Salesian Missions in 1875-1995

Abstract

Saint John Bosco founded The Society of Saint Francis de Sales in 1859 in Turin, whose Constitutions were finally accepted by The Holy See on 3rd April 1874. The first group of Salesian missionaries left for Argentine on 11th November 1875. For a start they began working among the Italian emigrants, and then initiated evangelization of the local inhabitants. After the first expedition, Salesians made their way to other countries of South and Middle America. The Vatican Congregation of Faith recommended Salesians to take over further work in some Apostolic Prefectures and vicarages.

Due to lack of Salesian personnel, Salesian missions in India started in 1905, and the year after in China as well. During the first Salesian mission expedition to China, two Salesian priest were killed by bandits on 2nd March 1930: Bishop Aloysius Versiglia and Father Callistus Caravario; who were canonized on 1st October 2000. The first Salesians were sent to Australia in 1922.

First Salesian establishments for educating the young in Africa were opened in the year 1891. In fact, they were meant for the European citizens but later also for the African people. After the pilgrimage of the pope John Paul II onto the African continent in 1980, Salesians went ahead with the project called „Project Africa”.