"We must put mercy before judgment; and in every case, God's judgment will always be in light of His mercy." Pope Francis
Mercy Guides the Salesians Every Day
30,000 missionaries
working in more than 130 countries worldwide. Learn more »5,300 primary & secondary schools
with more than 1 million students. Learn more »330 orphanages & shelters
for homeless children. Learn more »1,000 vocational, pre-professional & training programs
. Learn more »Extending God's compassion to those in need
In declaring this Jubilee Year of Mercy, Pope Francis invites us to witness – through our own individual actions – God's boundless love, forgiveness and kindness
Indeed, for nearly 160 years, mercy has guided the vocations and defined the work of Salesian missionaries around the world. Our advocacy and actions in service to the poor, the disenfranchised and the most downtrodden among us, recalls what the Holy Father has deemed the "very foundation of the Church's life" – those acts of corporal and spiritual mercy that embody God's tender compassion.
Today, more than 30,000 Salesian priests, brothers and sisters extend this compassion daily to those in need – supporting the material, physical and spiritual needs of impoverished children and families around the world.
During this Extraordinary Jubilee Year, we invite you to encounter, with us, God's incredible mercy.
Learn more & get involved
Mercy guides our mission. Here are some brief examples of how the Corporal Works of Mercy are woven throughout the fabric of our service to the poor:
Feed the hungry
In partnership with international aid organizations, Salesian missionaries offer nutritious meals in more than 5,300 primary and secondary schools around the world. In some cases, these meals are the only food a child eats in a day. Learn more »
Visit the sick
Salesian missionaries care for the sick in more than 150 clinics, hospitals and dispensaries located mostly in rural areas. In times of crisis, like Ebola in West Africa, we are also often among the first to respond – offering critical medical supplies and medicines to those in need. Learn more»
Give drink to the thirsty
We are committed to ensuring that every child, and every adult, has an accessible, dependable and local source of clean water for drinking and growing food crops on which they depend. Learn more»
Clothe the naked
When disaster, war or other traumatic circumstances strike, we are often among the first to respond – with warm clothing and other material needs. Learn more»
Shelter the homeless
In 330 orphanages and shelters for homeless and abandoned youth, we help young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. Learn more»
Visit the imprisoned
Just as Don Bosco did in Turin, Italy, Salesian missionaries around the world visit prisons to offer spiritual support and guidance counseling to those behind bars – especially impoverished youth. Through vocational training programs that teach job skills, we give the imprisoned the chance to be contributing members of society once they are released. Learn more»
Bury the dead
Sadly, our missionaries are far too often surrounded by the death and despair caused by poverty, poor health care, natural disasters and war. Our priests comfort the bereaved while offering Mass and prayers for the departed.
The support of caring friends like you is, in itself, an act of mercy – one that brings our mission to life every day. Learn more about how to join our family or the many ways to help.
