(ANS – New Delhi – September 10, 2026) – The annual review of the Mission to Eliminate Poverty (MPE), known as REWIND 2026, began on September 9, 2026, at the Don Bosco Provincial House in New Delhi, renewing the Salesian commitment to the fight against poverty. The two-day meeting brought together Salesian Provincials, Delegates, and mission partners from across South Asia, along with Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard, Regional Councillor for South Asia Fr. Biju Michael, and Director of the MPE for South Asia Fr. Tony Pellissery.

Drawing inspiration from the vision of the 28th General Chapter of the Salesians of Don Bosco, the MPE aims to contribute to the eradication of poverty among the families of 500,000 young people between 2024 and 2030. The mission draws inspiration from the words of St. Paul in Galatians 2:10: “They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.”

REWIND 2026 was conceived as a moment of gratitude for the journey already undertaken, an opportunity to assess the current state of the mission, and a platform to renew the Salesian commitment to those living in poverty.

The Rector Major’s Homily

In his homily, Fr. Attard placed the mission within the broader context of the Christian vocation, stating that, even before being a task to be carried out, a mission is a commission received. He said that God calls each person and entrusts each one with a mission.

Emphasizing that caring for those in need is an integral part of the Gospel, the Rector Major affirmed that caring for the poor lies at the heart of the Gospel. Referring to St. Paul’s understanding of Christian discipleship, he stressed that the proclamation of Christ cannot be separated from caring for those who are hungry, marginalized, wounded, or forgotten.

Fr. Attard stated that a heart capable of weeping is a heart that is still alive, urging the Salesians to go beyond their familiar boundaries and reach out to young people who feel distant from God and from society. He also called on the Salesian community to embrace its prophetic role, stating that this is not about the majority, but rather about supporting minorities. He added that they are present and must continue to be present.

The Words of Fr. Biju Michael

Fr. Biju Michael described South Asia’s commitment to reaching half a million families affected by hunger and poverty through education, vocational formation, and job creation as something more than just a development program. He stated that this is an apostolic mission modeled on Christ, who multiplied the five loaves and two fish received from a young boy in the crowd.

He emphasized the importance of making young people protagonists of the mission rather than mere beneficiaries. In his view, the Salesians and their collaborators are called to be facilitators who accompany young people on their journey toward dignity and autonomy.

He stated that the Salesian seeks to join young people and asks, “May we join you?” highlighting an approach based on accompaniment, participation, and empowerment.

Quoting Pope Francis’ message to the members of GC28, the Regional Superior recalled that every charism needs renewal and evangelization, especially on the part of the poorest young people.

An Overview of the MPE

Fr. Tony Pellissery presented an overview of the MPE’s journey, illustrating how its vision has been translated into concrete actions through strategic choices, interventions, and initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of poor and vulnerable communities. Delegates from the Salesian Provinces then shared their experiences, presenting initiatives aimed at young people and disadvantaged families and reflecting on the transformation observed among the beneficiaries, stakeholders, and Salesians themselves.

The presentations demonstrated that the MPE has become an ongoing process of learning, reflection, and action across all Salesian Provinces in South Asia. Its objective remains firmly rooted in the Salesian charism of reaching out to marginalized young people and creating pathways through education, skills, employment, and accompaniment.

A Clear Indicator

The two-day review therefore sought not only to measure the results achieved, but also to deepen the mission’s commitment to the poor. For the Salesians, the response to poverty remains both a Gospel imperative and a decisive measure of their charism: a “clear indicator” of how faithfully they continue the mission entrusted to them by Don Bosco.