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.
With gratitude to God, the Ijebu-Ode Community continues to witness remarkable growth and development in many aspects of its life and mission. Truly, the theme “The Great Uplifting” reflects the steady progress recorded in beekeeping, agriculture, fish farming and production, construction, and community life.
The apiary project has been successfully established, with nine beehive boxes already installed. Although the hives are yet to be occupied by bee colonies, the community remains hopeful and prayerful that nature will soon favour the project with thriving colonies.
In the area of agriculture, the community vegetable garden has been established with various crops, including ugu, okro, green vegetables, and pawpaw, currently at the nursery stage. The community is optimistic that this initiative will soon contribute meaningfully to both nutrition and sustainability.
The fish farm and feed mill are also making encouraging progress. We have already begun smoking and selling fish from the investment, which was initiated at the inception of this administration. This marks a positive step toward self-sufficiency and economic empowerment within the community.
In the area of education and youth development, the St. Joseph’s School playground facilities and installations have been completed. This project was generously sponsored by the Salesian Voluntary Missionary Service, Krakow, Poland, and will be commissioned on Monday, 9th March by the Diocesan Director of Education. The playground will serve as an important recreational and developmental space for the school’s pupils.
The Mary Help of Christians Parish Grotto project is also progressing steadily and continues to receive remarkable support from parishioners and friends, reflecting the community’s deep Marian devotion.
Furthermore, an important milestone will be reached as the foundation of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church will be laid on Monday, 9th March by the Dean of Iloti Deanery. The project is proudly sponsored by the PDO, while the foundation excavation work has already been completed, paving the way for the next phase of construction.
Indeed, these achievements testify to the spirit of cooperation, faith, and commitment within the community. As the journey continues, the Ijebu-Ode Community remains grateful to God and hopeful for even greater accomplishments ahead.
ONLINE — The Formation Commission of the Salesians of Don Bosco, ANN Province, successfully conducted its Mid-Year Meeting and 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 strategize 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 Regional 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.
Remember that the Salesian Proper is used on the 22nd January(Blessed Laura Vicuna), 24th (Saint Francis de Sales), and 30th (BlessedBronislas Markiewicz)
NIGERIA – Akure, Mary Help of Christians- Today marks a significant milestone for the Federal University of Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) as it holds the matriculation ceremony for the pioneer students of its newly established part-time study centre in Akure. The ceremony is taking place at the Oratory of Don Bosco, located within the Mary Help of Christians Parish, Akure.
The opening of this study centre reflects FUOYE’s commitment to expanding access to higher education by bringing university programmes closer to working adults and other learners seeking flexible study options. Through this collaboration, the Don Bosco Oratory provides a conducive academic and moral environment rooted in the Salesian tradition of education, which emphasizes discipline, responsibility, and holistic formation.
The matriculation ceremony formally welcomes the first cohort of students into the FUOYE academic community at this centre. University officials, parish representatives, lecturers, students, and invited guests are present to witness this historic occasion, which signals the beginning of academic life for the new intake.
With this development, the Akure part-time study centre is set to become an important hub for lifelong learning in Ondo State, offering students the opportunity to pursue quality university education while balancing work, family, and other commitments.
Don Bosco did not merely admire Saint Francis de Sales; he incarnated his spirituality in a concrete educational and pastoral method. The Salesian style of gentleness, optimism, joy, and pastoral charity is a living continuation of the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales.
1. Choice of Patron: Gentleness as a Spiritual Program
Don Bosco deliberately chose Saint Francis de Sales as the patron of his Congregation because of his spirituality of gentleness, patience, and pastoral charity. Francis de Sales proposed holiness not through severity, but through meekness and kindness, a style Don Bosco considered essential for working with young people.
Source: Morand Wirth, Saint Francis de Sales: A Program of Integral Formation.
2. “Nothing by Force”: Meekness at the Heart of Pastoral Action
Francis de Sales taught that hearts are won through love, not coercion. Don Bosco adopted this principle fully, shaping his Preventive System, which avoids punishment and repression and emphasizes trust, dialogue, and affection (amorevolezza).
Source: Pietro Braido, Prevention, Not Repression.
Saint Francis de Sales taught that holiness is possible in every state of life, through fidelity to daily duties and ordinary charity. Don Bosco translated this into a youth context, teaching that holiness consists in joy, responsibility, and daily faithfulness, not extraordinary penances.
Source: Francis Desramaut, One Hundred Keywords of Salesian Spirituality.
Francis de Sales had a profoundly optimistic view of the human person, trusting the action of grace even in weakness. Don Bosco inherited this optimism, always believing in the educability and goodness of young people, especially the poorest and most difficult.
Source: Morand Wirth, Don Bosco and the Salesians.
At the core of Francis de Sales’ spirituality is pastoral charity—a love that adapts itself to the other. Don Bosco made this the heart of Salesian identity: to be “signs and bearers of God’s love to the young”, especially through presence, kindness, and personal accompaniment.
The formation program for the newly appointed Rectors is currently underway in Nairobi, taking place under the guidance of SAFCAM, marking a significant moment for leadership development in the Region.
SAFCAM continues to play a vital role through its impactful programs, close collaboration with the Provinces and the Congregation, and a range of recent initiatives aimed at strengthening formation and governance. These ongoing efforts are contributing meaningfully to the growth and effectiveness of Salesian leadership across the Region.
Leading the current formation process are two highly respected Salesians, Fr. Camiel and Fr. Gerald, whose experience and commitment bring both depth and contextual relevance to the program. Their leadership ensures that participants benefit from formation that is not only structured and reflective but also responsive to local realities. Fr. Camiel and Fr. Gerald remain available for formation programs, retreats, and other enriching initiatives that support personal and institutional development.
