(ANS – Rome – 11 de septiembre de 2026) – The “Corso Germoglio 2026” has officially begun. This is the orientation and immediate preparation program for new Salesian missionaries ahead of their departure ad gentes, ad exteros and ad vitam. The participants arrived in Rome on September 11 at the Zeffirino Namuncurà Community, and the course will begin on September 12 with a day of integration and sharing among the members of the Missions Sector. The five-week program will conclude on October 17 in Valdocco, Turin, with the official sending-off of the missionaries of the 157th Missionary Expedition.

A Journey in Four Stages

Organized by the Missions Sector of the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Germoglio Course takes place across four successive venues, each linked to a specific phase of the formation program: the Zeffirino Namuncurà Community in Rome (September 11–19), Colle Don Bosco (September 19–October 12), Mornese (October 12–14) and finally Valdocco (October 14–18), where the course will conclude with a sending-forth ceremony presided over by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard.

The program is structured around four thematic areas: introductory, anthropological-cultural, theological-missiological and Salesian-charismatic. As explained in the course’s guidance document, the aim is “to inspire the missionary vocation so that participants set out equipped with the appropriate tools to enter a new culture and adopt the most suitable attitudes for a welcome, effective, humble and discreet presence.”

Who Are the Missionaries of the 157th Expedition?

Fifteen confreres make up this year’s 157th Missionary Expedition, hailing from Chile, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ghana, Brazil, India, Korea, Madagascar, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. Their destinations span four continents: Portugal/Cape Verde, Albania–Kosovo–Montenegro, Paraguay, Peru, Slovenia/Greece, Thailand/Cambodia, Ireland, Morocco and Papua New Guinea/Vanuatu.

Joining the group are four confreres from previous expeditions: two members of the 156th Expedition, bound for Slovenia/Greece y Papua New Guinea/Vanuatu, and two from the 155th Expedition, both destined for the Apostolic Vicariate of Pucallpa in Peru.

During the course, the General Councillor for the Missions, Fr. Jorge Crisafulli, will hold a personal interview with each member of the expedition and will remain available for further meetings throughout the training program.