The Salesian community joined the faithful of the Archdiocese of Benin City today for a Memorial Holy Mass in honour of the late Most Rev. Dr Augustine Obiora Akubeze, former Archbishop of the Metropolitan See of Benin City.
The Eucharistic celebration was held at Regina Mundi Catholic Church, Evbuarhue, Benin City, bringing together clergy, religious, and lay faithful in prayerful remembrance of the late prelate, whose episcopal ministry was marked by dedicated pastoral service, unwavering faith, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Church.
Throughout the celebration, prayers of thanksgiving were offered for Archbishop Akubeze’s life and years of faithful service as a shepherd of God’s people. Those present reflected on his enduring legacy of leadership, humility, and devotion, which continues to inspire the local Church and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
As the Church continues to remember the late Archbishop with gratitude, the faithful entrusted his soul to the infinite mercy of God, praying that the Good Shepherd, whom he served so faithfully throughout his priestly and episcopal ministry, may welcome him into the fullness of eternal life.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
The Salesian mission in the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode has made significant progress in both its pastoral ministry and infrastructure development during the first half of 2026, despite encountering several challenges.
The mission has continued to experience steady spiritual growth among parishioners while advancing several key projects to strengthen pastoral outreach and improve facilities.
Among the major milestones is the completion of the new church building at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Imaweje. The mission also completed the construction of a Marian Grotto dedicated to Mary Help of Christians at the Parish Centre in Ikoto, providing a new space for prayer and devotion.
Work is also progressing at the TASFUED Chaplaincy in Ijagun, where the installation of a PVC ceiling is currently underway. Meanwhile, construction activities have resumed at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Centre in Ikoto, marking another step forward in the Salesians’ commitment to youth formation and skills development.
The achievements have been attributed to God’s providence, the dedication of the Salesian community, the continued support of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ijebu-Ode, and the leadership of the Provincial.
The Salesian community has also expressed its appreciation to benefactors, donors, parishioners, and friends of Don Bosco whose generosity and prayers continue to sustain the mission’s pastoral and developmental initiatives.
As work continues across the mission, the Salesians remain committed to building God’s Kingdom through the charism of St. John Bosco by fostering faith, education, and integral human development in the communities they serve.
The Provost of Don Bosco Institute of Philosophy, Rev. Fr. Dr. Tolu-Eric Akinboboye SDB, paid an official visit to the Salesian Pontifical University with the aim of strengthening and improving the relationship between the two institutions. The visit provided an important opportunity for dialogue, mutual understanding, and reflection on future academic and institutional collaboration.
During the visit, the provost held separate meetings with the Vice Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Prof. Andrea Bazzolo; the Secretary General of the university, Rev. Fr. Jarosław Rochowiak; and the newly appointed dean of the Faculty of Philosophy, Rev. Fr. Prof. Joshtrom Isaac Kureethadam. The discussions focused on academic cooperation, faculty exchange, research opportunities, institutional support, and the continued formation of students in the Salesian intellectual tradition.
He was accompanied during the visit by Rev. Fr. Joseph Oraegbunam and Rev. Fr. Dr. Matthew Akinyemi, whose presence and contributions enriched the engagements. The meetings were cordial and fruitful, marked by a spirit of Salesian fraternity and a shared commitment to Catholic higher education. Both institutions expressed their readiness to deepen existing ties and explore new avenues of collaboration for the advancement of philosophical and human formation.
The provost expressed optimism that the visit would further strengthen the bond between the Don Bosco Institute of Philosophy and the Salesian Pontifical University and lead to more fruitful collaboration in the years ahead.
The Salesians of Don Bosco have taken a significant step in strengthening leadership and governance across their global network through a week-long formation programme for Vice-Provincials, held in Rome from 19 to 25 April 2026. Fr James Ailen, our vice provincial, was among the participants.
Convened under the guidance of the Rector Major, Fabio Attard, and his Vicar, Stefano Martoglio, the gathering brought together 16 Vice-Provincials from 8 regions, reflecting the international character of the Salesian mission.
At its core, the initiative underscores a key priority of the congregation: ensuring that those entrusted with leadership are not only administratively competent but also deeply rooted in the charism of John Bosco. Vice-Provincials play a crucial role in supporting Provincial Superiors in animation, governance, and the accompaniment of Salesian communities. Their formation, therefore, is essential for sustaining unity, mission effectiveness, and fidelity to Salesian identity.
The programme combined moments of prayer, reflection, and fraternal exchange with thematic sessions on youth ministry, formation, missionary activity, juridical responsibilities, social communication, and economic stewardship. While these sessions provided practical tools for leadership, their deeper aim was to foster a holistic vision of service—one that integrates pastoral sensitivity with organizational responsibility.
In today’s rapidly changing social and cultural landscape, the formation of leaders within religious congregations has become increasingly important. The Salesians, known worldwide for their dedication to the education and evangelization of young people, recognize that effective leadership must respond to emerging challenges such as youth unemployment, digital transformation, and shifting moral frameworks. By investing in the formation of Vice-Provincials, the congregation seeks to ensure that its mission remains both relevant and impactful.
Equally significant was the emphasis on shared experience and intercultural dialogue. Participants engaged in open discussions and moments of communal discernment, allowing them to learn from one another’s contexts and challenges. This exchange reflects a broader ecclesial vision promoted by the Catholic Church—that leadership is exercised not in isolation but through collaboration and synodality.
The formation concluded with a synthesis and evaluation led by the Rector Major and his Vicar, reaffirming the importance of continuous formation in religious life. As the participants return to their respective provinces, they carry with them not only new insights and competencies but also a renewed commitment to serve young people with the spirit of Don Bosco.
Ultimately, this initiative highlights a fundamental conviction: that the vitality of the Salesian mission depends largely on the quality of its leaders. By forming Vice-Provincials who are both spiritually grounded and pastorally effective, the Salesians continue to invest in a future where young people remain at the heart of their apostolic mission.
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 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 gathering was both engaging and uplifting, as the children participated enthusiastically in activities designed to help them understand the importance of loving one another and fostering a spirit of friendship and compassion. Beyond the excitement and joy that characterised the celebration, special emphasis was placed on helping the children recognise their inherent worth and reminding them that they are deeply loved by God and valued within the Church community.
The Holy Childhood Association (HCA) of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Community, Koko, marked this year’s Valentine’s Day with a memorable and spiritually enriching celebration for the children. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the true essence of love—selfless, Christ-centred love expressed through kindness, unity, and service to others.
The celebration was strongly supported and guided by the Youth Director, Rev. Fr. Rolland, fondly known as “Fada Ever Ready”, whose commitment to youth formation continues to inspire and nurture the spiritual growth of the young members. His leadership and dedication played a significant role in the event’s success.
As the young members continue to grow and mature, the session provided a valuable platform for them to gain deeper insight into the principles of good and wholesome relationships. The programme emphasised respect, responsibility, self-worth, and the importance of making informed choices.
It was an engaging and interactive moment, as participants were given the opportunity to openly ask questions and share concerns related to relationships and personal development. The atmosphere was both lively and reflective, encouraging honest dialogue and learning.
The event not only celebrated the spirit of Valentine’s Day but also reinforced the community’s commitment to guiding young people toward healthy values and positive social interactions.
Overall, the Valentine’s Day celebration was not only a time of fun and fellowship but also a moment of spiritual formation, reinforcing the mission of the Holy Childhood Association to raise children who embody faith, love, and service.
