Who Are The Salesians?
In 19th century Turin, Italy, a priest-educator, Don Bosco, turned his focus towards the orphaned and homeless child labourers of the city – and the Salesians legacy was born.
For years, Salesians have been dedicated to one simple but profoundly important mission: to help young people who live in poverty – both materially and spiritually.
In 2019, the Salesian family in Ireland marked a hundred years of working and supporting young people and their families in this country – and today you will find Salesians wherever there is work to be done with needy young people.
From schools to youth clubs and homes for the homeless. From working as missionaries with street children to serving as chaplains in schools – Salesians are here to give our valuable young people hope, love and the chance of a better future.
Why We Are Needed?
The world has developed in so many ways – yet we continue to live in a time where children are helpless victims of poverty and neglect.
In September 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development – as a plan of action to end poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change – ensuring that no one is left behind. Sadly, we continue to leave people and places behind. Too many children are abandoned, left homeless, abused or forced into lives of slavery and cruelty. Too many live without hope, help and spiritual guidance.
Ireland is socially and economically very different from 18th Century Turin, when Don Bosco began his work with young people. But they share one commonality: both are societies in transition, with the risk of values being forgotten and points of reference set aside. The Salesians exist to ensure that the needs and nurturing of the young are not forgotten, and that it is through them that we can build an authentic Christian community.
Salesian Vision
A society where young people are encouraged to imagine their future with faith and hope.
Salesian Mission:
Inspired by the joy and hope of Don Bosco, we believe in the potential of young people. We walk alongside them, helping them to discover their purpose through presence, education, faith, and support.
Salesian Values:
Loving Kindness and Gentleness: this is at the heart of everything we do
Presence: being proactively available and engaged with young people.
Faith: living out the joy and hope of Don Bosco in how we serve, support, and inspire.
Inclusion: welcoming every young person as they are
Belief in Young People: seeing the potential of every young person
Salesians Ireland Today
Salesians Ireland is just one part of our global congregation which have over 15,000 members – Religious Brothers and Priests who work in 136 countries worldwide. We represent a broad range of initiatives in schools, parishes, chaplaincies, community outreach and care homes, and are involved in youth ministry, spiritual direction, retreat work, university work and international missionary work.
Find out more at Salesians of Don Bosco website.
The Salesians’ Way
- The Salesian
way of life is one of community, solidarity and belonging
– never individualism and isolation. Daily, Don Bosco would tell the young people
he worked with: “Without you I can do nothing, Without you I am nothing”. At Salesians
Ireland we continue this living tradition of ‘working together’. - We invite people
to join us as professed Salesians, as co-operators and past
pupils, as co-workers, as benefactors and volunteers. - We do not
limit our reach to the young people of Ireland. As an international
congregation we have the capability to offer support to young people and their families throughout the world – making a real
difference in their lives. - We strive to
make sure no one is left behind – a value God would want, and which Don
Bosco upheld always. - We celebrate
life and creation –for this is the essence of life and that which holds
the potential of our creator, God the Father.