Campo Grande, Brazil - Dec. 2022 - On Dec. 5, the Rector of the Catholic University "Don Bosco" of Campo Grande, Fr. Jose Marinoni, received a Doctorate Honoris Causa from the Federal University of Southern Mato Grosso for his dedication to the priesthood and his qualified work in higher education. "This tribute is the society's recognition of the art of education practiced by the Salesians since their arrival in the lands of Mato Grosso and in southern Mato Grosso, based on the teachings of the great educator St. John Bosco. He affirmed that educating is a thing of the heart, and this challenge has always guided Salesians and lay people throughout all these years," commented Fr. Marinoni.

Lagos, Nigeria - December 2022 - The first Provincial Chapter of the Africa Nigeria Niger (ANN) Province was held at the Provincial House in Iju, Lagos, from December 4 to 8. Opened by the ANN Provincial, Fr. Jorge Crisafulli, it developed the theme "Which Salesians for the Youth of ANN Today?", which clearly refers to the theme of the 28th General Chapter. During the Chapter - which was attended by Provincial Councilors, Delegates, confreres, youth, Past Pupils, and Salesian Cooperators - committees were created to discuss possible changes and suggestions useful for the Province’s growth. The committees discussed several topics, including the identity of the Salesian for the youth of the ANN Province today, the preferential option for those most in need, shared mission and formation, and new frontiers and challenges for the future. Other documents on child protection, the financial code, the strategic plan for education and vocational training, and the terms and conditions of Human Resources were then presented. At the end of the Provincial Chapter, on the day of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, Fr. Crisafulli celebrated Mass as a sign of gratitude to God and in remembrance of the Salesian Oratory's birth anniversary.

Rome, Italy - December 2022 - On December 8, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the Salesian world celebrated the 181st anniversary of the Salesian oratory, which was started by Don Bosco on December 8, 1841. As in previous years, the Salesian Oratory in Testaccio celebrated this solemnity with its youths: the program included a vigil and a football match between the Salesians of Testaccio and the parishioners. On the very day of the feast, the children of the oratory, with the parish community, celebrated the solemn Mass presided over by the parish priest, Fr. Maurizio Spreafico, SDB, who is also director of the oratory. After Mass, there was the "Marian circle" in the oratory courtyard, where the children prayed the Hail Mary with their parents and animators to entrust themselves to Our Lady. The celebration ended with the traditional "pagnottella", a snack, offered to all the children by the Past Pupils.