Medellín Mission and Discernment Experience | August 6, 2026
By JC Montenegro, Delegate for Mission Animation
(Medellín, Colombia) – Thirteen young adult men from the Salesian Province of the United States West are in Medellín, Colombia, for a missionary and vocational discernment experience at Ciudad Don Bosco, a Salesian presence of the Medellín Province serving young people, especially those experiencing situations of vulnerability.
This experience is a collaborative effort of Youth Ministry, Mission Animation, and the Salesian Volunteer Program, bringing together service, Salesian spirituality, community life, and vocational discernment. Throughout these days, the young men are being invited not only to serve, but also to listen more deeply to God’s call in their lives.
On Thursday, August 6, the volunteers began their day with the Educative Pastoral Community of Ciudad Don Bosco and the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. José Ariel Guerrero Castro, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Medellín.
In welcoming the group, Fr. Ariel shared a powerful connection to Ciudad Don Bosco: his own vocation began in this same place approximately 40 years ago. His testimony offered a meaningful beginning to the experience. In the very place where one young man once began listening to God’s call, thirteen young adults are now being invited to do the same.
The rest of the day unfolded in deep immersion into the life and mission of Ciudad Don Bosco. After breakfast, the volunteers toured the facilities and became familiar with the Salesian presence. They then shared lunch with the children, followed by an afternoon of activities with them, including games, soccer, and other moments of joyful encounter. The day continued with dinner shared together with the children, further strengthening bonds of community and family spirit.
After this full day of encounter and service, the group gathered for a teaching moment led by Fr. Fabian Cardenas, SDB, centered on three essential dimensions of the Christian and Salesian vocation: Christ, community, and mission. The reflection invited the volunteers to recognize that mission begins in an encounter with Christ, grows through life in community, and sends us outward in service to others, particularly young people most in need.
The evening continued with a community reflection, giving the volunteers an opportunity to look back on the day and recognize where God might already be speaking through their experiences.
The day concluded in a characteristically Salesian way with the traditional Good Night, offered by Fr. Joe Nguyen, SDB, the new Provincial of the United States West Province. Fr. Joe invited the young adults to listen carefully for God’s call during these days and to have the courage to respond.
That invitation expresses the heart of this experience in Medellín. These thirteen young men have come to serve, but they have also come to listen: to Christ, to one another, to the young people and children they encounter, and to the voice of God within their own hearts.
Forty years ago, a Salesian vocation began in this same place. Today, thirteen young adults are asking what God may be calling them to become.
Please keep these young men and the entire missionary community in your prayers as their journey of Christ, community, mission, and discernment continues at Ciudad Don Bosco.
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