Provincial Announcement: Province Strategic Planning and Reshaping

Dear Confreres, Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the Salesian mission in our Province.  In our Provincial Council meetings after the January Province Assembly Days, we have reflected on what was shared by the local communities and by many of you, and we have begun to make decisions to ensure that the Salesians, the local communities, and our lay partners in the mission are … Continue reading Provincial Announcement: Province Strategic Planning and Reshaping

Walking Together: Strengthening Mission Through Shared Leadership

A Reflection from the Salesian Leadership Team (Los Angeles, California) – Across the world, the Salesian mission continues to respond to new realities while remaining faithful to the dream of Don Bosco: to accompany young people, especially those most in need, with presence, hope, and faith. In the USA West Province, the past several years have been a time of intentional renewal — a journey … Continue reading Walking Together: Strengthening Mission Through Shared Leadership

Provincial Announcement: Next Provincial for Salesians USA West

Dear Salesian Family and Friends, It is my honor and privilege to announce to all of you that Fr. Joe Thinh Nguyen, SDB has been appointed by the Rector Major to be the next Provincial of SUO (Salesians of USA West).  Let us keep him in our prayers and support him in this work of leadership service. Fr. Joe, thank you for saying “YES” to the … Continue reading Provincial Announcement: Next Provincial for Salesians USA West

Salesian Provincial “Gathering of Troops”for Prayer, Listening, and the Path Forward

By Bro. Tom Mass, SDB, Province Economer (San Francisco, CA) – This past week, Monday, January 19 – 21, the Salesian Society of Don Bosco in the Western United States gathered at St. Anthony Retreat in Three Rivers for a few days of “gathering the troops” for prayer, reflection, and family time. Based on a long history of various Provincial Assembly Days, this gathering had … Continue reading Salesian Provincial “Gathering of Troops”for Prayer, Listening, and the Path Forward

Watch Our NEW Province Video: Transforming Young Lives!

(Los Angeles, California) – We’re excited to share our newest Salesian Province video—featuring our Provincial, Fr. Mel Trinidad, as the opening interview. His message sets the tone for a powerful look at how the Salesian mission continues to shape young lives today. A Mission of Faith, Joy & Service Across California and Laredo, Texas, the Salesians accompany more than 30,000 young people each year through schools, youth … Continue reading Watch Our NEW Province Video: Transforming Young Lives!

Interamerica Provincials Meeting: Celebrating Communion in Mission

A Spanish translation is included at the end of the article. / Al final del artículo se incluye una traducción al español. (Berkeley, California) – The Salesian Province of the Western United States is honored to host the Interamerica Provincials Meeting, October 19 – 25, a significant gathering that brings together Provincial Superiors of the Salesian Congregation from across the continent to reflect, pray, and … Continue reading Interamerica Provincials Meeting: Celebrating Communion in Mission

Provincial Announcement: RIP Fr. David Purdy, SDB

Provincial Announcement: RIP Fr. David Purdy, SDB Dear Salesian Family and Friends: It is with sadness that I share the news of the passing of our beloved brother, Fr. David Purdy, SDB. He entered eternal rest in the early hours of May 5th in Bellflower, California. May the Lord grant him eternal peace. Please keep Fr. David’s family in your prayers during this time of … Continue reading Provincial Announcement: RIP Fr. David Purdy, SDB

Provincial Greeting for Christmas 2024

Today a light will shine upon us, for the Lord is born for us, and he will be called Wondrous God, Prince of Peace, Father of future ages, and his reign will be without end. – (Entrance antiphon from the Christmas Mass at Dawn from Isaiah 9) Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Christmas greetings and Christmas blessings to all of you! For me … Continue reading Provincial Greeting for Christmas 2024

Summer Greetings from the Provincial

Dear Salesian Family, Young People, and Friends: I hope and pray that your summer has begun well.  The month of June is usually filled with so many activities and events: graduations and summer school, Father’s Day, summer camp preparations and summer ministries, vacations, and long trips…   The Salesian Province of the United States West is no different.  These next few weeks, there are province activities and events that will have … Continue reading Summer Greetings from the Provincial

Provincial’s Letter: January 21, 2023

Dear Salesian Family, Young People and Friends, Greetings and Blessings! As we celebrate this great Salesian month, highlighted by the Feasts of St. Francis de Sales (24th) and St. John Bosco (31st), let us re-commit our call to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in being signs and bearers of God’s love for the young. After a much needed couple of weeks with family … Continue reading Provincial’s Letter: January 21, 2023

Provincial Letter: December 2, 2022

Advent greetings and blessings to all of you! It was not long ago, on November 15-20, that our Province was blessed with the visit of the Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime. Many of you had the opportunity and the privilege to meet, to greet, to listen, to celebrate and to take photos, including selfies, with Fr. Angel.  Needless to say it was an awesome … Continue reading Provincial Letter: December 2, 2022

Provincial Letter: November 12, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Greetings and blessings on this special weekend. Yesterday, the 11th of November, we celebrated Veterans’ Day, remembering and honoring all the men and women over the years who have served to defend our freedoms. May we never forget the blessings we have received because of the veterans who have sacrificed, many with their lives, so that we can … Continue reading Provincial Letter: November 12, 2022

Provincial Letter: November 4, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: The Rector Major, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, the 10th Successor of Don Bosco, is officially coming to visit us here in California from November 15-20. I say officially because, for those of you who may not know, we have been preparing for his visit for close to a year now but it took some working behind the scenes … Continue reading Provincial Letter: November 4, 2022

Provincial Letter: October 28, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: After the beautiful events surrounding the canonization of St. Artemide Zatti in Rome, followed by the encounter of the Provincials of the Interamerica region in Lima, Peru, it is with deep contentment that I say: “It really is good to be home!” Tomorrow is the Feast of Blessed Michael Rua, who, after our beloved Don Bosco, is the … Continue reading Provincial Letter: October 28, 2022

Provincial Letter: August 21, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: It has been a very busy but fruitful week of celebration and animation. On the Solemnity of the Assumption on the 15th of August the Province celebrated the First Professions of Brother Michael Tri Loc Nguyen and Brother Thomas Minh-tu Nguyen. In the presence of their families and the many Salesians and members of the Salesian Family both … Continue reading Provincial Letter: August 21, 2022

Fr. Mel’s Homily for Bro. Jhoni’s Perpetual Profession

(Reproduced for InTouch Newsletter with permission from the author) Homilía para la Profesión Perpetua de Jhoni By Fr. Mel Trinidad, SDB(Translation by Fr. Gael Sullivan, SDB) God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good. What a joyful and hopeful occasion today. For you who are present here in Chapalita and for those following us virtually on livestream: Welcome and God’s blessings. … Continue reading Fr. Mel’s Homily for Bro. Jhoni’s Perpetual Profession

Provincial Letter: July 23, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: I write this week’s message with a sad and heavy heart. Yestereday, July 22nd, 2022, at 4:01 PM Fr. Al Pestun SDB passed away at San Francisco General Hospital in the presence of the Salesians of Corpus Christi Salesian community and with Fr. Al’s niece and nephew. He was 93 years old. Fr. Al was born in Sulekovo, … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 23, 2022

Provincial Letter: July 17th, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Today I am filled with joy, grateful for the opportunity to experience in the past few days the joy and laughter of children at two different summer ministries in our Province. The first was at the Summer Camp at San Luis Rey Parish in Laredo, Texas. When I dropped in and presided at the Eucharist at the Salesian … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 17th, 2022

Provincial Letter: July 8th, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Greetings from Don Bosco Tech, Rosemead, where I and the Provincial Council have just spent this past week in meetings to reflect and plan for this coming year 2022-2023. It has been a good few days of meetings and a great opportunity to be with the Bosco Tech Salesian community. We are grateful to Fr. Thien, the Director, … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 8th, 2022

Provincial Letter: June 17th, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: A lot of things happening but it is so good to be home for a few days in cool and breezy San Francisco. Last weekend I was in Los Angeles and the weather was unbearably hot. Driving up from Southern California I stopped at Camp St. Francis in Aptos on Tuesday, June 14, to preside at the Final … Continue reading Provincial Letter: June 17th, 2022

Provincial Letter: June 3rd, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: On June 1st, on a beautiful clear evening, I found myself on the 61st floor of the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco. A former student who works for the Bar Association of San Francisco invited me to an event at the Ohana Floor overlooking the City by the Bay. What an amazing structure, the tallest in the city … Continue reading Provincial Letter: June 3rd, 2022

Provincial Letter: May 27th, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: “Do all through love, nothing through constraint.” These words from St. Francis de Sales make up our strenna for the year 2022. We have been reflecting on these words for many months now. But another tragic mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24 jarred our minds and our hearts; the killing of 19 elementary school children and … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 27th, 2022

Provincial Letter: May 20th, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Greetings from the Provincial Office, where I have been self-quarantined for over a week now. I had COVID symptoms and tested positive on Friday, May 13. Feeling better after at least five days of self-quarantine I again got tested on Wednesday, May 18. Lo and behold, I am still positive. For those who heard and have reached out, … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 20th, 2022

Provincial Letter: May 6th, 2022

Dear Salesian Family and Salesian Young People: Today I affectionately greet you a “Happy Feast Day of St. Dominic Savio!” The month of May is special to us as Salesian Family because of the many liturgical celebrations of Salesian saints and of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians on the 24th of May. May 6, today, is the Feast of St. Dominic Savio, a … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 6th, 2022

Provincial Letter August 6th, 2020

Dear Salesian Family, A special thanks to my Salesian confreres and to my immediate family (three brothers) who joined us for the Province Installation Mass on July 30th at St. John Bosco High School, Bellflower. I am also appreciative of the many Salesian Family members, as well as alumni/ae, family and friends who watched the event virtually from other parts of the United States, from … Continue reading Provincial Letter August 6th, 2020

Provincial Letter: April 10th, 2020

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today, Holy Thursday, I returned to the Provincial House after my 14 days of quarantine.    I came back on time to join the provincial community for their Holy Thursday Mass and dinner. I wish to thank Fr. Jospeh Mathew Paradayil, Pastor and Director of the St. Francis Salesian Community and the entire Watsonville Salesian community for their very kind and … Continue reading Provincial Letter: April 10th, 2020

Provincial Letter: March 26th, 2020

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Greetings from Camp St. Francis, in Aptos, where I am in my third day of my 14 day quarantine.   I give thanks to God for my return from Northern Italy and the beautiful space made available to me for my time in quarantine.    The Salesian community in Watsonville (which includes Br. Mike Herbers) has been most gracious and hospitable.   My … Continue reading Provincial Letter: March 26th, 2020

Provincial Letter: February 6th, 2020

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last night I flew back to San Francisco after several days in Orange, New Jersey.  Along with Fr. John Itzaina, our formation delegate for the province, Fr. Tim Ploch, our regional, Fr. Tim Zak, Provincial from the Eastern Province, Fr. Steve Ryan, formation delegate for the New Rochelle Province and the formation team in Orange, we met all day on … Continue reading Provincial Letter: February 6th, 2020

Provincial Letter: January 30th, 2020

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Many of us are still basking in the glow and wonderful experience of our PAD (Province Assembly Days) held in January 12-14.   My thanks to all those who made the effort to be present and participate.    I have only heard good and positive things about our two and a half days together in San Juan Bautista.   My thanks also to … Continue reading Provincial Letter: January 30th, 2020

Provincial Letter: December 19th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, In five days we will be celebrating Christmas Eve.   Many of you will be traveling and will be busy with different types of preparations for that beautiful day when we celebrate Christ’s birth and God’s incarnation, God becoming one with us through Jesus.   I wish to extend to all of you a very blessed and beautiful Christmas.   May you be … Continue reading Provincial Letter: December 19th, 2019

Provincial Letter: December 11th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, We have entered the beautiful season of Advent.   It is one of my favorite seasons of the Liturgical year.  This season of Advent always invites me to a spirit of reflection, prayer, slowing down and connections with friends and loved ones.  It is a time that focuses on preparation for the feast of Christmas but which sometimes includes more celebrations … Continue reading Provincial Letter: December 11th, 2019

Provincial Letter: November 27th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, The following story comes from an article on Gratitude by Ron Rolheiser: “There’s a Jewish folk-tale which runs something like this: There once was a young man who aspired to great holiness. After some time at working to achieve it, he went to see his Rabbi. “Rabbi,” he announced, “I think I have achieved sanctity.” ”Why do you think that?” … Continue reading Provincial Letter: November 27th, 2019

Provincial Letter: November 19th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Two weeks ago, November 7-8, the two provincial councils of the SDBs in the United States met for our annual meetings.   We from the west,  flew out a day early for our own provincial council meeting before joining the Eastern Provincial Council.  And, several of us stayed two extra days afterwards to visit our men in formation in Orange, New … Continue reading Provincial Letter: November 19th, 2019

Provincial Letter: October 29th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, On Sunday, October 27th, I flew back from Quito, Ecuador, where I spent the last week with Fr. Tim Ploch, our Regional and most of the 13 provincials from our Inter-American Region.   Two of our provincials could not enter the Ecuador for different reasons. The annual Inter-American provincials gathering took place in Quito this year.   We stayed at a retreat … Continue reading Provincial Letter: October 29th, 2019

Provincial Letter: October 15th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last week, the Provincial Council, minus Fr. Tho Bui and Fr. John Itzaina, flew into San Antonio, Texas, rented a car and drove to Laredo where the provincial council met the staff of San Luis Rey and gathered for two days of provincial council meetings.   Although, we were missing two provincial council members, the four of us present, were able … Continue reading Provincial Letter: October 15th, 2019

Provincial Letter: October 1st, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today we celebrated the feast of St. Therese of Lisieux or also known as St. Theresa of the Child Jesus or the Little Flower.   She entered the Carmelite convent at 15, with special permission from the Pope, and died when she was 24 years of age in 1897.   She lived a secluded, cloistered life as a Carmelite nun.  But, she … Continue reading Provincial Letter: October 1st, 2019

Provincial Letter: September 26th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Yesterday morning, I drove down from the provincial house in San Francisco to Los Angeles.  The Salesian Sisters had invited us to attend their “medal ceremony” for the new postulants.   We wish to congratulate the nine new postulants (five from the Eastern Province and four from the West) on this new and official step in their journey towards their profession … Continue reading Provincial Letter: September 26th, 2019

Provincial Letter: September 19th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, On Tuesday, September 17th, I met with the small Board of Directors of our Salesian Family Youth Center in Boyle Heights.  I wish to congratulate Juan Carlos Montenegro for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the young people from the east side of Los Angeles.   Their summer camp was a big success, and there are many projects being initiated … Continue reading Provincial Letter: September 19th, 2019

Provincial Letter: September 11th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today we remember the 9/11 event which took place eighteen years ago.  It was a type of event, much like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, when people recalled exactly where they were and what they were doing when they heard of the news.   The 9/11 event changed our lives forever and today many of us still recall the … Continue reading Provincial Letter: September 11th, 2019

Provincial Letter: September 4th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I hope your Labor Day weekend activities were fruitful, enjoyable and relaxing. Our communities gathered for a barbecue meal and time together, in the Northern and Southern areas of California. Those in Northern California gathered at Don Bosco Hall, Berkeley and those in the South gathered at St. John Bosco, Bellflower. Since I was already in the Southland, I joined … Continue reading Provincial Letter: September 4th, 2019

Provincial Letter: August 27th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Yesterday, the Directors, Pastors and Delegates of the different province departments met for our biannual meeting.    Usually, we meet at the beginning of the scholastic/pastoral year and again in the Spring.   We meet to plan, nourish our spirits, and reconnect as province leadership.   I wish to thank all those who were able to make it.   I realize that this is … Continue reading Provincial Letter: August 27th, 2019

Provincial Council, Delegates, and Coordinators Meeting

By: Andres Neria On Thursday August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, our Provincial Fr. Ted and his council met with the delegates and coordinators of the province. The purpose of this meeting, and future meetings to come, is to explore and implement better ways to serve our province at all levels. This idea was presented at this year’s Provincial Chapter and came out as … Continue reading Provincial Council, Delegates, and Coordinators Meeting

Provincial Letter: August 20th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last Thursday, August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mother into heaven, the Western Province of St. Andrew had the blessing of witnessing the first professions of two of our brothers:  Leo Imbert and Kris Tran.   We wish to congratulate them and promise them our prayers.  We wish to thank their parents for the love and … Continue reading Provincial Letter: August 20th, 2019

Provincial Letter: August 14th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I flew back into Los Angeles from San Antonio late last night.   As I had mentioned before, the Salesian Sisters had invited me to preside at the Mass for Sr. Sydney Moss’ final vows.   I arrived a day early and was able to concelebrate at the Mass of Renewal of vows for three Salesian Sisters presided by Fr. Pascual Chavez … Continue reading Provincial Letter: August 14th, 2019

Provincial Letter: July 24th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Laredo, Texas for two days visiting my family and the Parish of San Luis Rey.  I came to San Antonio, Texas last Friday, after our Board Meeting at Don Bosco Tech.   The FMA Sisters had invited me to preside at their Jubilee celebration which took place on Saturday.   I am grateful for the invitation and for … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 24th, 2019

Provincial Letter: July 17th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Los Angeles.  I drove down yesterday evening, after visiting Camp St. Francis in Aptos.  Today I visited Camp Savio in Bellflower.   Tomorrow, I hope to visit our ministry in Boyle Heights. I am grateful to all those working hard to give young people a beautiful, enjoyable and Salesian summer experience.   Wherever you go, you sense the … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 17th, 2019

Provincial Letter: July 10th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I am presently in Santa Cruz, at Villa Del Mar Retreat House ran by the Holy Names Sisters.   The Provincial Council and I are here for a week of meetings:  prayer, planning, reflection and some fraternal time together.   We arrived on Sunday evening and will finish on Friday at noon.  It is a beautiful setting, close to the ocean and … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 10th, 2019

Provincial Letter: July 3rd, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Last night I flew in from New York, after attending the “Forming The Formators” Workshop being hosted at the Marian Shrine, a retreat house staffed by the Salesians, in Stony Point, New York.  The workshop began Friday morning and ended Sunday afternoon with Mass presided by Fr. Tim Zak, Provincial of the New Rochelle Province.  Overall, 90 people attended , … Continue reading Provincial Letter: July 3rd, 2019

Provincial Letter: June 26th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Tomorrow, I fly out to Newark to attend the Formation of Formators of Salesian Cooperators workshop being held at the Marian Shrine in Stony Point, NY.   The workshop will include the SDB and FMA delegates of each community where we have Cooperators centers.   Also invited are those directing the formation of each center and others involved with formation of Cooperators.   … Continue reading Provincial Letter: June 26th, 2019

Provincial Letter: June 12th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Our Western Province of St. Andrew is preparing for our Provincial Chapter which will take place from Sunday, June 16 to Friday, June 21, 2019.   This Chapter will take place at Three Rivers where we usually host one of our two retreats.   This provincial chapter is in preparation for the General Chapter which will take place next year 2020 in … Continue reading Provincial Letter: June 12th, 2019

Provincial Letter: May 29th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, I just drove into San Francisco from Watsonville, where I attended a farewell and thank you party for Michele Bowling, which took place last night at a private home.   Michele has worked with St. Francis High School since its beginnings when the Diocese of Monterey and the Salesians entered into a joint agreement to build a new high school on … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 29th, 2019

Provincial Letter: May 22nd, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, This Friday we celebrate the Feast of Mary Help of Christians!  Happy Feast day to all the Salesian Family.  As all of you well know, Mary Help of Christians meant so much to Don Bosco.  From the age of nine years of age, when Don Bosco had that famous dream, Johnny Bosco saw Mary (the women his Mother taught him … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 22nd, 2019

Provincial Letter: May 15th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, On Monday, May 13th, the Salesian World celebrated the feast of St. Mary Dominica Mazzarello, who, along with Don Bosco, founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians or as they are more commonly known, the Salesian Sisters.   We wish the Salesian Sisters a “Happy Feast Day” and pray that God will continue to bless them with many good and … Continue reading Provincial Letter: May 15th, 2019

Provincial Letter: April 30th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, The last week was a very busy time as many of us participated and attended different events prepared for Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Mother General of the Salesian Sisters who was visiting the Western Province of the Salesian Sister.    After spending several days right after Easter,  with our brothers who were doing their annual retreat at St. Anthony’s Retreat, Three Rivers, … Continue reading Provincial Letter: April 30th, 2019

Provincial Letter: April 24th, 2019

Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Happy Easter!  I pray that this Easter Season may truly be a time of new life, deep peace and overflowing joy.  Our faith in the Risen Lord encourages us to trust in Him and surrender our lives to his Kingdom.  During the Holy Week services I attended, the presider told the congregation to allow God to catch you!  We sometimes … Continue reading Provincial Letter: April 24th, 2019

Provincial: We Live Our Lives in the Spirit of Don Bosco Who Dreamt ‘Big’

The Provincial’s weekly letter to the Salesian Family: Dear Salesian sisters and brothers, These days I am in San Antonio, Texas.  Last week, I attended the CMSM (Conference of Major Superiors of Men) in Columbus, Ohio.  I took a “red eye” flight from San Francisco to Columbus, Ohio, via Detroit.  I left on Sunday and arrived on Monday morning.  I was able to spend Monday … Continue reading Provincial: We Live Our Lives in the Spirit of Don Bosco Who Dreamt ‘Big’

Provincial: May God Answer Our Prayers for Vocations

The Provincial’s weekly letter to the Salesian Family: Dear Salesian Sisters and Brothers, Today, Sunday, July 31st, I participated in the beautiful celebration for Fr. Tuan Nguyen’s 25th anniversary of Priesthood, which took place at our Vietnamese center, Mary Help of Christians, in Stockton. Bishop Steven Blaire was present at the Eucharistic celebration, along with 10 other priests. The Vietnamese Center community, which is overseen … Continue reading Provincial: May God Answer Our Prayers for Vocations