The young Salesian mission of St Josephine Bakhita in Arlit came alive with joy and gratitude as the community celebrated Easter with deep faith and vibrant charity.
The celebration marked a significant milestone for the growing mission, as several young people received the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. This moment of grace was a source of great joy not only for the recipients but also for the entire Christian community, highlighting the steady growth of the faith in this young and dynamic mission.
In the true spirit of Easter, the celebration extended beyond the liturgy into concrete acts of love and solidarity. A special “Galilee moment” was organised, during which gifts, food, and drinks were shared with young migrants and children from a local orphanage. This gesture of generosity embodied the joy of the Risen Christ, reaching out especially to the most vulnerable.
This charitable initiative was made possible through the collaboration of parishioners, Friends of Don Bosco, and the Committee for Solidarity and Development in Arlit. Their support and commitment played a vital role in making the celebration both meaningful and impactful.
The Salesian community expressed heartfelt gratitude to Almighty God for the gift of this mission and for the many signs of hope and life witnessed during the Easter celebration.
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.
The Salesian presence in the historic Roman district of Testaccio dates back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The origin of the Opera Salesiana Testaccio can be traced to the year 1900, when the primary apostolate entrusted to the Salesians was the care of the primary schools affiliated with the Holy See.
The parish of Santa Maria Liberatrice, Rome-Testaccio
Initially, the mission had been proposed to the Benedictines of St. Anselm. However, Pope St. Pius X personally encouraged Don Michele Rua, the first successor of St. John Bosco, to entrust the work to the Salesians. Accepting the Pope’s invitation, Don Rua sent confreres who travelled daily from the Salesian community of the Sacro Cuore (Sacred Heart) in central Rome to carry out the mission in Testaccio. What began as a modest educational initiative gradually grew into a vibrant centre of Salesian pastoral activity.
The Parish Apostolate
As the Salesian presence took root in the neighbourhood, the pastoral needs of the local population also became part of the mission. This development led to the establishment of the parish Santa Maria Liberatrice (St. Mary the Liberator), which was officially consecrated on 29 November 1908.
With the parish came a new and dynamic dimension of Salesian life: the oratory. Faithful to the spirit of Don Bosco, the oratory quickly became a gathering place for large numbers of young people who came daily for prayer, formation, recreation, and companionship. The mission in Testaccio thus expanded beyond the classroom to embrace parish ministry, youth pastoral work, and educational formation.
Over time, the Salesian work in the area developed its distinctive character. Parish activities flourished, youth groups and pious associations were formed, and the oratory became a lively centre of Christian and social life for the young people of the district.
The Birth of the Salesian Community
For many years, the Salesians serving in Testaccio still officially belonged to the community of Sacro Cuore in Rome. This situation continued until 1921, when the Salesian community of Testaccio was formally established under the patronage of St. Joseph Cafasso, the spiritual guide of Don Bosco.
As the decades passed, the educational apostolate that had marked the beginning of the mission gradually changed. The school, once the primary focus of the work, was progressively reduced until 1980, when it remained only with primary classes. The unused classrooms were then adapted to serve another important Salesian need: housing for Salesian seminarians and students pursuing studies in philosophy and theology in Rome.
An International Salesian Community
Today, the Salesian community of Testaccio reflects the international character of the Congregation. Over the years, the seminarians who once lived here have been replaced by Salesians from different parts of the world who come to Rome for specialization and studies at the Pontifical Universities.
At present, the community is home to 38 confreres representing countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Italy, Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, and India, among others. The community is led by Fr. Orestes Carlinhos Fistarol, who serves as Rector.
Life in Testaccio therefore, continues the rich Salesian tradition of study, fraternity, and pastoral commitment. The community not only serves the local parish and youth but also forms part of the wider mission of the Congregation by supporting the academic and spiritual formation of Salesians from across the globe.
A Visit from the Province
Recently, the community had the joy of welcoming the Provincial and the Provincial Economer, who are currently visiting confreres studying or working in Europe. Their visit was a moment of fraternal encounter, encouragement, and renewed connection with the Province.
Deacon Ekene-Maria Adizue with the Provincial of ANN Province, Fr Peter Morba
For those of us living and studying far from home, such visits are a reminder that we remain deeply united with our confreres and our mission back in the Province. It was a moment of shared conversation, prayer, and reflection on the ongoing mission of Don Bosco in different parts of the world.
Even here in the heart of Rome, the spirit of Don Bosco continues to live on — in community life, in pastoral service, and in the commitment to form ourselves more deeply for the service of the young.
When I arrived at the community of the Catacombs of San Callisto on 21 January, I received a warm Salesian welcome from the rector and Fr Paschal from ZMB. Providence arranged my arrival at a curious moment: the catacombs were closed to the public, and many confreres had taken the opportunity for family visits. Out of a lively community of eighteen, we were only six at the table, proof that even in Rome, the early Church experience of “small communities” is still alive!
Fr Matthew Adetiloye at the Catacomb of St Callistus, Rome
Deacon Ekene Maria with Fr Peter Morba and Fr Matthew Adetiloye
Gradually, the confreres returned, and by 12 February the house was fully operational again. In fact, the full community is quite an international gathering: 18 confreres from 14 different countries. One could say the catacombs are not only ancient but also wonderfully global. One thing quickly became clear: if anyone imagines a sabbatical here as a comfortable armchair, a quiet book, and perhaps a contemplative espresso… well, the catacombs may kindly invite you to reconsider. Down here, even “rest” has to pass through a staircase.
Meanwhile, I began Italian school on 2 February at the A2 level, bravely skipping the beginner stage thanks to some previous knowledge and, I must confess, the tireless evangelising efforts of the Duolingo owl. After a month, I completed the level and have now progressed to B1, which should conclude at the end of March. In short, the martyrs spoke Latin, the pilgrims speak everything else, and I am trying my best to keep up in Italian.
Life here moves at a brisk pace. I return from school around 1:50 p.m., have lunch, and complete assignments, and by 3:00 p.m., I am already back in the catacombs. Our principal task is guiding pilgrims and tourists through the underground galleries. Each visit lasts about 55 minutes and departs every half hour in various languages. My own apostolate is in English.
The schedule runs from 8:45 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., with a modest lunch break of about ninety minutes. This continues every day except Wednesday, when the catacombs is closed to the public. Among ourselves, we call Wednesday “our Sunday”, a small resurrection in the middle of the week.
What makes the experience fascinating is the challenge it presents: imagine meeting people you may never see again and having just 55 minutes to transmit something of faith. Through the stories of the martyrs, the witness of the early Christians, and the memory of the popes buried there, the catacombs themselves become a kind of underground catechism. The walls do not speak, but somehow, they preach.
For me, this sabbatical has become something different from what I first imagined. I expected perhaps a quieter period of study (mercifully without exams). Instead, I discovered another way of being Salesian: changing the field of work while remaining fully in mission, even several metres beneath the surface of Rome.
One final note for confreres who might be considering a similar experience: there are many rooms available here, especially for English-speaking confreres. And I can assure you, it is an experience worth having. Just be prepared… apostolic life sometimes leads us to unexpected places. In this case, quite literally underground.
At the heart of the Salesian community in Messina, Italy, two theology students, Stephen Aji-Imoter and Marcel Ezenwa, are embracing their formation journey at the St Thomas Aquinas Salesian Theologate. […]
ONLINE — The Formation Commission of the Salesians of Don Bosco, ANN Province, successfully conducted its evaluation of the 3 Aspirantates, prenovitiate, novitiate, postnovitiate, and theology house from March 2–3, 2026. Held via an online platform, the two-day intensive session brought together formation delegates and directors to review the progress of Salesian candidates and strategise for the future of formation in the province.
Day 1: Reviewing the Journey of Formation The meeting commenced on Monday, March 2, with opening prayers and a warm welcome to the members of the Province Formation Commission (PFC). The morning session focused on administrative continuity, beginning with the review of the minutes from the last physical meeting held in November 2025.
A significant portion of the day was dedicated to a comprehensive mid-year evaluation. Directors from the various stages of formation—ranging from the pre-novitiate to post-novitiate levels—presented brief evaluations detailing the growth, progress, and specific challenges encountered within their respective houses.
A key highlight was the presentation by Fr Damian Akintemi, the Novice Master, who addressed the complexities of quarterly and community experience assessments. His session opened a dialogue on navigating the difficulties of evaluating confreres in formation to ensure a balanced approach to their vocational growth. The day concluded with an update on the ongoing Formation Plan Review, ensuring the province remains aligned with global Salesian standards.
Day 2: Looking Toward the Future and GC29 On Tuesday, March 3, the Commission shifted its focus toward implementation and future collaborations. Central to the discussion was the General Chapter 29 (GC29) document. Members deliberated on practical suggestions for implementing the GC29 directives on formation within the specific context of the ANN Province.
In a move toward inclusivity and shared mission, the Commission explored:
Proposals for the ongoing formation of formation house teams and guides.
Strategies for joint formation initiatives involving Salesian lay collaborators.
“Formation in Mission”, a session led by Fr Stephen Omoniyi, the Mission Delegate, which emphasised the inseparable link between Salesian identity and missionary zeal.
Upcoming Extraordinary Visit During the open forum, the Commission discussed the highly anticipated visit of the General Councillor for Formation to selected formation houses in the ANN Province, scheduled for May 2026. Members noted that this visit would serve as a vital moment of communion with the whole congregation and an opportunity to showcase the province’s commitment to nurturing authentic Salesian vocations.
The meeting ended with a spirit of optimism and a renewed commitment to the accompaniment of young confreres. After a session of general comments and concluding remarks, the meeting was brought to a formal close with prayers, setting a clear roadmap for the remainder of the formation year.
Fr James Ailen conducting the Safeguarding Workshop at Ibadan
The Salesian communities within the ANN Province recently conducted a series of strategic formation sessions aimed at fostering professional synergy and reinforcing our commitment to child protection. These sessions were held at the Ibadan (Post-Novitiate) community on February 19, followed by workshops at Mary Help of Christians, Akure, and St. Jude Science and Technical College, Tse-Mker, today, February 20.
Strengthening Team Synergy
Each program commenced with interactive team-building exercises and icebreakers. These activities were designed to alleviate professional stress and cultivate a genuine “family spirit”—a cornerstone of our educational philosophy—ensuring that staff members across all departments are aligned in mission and morale.
Reaffirming Our Commitment to Safeguarding
A central component of these gatherings was a comprehensive review of the Safeguarding Policy. This session served two critical purposes:
Onboarding: Newly appointed staff members formally committed to the protection of young people and vulnerable adults.
Professional Development: Established staff engaged in a collaborative exchange of best practices regarding the safety and well-being of those in our care.
Our Core Philosophy
The provincial mandate remains clear: young people in our institutions must not only be safe in principle but must feel safe in practice. Through collective vigilance and shared responsibility, we continue to uphold the highest standards of institutional integrity.
Together, we are capable of achieving this vital mission.
Ss, Versiglia and Caravario Community, IbadanFr Joshua Pilaku conducting the staff and students of St Jude Science and Technical College, Tse-MkerSt Joseph the Worker community, Tse-MkerMary Help of Christians community, Akure
Valentine’s Day originated from a blend of ancient Roman and Christian traditions, evolving from the chaotic fertility festival of Lupercalia into a day honouring St. Valentine. By the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I established February 14th to honour Christian martyrs named Valentine, who were executed for defying Emperor Claudius II by secretly marrying couples. ¹ The oldest known Valentine’s message is a 15th-century poem by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned. By the 18th and 19th centuries, swapping handmade cards and gifts became popular in England and the US. In the 19th century, Valentine’s Day evolved into a mass-produced, commercialized holiday, with companies like Hallmark Cards started mass production in 1913.²
What the “Valentine’s Day” Celebration is:
14ᵗʰ February (Valentine’s Day celebration) is a day to celebrate love, affection, and connection. This simply means sending notes to special friends and people one cares about on Valentine’s Day. It is essential that the notes and messages you send accurately express what you want to say and what you truly believe. Also, phone calls or meetings to share life experiences and achievements are a part of this day. Another thing about this day is sharing love with partners, friends, and family, which is an expression of your sincere love for your partner, creating a healthy bond, and reaching out to family members. Giving gifts, messages, and time to loved ones is also an external manifestation of what Valentine’s Day is; hence, love on this day can be expressed through giving gifts, sending messages or calls, and finding quality time for your loved ones. Finally, embracing emotions, care, and appreciation: to be emotionally connected, show care, and appreciate each other, no matter the situation.
What Valentine’s Day Celebration is not:
Valentine’s Day is not just about couples or romance: not just about married people and definitely not all about romantic affairs. Also, Valentine is “not a must-do thing”; therefore, if you do not vibe with it or you have some doubt for it, it is not a must to venture into it. Valentine’s Day is “not about materialism or pressure”, celebrate this day with only what you have, what you can afford, and what you will be comfortable with. Do not be pressured for anything. It should be noted that love never goes out of style, so Valentine’s Day is not just celebrated on February 14. Finally, it is not a day to engage in or initiate immoral behaviour. It is “not a day for immorality of any kind.”
Valentine’s Day is primarily a personal experience. Would you like to spread kindness, happiness, and love? Do not hesitate. Today is not the day to engage in evil or immoral behaviour. Finally, Valentine’s Day is a time for people to express their love and kindness to others. Whether you spend it with a partner, a group of friends, or in quiet reflection, the true value of the day is found in the sincerity of the gesture rather than the cost.
1 History.com Editors. 2024. “History of Valentine’s Day.” History.com. Last modified January 17, 2024. 2 Encyclopedia Britannica Online, s.v. “Saint Valentine,” Britannica.com, accessed February 12, 2026.
NIGERIA & NIGER REPUBLIC – In a significant display of unity and digital adaptation, the confreres of the ANN Province gathered for a landmark virtual assembly on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The three-hour session, which ran from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, marked the first time the province leveraged technology on such a scale to unify members separated by vast geographical distances. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the administrative heart of Abuja, and extending to Koko (Kebbi), Obosi (Anambra), Tse-Mker (Benue), and even across international borders to Arlit and Niamey in the Niger Republic, the digital space became a common ground for fraternity.
A Strong Digital Presence The meeting saw an impressive turnout, with over 89 active profiles logged in simultaneously. While many joined individually, several locations participated as communal hubs: The Theologate in Bwari: Joined as a collective body of students and formators. Akure & Kubwa Communities: Gathered in their respective local houses to participate in the dialogue.
Words from the Provincial The Provincial Superior took the floor with the words: “May our sharing be sincere, our listening attentive, and our fraternity renewed.” He also offered heartfelt encouragement and acknowledged the dedication of the confreres in their various missions. Key highlights of his address included: Project Updates: A detailed briefing on major ongoing provincial projects aimed at growth and sustainability. Honest Dialogue: A transparent look at the current challenges facing the province, fostering a spirit of shared responsibility.
Missionary Zeal: A call to remain steadfast despite the socio-economic and logistical hurdles present in the West African sub-region. ”Distance is no longer a barrier to our brotherhood. Today, we have proven that our mission is unified, whether we are in the desert of Niger or the heart of Nigeria.”
Looking Ahead While the virtual assembly successfully closed the gap for the start of the year, the Province is already looking toward a more personal encounter. A physical meeting has been scheduled for later in 2026, promising a time of deeper liturgical celebration and face-to-face fellowship.
The assembly concluded on a high note, leaving members refreshed and better informed about the collective journey of the ANN Province.
EVBUARHUE, BENIN CITY – On Friday, January 9, the Salesian community of St. Charles Lwanga and Companions celebrated a significant moment of fraternity, marking exactly four months and one day since the arrival of the Salesian pioneers to the Archdiocese of Benin.
The community had the distinct privilege of hosting Rev. Fr. Daniel Omatu, the Province Prenovitiate Director, along with a delegation of prenovices.
The visit occurred as Fr. Omatu and the prenovices were in transit to the Akure community. The stopover in Evbuarhue served a dual purpose: to foster fraternal bonding and to collect Bro. Charles, a prenovice who had spent his Christmas break residing with the community in Benin.
During their stay, the hosts took the visitors on a guided tour of the facilities. This allowed the Prenovitiate Director and the students to become acquainted with the various sectors of this burgeoning Salesian presence and witness the progress made over the last four months.
Following the tour, the community shared a sumptuous breakfast, celebrating the bond between the new mission in Benin and the wider province. Following the meal and fellowship, the visitors departed to continue their journey to Akure.
