SUMMER/FALL 2025
Leave a Legacy of Love and Hope… And Help Make the World a Better Place. One person, like you, can make a significant difference. Your decision to remember Salesian Missions in your Will can bring positive change to the future of thousands of needy children struggling each day just to survive. Our programs around the world are saving these precious lives… and helping to make the world a better place. By including Salesian Missions in your planned giving, your heart and soul are forever part of these good works. So consider leaving a legacy of love and hope that will live on in generations to come.
Please remember Salesian Missions in your Will…
2 Lefevre Lane, P.O.Box 728, New Rochelle, NY 10802-0728 Tel: (914)633-8344 www.SalesianMissions.org/giving
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
PAGE
EXPLORE AND LEARN MORE Notes From The Field A personal account by Salesian AT OUR Lay Missioner Kurt Whiteley .............. 9 WEBSITE Support and Hope for Victims Honoring the 150th Anniversary of Our First Mission in the Americas ... 2
of California Wildfires .........................13 Children Overjoyed by Salesian Water Project: Uganda ......................18 A City of Hope and Opportunity: Medellin, Colombia ........................... 22 Salesian Snapshots..............................26
It is filled with even more stories and photos of all the good works YOU help make possible. So keep visiting us online at:
www.SalesianMissions.org www.facebook.com/FindYourMission www.twitter.com/SalMissions www.instagram.com/salesian_missions
SALESIAN • Published Annually • Since 1950 • Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre Lane, New Rochelle NY 10801-5710 Issue 290 • Summer/Fall 2025, Volume 77, No. 1 (Issn. 0036-3480)
Letter From The Editor Dear Friend and Partner in Mission! “You’ll finish the work I’m beginning; I’m making the sketch, you’ll add the colors.” Those words from Don Bosco have inspired my life. The sketch referenced in the quote is the directive to us as Salesians, to seek out the poorest of the poor and offer them hope and opportunity. The colors we add are brilliant shades of nurturing and love that we provide to better the lives of needy children and families around the world. 150 years ago, when Don Bosco sent eight missionaries to a distant foreign land, the goal was to find the most desperate situations and to find solutions. Since then, the Salesians of Don Bosco has grown into a global organization consisting of more than 30,000 Priests, Brothers, Sisters, and novices serving in the spirit of our founder. As you read the following pages, you will see that the mission of the Salesians has not changed. Where there is despair and suffering, we are there to help. Whether it be harnessing the power of clean water (p. 18), running a new medical center in a country where quality healthcare is scarce (p. 27), or helping street kids find stability (p. 22), we Salesians are there on the front lines, as Don Bosco would have wanted us to be. Whatever the calling, I am eternally grateful for friends like you, partners that make this work possible. All God’s blessings now and always, Fr. Michael Conway, S.D.B. P.S. This issue of SALESIAN will bring to light several ways for you to demonstrate your continued support. Whether it’s a gift that will be multiplied 14 times, building a chapel in someone’s honor, or including Salesian Missions in your estate plans, your generosity makes a lifesaving difference. Thank you! Please know that throughout the year, Masses will be offered for you and our other partners in mission at the Basilica of Jesus the Adolescent in Bethlehem as well as here at our Salesian Missions Chapel. SALESIAN 1
It all started with 8 missionaries embarking on a humanitarian expedition halfway across the globe.
150 years later, it has grown to involve more than 30,000 priests, brothers and sisters in over 130 countries. Fr. John (Don) Bosco, a priest in Italy, establishes the Society of St. Francis de Sales – better known as the Salesians of Don Bosco.
1859
2 Summer/Fall 2025
1875 A team of 8 missionaries set sail from Italy for Argentina where they will establish the first Salesian foreign mission.
Fr. John (Don) Bosco approached the pulpit. A profound silence fell upon the packed Italian church. A thrill of emotion swept through the congregation. It would be the final time the 60-year-old founder of the Catholic order that bared his name would speak to his beloved “sons” – a group of 8 missionaries about to embark on a humanitarian expedition halfway across the globe. The date of this fateful sermon was November 11, 1875. It would mark the beginning of an international movement that would eventually grow to include more than 30,000 Salesian missionaries in over 130 countries. As he gave his farewell blessing to the departing group, Don Bosco had trouble holding back his emotions. His voice softened as he spoke of the importance of the impending mission,
The Salesians expand into Africa by starting a vocational training center in Johannesburg.
1896
1897 Salesian missionaries settle in San Francisco, California, the first community in North America.
The Salesians open an orphanage in Bethlehem, the beginning of a long-term presence in the Middle East.
1902 SALESIAN 3
holding back his tears. Inevitably, his listeners were crying too. This first mission was nearly a year in the making. Father Bosco had been searching for distant locations in desperate need of help. After considering many proposals, he responded to an urgent request from Father Pietro Ceccarelli, the lone parish priest in the heavily populated city of San Nicolas de Los Arroyos in Argentina. They were overwhelmed by impoverished children living on the streets and were severely shorthanded. Don Bosco declared that his missionaries would come to their aid by opening a hospice in the capital city of Buenos Aires and a school with a public church in nearby San Nicolas. He also expressed his commitment in a letter to Father Ceccarelli by stating, “I intend to spare neither personnel nor expense if this will contribute to the success of the undertaking.” The success of those initial efforts by five Salesian priests, a music At the request of the Vatican, Salesian missionaries land in Broome, Australia to serve poor and needy families there.
Invited by the government of Haiti, the Salesians establish a professional training school for marginalized youth.
1922
1935 1926
4 Summer/Fall 2025
The Salesians arrive in India, the first location in Asia, where they help communities confront critical challenges.
teacher and two lay Salesian brothers would form the blueprint for thousands of Salesian programs for the next 150 years. Today, in Argentina alone, the Salesians of Don Bosco are making a huge impact. They operate 13 centers across the country that provide educational opportunities and vocational training to the most vulnerable and socially isolated youth. The Salesian University of Argentina offers at-risk young people the chance to pursue degrees in technology, human resources and research – careers that will empower them to become self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities. What’s more, the Don Bosco School in Mendoza is recognized as the birthplace of winemaking in Argentina. What started out of necessity to help struggling fruit growers in the region has emerged into a world-class institution. Many of its impoverished
Salesian Missions in New Rochelle, NY, is founded as a nonprofit charity to raise funds for lifesaving programs carried out by our missionaries around the world.
1947
More than 30,000 Salesian missionaries in 130 countries join together in spirit to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first mission in the Americas.
2025 SALESIAN 5
students have graduated to become internationally recognized wine authorities. In addition to their focus on education and sustainability, the Salesians in Argentina have been praised for their critical response to disasters and emergencies. Most recently, our missionaries provided essential aid to children and families devastated by massive flooding in the city of Bahia Blanca – the worst weather-related catastrophe in its history. Amidst the destroyed homes and piles of debris, our local Salesian missionaries distributed essential supplies including food, drinking water, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and, above all, emotional and psychological support to the victims during their time of profound distress. Thanks to the dedication and
6 Summer/Fall 2025
commitment of the Salesians over the past century and a half, generations of desperately poor children, families and communities have risen above their struggles to lead productive, fulfilling lives. Perhaps the impact of the Salesians in Argentina – and throughout the world – would not be a surprise to Don Bosco, whose final farewell to the missionaries included these prophetic words: “In this way we are beginning a great work, not because we have pretenses or believe we can convert the whole universe in a few days, no, but who knows. Could it be that this departure and this little group is like a seed from which a huge tree grows? Who knows if it is not a grain of millet or a mustard seed which grows little by little and may do great good?”
JOIN US FOR HOLY MASS!
Now streaming LIVE every week from our Salesian Missions Chapel. Just go on your computer, type in
SalesianMissions.org/Mass
every Wednesday at 10:00am (EST)
I hope you will be with us to worship and pray together… and be sure to invite your friends and loved ones. SALESIAN 7
What was once mud and tin... What was once Millions of people throughout Africa, Central and South America mud and tin...
Millions of people throughout Africa, Central and South America, India and Asia are celebrating Mass and worshiping God in the most primitive conditions. Salesian missionaries are in desperate need of funds and India are celebrating Mass and worshiping in the most to build simple and decent houses of God worship.
primitive conditions. Salesian missionaries are in desperate need You can have a Memorial Chapel built in honor of of funds to simplesaint and decent houses ofitworship. You can yourbuild favorite and dedicate to anyone you have awish Memorial Chapel built and dedicate it to anyone you wish – living or deceased. – livingWhat or deceased. a wonderful way to What aremember wonderful way to one – a loved remember lovedthe oneLord’s – and ahelp most Thanks to generous and help the Lord’s most impoverished followers. people like you! impoverished followers. EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE DESIGN THAT REFLECTS THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL EACH CHAPEL IS A UNIQUE COMMUNITY IT SERVES. DESIGN THAT REFLECTS You can makeTHE an individual NEEDS OF gift THEto LOCAL build a Memorial Chapel, or groups or COMMUNITY IT SERVES.
...Now this! Is nowis this! Thanks to generous people like you!
organizations can pool their donations. If you wish, you can specify in your gift to build a Memorial Chapel, or groups or Youalso can make an individual Will that a chapel be erected in your organizations can pool their donations. If you wish, you can also specify in honor or for anyone you choose.
your Will that a chapel be erected in your honor or for anyone you choose. Read more about our Chapel Building Read more about ourProgram Chapel Building Program by visiting us online at: by visiting us online at:
www.SalesianMissions.org/chapels www.SalesianMissions.org/chapels
SUM/FALL
2025 CH ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $20,000.00 to build a Village Memorial Chapel. ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $25,000.00 to build a Memorial Chapel in a remote and difficult area. ❏ Enclosed is my gift of $30,000.00 to build a Memorial Chapel in the most far removed and
neglected area.
PLEASE CHECK ONE:
❏ IN MEMORY OF:
❏ IN HONOR OF:
❏ DEDICATED TO:
NAME: ______________________________________________________________
❏ Please send me more information. (You can also Email or phone us, if you wish) Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ (PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)
Address _____________________________________________________________________________Apt. #______ City____________________________State _____ Zip _______ Email: _____________________________________
2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728 TELEPHONE: (914) 633-8344 • Email: chapels@salesianmissions.org 8 Summer/Fall 2025
Notes From The Field
A Salesian Lay Missioner Experience
lay missioner: kurt whiteley mission assignment: egypt
When I asked to be assigned to Egypt, I was unprepared for what I would find here. In the midst of all the chaos and difficult times, I find a strong and enduring people. I find children and youth who are determined to continue forward, to make a life for themselves, and to step into a brighter future. I have also seen the role that the Salesians and myself are able to play in this process. The children here continually show me that despite the hardships life throws at them, whether from the constant exams in school, to the difficulties in home life, to the regional chaos… there is always a way forward and a path of peace. I think of all the dreams these children hold – of a brighter future for Egypt, for the Middle East at large, but also for their own individual lives. I’m inspired by young people like Muhammad, one of the secondary school students that attends Oratory each Friday. He struggles with loneliness and claims he has no friends and no one to talk to but me, and he is also too SALESIAN 9
shy to join any of the games at the Oratory. Yet without fail, every week he comes. I asked him why one day, and he says it’s because the place itself gives him hope. He loves seeing the genuine joy of everyone else as they play. He says the grounds make him feel at home and like he has a place and a purpose there. It amazes me, that even though he’s not participating, Muhammad is able to still feel the warm embrace of the Salesians’ spirituality and way of life. Another student in the school, Mostafa, has had depression for a couple years, after the death of a parent. Despite much support from teachers, faculty, therapists, and the Salesians, he says he can’t get himself out of it. Yet he also acknowledges that when he’s among the Salesians, when he’s speaking with them, and getting that one-on-one attention, all the bad thoughts of his mind leave him for the time, and he is able to think clearly, and love life, and dream again. You can see the way his eyes light up, he becomes very expressive, his laugh becomes less forced, and his grin has a fresh softness about it. Many of the students in the secondary school tell me that the school serves as a second home for them. The Province Director who runs the school is the person they trust the most in their life. Many strive to do better in school simply because he has inspired them and given them dreams. I also see the high standard that is set for me by associating with the Salesians here. 10 Summer/Fall 2025
The students look up to me for guidance, for hope, and for a constant, gentle, listening ear. Although I came here in an effort to, in whatever small way I could, bring joy, light, and a smile to this place, I find that it has returned it right back to me as well. The number of times that I’ve been absolutely stunned by the kindness and hospitality of one of my students, especially the ones who struggle in the English courses I came here to teach, are now impossible to count. The joy I receive when a student gives me a small gift, or introduces me to family, or simply runs up to greet me in the morning and ask me how I’m doing that day cannot be compared to anything I’ve experienced in my life before.
God bless, Kurt
The Salesian Lay Missioners is a faith-based volunteer program that offers a unique opportunity to serve the marginalized of the world, especially the young. We sponsor domestic and international placements and require a 1 or 2 year commitment. If you would like more information about this lifechanging program, please write to:
Salesian Lay Missioners Attn: Adam Rudin 2 Lefevre Lane New Rochelle NY 10801 (914) 633-8344
Or visit our website at:
www.SalesianLayMissioners.org or email us at: SLM@salesianmissions.org SALESIAN 11
The Gift That Pays You Even More! Help poor children around the world and receive a fixed income for life with a CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY. Rates increased effective January 1, 2024. Don’t miss the opportunity! Rate Age 65 5.7% 70 6.3% 75 7.0% 80 8.1% 85 9.1% 90 10.1%
Receive a guaranteed annual income for life!
Additional • A current income tax deduction Tax free income on a portion of the income received Benefits • Reduced capital gain tax (on appreciated securities donated)
•
REQUEST YOUR PERSONALIZED ILLUSTRATION: • Call our Annuity Officer Ana Maria Lang: Tel: 914-633-8344 Ext. 206 or Email: amlang@salesianmissions.org • Visit our website at: www.SalesianMissions.org/annuity or • Fill-in and return the form below
o YES! SHOW ME HOW I CAN HELP THE CHILDREN AND MYSELF!
SUM/FALL 2025 AN
Send me more information about the returns and tax deductions I would receive under the Salesian Missions Gift Annuity.
AMOUNT OF GIFT CONSIDERED $_____________ FOR SINGLE ANNUITY (PLEASE PRINT): (Not available in the state of Washington)
WE CANNOT SEND INFORMATION WITHOUT DATE OF BIRTH
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SALESIAN MISSIONS
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Financial Planning OFFice ATTN: ANA MARIA LANG 2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728, NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728 TEL: (914) 633-8344
Salesians in the
I
u.s. and canada
n 1897 the first Salesian missionaries (Priests & Brothers) settled in California. Salesian Sisters soon followed, arriving in New Jersey in 1908. Being a missionary in the U.S. at the time was difficult and challenging – but the good works progressed. Today over 450 professed Salesian Priests, Brothers and Sisters are present in the United States and Canada. Salesian Provinces based in Haledon NJ, New Rochelle NY, San Antonio TX and San Francisco CA serve thousands of young and poor throughout both countries. Their ministries encompass day care centers, elementary and high schools, formation houses, religious education centers, parishes, summer camps, development offices and youth centers. Thankfully, the spirit and joy of Don Bosco is still alive today in the U.S. and Canada!
Support and Hope for Victims of California Wildfires
Salesian communities respond in the wake of disaster.
The Salesians are well-known for their lifesaving work across the globe, serving the needs of the poor and needy when they need it most. But when disaster strikes here in the United States, our Salesian communities are quick to help Photo courtesy of InTouch Newsletter. their neighbors any The destruction was staggering. way possible. Such was the case More than two dozen people earlier this year when devastating lost their lives. Fifteen thousand wildfires swept through southern homes and businesses were California.
SALESIAN 13
destroyed and more than 150,000 residents were displaced. At a total loss of $250 billion, it was one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history. Realizing the magnitude of the human toll and suffering, several Salesian communities in the Los Angeles area quickly mobilized their resources to support organizations on the front lines of the crisis. At Bishop Mora Salesian High School, faculty, students and parents were saddened to learn that two of their families lost their homes and all their belongings. In response, they took up a collection to provide the families with financial help to cover their immediate needs. 14 Summer/Fall 2025
At the Salesian Family Youth Center in Los Angeles, young volunteers joined forces with another local organization, A Place for Youth, to collect and distribute food and clothing donations for fire victims. The center also continued its outreach to the city’s homeless street kids, offering compassion and human connection in addition to basic essentials. And, Girl Scout Troop #82563 from the Youth Center expressed their gratitude and solidarity toward the Los Angeles City Fire Department by gathering donations of energy drinks, protein shakes, snacks, water and wipes. The girls were thrilled to deliver the items to Fire Station #2 where they were encouraged
to ask questions, see the firefighting gear, get autographs from the firefighters and explore the fire truck and ambulance. A Salesian at the Youth Center reflected on the situation and its impact. “By involving youth in relief efforts, we are teaching them the value of empathy, leadership and community engagement. Whether it’s packing supplies, delivering goods to first responders, or lending a hand to local organizations, these experiences empower young people to become active contributors to their community’s well-being.” When not involved in disaster relief, the Salesian Family Youth Center is a vital community resource for at-risk and economically disadvantaged children and young people. Located within walking distance of more than 13,000 elementary, middle and high school students, the center offers valuable resources and opportunities that enable kids to realize their full potential and thrive despite challenging circumstances.
at the Youth Center. The leadership training program teaches teens about meeting facilitation, effective communication, and teambuilding. Participants are then able to put these newly gained skills into practice by planning church and club events. SHOUT Program SHOUT provides 3 main components: Academic Enrichment, Recreational/ Physical Education and Educational Enrichment. In addition to providing free and
Youth Ministry Youth Ministry focuses on serving and empowering teens SALESIAN 15
outstanding programs to the community, the youth center works with local high school students on improving their overall academic performance. The goal is to have at-risk youth develop a positive outlook on education and improve their willingness to engage in school. We Care Program The We Care After-School Program serves students from the ages of 5-13 from the surrounding schools. The objective is to offer enrichment both academically and creatively, throughout the year. All children in the program benefit from hands-on assistance to improve their social, emotional and
16 Summer/Fall 2025
academic wellbeing. What’s more, all We Care kids receive a nutritious supper every day through a partnership with the L.A. Food Bank. Camp Salesian The youth center’s summer program, Camp Salesian, has provided a fun and safe summer for at-risk children in the community since 1966. Throughout the day, young campers participate in a range of interactive and enriching activities like sports, arts & crafts, dancing, cooking, and more. Youth are encouraged to participate in all of the activities to learn, grow, and let their creativity flourish.
Please accept my sincere apologies…
I have to be honest - our service level and response times have been below average lately. Our computer system was very outdated, but it had served us reliably for many years until this Spring. Faced with a critical issue that could not be repaired, I had no choice but to move forward with an upgrade. As feared, it did not go too smoothly. I know many of you have had trouble with our website. Others have not received thank-you letters, cards and books, and other requested items in a timely fashion, and for that, I sincerely apologize. I pray for your understanding and forgiveness during this challenging time. I truly hope you will continue being a Partner in Mission and a friend to our mission children. We continue to pray for you… and please pray for us. We and the children need you now more than ever. God bless you for your patience and understanding.
Mea Culpa Salesian Missions • 2 LeFevre Lane • New Rochelle, NY 10801 • 914-633-8344 www.salesianmissions.org
SALESIAN 17
Children Overjoyed by Salesian Water Project
Ten-year-old Timothy is a student at Don Bosco Children and Life Mission (Don Bosco CALM) in Namugongo, Uganda and he is thrilled about a new rainwater harvest system made possible by the Salesian Missions Clean Water Initiative. “During the rainy season, we couldn’t play because the field was muddy,” the young boy explains. “Now the new water system keeps the field dry and I can play with my friends. And if we get dirty, we have clean water to wash ourselves and our clothes!”
In addition to improving the playing field, the project provides reliable clean water for the Don Bosco CALM campus and all 558 students at the Salesian school. Besides the school, the nearby community is benefiting as well. Having access to a clean water supply has inspired healthy sanitation and hygiene practices and has ensured plenty of water for people, livestock, and crops.
A lack of healthy water creates hardship for millions of people around the world, especially in the Southern hemisphere. Water-borne diseases like cholera affect humans and animals, killing both in large numbers. Left untreated, it can be fatal within hours. Children under 5 are the most vulnerable and likely to perish. 18 Summer/Fall 2025
Despite its devastating effects, however, cholera is easily treated by providing clean water for drinking, hygiene and sanitation. The Clean Water Initiative, through the generosity and support of caring Salesian Missions donors, like you, helps fund these vital projects that save thousands of lives throughout the world. At Don Bosco CALM, the Clean Water Initiative is a wonderful blessing for children and young people who have endured tremendous hardship. Many of the students have been orphaned, abused, and neglected. The school provides a safe and comforting environment for these youth to heal, engage with other kids their age, gain an important education, and enjoy fun activities.
Now, thanks to the project, children and families are benefiting from an increased supply of clean water for drinking, bathing, cleaning, and irrigation for the school’s farm programs. “We are proud to be part of something that so tangibly makes a difference in people’s lives,” explains Father Michael Conway, Director of Salesian Missions. “While our focus is primarily on education, bringing clean water to this community has strengthened our academic programming by having a healthy student body, and it’s brightened the future beyond the walls of the school. It’s a wonderful accomplishment.” For more information about our clean water initiative, please visit: salesianmissions.org/ water or scan the QR Code.
SALESIAN 19
Share the joy of christmas and the new year... For yourself, a loved one, or family and friends!
Our new and very popular publications - our “2026 Angel Datebook” and Christmas Book, “Let the Church Bells Ring” - are now available. Each book comes with a mailing envelope so you can send them to friends and loved ones. Share the joy and inspiration of the Christmas Season and the New Year. Send your request today for these beautiful books! Simply fill out the form below, indicate your choice and the quantity desired. The suggested donation is $3.99 each. Actual size of books is 4” x 6”. FOR FASTER PROCESSING, CALL IN YOUR ORDER OR ORDER ONLINE.
PLEASE SEND ME THE FOLLOWING BOOKS: “2026 Angel Datebook” “Let the Church Bells Ring”
Send our new Christmas Book instead of an ordinary card!
Qty _________ Qty _________
Summer/Fall 2025
My donation of $___________________ is enclosed. (SUGGESTED DONATION IS $3.99 EACH) MINIMUM REQUEST SHOULD BE FIVE BOOKS OF ANY ONE TITLE. ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION: ®
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These books are in great demand and supplies are limited. So be sure to request them today! Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Inspirational Books Dept. HB 2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728, NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10802-0728
REQUEST THESE BOOKS ONLINE AT: www.SalesianMissions.org/catalog
Join Us In Anticipation of Christmas! Advent is a time for intentional prayer, reflection and joyful anticipation of Christmas. Sign up for our Advent Devotionals and each week during Advent, you will receive a special email with daily Scripture passages and inspirational messages. These reflections will guide you toward a more joyful anticipation of Christmas – and reconnect you to the true reason for the season.
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A Perfect Christmas Gift!
Sum/Fall 2025
Our Heavy Knit SALESIAN THROW
Designed exclusively for Salesian Missions, this cozy, cable knit throw proudly displays our mission logo. Knitted of soft, warm and comfortable machine washable cotton, it measures a generous 48” x 63”. Natural color. Suggested Offering: $70.00 Free Shipping! ITEM
50048
QTY
CABLE KNIT THROW
Please allow 2 -3 weeks for delivery
SUGG.OFFERING
TOTAL
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ENCLOSE CHECK (TO SALESIAN MISSIONS), M.O. OR CHARGE: ®
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Mail to:
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OR ORDER SAFELY ONLINE AT www.SalesianMissions.org/throws
A City of Hope and Opportunity
One in five children in Colombia have no access to education. 800,000 children live in refugee camps, where they have limited access to basic needs such as food, clean water or even nurturing people in their lives. The number of children living on the streets has reached epidemic proportions, with many being kidnapped from the streets to be child soldiers. Some children live with single parents and are unable to attend school because they must work to provide for their family. At Don Bosco City, located in Medellin, Colombia, Salesian Missionaries work with youth to provide quality education, technical training and social service support. They define these services as necessary for the children who attend the school to achieve a future full of prospects, hope and opportunity. 22 Summer/Fall 2025
Don Bosco City has a plan. For each age group, and for many of the life situations that these young people face, a multifaceted program has been developed to support them. The Building Dreams program, under the specialized protection house, is for youth ages 14-18 who have been removed from organized illegal armed groups and criminal gangs. These youth receive specialized education that supports their socio-cultural delays, slower learning rates, behavioral difficulties, and emotional problems. Juan Diego, a student who attends the Building Dreams program, describes some of the socialization that takes place. “We have to meet with people from the state, as well as people from our families, even extended families, people that some of us don’t even really remember because it’s been so long. The school gives us a safe space to rebuild those relationships and strengthen them, so we don’t go back to living the way we used to,” he explains. Another resource, the Michele Magone program, is a boarding school for young men. Staff work with young men to restore their dignity with an approach that emphasizes school growth, strengthening life skills and preparing for the transition to adulthood. The Seeds of Life program caters to children under the age of 12 who have experienced homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. The goal of this program is to strengthen a sense of self in SALESIAN 23
these children, to give them tools for personal development, to help them see themselves as people with rights and responsibilities and help them find their place in society. An additional program called Leaving Footprints helps young people in the municipalities of Angelopolis and Amaga with education, emotional support and recreational activities to build safer and more stable futures. Father Mike Conway, Director of Salesian Missions states, “Don Bosco City is not just traditional schoolwork. Art, culture and the healthy use of free time are fundamental tools for change. Spaces for fun, sports and folklore act as real agents to combat hostile social contexts and vulnerability.” It’s a winning formula that’s giving kids a second chance and a helping hand to start a new life and build a better future. For more information about our education programs, please visit: salesianmissions.org/ education_project or scan the QR code.
24 Summer/Fall 2025
You can be part of a modern-day Loaves and Fishes miracle! Every $1=$14 Several organizations have partnered with Salesian Missions because they have tons (literally!) of essential items that they want to donate free of charge… but we need your help so we can deliver them into the hands of poor children and families who need them the most.
YOU CAN HELP MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
We can pack a large container – about the size of a tractor-trailer truck – with $70,000 worth of donated food, medicine, clothing or school supplies… and the overseas shipping cost would be only $5,000.
Simply put, every $1 you give enables us to ship $14 worth of life-changing – and life-saving – supplies! What’s more, your generosity will be a testament to the Loaves and Fishes miracle when Jesus multiplied seven loaves of bread and a few small fish into enough food to feed four thousand people! So much is at stake. Thank you for whatever you can give today! MAKE A SECURE DONATION ONLINE AT www.SalesianMissions.org/miracle
YES! I want to be part of this modern-day Loaves & Fishes miracle!
Enclosed is my gift that will multiply 14X!
$10
$15
$25
SUM/FALL 2025 DE
$_____
ENCLOSE CHECK, MONEY ORDER (PAYABLE TO: SALESIAN MISSIONS) OR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION: ®
CARD NUMBER
SIGNATURE X____________________________
EXP. DATE (MO/YR)
CID# REQUIRED (Last 3 digits on signature panel on back of card)
Name___________________________________ Address________________________________________Apt. ____ City___________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip___________ ____ Email __________________________________________________________________________________________
Mail to:
2 LEFEVRE LANE, PO BOX 728 • NEW ROCHELLE NY 10802-0728
Learn more! Visit www.SalesianMissions.org/miracle SALESIAN 25 1
scrapbook of Salesian astories from around Snapshots the Salesian world NAMIBIA: New Church Bonds Community ANGOLA
ZAMBIA
NAMIBIA
A relatively new Salesian parish in Rundu, Namibia is celebrating the construction of a new church thanks to the generosity of Salesian Missions donors.
BOTSWANA
The formal place of worship is a dream come true for the congregation which was started in 2019 and dedicated to St. John Bosco. Since then, SOUTH the Salesians constructed two community houses, AFRICA a school, parish offices and a parish hall which had been used as the church prior to the new one being built.
Atlantic Ocean
Salesian Missions funding for the church enabled the parish to complete brick work, finish the foundation, add walls and a roof, and install windows and doors. Now, the finished project is an inspiring gathering place for 1,736 members of the parish – plus 410 youth – who use the church regularly. An additional 13,000 people from the local area will benefit indirectly from the church, emphasizing its importance as a valuable communitybonding resource. 24 Summer/Fall 2025 26 2024
DR CONGO: Memorial Health Center Opens After watching her beloved 13-year-old nephew Gabriele lose his long health battle, GABON DEMOCRATIC Anna Maria Coelli REPUBLIC OF was inspired to donate her life savings so her CONGO community could construct a Salesian-run health facility in his name. She wanted to save Atlantic the lives of poor children who desperately Ocean ANGOLA lacked quality health care. ZAMBIA After months of planning and construction, the opening ceremony took place for the Gabriele Confortini Health Center in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. It provides essential medical care and prevention services for needy children and families. At the closing of the ceremony, Father Mathias Amani, the province’s social communication delegate, expressed, “This center represents much more than a medical infrastructure. It is a tangible symbol of love, international solidarity and hope. It’s a sign imprinted in the hearts of those who have known Gabriele and those who will benefit from the care offered by this center.” NY A
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SALESIAN SALESIAN 25 27
Count Your Blessings - Grant a Wish!
The Salesians work in over 130 countries. Just imagine, then, how many of our missionaries write to tell us of their hopes and dreams, trials and successes. Maybe, as you count your blessings, you could grant a wish. God bless you!
Fr. Mike
Wishes oF the month • Provide a decent house of worship for those in need. A formal place to gather, pray and offer Holy Mass was a dream come true for a Salesian parish in Rundu, Namibia. Will you help us extend more opportunities to provide places of worship for congregations that can only dream of having a brick-and-mortar structure in which to worship? (See p. 26). • Mobilize resources to areas in crisis. When wildfires swept through California, young volunteers from our Salesian Youth Center in Los Angeles collected and distributed food and clothing donations for fire victims. You can help ensure we are ready to respond to the next disaster here and abroad. (See p. 13). • Offer the opportunity of education. At Don Bosco City in Medellin, Colombia, our Salesian missionaries provide essential schooling and technical training so impoverished youth can grow to become independent and productive members of society. Will you help us continue this important investment in young people’s futures? (See p. 22). • Provide essential healthcare. Opened in honor of a local teenager named Gabriele who died needlessly, a new Salesian-run medical facility in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the need for better healthcare resources for impoverished families. Your support makes these lifesaving initiatives possible. (See p. 27). •
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These youngsters are proudly wearing their “Hope Bracelets” - a cherished gift that you helped give them. Due to so many of you who responded so generously to our Easter Cards Appeal... a poor child in our missions received a “Hope Bracelet” to wear in appreciation of you - and your love for them. What joy it is to see the smiles on these children’s faces and to realize how such a simple gesture can bring so much happiness. We will continue to distribute “Hope Bracelets” to even more of our mission kids. In this way, in a true sense, you are there with them, always reminding them of your goodness and compassion.
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