Salesian Social Works, Salesian World News

SDB Provinces: The Holy Guardian Angels Province of Austria (AUS)

(ANS – Rome) – Several months after the previous installments, the “SDB Provinces” column returns. Originally launched in preparation for the 29th General Chapter, the series aims to highlight the diverse Salesian presence across the five continents. Here are new “snapshots” of the works and communities that the Salesians of Don Bosco have established and developed throughout the world. Today, the series continues with the Holy Guardian Angels Province of Austria (AUS).

The History of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Austria

The Beginnings of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Austria

Between 1903 and 1906, the Salesians of Don Bosco began their first initiatives in what is now Austria. In Vienna, so-called child protection centers were established. The first Salesians were primarily Austrians with late vocations who had received their formation in Turin.

Because of the difficult political relationship between the Habsburg Monarchy and the Kingdom of Italy, official recognition in Austria-Hungary was initially not possible. Nevertheless, in 1905, the Holy Guardian Angels Province was founded. With the support of Cardinal Nagl, the Salesians finally obtained official recognition from both the Church and the state in 1912.

A first milestone came in 1909 with the construction of the Salesianum in Vienna’s 3rd district for “poor boys.” In 1912, an institute for late vocations was established in Wernsee (today in Slovenia), and in 1914, the Maria Hilf Mission House was founded in Unterwaltersdorf, which remained a central formation center until the 1970s.

Expansion after the First World War

After World War I, the Salesians continued expanding their presence. In 1919, new institutions were established in Graz-Eggenberg and Vienna’s 18th district. Additional foundations followed in Fulpmes (1921), Amstetten (1925), Linz (1928), Klagenfurt (1934), Graz (1935), and Innsbruck.

Due to the effects of the Great Depression, some communities and works were later forced to close.

An exception to typical Salesian practice occurred in 1919, when the Salesians took responsibility for a parish in Stadlau, Vienna—an unusual situation, since Salesians traditionally do not administer parishes. The church consecrated there in 1924 also included youth rooms and a theater hall.

Development after the Second World War

Many institutions were forced to close during World War II, but a new beginning emerged after 1945. Youth services resumed and expanded, including works in Unterwaltersdorf (1964 and 1969) and Fulpmes (1973).

New initiatives were established, including student residences, apprentice homes, and youth housing in Landeck, Bludenz, Klagenfurt, Linz, Graz, Salzburg, and Vienna. Many of these works no longer exist today, often due to personnel or financial challenges.

New churches and community centers were also built in growing parishes, including those in Klagenfurt (1962) and Graz. The Don Bosco House in Vienna replaced the former student residence in Unter-St. Veit in 1986 and served as the provincial house until 2022.

Statistical Data

Today, there are 46 Salesians of Don Bosco in Austria, serving in six locations:

  • The Parish of the Sacred Heart (Herz Jesu) in Amstetten, with its youth center “JA – Don Bosco”.
  • The Don Bosco Student Residence in Fulpmes.
  • The Parish of St. Joseph (St. Josef) in Klagenfurt, with a parish center, kindergarten, daycare services, and the Don Bosco Student Residence.
  • The Don Bosco High School (Gymnasium) in Unterwaltersdorf.
  • The Parish of the Sacred Heart (Herz Jesu) in Stadlau, Vienna, with an attached youth center.
  • Don Bosco Social Services at various locations throughout Vienna, providing refugee assistance and youth centers.

The Salesianum in Neuerdberg, Vienna, includes the Don Bosco Student Home, the Provincial House, the Salesian Youth Movement, youth ministry programs, a youth education center, Don Bosco Volunteers, Don Bosco Mission Austria, and the Don Bosco Parish.

This work on behalf of young people would not be possible without the many dedicated volunteers and full-time employees who support the mission of the order. Currently, 181 staff members in Austria actively contribute to the mission of the Salesians of Don Bosco.