Soyapango, El Salvador - January 2021 - The promise of 14 new members of the Association of Salesian Cooperators of El Salvador was celebrated on 17 January at the "San Juan Bosco" temple. The Eucharist was presided over by Fr José Manuel Solano, National Delegate for the Salesian Cooperators, and the promises accepted by Salvador Torres, Provincial Councilor for Initial Formation (ASC). The new members received an online greeting from Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the ASC.

Bratislava, Slovakia - January 2021 - In full lockdown, the rectors of the Salesian houses in Slovakia, alongside the members of the Provincial Council and the delegates of the sectors of the Salesian Province of Slovakia (SLK), gathered online for a sharing and formation meeting. On 19 and 20 January, 35 Salesians, and the Provincial Fr Peter Timko, spoke not only of the experiences of community life in the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic but also received a cordial video greeting from the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime. In the formative part of the program, the new Manual of the Salesian Rector was presented, followed by sharing on the theme of good practices in community animation. Despite the different time zones, the rectors of the houses in Baku in Azerbaijan and Yakutsk in Russia also attended the online gathering.

Fr Rastislav Hamráček
SDB Provincial Delegate for Social Communication

San Juan, Argentina - January 2021 - On January 6, the young people of the San Juan Mallinista Movement participated in the feast day of the Three Kings held in the neighborhood where they carry out their apostolate and brought gifts to over 130 children. The initiative was promoted by a family from the community who accompanies the young animators and who organizes a snack twice a week in which young mallinists also take part. Preparations for the feast of the Magi began a week earlier, with a campaign to collect sweets and toys that involved many people, in compliance with the measures of prevention and social distancing. The young mallinists of San Juan said: "Guided by our Mother, Mary Help of Christians, we hope to be able to continue to be instruments of God's joy and mercy for those who need us."