(ANS – Rome) – From June 29 to July 1, 2025, the Directors of the four Salesian Mission Offices – Salesian Missions (New Rochelle), Missioni Don Bosco (Turin), Don Bosco Mission (Bonn), and Misiones Salesianas (Madrid) – gathered at the Salesian Generalate, Sacro Cuore in Rome, for a three day annual meeting marked by prayer, reflection, fraternity, and planning for the Congregation’s global missionary outreach.

Convened by Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli, General Councillor for the Missions, together with Fr. Gabriel Stawowy, Economer General, the meeting brought these together to review progress, share experiences, and chart a united path forward. The sessions were moderated by Fr. Eric Mairura of the Missions Sector.

The gathering began with a pilgrimage to St. Benedict’s Monastery Subiaco, guided by Fr. Francesco Marcoccio (Rector of the General house), offering a moment of spiritual grounding and unity.

In his welcoming address, Fr. George Crisafulli emphasized that the Salesian mission goes beyond mere action and must be rooted in a compassionate heart. Quoting Pope Leo XIV, he stressed that the mission is about building bridges rather than walls, highlighting the Salesians’ preferential option for the poor. This, he affirmed, is essential in order to bring hope to the young. Drawing from the African proverb, “If you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together,” he underscored the importance of synergy and collaboration, particularly among the Salesian Mission Procures. Their coordinated efforts, he noted, are vital in sustaining the mission and ensuring its global impact.

A key moment was the personal encounter with the Rector Major, which offered a thought-provoking reflection rooted in the global perspective of the Congregation and the guiding themes of General Chapter 29 (CG29). He highlighted two core challenges facing the Salesians today: deepening their identity and responding effectively to the needs of the young. He emphasized that identity is not merely about roles or actions, but about being passionately rooted in Christ. “Our identity must be inhabited, nurtured, and constantly renewed,” he said. In the current cultural shift—”not an era of change, but a change of era” – Fr. Fabio stressed the urgency of authenticity. In a society where young people often lack external reference points, only authenticity can pierce indifference.

He further reaffirmed the Congregation’s priority for the service of the poorest, especially in emerging and challenging contexts, and the formation of Salesians as a shared mission responsibility. He further emphasized the necessity of animation, accountability, and unity in the Salesian mission.

The agenda also included updates on the Mission strategy, funding policies, project coordination of the four Procures, and collaboration with the Don Bosco Network (DBN). The conversation focused on transparency, impact, and coordinated service delivery to the missions most in need. This was followed by sharing on the upcoming Salesian Mission Day 2026. The Directors of the Mission Offices then presented their best practices, innovative models, and success stories, reinforcing collaboration and common purpose.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to Don Bosco’s vision: serving the young and the poor with generosity and fidelity, while supporting the formation and sustainability of Salesian life and mission. United as a global family, the Mission looks forward to its continued collaboration and to the next gathering.