(Lungi, Sierra Leone – August 13, 2026) – The Salesian mission in Lungi, Sierra Leone, is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades since the Salesian Province of the United States West helped establish the mission with the arrival of Brother Bill Regner, SDB, in 1986. At the time, members of the Salesian community and a delegation of young adults from the Province gathered at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to see Brother Bill off as he began his journey to Sierra Leone. Forty years later, the Province continues to celebrate and support the mission that began with that historic departure.
Read the full Letter below:
Information and Invitation to the Celebration of Salesias@40 – Lungi
Dear Reverend Father Provincial,
With profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Salesians of Don Bosco in Lungi, Sierra Leone, are preparing to commemorate 40 years of Salesian presence and mission in Lungi, from 1986 to 2026.
For four decades, the Salesian presence in Lungi has been marked by a sustained commitment to the education, evangelization, formation, protection, and holistic development of young people, as well as service to families and the wider community. Through schools, pastoral activities, youth ministry, vocational formation, social initiatives, and community development, the Salesian mission has become an important part of the life and history of Lungi.
A Legacy of Mission and Service
The Salesian mission in Lungi was established by the pioneer missionaries Bro. Bill Regner, SDB, of blessed memory, and Fr. Michael Cronin, SDB, who were later joined by Fr. John Thompson, SDB.
Among the pioneers, Bro. Bill Regner made a particularly remarkable contribution through his architectural and construction skills. His craftsmanship and dedication are reflected in several of the mission’s early buildings, including St. Augustine Junior and Senior High Schools, structures within the school premises, the present Salesian residence, the Pre-Novitiate House, and other mission facilities.
His tomb at the former California residence in TintaFor remains a lasting memorial to his life, dedication, a nd generous service to the Salesian mission in Lungi.
The mission was subsequently strengthened by the dedicated service of many other Salesians, among them Fr. Albert Mengon, SDB; the late Fr. Dominic DeBlase, SDB; Bro. Michael Touchstone, SDB; Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli, SDB; Fr. Larry Gilmore, SDB; the late Harry O’Brien, and numerous other Salesians who have served faithfully in Lungi throughout these forty years.
We gratefully acknowledge their sacrifice, generosity, and pastoral commitment, through which the Salesian mission has continued to grow as a centre of evangelization, education, youth formation, and community development.
Gratitude for the Beginning of the Mission
As we commemorate this significant milestone, we also remember with gratitude the late Bishop Augustus Azzolini, SX, whose vision and openness made possible the invitation of the Salesian missionaries from Liberia to Sierra Leone. He recognized the relevance of the Salesian charism of educating and evangelizing young people within the Sierra Leonean context.
We equally acknowledge the contribution of the many priests, brothers, sisters, volunteers, teachers, benefactors, parishioners, former students, collaborators, and friends of the Salesian mission whose generosity and commitment have enabled the mission to touch and transform the lives of countless young people over the past four decades.
Salesians @ 40 Celebration
The official celebration will commence with a Grand Launching on September 24, 2026, and will continue through a series of activities during the following months.
The programme will include, among other activities:
- Sports and recreational activities;
- Quizzes and educational competitions;
- Drama and cultural presentations;
- Youth and community activities;
- Pastoral and spiritual programmes;
- Historical and commemorative activities; and
- Other initiatives aimed at celebrating and giving thanks for forty years of Salesian presence in Lungi.
It is also with particular joy that we note the forthcoming visit of the Rector Major to Sierra Leone, where he will celebrate with Don Bosco New Fambul in Dwar Town, Freetown.
Taking advantage of this providential occasion, we respectfully wish to extend an invitation for the Rector Major to join the Salesian Family in Lungi for the climax of the Salesians @ 40 celebration, particularly the Holy Mass planned for January 2027.
His presence would be a great honor and source of encouragement to the Salesian community, young people, parishioners, former students, collaborators, and friends of the mission. We believe that his participation would give particular significance to this historic celebration.
Request for Prayer and Support
As we prepare for this important milestone, we humbly request your continued prayers and support.
We would be deeply grateful for any assistance that may be extended towards the celebration, whether financial, material, logistical, pastoral, or through other forms of support.
Such assistance would enable us to organize a celebration worthy of forty years of Salesian presence and service in Lungi and would also help us to honor the many Salesians and lay collaborators who have contributed to the mission over the years.
We make this request in the spirit of the Salesian Family’s tradition of solidarity, collaboration, and shared responsibility for the mission of young people. Any assistance received will be deeply appreciated and responsibly applied towards the objectives of the celebration.
Conclusion
As we look back with gratitude on forty years of Salesian presence in Lungi, we also look forward with hope to the future. The Salesians @ 40 celebration is not only an opportunity to remember the past but also to renew our commitment to the young people and communities whom we are called to serve.
On behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Salesians @ 40 Committee, and the wider Salesian Family in Lungi, we express our sincere gratitude for your friendship, support, and continued partnership with the mission.
May Almighty God bless you abundantly and reward you for your generous service to the Salesian mission and to young people throughout the world.
We look forward with great joy to celebrating this historic milestone with you and, God willing, welcoming the Rector Major to Lungi for the climax of the celebration.
Yours faithfully in Don Bosco,
Mrs. Melvina Sumana
Secretary, Salesians @ 40 Committee
Salesians of Don Bosco – Lungi
Sierra Leone
Fr. Blamoh Harris, SDB
Rector
Salesians of Don Bosco – Lungi
Sierra Leone