(ANS – Turin – October 19, 2026) – On October 16 and 17, two significant events took place at the Salesian Mother House in Valdocco for the 18 missionaries of the 157th Missionary Expedition of the Salesians of Don Bosco: the presentation of the letters of obedience and a meeting with the Rector Major.
The Presentation of the Letters of Obedience
On the evening of October 16, during Vespers in the Chapel of St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Jorge Crisafulli, general councilor for the Missions, presented the letters of obedience to the 18 missionaries on behalf of the Rector Major. Mother Chiara Cazzuola, superior general of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), was also present for the celebration.
In his address, Fr. Crisafulli invited the missionaries to receive their letters with faith. He explained that joy comes from obeying and humbly accepting the destination entrusted to them. The letters, he added, signify more than a simple change of province. Through the Congregation, Jesus himself sends the missionaries to new lands to fulfill his command: “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
The councilor emphasized that missionaries are not sent to fill vacancies or resolve staffing shortages, but because they have received a specific missionary vocation within their Salesian vocation. Although every Christian is called to be a missionary, he reminded those present, the Church continues to need missionaries ad gentes, ad vitam, and ad exteros—those prepared to cross borders and dedicate their entire lives to proclaiming the Gospel. Forgetting this dimension, he warned, could amount to “charismatic suicide.”
Fr. Crisafulli then recalled the missionary history of the Salesian Family. The previous year marked the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian missionary expedition, while in 2027, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of their first missionary expedition in Uruguay.
From 1875 until his death, St. John Bosco sent out 12 missionary expeditions comprising 153 missionaries, at a time when there were barely 350 Salesians. Thanks to this missionary commitment, the Salesian presence now extends to 137 countries.
“This is missionary boldness!” he declared, challenging those present to consider whether that same fire remains alive in the congregations, provinces, communities, and hearts of individuals.
He reminded the missionaries that the Church needs them both among peoples who do not yet know Christ and in lands with deep Christian roots, where faith has grown dormant and needs to be rekindled. He encouraged them to share the joy of knowing Jesus, recognize the signs of his presence already at work among people, and make his love tangible, especially to the poorest and most vulnerable young people.
“You do not need to know every step of the journey,” he concluded. “You need to trust in the One who calls you.”
He then entrusted the missionaries to Mary Help of Christians, expressing his hope for a generous and joyful response to God’s call: “Here I am, Lord. Send me!”
The Meeting with the Rector Major
On Saturday, October 17, at 11 a.m., Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, and Mother Chiara Cazzuola, superior general of the FMA, met with the Salesian missionaries and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco. The gathering provided an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and sharing on the meaning and challenges of the missionary vocation today.
The discussion focused on several fundamental aspects of mission: prayer, formation, respect for cultures, accompanying young people, and perseverance in service.
Participants emphasized that mission flows from a deep relationship with God. Prayer and apostolic action are not opposing realities but inseparable dimensions of an authentic consecrated life. Together, they sustain daily service and make one’s presence among young people and the most vulnerable fruitful.
Particular attention was given to intercultural respect. Missionaries are called to approach communities with humility, listening before acting and recognizing people’s values, history, and gifts. The goal is not to become heroes or impose cultural models, but to share life, build fraternal relationships, and bear witness to the Gospel through a loving and tangible presence.
The accompaniment of young people was also discussed. Missionary volunteering, youth ministry, and life within educational communities offer valuable opportunities to nurture generosity among young people and help them reflect on their futures and vocations. The Salesian Family is called to create welcoming environments where everyone can experience the joy of giving oneself in service to others.
Finally, the dialogue highlighted the importance of remaining faithful to the mission, even when results are not immediately visible. Missionaries sow with confidence, trusting that God is the one who makes the seed grow.