Medellín Mission and Discernment Experience | August 8, 2026
By JC Montenegro, PhD, Delegate for Mission Animation
(Medellín, Colombia) – Our third day in Medellín invited us to experience one of the most recognizable characteristics of the Salesian spirit: joy and optimism. Throughout the day, our volunteers encountered this joy in children, in young people, in elderly Salesians, around the table, in formation, and most importantly, in Christ.
As the volunteers and children ate together, they exchanged stories about their lives and discovered both their similarities and differences. These conversations reminded us that presence itself can become a form of mission. Through friendship and accompaniment, young people can offer one another something deeply Salesian: hope.
In the afternoon, the group traveled to the Salesian Provincial House, where we were welcomed by Fr. Gustavo Maury, SDB, the Provincial Economer. He invited the volunteers to visit the Salesian convalescence home, where many of the confreres are over 80 years old. It was a beautiful encounter between generations.
One particularly memorable moment came when Bro. Alonso Martinez, SDB, who is 100 years old, welcomed the young men by playing a game of marbles with them. The simplicity and joy of the encounter captured something essential about the Salesian Family: regardless of age, there is always room for friendship, laughter, and presence.
Following the visit, JC Montenegro led the day’s formation on Joy and Optimism. The reflection invited the volunteers to recognize gratitude as a response to a fundamental Christian truth: Jesus is alive. Salesian joy is not simply about being cheerful or pretending that difficulties do not exist. It comes from knowing that Christ is present and alive among us. This conviction gives us reason to approach life with gratitude, hope, and confidence, especially when accompanying young people.
After formation, Fr. Gustavo Maury, SDB, celebrated Mass for the group. In another gesture of welcome and fraternity, he celebrated his first Mass in English, allowing our volunteers to experience once again the generosity with which the Salesians in Medellín have received us.
Dinner was prepared by members of the Provincial House community and became another moment of Salesian family spirit around the table. The Provincial joined the group and reflected on what he had witnessed during our days at Ciudad Don Bosco. He shared how the volunteers have shown genuine love and care for the children, affirming that their presence is already communicating something meaningful to the young people they have come to serve.
After returning to Ciudad Don Bosco, Fr. Itchan Laygo, SDB, offered the traditional Salesian Good Night. He brought the day’s experiences back to their source, reminding the group that Christ is our joy and our optimism.
As the day came to a close, one volunteer reflected on how clearly the Salesian charism has been revealed throughout this experience. From children playing at Ciudad Don Bosco to a 100-year-old Salesian Brother playing marbles with young volunteers, the same spirit continues to speak across generations.
Today reminded us that Salesian joy is not something we simply talk about. It is something we encounter, receive, and share because Christ is alive among us.
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