(ANS – Genzano) – The meeting of the Quinquennium missionaries serving in countries across the Mediterranean and Central and Northern Europe regions took place from April 20–25, 2026, in Genzano, in the province of Rome. For participants, it was a valuable opportunity to come together and reconnect with fellow missionaries from previous assignments. The team from the Missions Sector, organizers of the event, was also present.
A total of 31 Salesian missionaries from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, India, Vietnam, Madagascar, Congo, El Salvador, the Philippines, Poland, Mozambique, and Timor-Leste took part in the meeting, along with members of the Missions Sector and several additional guests.
During the week, a variety of topics were addressed, including the current situation in mission territories, presented by Fr. Pavel Ženíšek of the Missions Sector; Project Europe and the challenges of today’s world, presented by the General Councilor for the Missions, Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli; inculturation and personal and community life, presented by Géza Nádudvari, SDB; the pastoral role and that of collaborators, presented by Marco Fulgaro, a collaborator in the Missions Sector; and matters related to safeguarding, presented by Fr. Antoine Farrugia.
Among the participants at this important meeting was a young Vietnamese Salesian, Joseph Ngo Duc Thuan, one of the missionaries of the 154th Salesian Missionary Expedition, who is currently serving in Tunisia. His words conveyed the atmosphere of joy and reflection that characterized the gathering. “A week was really short,” he said, “yet that brief period also gave us the chance to share the joys, successes, and even the sorrows of missionary life. We sat together, listened, and discussed the opportunities and challenges that missionaries face in the European regions.”
Joseph also highlighted the specific context in which he serves—Tunisia, part of the North African Circumscription (CNA): “I feel truly fortunate to have been sent to Tunisia,” he said. “There I am part of a community whose members always welcome and understand me, despite my limitations, language difficulties, and health issues. I have Tunisian friends who are always ready to help me and pray for me. I would like to express my gratitude to the Salesian members and friends in Tunisia. Even though not everything is perfect, I deeply appreciate all the kindness they have shown me.”
Finally, Joseph expressed his gratitude to all the members of the Missions Sector for their careful organization of the event. “I know it wasn’t easy and that preparations had to begin a year in advance. I also thank my fellow missionaries who generously dedicated their time to participate and share their experiences, enriching one another. But above all,” he continued, “I thank God for giving us the opportunity to come together in a spirit of family. I wish all my brothers to remain steadfast on the missionary path. As the General Councilor for Missions, Fr. Crisafulli, said: despite the difficulties, go forward with courage, because Jesus has already gone before you.”