Salesian Leaders in Africa Chart New Path for “sustainability of formation, effective animation” at Meeting in Ethiopia

Following the restructuring of the Africa-Madagascar Region into East-South Africa (nine provinces, 21 countries) and Central-West Africa (six provinces, 21 countries) during the recent General Chapter, he said in the October 24 note, Salesian leaders in Africa outlined a six-year strategic plan (2025–2031) focused on pastoral, educational, and formation goals.

Africa-2025 provinces. Credit: Salesian Missions

Reflecting on the October 18-24 meeting held at the Salesian Provincial House in Gottera, Fr. Klement said the Addis Ababa sessions “came just six months after the 29th General Chapter in Turin-Rome (February–April 2025) and coincided with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Salesian presence in Ethiopia and Eritrea (1975–2025).”

West Africa Region. Credit: Salesian Missions

“A week-long stay began with the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Salesian presence in Ethiopia and Eritrea (1975-2025), at Mekanissa Don Bosco on Sunday, 19 October. The Eucharist and Civil celebrations were presided over by the Archbishop of Addis Ababa,  Berhaneyesus Cardinal Souraphiel, attended by hundreds of faithful, youth, and Salesian Family members,” Fr. Klement stated.

More in Africa

Catholic Bishop in South Sudan Appeals for Peace, Reconciliation amid Surge in Violence in Eastern Equatoria State

Read the article

Credit: Salesian Missions

In his note to ACI Africa, the Indian-born SDB member said the meeting was animated by four members of the Salesian General Council: Fr Stefano Martoglio (Vicar of the Rector Major), Fr. Silvio Roggia (General Council for Formation), Fr. Innocent Bizimana (General Councillor for East-South Africa Region and Fr. Alphonse Owoudu (General Councillor for Central-West Africa Region). 

East Africa Region. Credit: Salesian Missions

“All 14 Provincial superiors, two delegation superiors and a joint Africa regional centre team appreciated a high quality motivational conference shared by the Auxiliary Bishop of Addis Ababa, Tesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie, on Consecrated Life blessings and challenges in the synodal Church,” the SDB Provincial, who is a member of the Communications Team of the Conference of Major Superiors of Africa and Madagascar (COMSAM) said.

BishopTesfaye Tadesse Gebresilasie. Credit: Salesian Missions

He said the continental coordination center, based at Don Bosco Youth Educational Services (DBYES) in Nairobi, continues to support these efforts with a five-member animation team.

“God continues to bless the Salesians with 273 students of theology, 65 Salesian Brothers, 244 confreres in practical training, 432 post-novices, 177 novices, 228 pre-novices, and about 280 aspirants. Indeed, a grace and great responsibility of solid discernment and personal accompaniment in formation,” Fr. Klement told ACI Africa in his note. 

West and East Africa regions. Credit: Salesian Missions

He also said the Salesians remain steadfast in their mission to serve young people, especially the most disadvantaged, despite a variety of challenges.

“Giving thanks to God for the fast growth of Salesian charism in Africa (since the 1980 Project Africa) despite all possible challenges of war, violence, and lack of formation personnel and necessary infrastructures, the Salesians of Don Bosco continue to expand their mission for the young people, especially those who are more disadvantaged,” he said.

(Story continues below)

The SDB Provincial in South Africa added, “We just bring our hands together and say: Saint John Bosco, pray for us.”

ACI Africa was founded in 2019. We provide free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Catholic Church in Africa, giving particular emphasis to the words of the Holy Father and happenings of the Holy See, to any person with access to the internet. ACI Africa is proud to offer free access to its news items to Catholic dioceses, parishes, and websites, in order to increase awareness of the activities of the universal Church and to foster a sense of Catholic thought and culture in the life of every Catholic.