Fr. Hugo Orozco Reports on the Interamerica Region

Fr. Hugo Orozco Reports on the Interamerica Region: “A Region of Hope, Commitment, and Missionary Vitality”

(ANS – Rome – April 2, 2026 ) – The Interamerica Region continues to stand out within the Salesian Congregation for its missionary dynamism, historical depth, and unwavering commitment to young people, particularly those living in situations of poverty and vulnerability. In his recent “good night” talk to the confreres of the Salesian Headquarters community, the regional councilor for Interamerica, Fr. Hugo Orozco, offered a thoughtful overview of the region’s current reality, highlighting both its strengths and the challenges that call for renewed vocational enthusiasm and pastoral creativity.

Currently composed of 12 provinces and 1 vice province across 18 countries — Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Peru, the United States, Canada, and Venezuela — the Interamerica Region represents a significant and historically rooted presence within the Salesian Congregation.

As of December 31, 2025, the region counts 1,552 Salesians, representing approximately 11.4% of the entire Congregation (1,552 out of 13,558 worldwide, including bishops). Of these, 1,509 are professed Salesians and 43 are novices. Among the professed confreres, there are 1,039 priests, 2 permanent deacons, 190 coadjutor brothers, and 278 “clerics” in initial formation. The average age in the region is close to 58 years, reflecting both long-standing missionary dedication and the ongoing need for vocational renewal.

“These figures,” Fr. Orozco emphasized, “are not simply statistics. They represent lives generously given to God and to young people. At the same time, they remind us of our responsibility to renew missionary enthusiasm and to strengthen vocational culture thruout the region.” The 2025 data confirm the region’s vitality while underlining the importance of continued vocational promotion, quality formation, and intergenerational accompaniment to ensure a dynamic and sustainable future.

A Strong Educational and Pastoral Presence

Interamerica is characterized by a long and fruitful Salesian tradition. Many provinces have more than a century of history and maintain a well-established presence in education, pastoral ministry, and social outreach.

Across the region there are 159 schools, 80 vocational training centers, and 6 universities, offering thousands of young people access to quality education and professional preparation. The pastoral network includes 175 oratories and youth centers and 172 parishes, while 60 social works respond directly to situations of poverty and vulnerability. The region also includes 15 houses of formation and 34 missionary communities, highlighting its commitment both to vocational growth and to evangelizing outreach.

“In the midst of complex social realities marked by migration, inequality, and poverty,” Fr. Orozco affirmed, “our works continue to offer concrete opportunities for young people — thru education, professional training, pastoral accompaniment, sports, and the arts. This is a sign of the living relevance of Don Bosco’s charism.”

Thruout the region, Salesians respond daily to urgent social challenges such as youth unemployment, forced migration, violence, and structural poverty. Thru schools, parishes, youth centers, and social projects, they provide spaces of protection, formation, and hope.

Commitment to Formation and Mission

The region is home to 2 important centers dedicated to ongoing formation: Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley, California (San Francisco Province), and the Salesian Center for Ongoing Formation of America in Quito, Ecuador. These communities play a strategic role in strengthening Salesian identity and fostering spiritual and pastoral renewal.

“We are convinced that fidelity to Don Bosco requires continuous renewal,” Fr. Orozco emphasized. “Ongoing formation ensures that our pastoral charity remains vibrant and rooted in our Salesian identity.”

The missionary dimension of the region is equally significant. The Holy See has entrusted the Salesians with 5 ecclesial territories: the prelature of Mixepolitana (Mexico) and the vicariates apostolic of Peten (Guatemala), Puerto Ayacucho (Venezuela), Pucallpa (Peru), and Mendez (Ecuador). In these territories, the Salesians accompany indigenous and Afro-descendant communities, promoting integral human development grounded in faith and dignity.

“This missionary responsibility,” Fr. Orozco stated, “is both a gift and a challenge. It calls us to be close to peoples who preserve rich cultural traditions and who seek development rooted in justice and hope.”

A Region of Hope

Despite challenges — including aging membership in some provinces and the need to strengthen vocational promotion — the regional councilor expressed deep confidence in the future.

“Interamerica is a region of hope,” he affirmed. “The dedication of our confreres, the collaboration of the 19 groups of the Salesian Family present in the region, and the enthusiasm of young people show that Don Bosco continues to walk with us.”

He concluded by inviting the entire region to strengthen communion, invest in formation, and keep young people — especially the poorest — at the center of every decision: “With Mary Help of Christians as our guide, we move forward with serenity and courage. The Lord continues to bless this region, and the Salesian mission in Interamerica remains a living and fruitful reality.”