Salesians

Who are the Salesians?

The Salesians are a Catholic religious congregation founded by Saint John Bosco in 1859, dedicated to the education and well-being of young people, particularly those who are poor or at risk. The Salesian Society's mission is to promote faith and reason, following the educational principles of Saint John Bosco, which emphasize love, guidance, and respect. The Salesians operate schools, colleges, orphanages, and various social services worldwide, with a focus on holistic development—spiritual, intellectual, and emotional—of young people. They are also involved in missionary work and vocational training. The Salesians are known for their commitment to helping youth grow into responsible, moral, and faith-filled individuals.  Ultimately, anyone who embraces the dream and vision of Don Bosco is considered Salesian.

Salesians Around the World

There are hundreds of thousands of Salesians worldwide, comprising 33 groups within the Salesian Family, four of which were founded by Saint John Bosco himself!

Salesian Regions

  • Provinces
    ACC-Africa Congo Congo

    AET-Africa Ethiopia Eritrea

    AFC-Africa Central

    AFE-Africa East

    AFM-Southern Africa

    AGL-Africa Great Lakes

    ANG-Angola

    AON-Africa Occidentale Nord

    AOS-Africa Occidentale Sud

    ATE-Africa Tropical Equatorial

    MDG-Madagascar

    MOZ-Mozambique

    ZMB-Zambia

  • Provinces
    ARN-Argentina North

    ARS-Argentina South

    BBH-Brazil Belo Horizonte

    BCG-Brazil Campo Grande

    BMA-Brazil Manaus

    BPA-Brazil Porto Alegre

    BRE-Brazil Recife

    BSP-Brazil Sao Paulo

    CIL-Chile

    PAR-Paraguay

    URU-Uruguay

  • Provinces
    AUL-Australia

    CIN-China

    FIN-Philippines North

    FIS- Philippines South

    GIA-Japan

    INA-Indonesia

    KOR-Korea

    MYM-Myanmar

    PGS-Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

    THA-Thailand

    TLS-Timor Leste

    VIE-Vietnam

  • Provinces
    INB-India Mumbai

    INC-India Kolkata

    IND-India Dimapur

    ING-India Guwahati

    INH-India Hyderabad

    INK-India Bangalore

    INM-India Chennai

    INN-India New Delhi

    INP-India Panjim

    INS-India Silchar

    INT- India Tiruchy

    LKC-Sri Lanka

  • Provinces
    AUS-Austria

    BEN-Belgium North

    CEP-Czech Republic

    CRO-Croatia

    FRB-France-Belgium, South

    GBR-Great Britain

    GER-Germany

    IRL-Ireland

    MLT-Malta

    PLE-Poland Warsaw

    PLN-Poland Pila

    PLO-Poland Wroclaw

    PLS-Poland Krakow

    SLK-Slovakia

    SLO-Slovenia

    UKR-Ukraine

    UNG-Hungary

  • Provinces
    ANT-Antilles

    BOL-Bolivia

    CAM-Central America

    COB-Colombia Bogotá

    COM-Colombia Medellin

    ECU-Ecuador

    HAI-Haiti

    MEG-Mexico Guadalajara

    MEM-Mexico Mexico

    PER-Peru

    SUE-United States East

    SUO-United States West

    VEN-Venezuela

  • Provinces
    ICC-Italy Central Circumscription

    ICP-Italy Piedmont e Valle d'Aosta

    ILE-Italy Lombary-Emilia

    IME-Italy South

    INE-Italy North East

    ISI-Italy Sicily

    MOR-Middle East

    POR-Portugal

    SMX-Spain Mary Help of Christians

    SSM-Spain St. James the Greater

  • RMG (Headquarters Rome)

    UPS (Salesian University)

The Salesian Family

Find YOUR vocation!

SDB

Salesians of Don Bosco, West

Salesian Priests and Brothers (Salesian Society of St. John Bosco) – The main religious congregation, focused on education, youth welfare, and evangelization. 

Founded by Don Bosco in 1859

ADMA

Association of Mary Help of Christians (Associazione Di Maria Ausiliatrice)

We are centered on the veneration of the Blessed Sacrament and a deep devotion to Mary as a protector and intercessor, particularly for the well-being of the Church and its members, especially the youth.

Founded by Don Bosco in 1869

FMA

Salesian Sisters
Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice

A religious institute founded by Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Mazzarello, dedicated to the education of girls and young women. 


Founded by Don Bosco in 1872

ASC

Association of Salesian Cooperators

Lay people who volunteer to carry out the Salesian mission in their everyday lives, working in schools, social programs, and other educational settings. 

Founded by Don Bosco in 1876

The Salesian Family refers to a global network of groups and organizations inspired by the teachings and spirituality of Saint John Bosco. It encompasses a variety of religious and lay communities, all committed to continuing his mission of educating and helping young people, particularly the poor and marginalized.

Together, the Salesian Family aims to continue the legacy of Saint John Bosco by fostering a spirit of community, prayer, and dedication to the young, especially those in need. It operates globally, running schools, youth centers, and social outreach programs to support young people in their physical, moral, and spiritual development. 

The Salesian Family is a large and diverse network, with an estimated 30,000 members globally. This includes: 

Over 15,000 members of the Salesian Society (priests and brothers), 

Approximately 14,000 Salesian Sisters (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians), 

Thousands of Salesian Cooperators, who are lay people committed to the Salesian mission, 

A large number of ADMA Members, Volunteers of Don Bosco, and Past Pupils of Don Bosco. 

The exact number can vary slightly, but the Salesian Family is one of the largest Catholic movements worldwide, united in its mission to serve and educate young people, particularly those in need. 

Salesian Youth Movement

The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) is an international network of young people, educators, and Salesian communities inspired by the educational and spiritual principles of Saint John Bosco. It aims to engage young people in activities that promote personal growth, faith, and social responsibility, in line with Don Bosco's vision of a holistic approach to youth education. The movement draws on the principles of the Preventive System, which emphasizes reason, religion, and loving-kindness as the foundation for positive development.

The SYM is centered around fostering a strong relationship with God, personal development, and social engagement, particularly for young people in marginalized or disadvantaged situations. It includes a variety of programs, such as youth groups, camps, social outreach activities, sports, and faith formation. The movement encourages young people to take an active role in their communities and to live out values of service, solidarity, and justice.

The Salesian Youth Movement is present in many countries around the world, with local groups, youth centers, and initiatives inspired by the Salesian charism. It offers young people the opportunity to deepen their faith, build leadership skills, and participate in a vibrant, global network committed to making a positive difference in the world. Through its activities, the SYM continues to carry forward Don Bosco's mission of education, evangelization, and service to youth.

Pillars of Salesian Faith

1. Be in Awe of God’s Presence Every Day - Be Thankful, Know That God is Everywhere

  • Being in awe of God's presence means recognizing His constant and loving presence in our lives. It's about acknowledging that God is always with us—in the beauty of creation, in our relationships, and in every moment of our day. This awareness fosters a deep sense of gratitude and reverence, encouraging us to approach life with a heart of thankfulness. By recognizing that God is present everywhere, we grow in humility and learn to see His hand in all things, making our daily experiences more meaningful and spiritually enriching.

2. Be Joyful and Optimistic - Be Happy

  • Salesian spirituality emphasizes living with joy and optimism. Being joyful is not just about being cheerful but about maintaining a positive outlook rooted in trust in God’s plan. A joyful heart reflects a deep faith that even in difficult times, God's love and grace are present, offering hope and strength. Don Bosco taught that joy is essential in the Christian life, and that when we live with joy, we attract others to God's love. Optimism, born from this joy, empowers us to face challenges with courage, knowing that God will guide and support us through every circumstance.

3. Be Friends with Jesus - Having a Personal Relationship with Jesus

  • A key element of Salesian spirituality is fostering a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Being friends with Jesus means knowing Him not just as a figure in history but as a living, loving presence in our lives. This relationship is nurtured through prayer, reflection on His Word, and seeking His guidance in every aspect of life. Through this friendship, we learn to follow His example, embrace His teachings, and rely on His love and mercy. A personal relationship with Jesus gives us strength, direction, and peace in our daily lives.

4. Communion with the Church - Grow in Faith with Participation in the Sacraments

  • Communion with the Church is essential for growing in faith. It involves active participation in the life of the Church, especially through the sacraments, which are channels of grace. The Eucharist, where we receive the body and blood of Christ, is the center of Catholic worship and strengthens our relationship with God and the community of believers. Confession, too, is a vital sacrament, offering reconciliation with God and renewal of the soul. Through regular participation in the sacraments, we deepen our faith and experience the transformative power of God's grace, which strengthens us in our mission to live the Gospel and serve others.

5. Be Servants - Love of Neighbor

  • The call to be servants is rooted in Jesus' own example of humble service to others. Loving our neighbor means actively seeking their good, especially the poor, the needy, and the marginalized. Service is not just about actions but also about cultivating an attitude of selflessness and compassion. Don Bosco taught that love of neighbor is integral to our Christian vocation. By serving others with generosity and care, we imitate Christ and build a more just and loving world. In the Salesian tradition, serving others is a way to live out our faith and demonstrate our love for God, who is present in every person we meet.

6. Be Like Mary - Say Yes and Trust in God, Imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary

  • The figure of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is central in Salesian spirituality. Don Bosco had a deep devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and he encouraged others to follow her example of faith, trust, and humility. Mary’s "yes" to God's call, her unwavering trust in His plan, and her role as a loving and caring mother offer a model for all Christians. By imitating Mary, we learn to trust in God’s will for our lives, surrender our fears, and embrace God’s plan, even when it is unclear or challenging. Mary’s quiet strength and profound faith guide us to be more open to God's call and to serve Him with love and humility, just as she did.

These six points form a holistic foundation for living a Salesian life, encouraging a deep relationship with God, joyfully embracing His presence, serving others with love, and growing in faith through the Church and devotion to Mary. Each element builds upon the others to create a balanced and fulfilling spiritual life, rooted in love, service, and trust in God's plan.