“I have witnessed,” Fr. John said, “how in a short time we have succeeded in establishing a thriving presence in Zambia, as also in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Namibia.  The mission has an extraordinary fascination because everywhere you are aware of people who, motivated by a charism, are changing and transforming the situation around them of a society really in need.  I am referring to the Salesian community in Africa, completely dedicated to the complex youth scene.”

“Many of the missionaries working here arrived 25 years ago.  They are involved in youth centers, technical schools, job-training centers and an agricultural school.  About 12 million people live in Zambia and the population, as in many African countries, is mainly made up of young people.”

“Near Lusaka there are huge shanty towns, like the one near the Provincial House, the emphasis on agriculture and the welcome that the Zambian government has recently given to agricultural businessmen means that the economy is reasonably buoyant.”

Fr. John also met the new generation of Salesians in Africa.  Recently nine novices made their first profession, and four young men began their novitiate this year.