“Seeing the boys and girls so happy in this project is something that gives me great joy,” says Father Roméo Salami of Mali. It’s one thing to read his words. It’s another to experience the enthusiasm in his voice first-hand. And this summer, you can.

After a long pandemic pause, our Missionary Cooperative Program is back. We invite you to visit parishes around the country where a number of visiting Salesian missionaries are eager to share their personal stories of the work they do on the ground.

“I’m thrilled to announce the return of this popular program,” says Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “I don’t think there’s a more effective way to communicate the real human impact of our mission-based work; there’s just something truly powerful and moving in these first-hand accounts.”

Fr. Roméo, for instance, serves in Mali—one of the world’s five least developed countries—where poverty affects a staggering 90 percent of people. Ongoing political instability, climate-related food insecurity, and an overall lack of opportunity leave young people with little to look forward to. But every day, missionaries like him shine small rays of hope into their lives and futures.

Since 1982, these dedicated servants of Don Bosco have opened new doors to education and employment through secondary and professional training schools that serve the country’s most vulnerable youth. Donor support helps cover student tuition, provide nutritious meals, and create space for healthy recreation, among many other things. Fr. Roméo’s personal joy springs forth from helping at-risk youth avoid the hazards of street life while building the lasting life skills of confidence, teamwork and accountability.

Want to learn more? You may view a calendar and complete list of host parishes where Fr. Roméo and other Salesian missionaries will be speaking here. If there is a parish near your home, we encourage you to visit and hear first-hand how our missionaries are offering comfort, hope and pathways out of poverty for children and families who need it most.

As always, this work—and the work of all of our missionaries in more than 130 countries around the world—is only possible with the caring compassion of friends like you. Their stories demonstrate the power of your support—and show how your generosity is making a very real and tangible difference.

Even if you can’t join us at one of these special events, please know how much your friendship means to all of us here at Salesian Missions. We invite you to read short biographies of our participating missionaries, and summaries of their work, here.