Dear friends,
In life, we learn to cultivate gratitude—not because circum-stances are flawless, but because we are individuals guided by hope. Hope is the quiet strength that sustains the human spirit across cultures and continents. As the late Pope Francis often reminded us “hope is bold; it can look beyond personal convenience, the petty securities of this world, and all the barriers of selfishness.”
Don Bosco lived this hope daily. He encourages us to walk with our feet on earth, but in our heart, be in heaven. His unwavering optimism, even in hardship, showed that hope is not passive—it moves us to act, to uplift others. Amid uncertainty, let us embody hope and show that with God, there is always light, purpose, and no darkness is ever final. May our hope inspire others to rise, rebuild, and believe in the transforming power of love.
Fr Eric Mairura SDB
Missions Sector
In today’s world - connected more than ever - yet torn by fresh conflict and divisions - the dream of peaceful coexistence can feel distant. Yet, Pope Leo XIV, in his first message to the world offered a bold and hopeful vision: “a church that build bridges, not walls”. He told us that we are called to become a missionary Church, a church of dialogue, peace and encounter. His call that resonated beyond St Peter’s square. In cities, slums and villages where Christians live alongside Muslims, Hindus, indigenous communities, and non-believers, the Pope’s words were crystal-clear: we are not here to impose – but to propose. To live and serve humbly, working hand in hand with people of different faiths, cultures and traditions.
When I was in Sierra Leone, in Don Bosco Fambul Programme for vulnerable kids, I was happy to see Muslim and Christian boys and girls living together peacefully under the same roof. Christian and Muslim staff serve the children with one heart, and deep love for Don Bosco, the Salesian spirit and his educational system. Real peace is not built overnight. It demands humility, openness, and often, sacrifice. It takes patience, courage and deep compassion, especially when faced with rejection. When we choose that road, we become a home for all, a school of peace and reconciliation. In a world marked by fear and polarization, this mission has never been more urgent – or more prophetic.
Fr Jorge Mario Crisafulli SDB
General Councilor for the Missions
Alex, could you briefly present what RASS is and what is its mission and objective?
“Red América Social Salesiana” (RASS) is the network of Salesian social works and services that accompany children, adolescents, youth and families in situations of vulnerability and exclusion in America. In the light of the Gospel, and faithful to the Preventive System of Don Bosco, our aim is to consolidate processes of articulation, training and communication, in order to enhance and strengthen the Salesian response provided locally to this population.
The main theme of this month is coexistence. How is RASS committed to coexistence between different people?
From the Salesian approach and the updating of the preventive system, our charismatic identity is based on human rights and the recognition that all people are children of God. Our actions are aimed at integral human development, at building networks that generate unity and a provisional future for those we accompany. As a Network, we strengthen local capacities through training processes with a focus on interculturality and respect for diversity, the promotion of spaces for dialogue, listening and participation, and communication efforts to raise visibility and awareness. As part of our charism, our environments are designed to be spaces where differences are valued as a source of richness rather than a threat.
How do you see the missionary dimension and its manifestations in the context of Salesian social works?
The missionary dimension in the Salesian social works in America stems from the initial vision of Don Bosco, who, in the 19th century, went out into the streets to accompany children, adolescents and young people living in various vulnerabilities: orphanhood, child labour, street situations, illiteracy, malnutrition, among others; defending their rights and offering them a comprehensive educational proposal that included spiritual formation. Today, this missionary spirit translates into more than 180 social works that, based on the Salesian charism, implement programmes and projects for children, adolescents and young people in vulnerable situations, which facilitate overcoming their personal difficulties and contribute to generating a beneficial social impact on their own lives and their communities.
