Akure, Nigeria | June 17–20, 2026
The Salesian Family of the Africa Nigeria-Niger (ANN) Province gathered at Mary Help of Christians Parish, Akure, from 17–20 June 2026 for the annual Salesian Family Day, a moment of prayer, formation, fraternity and shared discernment centred on the Rector Major’s Strenna 2026: “Do Whatever He Tells You” (Jn 2:5): Believers, Free to Serve.
This year’s gathering held a special significance as it also marked the Provincial celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Salesian Cooperators (1876–2026). The jubilee offered an opportunity to give thanks for a century and a half of lay commitment to Don Bosco’s charism while renewing the shared mission of evangelising and educating young people.
The four-day programme brought together members of the various groups of the Salesian Family in the Province under the theme “Together as One Family for the Mission.” Participants took part in conferences on the Strenna, sessions on mental health for mission, family moments, group meetings, the Provincial’s State of the Province address, Eucharistic celebrations and moments of fraternity.
Listening to the Voice that Matters
The highlight of the gathering was an interactive reflection on the Strenna 2026. Working in small groups, participants explored the central question: “Whose voice are we listening to?”
The discussions acknowledged that Nigerian society is filled with competing voices that constantly influence both young people and adults. Participants identified social media, the pressure to succeed at all costs, economic hardship, politics, family expectations, fear, internal struggles and the culture of self-promotion as some of the loudest voices shaping today’s world.
Against this backdrop, the Salesian Family reaffirmed that the voice of Jesus Christ, revealed through the Gospel, must remain the primary guide for every Salesian educator, parent and young person.
To make Christ’s voice more audible in everyday life, participants proposed renewed commitment to prayer, discernment, meditation on the Word of God, faithful living of Don Bosco’s spirituality, mentorship, accompaniment and spiritual direction.
Recognising the “Empty Jars” of Young People
Inspired by the Wedding Feast at Cana, participants reflected on the “empty jars” that characterise the lives of many young people today.
Among the principal challenges identified were spiritual emptiness, unemployment, identity crises, weakening cultural values, neo-paganism, addiction, peer pressure, cyberbullying, cultism, family breakdown, parental pressure, the “Japa” mentality, the desire for quick wealth, distraction and freedom detached from responsibility.
Rather than viewing these realities with pessimism, participants saw them as a call to renew the Preventive System of Don Bosco.
Concrete responses proposed included stronger spiritual accompaniment, guidance and counselling, youth empowerment through skills acquisition and scholarships, responsible use of digital media, greater involvement of families in formation, and increased awareness of the realities affecting young people across the Province.
Choosing the Salesian Way
Reflecting on Mary’s invitation, “Do whatever He tells you,” the groups identified practical commitments for the Province.
They encouraged renewed evangelisation through creative pastoral initiatives, greater outreach to young people beyond Salesian institutions, the use of sports, celebrations and digital media as avenues for evangelisation, inclusion of young people living with disabilities, and stronger educational initiatives for adults where needed.
Participants also challenged the Salesian Family to overcome attitudes that hinder the mission, including distrust of young people and the laity, favouritism, discrimination, the stigmatisation of struggling youth and a lack of intentional pastoral direction.
At the same time, they called for improved youth participation, stronger parent-child relationships, increased Salesian presence among young people, greater appreciation of African cultural values, better succession planning and renewed commitment to fraternal correction within communities.
Becoming Credible Witnesses
The discussions concluded with a shared conviction that the most convincing proclamation of the Gospel is the witness of life.
Participants committed themselves to becoming authentic witnesses of Christ by listening attentively both to Jesus and to young people, creating safe and welcoming environments, strengthening the Preventive System, accompanying young people through friendship and guidance, investing in ongoing formation, organising seminars and workshops, and revitalising the Salesian Family in the Province.
The reflections echoed the conviction that today’s young people are not merely facing problems; they are searching for authentic believers who embody hope and credibility.
Walking Together for the Mission
The celebration concluded with a renewed sense of unity among all branches of the Salesian Family.
As the Province celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the Salesian Cooperators, the gathering reaffirmed that Don Bosco’s mission belongs to the entire Salesian Family—Salesians of Don Bosco, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, Past Pupils, Volunteers of Don Bosco, ADMA members and the many collaborators who share responsibility for the education and evangelisation of the young.
Inspired by Mary’s invitation at Cana, the Salesian Family of the Africa Nigeria-Niger Province leaves Salesian Family Day 2026 with a common commitment: to listen first to Christ, to accompany young people with hope, and to journey together as one family in making God’s transforming love visible in today’s world.
One Response
It was indeed refreshing and impactful.
Just the right prescription for my mental health.