Rector Major's 2026 Message to Salesian Youth Movement

The Rector Major’s 2026 Message to the Salesian Youth Movement

A Global Conversation on Listening, Friendship, and Truth

(ANS – Rome – February 12, 2026) – The 2026 Message of the Rector Major to the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) has gained renewed vitality thru its recent video presentation, in which Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, addresses young people across the globe directly and personally. Altho the message had already been officially released, this new format allows its core themes to resonate more vividly, fostering deeper engagement and connection.

Thanks to the contribution of the Salesian Youth Ministry Department, the message has evolved into the 1st step of a genuine multi-voiced dialog with young people from around the world. Reflecting on the thoughts of Don Bosco’s 11th successor, they have further developed the conversation in a truly Salesian spirit marked by listening, accompaniment, and synodality.

At the heart of the Rector Major’s message are 3 essential invitations for today’s young people.

1st, he calls for the cultivation of a culture of reasoning—a willingness to think critically and to remain attentive to the realities unfolding around us. In a world often dominated by superficial reactions and hasty judgments, young people are encouraged to pause, reflect, and assume responsibility for understanding reality with depth and maturity.

2d, drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV, the message emphasizes the rediscovery of authentic friendship. True friendship, it explains, is not founded on convenience or popularity, but on sincerity, fidelity, and shared growth. This vision strongly echoes the charism of the SYM, where friendship becomes a privileged path of human and spiritual formation.

3d, the Rector Major recalls Pope Leo XIV’s firm appeal regarding truth and communication. Young people are invited to use language that is truthful and respectful—never arrogant, aggressive, or ambiguous. In this way, communication becomes a bridge for dialog rather than a source of division.

These themes converge in a powerful spiritual image: Mary invites us to listen, while Pope Leo calls us to authentic friendship. Listening, friendship, and truth thus emerge as guiding attitudes for young people who live the SYM charism in today’s world.

Adding a distinctive richness to the initiative are the video messages of young people from across the globe, including voices from Australia, Mongolia, Hong Kong, India, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Italy, Ukraine, Syria, Poland, Portugal, Angola, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast Their reflections demonstrate how the Rector Major’s message speaks concretely to diverse cultural contexts while uniting them in a shared Salesian spirit.

Thru this format, the Rector Major’s message becomes more than a document—it becomes a global conversation. It reaffirms that the SYM is a living journey: a community that listens attentively, builds authentic friendships, and courageously bears witness to the truth in today’s world.

The full videos of the Rector Major’s Message to young people, along with the responses offered by youth to Fr. Fabio Attard, are available in four languages—Italian, English, Spanish, and French—at the dedicated link. Each language version is provided in 2 formats: one suitable for viewing on a computer and another optimized for sharing on social media platforms.

Cardinal Bo: "There is still hope in Burma"

Cardinal Bo: “There is still hope in Burma”
Nation devastated by war and abandoned by the world

(ANS – Rangoon, Burma – February 13, 2026) – “In the collective drama marked by insecurity and uncertainty about the future, it is still possible to maintain hope in Burma (renamed “Myanmar” by the military), even amid conflict, poverty, and the painful feeling of international abandonment. But this hope is not naive optimism: it is a Christian hope born from the Cross and the Resurrection. Hope in Burma today is a crucified hope, and yet it is not dead.”

This is what the archbishop of Yangon (Rangoon), the Salesian Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, stated in a message in which he describes the situation in the country 5 years after the coup.

“First of all,” he points out, “our hope is placed in God, not in circumstances. The people of Burma have lost many securities—peace, livelihoods, stability, and even international attention—but they have not lost the presence of God.” As the Psalms remind us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” In villages displaced by war, in camps of the internally displaced, in silent tears of mothers and the perseverance of catechists and religious, God is still walking with his people.

“Second,” the cardinal explains, “the poor themselves have become signs of hope. In Burma, the poor continue to share what little they have; families continue to pray together; young people still volunteer, serve, and dream of a better future. The Church remains close to the suffering—thru education, health care, humanitarian assistance, and quiet mediation. These are not spectacular signs, but they are Gospel signs, like the mustard seed.”

Third, Cardinal Bo emphasizes that “the Church’s faithfulness is itself hope. When the Church refuses hatred, rejects violence, and continues to speak the language of reconciliation and human dignity, she becomes a sacrament of hope. Even when the world seems indifferent, the Church in Burma continues to believe that violence will not have the last word.”

He also points out that, although there may seem to be indifference on the part of the international community, “that does not mean abandonment by God, who often works in forgotten places. Burma may feel overlooked, but it is not forgotten in God’s plan. The blood of the innocent, the prayers of the suffering, and the resilience of the faithful are not wasted.”

The archbishop of Yangon adds that “hope in Burma is a moral duty. To lose hope would be to surrender the future to violence and despair. Christian hope empowers us to resist injustice nonviolently, to protect life, to educate children even in exile, and to prepare the ground for reconciliation—long before peace agreements are signed.”

“Burma hopes,” he affirms, “not because the situation is easy, but because God is faithful.” And as long as there are people who pray, forgive, serve, and refuse to hate, hope is alive in Burma.” In the context of widespread violence, suffering, and forced displacement, Cardinal Bo emphasizes that “communities continue to care for one another, and religious leaders, particularly Christians, Buddhists, and Muslims, continue to raise their voices in favor of peace.”

The Christian communities in Burma, both Catholic and Protestant, supported by ecumenical organizations, the cardinal concludes, “are actively engaged in efforts to build peace and reconciliation at various levels.”

Their leaders continue to disseminate appeals for an end to the violence and invite the population to embrace reconciliation and forgiveness. Thruout the country, Churches organize interfaith prayer meetings for peace, initiatives that “promote and strengthen a framework for coexistence.”

Source: Fides Agency

Salesians Celebrate 100 Years in Japan

Salesians Celebrate 100 Years in Japan

(ANS – Tokyo – February 10, 2026) – Amid the coldest weather of the year and falling snow, the 100th anniversary commemorative Mass of the Salesians’ arrival in Japan was solemnly celebrated on February 8 at Tokyo Cathedral. Despite the severe conditions, the cathedral was filled to capacity with Salesians, members of the Salesian Family, lay faithful, and numerous young people, creating a deeply prayerful atmosphere of gratitude, remembrance, and hope.

Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, archbishop of Tokyo, presided over the Eucharistic celebration, which was concelebrated by Bp. Mario Michiaki Yamanouch, SDB, and Bp. Andrea Lembo. Also present were Fr. William Matthews, SDB, regional councilor for East Asia–Oceania; Fr. Domingos Leong, SDB, provincial of China; and Fr. Marcello Baek, SDB, provincial of Korea, along with Salesians from across the region.

Prior to the Mass, students from Salesian schools offered creative presentations recalling the beginnings of the Salesian mission in Japan, including a short dramatization on the life of Fr. Vincent Cimatti, SDB, and a symbolic dance inspired by the sea voyage of the first missionaries. A letter written by Fr. Cimatti describing the circumstances surrounding the Salesians’ arrival in Japan 100 years ago was read by members of the Salesian Cooperators.

In his homily, Bp. Yamanouchi invited the assembly to “bring the heritage of these 100 years to life in the present,” encouraging the Salesian Family to read its history as a living mission and a call to renewed responsibility in today’s world.

The liturgy was enriched by the joint choirs of the Caritas Sisters of Jesus (who were founded by Fr. Cimatti) and the Salesian Sisters, accompanied by the Himonya Church Band, while a handbell performance by students of Kodaira Salesio Junior High School guided the congregation into reflective remembrance of the Salesian journey in Japan.

At the conclusion of the Mass, words of thanksgiving were offered by Fr. Atsushi Hamasaki, SDB, provincial of Japan, followed by an address from Fr. Matthews as representative of the rector major. Four young representatives then shared a message expressing their hopes and commitment for the next hundred years of the Salesian mission, which was warmly received by the assembly.

The celebration concluded with the centennial theme song, “Yume‑wo‑Tsunaide: Weaving Dreams,” filling the cathedral and bringing the historic Eucharistic celebration to a moving close.

100 years after the arrival of the first 9 Salesian missionaries led by Fr. Cimatti, this centennial celebration became a moment of profound thanksgiving and renewed commitment, affirming that the future of the Salesian mission in Japan continues to be entrusted to the shared responsibility of the entire Salesian Family.

The centennial year will conclude in October with the visit of the rector major. As the journey continues, the Salesian Family in Japan looks to the future with hope, committed to weaving Don Bosco’s dream into the lives of new generations.

Some Japanese FMAs with Fr. Matthews

Homily for Thursday, Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Feb. 12, 2026
1 Kings 11: 4-13
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

King Solomon amid His Wives & Concubines
(godsbless.ing/commentary)

“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart to strange gods, and his heart was not entirely with the Lord, his God” (1 Kgs 11: 4).

The preceding verse, which wasn’t part of our reading, informs us that Solomon has 700 wives and 300 concubines.  He must not have had a lot of time for statecraft!  One commentary remarks drily that the “number is surely somewhat exaggerated.”[1]

In any case, Solomon is seduced by his foreign wives to take up the worship of foreign gods.  [Clip of “An Ordinary Man,” My Fair Lady]  Perhaps some form of dementia has struck Solomon in his old age, or perhaps he’s just trying to keep his harem happy.  Hundreds of years later, St. Paul will caution the Corinthians:  “The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided” (I, 7:32-34).

The Lord isn’t pleased with Solomon’s divided heart.  As the Lord abandoned Saul for his disobedience, now he’ll abandon Solomon; this is the sacred historian’s reading in hindsight.  But for David’s sake, the dynasty will survive and will continue to rule Judah—in contrast to the repeated coups and leadership chaos that will engulf the northern tribes.

Solomon fails to persevere in his relationship with the Lord, which had begun so well.  Any one of us is susceptible to that temptation, that failure of the heart.  One theory for the last line of the Lord’s Prayer is that we’re praying to be delivered from the final temptation—to abandon the Lord at the end or despair that he’ll abandon us or perhaps even doubt that he’s there.  So we do well to pray for final perseverance, which we do, e.g., whenever we pray that the holy Mother of God will be with us “now and at the hour of our death.”

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[1] Charles Conroy, MSC, 1-2 Samuel, 1-2 Kings (Wilmington, Del.: Glazier, 1983), p. 165.

3 Brazilian Provinces Welcome 17 Novices

3 Brazilian Provinces Welcome 17 Young Men to Their Novitiate

(ANS - Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Brazil – February 9, 2026) – On February 5, the Salesian novitiate welcomed 17 novices from the provinces of Recife, Porto Alegre and São Paulo. The provincial of Recife, Fr. Francisco Inacio Vieira Jr., welcomed the future young Salesians and the novice master, Fr. Edson Donizetti Castilho.

Before the start of the novitiate, on February 3, the young men participated in a Mass of sending forth, which took place in the chapel of the provincial house in Campos Eliseos, São Paulo . Family members and members of the community participated in the celebration, strengthening the bond between vocation, Church, and mission.

Brazil has 3 other provinces, based in Belo Horizonte, Campo Grande, and Manaus. The 6 provinces had 621 Salesians among them as of Dec. 31, 2024 (the most recent data).

Homily for Tuesday, Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Tuesday
Week 5 of Ordinary Time

Feb. 10, 2026
1 Kings 8: 22-23, 27-30
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

Solomon Plans the Temple
(Providence Lithograph Co.)

In yesterday’s 1st reading, Solomon moved the Ark of the Covenant from its tent in one part of Jerusalem into the magnificent new temple he’d built for it (1 Kgs 8:4,6) and sacrificed “sheep and oxen too many to count” (8:5) in honor of the Lord, and the Lord’s descended upon the temple in the form of a cloud (8:10).

Today, Solomon prays for himself and the people—a prayer of praise and gratitude (8:23), and a prayer of petition for the temple:  a prayer that the Lord remain there amid his people (8:28-30).  Implied is prayer that God protect the city and the people by his presence.  The reading skips over Solomon’s prayer for the preservation of David’s dynasty (8:24-26).

Solomon’s temple is long gone.  The temple of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, rebuilt by Herod in Jesus’ time, is long gone.

God replaced the Jerusalem temple with his permanent presence in Jesus, of David’s lineage.  He preserves thus not only the dynasty but also the divine presence—no cloud needed.  God dwells in his Church on earth, in the Holy Eucharist, and in every individual Christian on whom he’s conferred the Holy Spirit.

Made into living temples by the Spirit, we pray that the Lord remain with us and in us, that he preserve his people in holiness, and that he guide us to the heavenly Jerusalem, to the eternal temple not built by hands (Heb 9:11), to worship him and thank him forever.

Homily for 5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Homily for the
5th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Feb. 8, 2026
Matt 5: 13-16
St. Francis Xavier, Bronx

(pinterest.com)

“Jesus said to his disciples:  ‘You are the light of the world.  Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matt 5: 14, 16)

Last week we began 3 weeks of gospel readings from the Sermon on the Mount, a fundamental core of Christ’s teachings.  Right after laying out the Beatitudes, the dangers of discipleship, and discipleship’s rewards, Jesus compares his followers to salt, a lofty city, and light.

Light is a constant theme in the sacred Scriptures, right from the 3d verse of the book of Genesis:  “God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (1:3).  That divinely created light, according to Genesis, overcame the initial darkness of the universe (1:2).

St. John’s Gospel, modeling its opening on that 1st chapter of Genesis, tells us, “All things came to be thru” the divine Word, and “what came to be thru him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (1:1-5).  Further on, St. John quotes Jesus’ announcement to crowds of people in Jerusalem, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (8:12).  Jesus overcomes the darkness in our lives:  sin and death.

That’s why the Eastern Churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, refer to Baptism as “enlightenment.”  Baptism joins us to Jesus Christ, the light of the world.  The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us:  “This bath is called enlightenment….  Having received in Baptism the Word, ‘the true light that enlightens every man,’ the person baptized has been ‘enlightened,’ he becomes a ‘child of light,’ indeed, he becomes ‘light’ himself” (CCC 1216, adapted).

So Jesus tells his disciples that they are light in themselves and light for the world.  Those who practice the virtues he teaches in the Beatitudes (last Sunday’s teaching) possess his divine light.  But the light isn’t for ourselves; it’s for the world.  “A lamp … is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house” (Matt 5:15).  “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (5:16).

That is, whatever virtues we have must be put into practice, must be exercised in action.  Our faith, our charity, our patience, our gentleness, our kindness, our humility, our honesty must be seen by others—not so that people will exclaim, “Oh, how wonderful you are!  How holy!” but so that people will see Christ acting in us and thru us.

Isaiah today commands us, in God’s name, to “remove from your midst oppression, false accusation, and malicious speech” (Is 58:7-10), which is sound advice in this age of political division and mud-slinging and bias against a whole lot of people.  He commands, “Share your bread with the hungry, shelter the oppressed and the homeless, clothe the naked.”  He doesn’t tell us to restrict our concern only to our friends or our fellow citizens.  It’s an open-ended command.  Our country ought to be ashamed of the disgraceful abuse of immigrants—our bishops and the Holy Father have said that.  We ought to be ashamed of having canceled almost all our foreign aid programs—feeding the hungry and combating disease and providing education—while cutting the taxes of our wealthiest and most powerful citizens.[1]

Christ the light of the world wants to shine on others thru us.  We show others the power and goodness of Christ so that they may come to him, learn from him, grow in him to be closer to God our Father.  In and thru Christ, we glorify God.

Just by coming to church at an early hour on Sunday, you’re glorifying God our Father and giving good example to your fellow parishioners and your neighbors.  If you’re a parent or a grandparent, you reveal the light of Christ to youngsters by teaching them to pray, by catechizing them, by giving them the good example of virtue.  We’re citizens of our blessed country, and we can be light by bringing Christ’s teachings to our civil life, our culture, and our politics.

I’ll end by quoting something our new archbishop said yesterday:  “We exist to follow Jesus, who fed the hungry, healed those ill in body and spirit, rejected hatred, and proclaimed love.”[2]

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[1] After I drafted this, I found in the NYT of Saturday, 2/7/26, on p. A8 a full-page, amply illustrated article, “After U.S. Aid Cuts, ‘Biblical Diseases’ Could Return in Africa” (‘Biblical Diseases’ Could Resurge in Africa, Health Officials Fear - The New York Times).

[2] Dave Collins, Associated Press, “New Catholic archbishop of New York wants a church that ‘shows respect for all’ and builds unity,” at CRUX online, 2/7/26.

Holy Certifies Diocesan Inquiry into Fr. Luis Bolla's Cause

Holy See Certifies Diocesan Inquiry into the Cause of Fr. Luis Bolla

(ANS – Vatican City – February 6, 2026) – On February 6, the anniversary of the Servant of God Luis Bolla’s entry into heaven, a communique was sent to the postulator general for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, Fr. Pierluigi Cameroni, stating that the Vatican Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, in its session on January 14 had given legal validity to the diocesan inquiry for the cause of beatification and canonization of the Servant of God Luigi Bolla, professed priest of the Salesian Society of St. John Bosco. Fr. Bolla, born at Schio, Italy, August 11, 1932, was a missionary among the Shuar and Achuar Indians of Ecuador and Peru. He died at Lima, Peru, February 6, 2013. The Vatican certification verifies the formal procedures and the consistency of the evidence gathered at Lima: number and quality of witnesses, documents collected.

The postulator general emphasizes that “this is a great achievement, the result of the passionate and competent work of the members of the diocesan tribunal in Lima and all those who contributed, in particular the historical commission, the theological censors, and the vice postulator, Fr. Jesus Adrian Jurado Alarcon, SDB.”

The Dicastery for the Causes of Saints will now be asked to appoint a rapporteur to guide the preparation of the Positio super virtutibus of the Servant of God.

The diocesan inquiry took place at the archiepiscopal chancery in Lima from September 27, 2021, to May 30, 2025.

The life of Fr. Luis Bolla (Father Yankuam’) among the Shuar and Achuar peoples teaches us that mission is not “doing something” but choosing to “be there,” allowing oneself to be profoundly transformed by the encounter with those to whom the mission is directed. He knew how to realize God’s dream for him: in 1943 and 1944, at the age of 11 and 12, the young oratory boy in Schio, Luis Bolla, heard the voice of Jesus (he was certain of it), indicating his plan: “You will be a missionary in the jungle among the indigenous people, and you will bring them my Word. You will walk a great deal on foot in the jungle....” And all this came true between 1953 and 2013.

Joyful International Celebration of Don Bosco in Moscow

A Joyful International Celebration of Don Bosco in Moscow

(ANS – Moscow – February 5, 2026) – Despite intense cold, snow, and temperatures reaching –7°F, the Salesian house and orphanage in Moscow was filled with warmth and joy during the celebration of the feast of St. John Bosco, held on February 4. The large turnout exceeded expectations, with so many participants that it was impossible to include everyone in photographs—a visible sign of the affection and closeness surrounding the Salesian presence in the city.

A Celebration Marked by Wide Participation

The feast brought together a vibrant and diverse assembly of people. Besides Salesian priests and brothers, Salesian sisters, former pupils, young people, benefactors, and friends of the Salesian Family took part in the celebration, reaffirming a long‑standing tradition that makes Don Bosco’s feast a true family event in Moscow.

Strong Diplomatic and International Presence

The celebration was further enriched by the presence of distinguished guests from the diplomatic community. Among those attending were the ambassador of Argentina, accompanied by his secretary, members of the diplomatic corps of the Italian embassy, representatives of Italian associations in Russia, including an Italian women’s club actively involved in supporting charitable initiatives—and representatives from the Polish and German embassies. Their participation highlighted the esteem and trust enjoyed by the Salesian mission.

An Italian Spirit in Honor of Don Bosco

In honor of Don Bosco’s Italian origins, the celebration took on a distinctly Italian character. Following the Eucharistic celebration, a cultural and theatrical performance was presented, portraying Italy through its ancient, medieval, and modern periods. The performance, rich in color and meaning, captivated the audience and was received with great appreciation.

More than 30 Years of Salesian Mission in Moscow

The Salesian orphanage in Moscow has been serving poor and abandoned children for more than 30 years. While the liturgical feast of Don Bosco is celebrated on  January 31—and was in fact celebrated in the parish—the celebration at the orphanage was held on a later weekday to allow for greater participation. This year’s feastday Mass was presided over by Fr. Dariusz Gojko, director of the Salesian Community in Moscow, in the absence of the bishop, who was ill.

A Feast of Fraternity and Hope

The celebration concluded with a festive gathering marked by joy, fraternity, and gratitude. Even amid winter’s harsh conditions, the feast of Don Bosco once again demonstrated how his charism continues to bring together people of different cultures and nations around a shared mission of education, care, and hope.

Homily for Thursday, Week 4 of Ordinary Time

Homily for Thursday
4th Week of Ordinary Time

Feb. 5, 2026
1 Kings 2: 1-4, 10-12
Christian Brothers, St. Joseph’s Residence, N.R.

David, by Nicolas Cordier
(St. Mary Major, Rome)

“When the time of David’s death drew near, he gave [his] instructions to his son Solomon” (1 Kgs 2: 1).

David has been completely rehabilitated before the Lord in spite of his sins and the blood he shed over the years.  His youngest son, the favorite of his old age, will succeed him.  But even so great a servant of the Lord as he must “rest with his ancestors” (2:10).  He’s wise enuf to prepare for inevitable death, and he meets it calmly.

His instructions to Solomon are twofold.  We heard the 1st set; the reading skipped the political set about dealing with his enemies so as to secure the throne, and our future readings will pass over how Solomon did so.

The 1st part of David’s advice reminds his son to be faithful to the Lord, and the Lord will be faithful to him.  David does as Moses and Joshua had done in years past.  His assurance to Solomon, tho, is conditional:  “If your sons so conduct themselves…” (2:4).  The sacred historian knew that many of Judah’s kings—even Solomon himself—wouldn’t be fully faithful, David’s kingdom would soon be divided, and the part ruled by his dynasty would end in disaster.

Yet God was—is—faithful; the Son of David, Jesus of Nazareth, would prove most faithful and would be given sovereignty over not only Israel but all the nations, greater than David could have dreamed.  We are witnesses to Jesus’ faithfulness and God’s fidelity.

David’s instructions remind Solomon and all rulers—God’s word is permanent—that they are subject to God’s rule; to God’s conditions, if you will.  Our Baptism into Christ has made us kings, as well, members of his royal family.  If we’re faithful to God’s covenant with us, he’ll protect us and preserve us for his eternal kingdom, “from eternity to eternity” (1 Chron 29:10).

Ven. Fr. Carlo Crespi Returns to MHC Shrine in Cuenca

Venerable Fr. Carlos Crespi Returns to MHC Shrine in Cuenca

(ANS – Cuenca, Ecuador – February 3, 2026) – Saturday, January 31, was a historic day of faith and gratitude in the city of Cuenca with the blessing of the chapel in memory of the Venerable Salesian Fr. Carlos Crespi Croci, and the final transfer of his mortal remains, which will now rest permanently in what was his home for many years: the city's Mary Help of Christians Shrine.

The Mass that accompanied the transfer was presided over by Abp. Marcos Perez Caicedo of Cuenca and was attended by members of the Salesian Family, ecclesiastical and civil officials, as well as numerous faithful who gathered to accompany the “Apostle of the Poor.”

In the context of the feast of St. John Bosco, the celebration also had a special meaning for the province of Ecuador, thanks to the simultaneous profession of perpetual Salesian vows by Edin Oswaldo Villamar Franco, who thus consecrated himself definitively to God, to the service of the Church, and to the Salesian mission.

After Communion, Fr. Marcelo Farfan, provincial of the Salesians in Ecuador, together with the Commission for Beatification, presented the mortal remains of the Venerable Fr. Crespi to the archbishop. For over 40 years, these remains had rested in the Patrimonial Cemetery of Cuenca, as a sign of gratitude for a life totally dedicated to God and as a gift offered to the whole Church.

In an atmosphere of profound silence, Archbishop Perez received the remains and, accompanied by the celebrants, began the procession inside the church toward the new chapel. This moment was marked by an intense expression of popular faith: many faithful approached the coffin in tears, placing rosaries, images, and photographs on it and invoking the intercession of the venerable Salesian, while remembering his goodness and compassion, especially toward those most in need.

Once they reached the chapel, a solemn blessing was celebrated for this space, conceived as a permanent place of prayer, recollection, and spiritual encounter. The sprinkling of holy water marked the consecration of the place, entrusting it to God as a living memory of the gospel and a school of charity, in harmony with the charism of Don Bosco.

Subsequently, the Ordinary of Cuenca proceeded to place the mortal remains in the columbarium, specially prepared for their dignified custody, emphasizing that holiness has a place in the community and that the witness of Venerable Fr. Crespi will thus continue to animate the faith of the believing people.

The ceremony concluded with a communal prayer of thanksgiving, in which the life of Fr. Crespi was remembered, a life entirely devoted to proclaiming the Gospel, serving the poor, and accompanying young people.

With this event, the Salesian Family of Ecuador reaffirms the deep spiritual bond between the Fr. Carlos Crespi and the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, and offers the Church and the city of Cuenca a permanent place of prayer, inviting the faithful to have recourse to his intercession and to keep alive the hope of seeing him soon raised to the altars.

Angelica Almeida,
Secretary of the Commission for the Beatification of Fr. Crespi

Salesian Missions Helps Feed Thousands in Ethiopia

Salesian Missions and Feed My Starving Children Partner to Feed More Than 2,500 Families

(ANS – Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – February 3, 2026) – More than 2,500 families across 8 communities in Ethiopia had access to better nutrition thanks to a partnership between Salesian Missions of New Rochelle and Feed My Starving Children, a nonprofit Christian organization committed to “feeding God’s children hungry in body and spirit.” The families have felt the impact of the ongoing strife in the Tigray region of the country.

A Salesian explained: “The war started in November 2020. Until the peace agreement was reached in November 2022, there were active clashes between the federal military and the regional force, and hundreds of thousands of people died on both sides. The food shortage began around November 2020, coinciding with the start of the conflict in Tigray. As the war unfolded, it worsened food access and contributed to the broader humanitarian crisis.”

Salesians have been a crucial lifeline for war-affected people in Tigray, operating primarily through established communities in Mekelle, Adigrat, Adwa, and Shire. Salesians address immediate humanitarian needs while also focusing on long-term recovery and resilience.

This donation was sent in partnership with Flexport.org, which managed the shipping and funded the shipping costs. Salesian Missions will partner with Flexport.org for additional upcoming humanitarian aid shipments.

Salesians have also organized and distributed food baskets containing essentials like wheat, rice, and oil to tens of thousands of internally displaced persons and families facing food shortage-like conditions. They are running programs for the most vulnerable, especially malnourished children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, providing high-nutrient food like fortified flour to combat acute malnutrition. They are also providing non-food items like blankets, mattresses, and other items.

With infrastructure broken, Salesians have taken on projects to restore clean water access. They are currently working to repair damaged wells and boreholes in order to provide a more sustainable water source for local communities.

In addition, Salesians are providing education to children and skills training for older youths and adults. A Salesian explained, “Education is at the heart of what we do in these communities. Salesians have been instrumental in getting schools functional again by providing books and pens, repairing damaged classrooms, and paying incentive salaries for teachers who otherwise wouldn’t work. For children who have missed years of schooling, we also provide informal classes for internally displaced people, setting up temporary learning spaces to help them catch up. For older youths and adults, we provide access to skills training with short technical and vocational courses and startup kits to help them generate a small income.”

Salesians were in these communities well before the war started and will be there long after it’s done. The existing trust with the community means that Salesians can often operate when international non-governmental organizations are unable to gain access. This has been critical in assessing nutritional needs and ensuring that food shipments reach people most in need.

Source: Mission Newswire