(ANS – Rome – September 22, 2026) – The ongoing convergence process between the Salesian Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo (VIS) nongovernmental organization and the Missioni Don Bosco Mission Office in Valdocco, Turin, is becoming increasingly collaborative and is now welcoming a new member. Fr. Roberto Cappelletti, SDB, a former missionary in Brazil and Mozambique, will work alongside Fr. Luca Barone to support his responsibilities both at the Salesian Mission Office, where he serves as President, and at VIS, where he serves as Vice President.

On Monday, September 21, Fr. Barone gathered the entire VIS staff at the organization’s headquarters in Rome, along with several staff members joining from abroad, to introduce Fr. Cappelletti. He will dedicate his time to getting to know staff members in Rome and other countries, becoming familiar with ongoing programs, and supporting the countries where Missioni Don Bosco and VIS projects are active, including through missionary trips.

“Having two Salesian confreres jointly dedicated to the activities of both organizations under the new legal structure adopted in recent months is an important sign of the Congregation’s attention and trust,” explained Fr. Luca Barone. “It is significant that this coincides with the year in which VIS celebrates its 40th anniversary.”

During the meeting, Fr. Cappelletti spoke simply and sincerely about his Salesian experience in Italy and in the missions, including his recent mission in Mozambique and the missionary experience that was most significant and inspiring for him: his 10 years in Brazil.

It is precisely this missionary zeal and spirit of obedience that now lead him to work with numerous countries and projects around the world, placing his experience at the service of others in a new way.