Emma Hungary (7)

A Missionary Heart in Hungary

I am Fr Ilodigwe Emmanuel Chekwube, a Salesian priest and missionary from Nigeria, currently serving in Hungary. By God’s grace, in 2026 I will celebrate ten years of missionary life in this beautiful land. Looking back, my heart is filled with gratitude — truly, all has been God’s doing, and all is for His glory.

Recently, our community in Hungary had the great joy of welcoming the Provincial and the Provincial Economer from my home Province. Their visit was a moment of deep fraternal communion – a reminder that even though we are far from home, we remain united in one Salesian family.
Dear Fr. Peter and Fr. Raphael, thank you for your presence, your closeness, and your prayers. Your visit strengthened us and renewed our missionary zeal.

The Hungarian Province is one of the youngest and also one of the smallest in Europe. We are just 25 Salesians, yet the mission entrusted to us is vast and demanding. We continue to pray earnestly for vocations, trusting that the Lord will send labourers into His vineyard.

To any young confrere discerning the missionary path, I say: do not be afraid to say yes to God. The mission needs you. Here in Hungary, despite our small number, we are actively involved in a wide range of apostolates — schools, oratories, parish ministry, and outreach among the poor, especially in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country. For us, what truly matters is not how many we are but the quality of our presence and witness.

My primary apostolate is in the school setting, where I serve as a spiritual director, religion teacher, and vice principal. It is a mission that brings me great joy and fulfilment. The environment is deeply missionary, as many of the young people we encounter come from non-practicing or secular backgrounds. This presents both a challenge and a grace: we are called not only to teach but also to accompany, to witness, and to help them rediscover that their lives are gifts from God.

Following the spirit of Don Bosco, we strive to form our students to become good Christians and honest citizens. Beyond the classroom, I also assist in the oratory and parish, where the Salesian charism of presence, joy, and accompaniment continues to bear fruit in the lives of young people.

Community life is another great blessing. I belong to a small but truly international community, made up of one Hungarian, one Vietnamese, one Indian confrere, and myself. This diversity enriches our daily life, broadens our perspectives, and deepens our experience of the universality of the Church and the Salesian mission. In our differences, we discover unity; in our shared vocation, we find strength.

As I reflect on my journey so far, I can only say with conviction: it has been God all the way. Every step, every challenge, every joy has been guided by His hand.

All that I am, and all that I have been able to do in my vocation, is for His glory.

photo_2026-03-19_11-10-38

Salesian Cooperators Elect New Executive Council in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – February 28, 2026 – The Salesian Cooperators of Don Bosco, St. Joseph’s Community, CCHS, Omole, Lagos, have successfully conducted elections to constitute a new Executive Council (EXCO) to oversee the affairs of the association.

The election, held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, began with an address by the outgoing coordinator, Mr. Rowland Okwechime, who welcomed members and presented a comprehensive report of his six-year tenure. The electoral process was subsequently conducted by the Delegate, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Akortsaha, SDB, assisted by the laity chairman, in accordance with the guidelines of the Project of Apostolic Life (PAL).

At the conclusion of the exercise, the following members were elected to the new Executive Council:
Coordinator: Mr. Ignatius Anukwu
Secretary: Mrs. Victoria Onuoha
Treasurer: Mrs. Benice Akinyemi
Formator: Mrs. Ngozi Ezenwankwo
Youth Animator: Mrs. Rose Okwechime


In view of the demands of the Youth Animator role, the Delegate nominated Ms. Miriam Akpamgbo to assist in that capacity.
In his remarks, the newly elected Coordinator, Mr. Ignatius Anukwu, expressed appreciation to members for their trust and called on the new EXCO to serve with diligence and commitment, emphasizing that their service is a divine calling to support and guide young people. He also extended gratitude to the outgoing Coordinator, Mr. Okwechime, for his dedication and leadership over the years.


The event concluded with prayers led by Fr. Akortsaha for the newly elected officers, entrusting their responsibilities to God’s guidance. The occasion also featured a group photograph to mark the transition.

Rowland Okwechime – Former Coordinator.

photo_2026-03-13_12-54-12

Provincial Council Meets with Obosi Community and Stakeholders on the Future of TVET in the Province

The Provincial Council of the Salesian Province met yesterday with the Salesian community in Obosi and key stakeholders to review the current situation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within the Province, with particular attention to the situation of the Obosi TVET centre.

The meeting brought together representatives of the Salesian community, members of the Past Pupils association, the Chairman of the Secondary School’s Parents–Teachers Association (PTA), and some members of the school staff. The gathering provided an opportunity for open dialogue and shared reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing Salesian technical education in the Province.

In the spirit of synodality—marked by attentive listening, participation, and a shared search for solutions—the meeting focused on understanding the present realities of the Province’s TVET initiatives. Participants examined the current performance of the centres, levels of student enrolment, and the challenges affecting their operations. At the same time, the discussion highlighted existing strengths and potential areas for growth, identifying gaps that need to be addressed in order to strengthen the mission of technical education for young people, especially the poor and marginalized.

A significant area of discussion concerned certification standards for Salesian technical institutions. Participants emphasized the importance of aligning the Province’s TVET programmes with national accreditation bodies to ensure that training offered in Salesian centres meets recognized professional standards. Such alignment, they noted, is essential for guaranteeing the credibility of Salesian technical training and for enhancing the employability of young graduates.

The meeting also explored ways of improving collaboration among the various centres and stakeholders. Proposals were made for establishing more effective mechanisms for regular communication and joint initiatives, which would allow institutions within the Province to learn from one another and work together more closely. Resource sharing—particularly the sharing of trainers, technical expertise, and equipment—was identified as a practical way to strengthen the quality of training across the Province.

Particular attention was given to the situation of the Obosi TVET centre. Participants discussed the ongoing process of migration and the practical considerations needed to ensure continuity and sustainability of the programme. The conversation highlighted the need for a carefully coordinated transition that safeguards both the educational mission and the interests of the young people served by the institution.

Throughout the discussions, three major themes clearly emerged: the migration process affecting the Obosi TVET, the need for proper certification and accreditation of technical programmes, and the development of a long-term sustainability plan for TVET initiatives in the Province.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working together to strengthen Salesian technical education. Building on the reflections and insights gathered during the dialogue, the Provincial and his Council began further deliberations today to study these points in greater depth and to develop a more concrete action plan for the future of TVET in the Province.

The ongoing discernment reflects the Province’s dedication to ensuring that Salesian technical education remains a credible, sustainable, and effective response to the needs of young people, especially those who stand most in need of opportunity and professional formation.

photo_2026-03-13_09-13-25

Salesian Community in Benin Receives Vehicle to Support Pastoral Mission

Benin City, Nigeria – The Salesian community in Benin has received a vehicle to support its pastoral and outreach activities, thanks to the generous collaboration between the Province and the Salesian community in Onitsha.

The car, which was carefully repaired and prepared for use, will greatly improve mobility for the community. For some time, the confreres in Benin had faced challenges in carrying out their mission due to the poor condition of their previous pickup vehicle. The newly presented car is expected to strengthen their ability to reach out more effectively to the faithful and the young people they serve.

The community expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Onitsha community and to the Province for their solidarity and support, noting that the gesture reflects the strong spirit of fraternity that sustains the Salesian mission.

photo_2026-03-30_12-08-39

Retreat and Quinquennium Formative Meeting

The Retreat and Quinquennium Formative Meeting, held under the theme “Called to Mercy and Compassion” and preached by Fr. Samuel Okwuiedegbe, S.J. and “Salesians formed for the mission” by Fr. Tony Ekezie, SDB, provided an important moment of spiritual renewal and formative reflection for participants.

The retreat emphasised the rediscovery of God’s mercy as the foundation of Christian vocation and ministry. Confreres were invited to recognise that human weaknesses are not obstacles but privileged spaces where God’s grace becomes active. By accepting themselves as the first recipients of divine compassion, they are better disposed to extend understanding, reconciliation, and genuine love to others. The retreat highlighted the call to become instruments of hope, healing, and fraternity, even when living compassion requires sacrifice and generosity.

Building on this spiritual foundation, the Quinquennium Formative Meeting focused on the practical living of the vocation in community and mission. In the first session, facilitated by Fr. Samuel Okwuiedegbe, S.J., attention was given to the importance of affective maturity in priestly and consecrated life. Celibacy was presented not as a rejection of love but as an invitation to love more freely, sincerely, and universally. The reflections stressed the need for emotional balance, self-awareness, and healthy relationships as essential elements for avoiding unhealthy isolation and fostering authentic and joyful ministry.

The second session, facilitated by Fr. Tony Ekezie, SDB. highlighted the significance of the first five years after ordination or final profession as a privileged period for growth in identity and commitment to the Salesian mission, particularly among the young and the poor. Confreres were encouraged to remain open to ongoing formation and to cultivate a healthy integration of prayer and pastoral service. The Eucharist, personal prayer, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation were emphasised as vital sources of strength for sustaining missionary zeal and fostering lasting fruitfulness in ministry.

Finally, the retreat and formative meeting offered Confreres an opportunity to deepen their awareness of God’s mercy while strengthening their commitment to continuous growth, community life, and dedicated service in the Church’s mission.