Young Salesian Volunteers to Communicate the Ratio in Their Own Languages

(ANS – Rome) – On Saturday, February 7, the first online meeting was held for young Salesian volunteers committed to spreading and implementing the new Ratio through language and formats appropriate to their generation. This initiative follows a twofold approach: on the one hand, to facilitate understanding of the text; on the other, to encourage an attitude of welcome and response by sharing reflections, ideas, … Continue reading Young Salesian Volunteers to Communicate the Ratio in Their Own Languages

Upwards: Pier Giorgio Frassati – A Model for Salesian Missionary Volunteers

(ANS – Rome) – Pier Giorgio Frassati lived his short life with one clear direction “Verso l’alto,” upwards. Those two words, scribbled once on a mountain photo, reveal more than his love for climbing. They express how he lived: always moving toward God, toward others, and toward something greater.  For Frassati, faith was never something private or passive. It was alive. It took him into the streets … Continue reading Upwards: Pier Giorgio Frassati – A Model for Salesian Missionary Volunteers

Salesians Commission Ten Missionary Volunteers

(New Rochelle, USA – August 2025) – On August 14, the Salesians of the New Rochelle Province commissioned ten lay missionary volunteers at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Haverstraw, N.Y. The group, five men and five women from seven U.S. states, completed a three-week orientation program that included prayer, cultural preparation, practical experience at St. John Bosco Parish in Port Chester, and a retreat … Continue reading Salesians Commission Ten Missionary Volunteers

From Mission to Life: When Animation Makes People Rediscover Christ in the Yard, In Prayer and Among the Suffering

(ANS – Cairo) – The Zeitun Oratory is a little piece of paradise in the chaos of Cairo. Its courtyard is small compared to the Salesian oratories in Italy, but it is able to welcome everyone who passes through. From June 30 to July 20, several young Italian volunteers spent three weeks there, sharing the spaces of the Salesian community and providing leadership with Egyptian and … Continue reading From Mission to Life: When Animation Makes People Rediscover Christ in the Yard, In Prayer and Among the Suffering

Serving in Tijuana: A Mission of Compassion and Connection

By Arlyn Fragoso (19-year-old volunteer) I am currently on my first mission trip, and it has brought me to the vibrant yet deeply challenged city of Tijuana, Mexico. Here, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve through a vast network of social projects, with my primary focus being the “Desayunador”, a place of hope, nourishment, and human connection. Each day, the Desayunador provides warm meals to … Continue reading Serving in Tijuana: A Mission of Compassion and Connection

Called to Be Mission: A Global Movement for Salesian Volunteering

(ANS – Rome) – Something beautiful continues growing within the Salesian Family: a renewed desire to strengthen and accompany the missionary heart of our young people. Over the past three years, the Salesian Missionary Volunteering (SMV) Advisory Team has been working to create a network among SMV programs and provide accompaniment. Last week, the advisory team met to evaluate the first strategic plan and create a way … Continue reading Called to Be Mission: A Global Movement for Salesian Volunteering

Strengthening Our Mission: Online Formation for Salesian Missionary Volunteer Directors

(ANS – Rome) – In a spirit of deep commitment and renewal, we are excited to share with our Salesian family across the globe the ongoing online formation for Salesian Missionary Volunteering (SMV) Directors, a concrete expression of our Congregation’s strategic vision for 2022–2026. Guided by our collective call to “walk with the young” and support our missionary presence in the world, this formation is both a response … Continue reading Strengthening Our Mission: Online Formation for Salesian Missionary Volunteer Directors

“Join the Mission”: How Salesian Missionary Volunteers Are Changing Lives Worldwide

(ANS – Rome) – Salesian Missionary Volunteering is a wonderful fruit of the Salesian charism and the opportunities of network and formation are growing. Salesian Missionary Volunteering (SMV) is not just about service—it’s about transformation. Across the globe, young people are stepping forward, answering a call that is bigger than themselves, and becoming part of something extraordinary: a movement of faith, love, and commitment to making the … Continue reading “Join the Mission”: How Salesian Missionary Volunteers Are Changing Lives Worldwide

Salesian Young Hearts in Action: USA Youth’s Transformative Journey to Tijuana

(ANS – Tijuana) – For many young people, stepping out of their comfort zone can be daunting. Yet, for 17 students from a Salesian school in Watsonville, California, their recent trip to Tijuana, Mexico, proved to be more than just a journey across borders—it was a profound experience of faith, service, and self-discovery. A Journey of Purpose Every year, a group of students embarks on this … Continue reading Salesian Young Hearts in Action: USA Youth’s Transformative Journey to Tijuana

Igniting a Missionary Spirit: Salesian Presence at SEEK 2025 Young Adult Conference

By JC Montenegro, PhD (Bellflower, California) – What happens when thousands of young Catholics gather to explore their faith and discover their purpose? A spark ignites—a spark that can change lives and light up the world. At SEEK 2025, the Salesian Lay Missionary Volunteer Programs of the United States of America shared this spark, connecting with college students who want to make a difference. This … Continue reading Igniting a Missionary Spirit: Salesian Presence at SEEK 2025 Young Adult Conference

Salesian Volunteers In Action

Making a Difference Together (Los Angeles, California) – On Monday, December 22, 2024, we witnessed the power of unity and service! A heartfelt thank you to all the Salesian volunteers who joined us at the shelter, offering love and support to families navigating financial challenges as they begin a new chapter in this country. From the Salesian parishes of St. Mary’s, St. Isabel, and St. … Continue reading Salesian Volunteers In Action

Bringing Hope to the Children of Skid Row: A Day of Connection and Care

By JC Montenegro, PhD. (Los Angeles, California) – In the heart of Los Angeles, a city often associated with dreams and opportunities, a stark and heartbreaking reality persists—children living on the streets. For many of these young ones, daily life is marked not only by homelessness but by insecurity, lack of access to education, and an uncertain future. Recently, a group of six young Salesian … Continue reading Bringing Hope to the Children of Skid Row: A Day of Connection and Care

Youth Ministry and Mission Sectors United in Mission: A Global Vision for Salesian Missionary Volunteering

(ANS – Rome) – In an inspiring display of collaboration and shared vision, the Salesian congregation’s Youth Ministry and Missions sectors have united to foster a robust and dynamic Salesian Missionary Volunteering. This groundbreaking initiative traces its origins to the innovative proposal by three dedicated lay individuals who envisioned a unified effort at the congregational level to promote the spirit of Salesian missionary work. The proposal … Continue reading Youth Ministry and Mission Sectors United in Mission: A Global Vision for Salesian Missionary Volunteering

Finding Christ on the Streets of Skid Row: A Young Person’s Reflection

By Jessica Narez On Sunday, March 17th, the Salesian Missionary Volunteer Program, in collaboration with various Salesian works, organized a homeless outreach in the Skid Row community, providing meals to over 500 individuals living on the streets. Volunteers from St. Mary’s and St. Isabel Salesian parishes, along with young Confirmation students led by catechist Anna Rosales, joined forces. Additionally, Salesian High School Bishop Mora contributed … Continue reading Finding Christ on the Streets of Skid Row: A Young Person’s Reflection

Journey of Service: Reflections on Salesian Missionary Volunteering and Community Empowerment

(ANS – Rome) – The Salesian Missionary Volunteering continues to flourish, with participants deeply engaged in discussions about critical topics and plans to strengthen the program’s impact. In the latest gathering, which spanned four days, attendees delved into essential themes such as identity, formation, accompaniment, and network building. During the third day of the gathering, the focus was on the vital concept of accompaniment. Recognizing the … Continue reading Journey of Service: Reflections on Salesian Missionary Volunteering and Community Empowerment

Salesian Volunteer Program Gains Momentum with Congregational-Level Meeting

ANS – Rome) – In an inspiring move to foster a spirit of missionary service and community engagement, the Salesian Volunteer Advisory Board and Mission and Youth Ministry Counselors have set a plan in motion to promote their volunteer program at a congregational level. The initiative is set to commence on a promising note today, Tuesday, March 5, 2024, with a gathering of 45 SDBs and … Continue reading Salesian Volunteer Program Gains Momentum with Congregational-Level Meeting

Kristiñe’s Volunteering Experience in Mexico Marked “A Before and After in My Life”

(ANS – Tijuana) – Kristiñe Azpiazu is a young psychologist who spent three months as a Salesian Missionary Volunteer in several Salesian works in Tijuana, Mexico, on the northern border with the United States. Coming from a Basque Government volunteer program, she joined the international volunteer experience of “Misiones Salesianas” – the Salesian Mission Office based in Madrid – to offer her time and talent to … Continue reading Kristiñe’s Volunteering Experience in Mexico Marked “A Before and After in My Life”

Challenges and Compassion: Serving the Homeless in Los Angeles

By Luis Chacon In recent years, homelessness has emerged as a prominent issue in many areas, particularly in Los Angeles. It manifests in various forms with multifaceted causes, presenting a complex challenge that cannot be easily addressed by a few individuals alone. Friday brought a ray of hope as Miss Jen Schnorr, a teacher at St John Bosco High School, organized a retreat for freshmen, … Continue reading Challenges and Compassion: Serving the Homeless in Los Angeles

A Volunteer’s Experience – Part III

This is the last part of Paula’s article. In it she shares her experience in the Monthly Homeless Outreach program, her community experience, and what she has learned in her volunteering experience. By Paula Luengos A specific moment that I will never forget: If I would have to choose a specific day that I’ve learned the most I’ll choose the day that we went to … Continue reading A Volunteer’s Experience – Part III

“You have the power to choose who you want to be” Part II

By: Paula LuengosSalesian Summer Camp Volunteer from Spain Last week we shared the experience of Paula when she first came to the Salesian community and the Salesian Family Youth Center.  This week Paula tells us about her experience at Camp Salesian, and how she won the weekly recognition award of the best head staff member, the Headmaster Award.  Paula writes: It was on July 1st, … Continue reading “You have the power to choose who you want to be” Part II

“You have the power to choose who you want to be”

By: Paula LuengosSalesian Summer Camp Volunteer from Spain Hello dear Salesian Family of the Western Province, as you know every year we have a group of volunteers who help at our Salesian summer camp experiences.  Part of our mission as a Salesian family is to give voice to the ideas, feelings, and dreams of our young people, as well as to inspire and motivate other … Continue reading “You have the power to choose who you want to be”

Leave behind your fears and begin to experience new situations you did not know before

By: Veronica LapetraSalesian Summer Camp Volunteer from Spain Veronica volunteered at the Salesian Family Youth Center in 2019, and she returned in 2022 to volunteer at Camp Savio in Bellflower. At the end of her experience, Veronica shares with us what this volunteer experience has meant to her, and what she has learned from it for life. Hello! My name is Veronica, and I am … Continue reading Leave behind your fears and begin to experience new situations you did not know before

“Day of the Dead” (Dia de los Muertos), Feast of All Saints, “The Holy Death” (La Santa Muerte) and Salesian holiness

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers The Day of the Dead is rooted in the culture of pre-Hispanic Mexico. The altar of the dead has a strong link with the traditional agricultural cycle in which the indigenous people celebrated the corn harvest. In this celebration, the deceased came from the Mictlan (land of the dead) to share with their families the produce of the earth. … Continue reading “Day of the Dead” (Dia de los Muertos), Feast of All Saints, “The Holy Death” (La Santa Muerte) and Salesian holiness

Lets save a starfish – Part III

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers The previous two weeks I shared the experience of these migrant children in the United States.  They express the risks that migrant children suffer here, and also  brainstorm solutions that in this Province we could consider for future ministry. It must be remembered that these children have grown up in Salesian environments and that despite not being more than … Continue reading Lets save a starfish – Part III

Lets save a starfish – Part II

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Last week we started the article “Let’s save a starfish” where I shared the experience of a migrant family arriving in this country. Here is the continuation of the experience of the children.   I also am offering ideas from their parents about how we might help these children and young people. “We traveled to Los Angeles without knowing where … Continue reading Lets save a starfish – Part II

“Someone else needs this sandwich more than I do”

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers Month after month we have carried out our homeless outreach, sometimes it is a bit difficult to find time for this activity, however we did not want to let the summer go by without doing this experience that always helps us to be more empathic with our brothers and sisters. On this occasion, the volunteers who came from Spain … Continue reading “Someone else needs this sandwich more than I do”

“For you I study, for you I work…”

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers As you may have heard, in January the Salesian Family Youth Center joined the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. We have had the opportunity to meet, learn, participate, and collaborate in different committees, meetings, and councils to make the difference in the world of formal and non-formal education. On July 25, a unique opportunity was presented to me … Continue reading “For you I study, for you I work…”

Our commitment to Camp Savio

By Joselyn RiveraCamp Counselor What does “Commitment” Even Mean? Commitment is a promise to stick to your values even when times are hard. When I start thinking about commitment the first thing I get reminded of are relationships, but commitment isn’t just that. Other things that require commitment would be working out, having a job, or being part of an organization just like Savio.  Just … Continue reading Our commitment to Camp Savio

Homeless Outreach on Skid Row: A different way of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers On Sunday, April 17, some of the Salesian presences in the Los Angeles Area decided to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus in a different way: bringing not only food and clothing to our homeless brothers and sisters on Skid Row, but also moments of prayer and letters (with blessings and motivational messages) written by the young people of the … Continue reading Homeless Outreach on Skid Row: A different way of celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus

Welcome Saul Silva, our newest volunteer!

By: Luis ChaconProvince Coordinator for Volunteers We are happy to share that Divine Providence has sent us a new volunteer. His name is Saul Edwin Silva Duran, he is 25 years old, and although he and his father were born in Brazil, Saul grew up in Bolivia, where he has known the Salesians since he was ten years old. Saul is the third of four … Continue reading Welcome Saul Silva, our newest volunteer!