150 Years bringing hope where there is the greatest need
Celebrating 150 years missionary work.
The 11th November 2025 marked 150 years of Salesian missionary ministry. On the 11th November 1875 St John Bosco sent ten Salesians as missionaries to Argentina to work with Italian immigrants and establish a Salesian presence among the Patagonian people. This first group of missionaries were blessed by St John Bosco who spoke to them as follows: “We are starting a great work. Who knows, but this departure may be like a seed from which a great plant will arise?” …. (B.MXI, 360). “Take special care of the sick, of the young, of the old and of the poor.”
Since then, thousands of Salesians have left their own countries to follow the Salesian missionary call. Irish Salesians have given their lives to missionary work in South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Kenya, Ethiopia, Argentina, India, United States, Brazil, Philippines and Australia. Through our Mission and Development Office, we continue to support many of these works.
Current World Context for Salesian Mission
The modern world presents enormous challenges. In 2023 the UN indicated that 733 million people suffered from chronic hunger and 282 million people faced acute levels of food insecurity. Millions of people are living in extreme poverty. This is the world of St John Bosco’s missionary Salesians. Every day they operate more than 2,400 youth centres, 3,300 schools, and numerous other initiatives. Salesian missionaries serve communities often forgotten by the rest of society—those struggling with extreme poverty, forced migration, and lack of access to basic services such as education and healthcare.
The Salesian Approach in today’s world
Salesian missionaries hear again today the words of St John Bosco to “Take special care of the sick, of the young, of the old and of the poor.”
In the work of education they ensure children grow physically, mentally, and spiritually in a safe and supportive environment. One of the first and most essential steps in this process is providing proper nourishment. Throughout Africa, Asia and South America our missionaries offer nourishing meals to children and young people.
As Salesian missionaries celebrate 150 years of service, their commitment to the world’s most vulnerable children and youth remains unwavering and they strive to ensure that no child is left behind. The meals they provide are more than sustenance, they are thefoundation stones that will build a brighter future.
Anniversary Project
To mark the 150th anniversary of Salesian missionary work in this Jubilee year we aim to start ‘Seeds of Hope’ project to support the provision of food for the poorest children and young people in Salesian missionary schools and centres.
How can you help the ‘Seeds of Hope’ project?
- Make the story about worldwide food insecurity better known.
- That millions of children and young people do not get an education is a tragedy. Do what you can to make this story well known.
- Help make the story and work of Salesian missionaries known.
- Support us with your prayers as we reach out each day to the poor and marginalised children of the world.
- Financial support – always feel free to contact Don Bosco Aid at Salesian house, 45 St Teresa’s Road, Crumlin, D12 XK52, Telephone 01 4650717, E-mail: dba@salesiansireland.ie, Bank details: Account: Salesians of Don Bosco Ireland Mission Aid, IBAN: IE91 AIBK 9354 7624 7683 45, BIC: AIBKIE2D