Mission News
This month, in the lead-up to Ash Wednesday and the sacrifices of Lent, celebrants from around the world marked Shrove Tuesday with traditional foods, costumed parades, live music and jubilant displays of fireworks. Sadly, the euphoria inspired by these pyrotechnics easily masks the grave human rights violations behind their manufacture — a situation Salesian missionaries…
New Industry and New Hope for Youth in Colombia
March 10, 2014
In a country where six million people live in extreme poverty — and where one in five children lacks access to school — the youth of Colombia face futures with little opportunity. By fostering connections among vocational training, sustainable development and long-term skilled employment, Salesian missionaries in the city of Santander de Quilichao aim to…
The Democratic Republic of Congo: Training Medical Professionals
February 12, 2014
“The Democratic Republic of Congo is the worst country to be a mother,” asserts a new humanitarian report. The findings include a staggering statistic: One in 30 women will likely die as a result of maternity-related complications. At the Salesian-run Don Bosco Center in Goma-Ngangi, a new training program for medical professionals hopes to tackle…
From Violence to Hope: Empowering Young Women in Sierra Leone
February 12, 2014
In Sierra Leone, violence against women runs rampant — while sadly, its perpetrators often remain above the law. Beaten, trafficked, forced into marriage (or worse), girls as young as 13 regularly fall victim to what becomes a lifetime of torment and despair — with no hope of protection. The Salesian-run Don Bosco Fambul Girls Shelter…
Salesians: Serving the Whole Person
February 12, 2014
Every three seconds, a child dies from a preventable disease — simply because of a lack of access to basic medical care. In fact, millions of people in impoverished countries remain vulnerable to illnesses that shouldn’t be fatal but are. In more than 200 medical clinics and hospitals operated by Salesian missionaries around the globe, we…
Central African Republic: The Crisis Continues
January 14, 2014
Since our first report on the Central African Republic, the situation in the capital city of Bangui remains grave. Sadly, even little children are now being recruited into armed conflict — or worse. Many have suffered gruesome attacks. As the violence approaches unprecedented levels, Salesian missionaries continue to shelter and care for increasing numbers of…
Philippines: Rebuilding After the Typhoon
January 14, 2014
In the wake of widespread devastation wrought by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in November, the Salesians in the Philippines are working together to launch an exciting new project to reconstruct entire villages. “Adopt and Rebuild a Community” (ARC) will involve local residents on four separate islands and will ultimately benefit 2,600 impoverished families.
Haiti: Four Years Later
January 14, 2014
Four years after a massive earthquake left Haiti in ruins, Salesian missionaries continue to work with those in need — leading ongoing reconstruction efforts as well as assisting families and children who still require shelter, warm meals and clean water. And, thanks to the caring support of friends like you, we are making steady progress.
Emergency in South Sudan
January 13, 2014
“May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, touch the hearts of leaders, commanders and politicians to make responsible choices in favor of the suffering people and the good of this new nation.” This is the prayer of Salesian missionaries serving in South Sudan — where escalating violence threatens to plunge the country into civil war.
Fr. Edward Cappelletti, SDB (1921-2013)
December 13, 2013
Fr. Edward Cappelletti, SDB1921-2013We mourn the passing – and celebrate the life –of a true hero to the poor and needy.As a young Salesian priest in the 1950’s, Fr. Edward Cappelletti had a vision. Assigned the task of raising funds through a small missions development office in New Rochelle, New York, he aspired to accomplish…