices and legal representatives for Salesian works in the Divine Salvador Province of Central America (CAM). The motto of this event was 'Economic Management for Mission: Keys for the New Six/Year Period'. A total of 55 representatives from Salesian houses in Central America met to exchange knowledge and experiences. Fr Julio Navarro, CAM Provincial, welcomed them and emphasised the importance of strengthening teamwork to create strategies to ensure the sustainability of works at the local and provincial levels. During their stay, the visitors took a tour led by ITDB students to learn about the state-of-the-art facilities and modern technologies that make the school the best technical education option in the region. On the second day, the participants went to the Don Bosco Basilica, where Marcelina Lee, from the N&N Family Office, spoke about 'Strategic Alliances as an Engine for Sustainability'. She used the Don Bosco Technical Institute's innovation and transformation project as an example, highlighting the fundamental role of benefactors in its success. To round off the day at the basilica, they were able to visit the "Valdocco of America", learn about the history of its construction, visit Don Bosco's relic, the museum and the replica of the house where the saint lived during his life in Turin, Italy. On the third day, Fr Edward De La O Castellón, Economer of the CAM Province, presented the Province's financial report, as well as the presentation of conclusions by the participants.

(ANS – Guatemala City) – Young people from all over the world will gather in Lisbon from 1 to 6 August,  invited by Pope Francis to the 38th World Youth Day (WYD). The Salesians from the Province of Central America (CAM) will be there with a delegation of young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), from the six countries that make up the Province (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama). These young people prepared together through eight formation sessions, three of which were carried out online, accompanied by a Salesian priest delegated to each country and the Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Youth Movement, Fr Jean Paul Bethancourt.

Panama City, Panama – June 2023 –On 24 and 25 June, the young people of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) took part in the Bosco Camp held in Punta Macú, Escobal, in the province of Colón, based on the 2023 Strenna of the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime: "AS YEAST IN TODAY'S HUMAN FAMILY. The lay dimension of Don Boscos family'. The young people left early in the morning from the Basilica of Don Bosco headed for Colón where they were welcomed by the organising team. The first day was full of exciting activities such as gatherings, karaoke, dancing, WYD moments, a night of prayer, formative speeches and a night of talent shows and competitions. Each youth group surprised everyone with their creativity by presenting clothes made from recycled materials. The Sunday mass was celebrated by Fr Manuel Gómez, SDB, followed by a time for commitment, the result of the Bosco Camp experience. Then 17 young people who will take part in World Youth Day in Lisbon were welcomed. Fr Jean Paul Bethancourt, SDB, SYM Delegate for the Salesian Province of Central America (CAM), and Abel Muñoz, SYM Coordinator in Panama, accompanied the young people in this enriching experience, typical of the Salesian charism. Bosco Camp offered the young people the opportunity to enjoy moments of healthy recreation and shared living among all the members of the youth groups, strengthening the bonds of fellowship.

Panama - June 2023 - The meeting of Salesians in their quinquennium year, that is, those Salesians who have completed their stage of initial formation between one and five years, is taking place in the retreat house at Monte Alvernia, in Panama, from 20 to 23 June. Fr René Santos, Vice-Provincial of the Salesian Province of Central America (CAM), has the task of accompanying the Salesians in their quinquennium, and ensuring that the three objectives are achieved during these days: to share experiences and concerns in order to show solidarity in consecration, fraternal life in community and mission; to reflect, in the light of the Word, on the pastoral, religious and Salesian situation of the individuals, communities and the Province; to plan for the future through concrete choices that belong to personal, community and youth circumstances. During the meeting, moments of prayer are alternated, an atmosphere of joy and fraternity is breathed, and topics related to ongoing formation are reflected upon. The meeting offers the Salesians who attend the opportunity to strengthen fraternal bonds, grow in their vocation and discern their commitment to the Salesian mission.

La Pintada, Panama - May 2023 - With the theme "Mary arose and departed in haste," the Salesian Cooperators (SSCC) of the "Basilica Don Bosco" Center in Panama, together with the community of Las Tablas in La Pintada, in the diocese of Penonomé, held their annual conference in honor of Mary Help of Christians on May 14. The theme was led by Fr. Manuel Gómez, SDB, Delegate for the Inter-American Region for the SSCCs, who delved into the association's commitment to step out of its comfort zone and promote the Catholic spirit everywhere. After the presentation, Sister Lydia Florez, FMA, National Delegate of the SSCCs in Panama, shared her Marian testimony speaking about the fruits of her vocation in her 29 years of consecrated life and her admirable devotion to Mary. After the talk, Fr. Manuel Gómez presided over the Eucharist, followed by activities for the children.

Panama - April 2023 - On Sunday, April 3, a group of young people from the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Panama received their missionary dispatch 2023 to accompany three communities in Darién Province (El Real, Pinogana and Pirre). The missionary posting was carried out by Fr. Carlos Villanova, SDB, pastor of the Don Bosco Basilica, who invited the young people to live the missionary experience as a call to service, following the example of Mary who, after the Annunciation, did not stay put, but went running to take care of her cousin Elizabeth.