1st SDB Missionaries Arrive in Greece

The First Salesian Missionaries Arrive in Greece

(ANS – Athens – October 7, 2024) – The new Salesian presence in Greece officially began on October 6, with a Mass presided over by Fr. Alfred Maravilla, general councilor for the Missions, in the chapel of the Marist Brothers’ residence in Athens. A few days earlier Fr. Rodil Lladones, from the Philippines, and Fr. Jean-Paul Mutombo Matala, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, had already gone there, while Fr. Oscar Tuscano, from India, will join the group as soon as his visa is issued. They  make up the pioneering community in this country. Fr. Lladones and Fr. Mutombo are already enrolled in the university for a year of modern Greek language course.

In the homily during this simple and intimate celebration, Fr. Maravilla stressed that “being pioneers is a great honor, but it is an even greater responsibility. Although the pioneers do not have the weight of the pastoral practices of past years, they still have the challenge of being creatively faithful to the charism of Don Bosco to make it relevant for the Greek context, where Catholics are a small minority in a predominantly Orthodox country. “ “Today we plant a small seed in new soil,” he added, “and we ask for the intercession of St. Andrew the Apostle, who is so close to the heart of Greek Christians, so that this mustard seed can take root in Greek soil and bear abundant fruit.” At the end of Mass, the 3 Salesians entrusted the new presence in Greece to Mary Help of Christians.

Explaining the reason for this new presence, Fr. Maravilla stressed that it is a response to the invitation of Bp. Petros Stefanou of Syros, Santorini, and Crete. In 2023 the Rector Major and his council accepted the request for pastoral care of the parish of Pagos, in Syros, starting in September 2025, a reality in which there are structures that make it possible to organize youth activities. Then there is also the challenge of pastoral care for young tourists who visit the islands, especially during the summer. And after a period of getting settled, the possibility will also be explored for the Salesian community to take on responsibility for youth and vocational ministry in the 3 dioceses of Syros, Santorini, and Crete, which are united under Bp. Stefanou.

Asked about the importance of this new presence, Fr. Maravilla said that “it is the most recent presence in Europe after so many years. This fact shows that in Europe there is still the possibility of starting something new that can revitalize the Salesian charism. It is an important sign not only for the Salesians in Europe, but also for the entire Congregation.”