Salesians Prepare for a First Presence in Greece
(ANS – Athens – July 21, 2025) - A new and promising chapter in the Salesian mission is about to begin in Greece. Last week, the general councilor for Missions, Fr. Jorge M. Crisafulli (at left in photo), accompanied by Fr. Pavel Zenisek of the Missions Department, visited the Salesian confreres currently serving in that country: Fr. Oscar Tuscano (formerly from Southern Italy), Fr. Rodil Lladones (North Philippines), and Fr. Marcin Wosiek (Krakow).
The
missionaries are staying temporarily at the religious house of the Marist
Brothers in Athens, but preparations are already underway for their
relocation to the island of Syros, 4 hours by ferry from the capital. This
move will mark the start of the first Salesian presence in Greece.
During their
visit to Syros, the missionaries met with Bishop Sevastianos Rossolatos,
the apostolic administrator of the diocese, as well as much of the local
clergy. The island currently has 12 priests—both diocesan and religious—only 3 of
whom are under the age of 70. The group also visited the nearby island of
Tinos, where they met with Bishop Josif Printezis and the archbishop
of Athens, Theodoros Kontidis, SJ, who led a spiritual retreat for the
religious present.
“We received
a warm and enthusiastic welcome,” said Fr. Crisafulli. “The bishops, clergy,
religious, and active laypeople are all very supportive of our Congregation’s
decision to begin Salesian activity in Syros. Expectations are high, but it’s
just the beginning—we must act with wisdom, courage, and prudence. The greatest
gift we can offer to the diocese and the young people of Syros is the charism
of Don Bosco.”
With a
population of 21,000 inhabitants, including nearly 9,000 Catholics, Syros
offers a fertile ground for the Salesian mission. Starting in September, the
missionaries will take on the pastoral care of several local parishes and focus
their energy on youth ministry, an area currently almost non-existent on the
island.
This new
initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening the Salesian
presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. It aims to bring the spirit and mission
of Don Bosco to a region eager for pastoral renewal. Supported by the local
community, the missionaries’ efforts promise to be a beacon of hope for the
youths and families of Syros and, potentially, other parts of Greece in the
future.
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