Lisbon, Portugal – As the Salesian order prepares for a significant milestone – the 150th anniversary of its arrival in America – celebrations are underway across the continent, marking a legacy of missionary perform, education, and social service. The commemorations, which began in late 2025, highlight the profound impact of the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Support of Christians on communities throughout South America, particularly among marginalized populations.
The initial spark for these celebrations stemmed from a recent series of intercultural events commemorating the first Salesian missionary expedition to Patagonia, Argentina. Cardinal Ángel Sixto Rossi, SDB, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, presided over a special mass at the Sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows in Neuquén Province on November 16, 2025, acknowledging the historical significance of this initial outreach. Fides News Agency reported on the event, emphasizing the gratitude for the spiritual, cultural, and human impact of the Salesians in the region.
A History Rooted in Service and Education
Founded by Saint John Bosco in 1859 in Turin, Italy, the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, commonly known as the Salesians, was established to address the needs of impoverished youth. Don Bosco’s vision centered on providing education, vocational training, and spiritual guidance to young people, particularly those at risk. This commitment quickly expanded beyond Italy, leading to the establishment of missions across the globe, including a pivotal expansion into South America. The Salesian missions in America began in 1875, with the initial focus on serving the indigenous Mapuche and Tehuelche peoples in Patagonia. The Associazione Salesiani Cooperatori details the broader historical context of the order’s founding and expansion.
The arrival of the first Salesian missionaries, accompanied by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, marked the beginning of a long-term commitment to the region. They established schools, vocational centers, and parishes, providing essential services to communities that had limited access to education and healthcare. The Salesians’ approach was characterized by a deep respect for local cultures and a dedication to empowering individuals through education and skill development. This early work laid the foundation for a vast network of Salesian institutions that continue to operate throughout South America today.
The ACSSA Seminar and Scholarly Reflection
In June 2025, the Association of Salesian History Scholars (ACSSA) convened a seminar in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the first Salesian missionaries in America. The seminar, held at the House of the Pontifical Mission Societies, brought together 45 participants in person and 90 online, representing religious and lay individuals from various countries, including Guatemala, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Honduras, Bolivia, Puerto Rico, Paraguay, Austria, Poland, and Ecuador. Le Missioni Salesiane provides details on the seminar’s participants and scope.
The seminar’s theme, “The Salesian Missions in America – 150 years: contexts, contributions, and challenges (Up to Vatican II),” focused on examining the historical context of the missions, the contributions of the Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and the challenges they faced. Participants presented research, books, and magazines, fostering a deeper understanding of the Salesians’ life of service and their ongoing commitment to missionary work. Fr. Stanisław Zimniak, Secretary and Treasurer of ACSSA, emphasized the importance of renewing the missionary sense for contemporary times, recognizing and relaunching Don Bosco’s charism throughout the world.
A Three-Year Journey of Preparation and Reflection
Looking ahead, the Salesian order is embarking on a three-year journey of preparation leading up to the official 150th anniversary celebration on May 9, 2026. This period of reflection will focus on three key themes: “A dream, a promise and the future.” This theme encapsulates the vision of Don Bosco, his enduring legacy, and the ongoing commitment of the Salesian Family to serving those in need. The preparations aim to delve into the core values and historical foundations of the Salesian vocation, ensuring a meaningful and impactful commemoration.
The broader Salesian Family, encompassing the Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, and Past Pupils, are all actively involved in the preparations. Local communities are organizing events, workshops, and outreach programs to celebrate the anniversary and reaffirm their commitment to Don Bosco’s principles. The celebrations are expected to extend throughout 2026, with events taking place in various countries across South America and beyond.
The Impact on Indigenous Communities
The initial focus on the Mapuche and Tehuelche peoples in Patagonia highlights the Salesians’ early commitment to serving indigenous communities. Cardinal Fernández Artime, SDB, emphasized the significance of the encounter between the first Salesian missionaries and these indigenous groups 150 years ago. This early work involved learning local languages, respecting cultural traditions, and providing education and healthcare tailored to the specific needs of these communities. The Salesians’ efforts contributed to the preservation of indigenous cultures and the promotion of social justice.
However, it’s critical to acknowledge that the history of missionary work is complex and often involves nuanced relationships with indigenous populations. Although the Salesians aimed to provide assistance and education, their presence as well coincided with periods of colonization and cultural change. Ongoing scholarly research continues to explore these complexities and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Salesians’ impact on indigenous communities.
Looking Towards the Future
As the Salesian order celebrates 150 years of missionary work in America, it remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the continent. Current priorities include providing education and vocational training to vulnerable youth, combating poverty and social inequality, and promoting environmental sustainability. The Salesians continue to adapt their approach to meet the challenges of the 21st century, while remaining true to Don Bosco’s original vision of service and compassion.
The anniversary celebrations serve as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Salesians and their unwavering commitment to building a more just and equitable world. The focus on “A dream, a promise and the future” underscores the ongoing relevance of Don Bosco’s message and the continued vitality of the Salesian Family. The celebrations are not merely a commemoration of the past, but a call to action for the future, inspiring individuals and communities to embrace the spirit of service and work towards a brighter tomorrow.
The next major event in the commemoration is a series of regional conferences scheduled throughout 2026, culminating in a global celebration in Rome in May 2026. Readers interested in learning more about the 150th anniversary celebrations and the work of the Salesians are encouraged to visit the Associazione Salesiani Cooperatori website for updates and information. Share your thoughts and experiences with the Salesian community in the comments below.