Rome, Italy – April 7–22, 2026 — The Africa Nigeria–Niger (ANN) Province is fully represented at the ongoing Trauma Skills Training taking place at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), Rome. Representing the Province are Fr. James Ailen, SDB; Fr. Niyi Omoniyi, SDB; Fr. Matthew Adetiloye, SDB; and Fr. Ohuakanwa, SDB.
The training, organized by the Faculty of Educational Sciences (FSE) of UPS, is themed: “Accompanying When Trauma Hits: Training Formators for the Construction of Educational-Preventive Pathways in Complex Contexts.” It brings together participants from various Provinces to deepen their understanding of trauma and to develop effective pastoral and educational responses.
Since its commencement on April 7, the program has provided rich insights into the realities of trauma and practical approaches to accompaniment, particularly within challenging and complex environments. Participants are being equipped with skills that will enhance their capacity as formators, enabling them to better support young people and communities affected by trauma.
The participation of the ANN Province underscores its commitment to holistic formation, safeguarding, and the promotion of youth well-being, especially in contexts where vulnerability and trauma are increasingly prevalent.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
