In the solemn Mass in honour of Blessed Michael Rua (the first successor of Don Bosco) the Archbishop of Johannesburg underlined the consistent and faithful commitment of the Salesians to the education of the youth, especially those most in need. Southern Africa Salesian superior, Fr Vaclav Klement, SDB presented a few characteristics of the holy patron of this province, who sent the first Salesian missionaries to Cape Town in 1896. Fr Michael Rua accompanied the first expansion and rapid growth of the Salesians from 700+ to 4000+ members in 20 years, sending the first Salesian generations as missionaries to four continents and with his deep spirituality, also fostered a solid charismatic growth of the whole Salesian Family.
The Mass was followed by a blessing of the new Salesian provincial house, built at 66 Nelson Road, Booysens, where the Salesians have been based since 1952. The commemoration plaque reads: 'In commemoration of the blessing of the Provincial House of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Southern Africa (eSwatini, Lesotho and South Africa on 29th October 2025, Feast of Blessed Michael Rua, by Archbishop of Johannesburg, Stephen Cardinal Brislin, DD. In gratitude to all benefactors and the support of the 10th successor of Don Bosco as Rector Major, Card. Angel F. Artime, SDB.' Give me souls and take away the rest (Don Bosco).
This event opened the year-long celebration of the 130th anniversary of the Salesian presence in Southern Africa (1896-2026) and will conclude in December 2026 during the animation visit of the 11th successor of Don Bosco, Fr Fabio Attard, SDB. The logo of this Jubilee Year shows the three keywords 'Give Thanks - Rethink - Relaunch'. The Jubilee program comprises Youth Rallies, Youth Synod, Symposium for Salesian Mission Partners, 130 years publication and other creative events focused on relaunching of the Salesian charism.
At present, the Southern Africa Salesian vice-province (since 1988) is made up of 7 local communities and 30 Salesian priests, brothers and candidates to the priesthood, besides another 9 confreres abroad in initial formation. From Cape Town, Ennerdale-Booysens-Walkerville in Gauteng, Manzini - Malkerns in eSwatini, up to Maputsoe and Maseru in Lesotho, the Salesians are entrusted with 6 parishes, 3 TVET for youth in need, two Youth Centres and pastoral commitments in 15 primary and secondary schools.
From 28 to 30 October, some 30 Salesians gathered at Bosco Youth Centre (Walkerville) for a Provincial Assembly characterised by fraternity, sharing and discernment of the way forward with conversation in the Spirit, and with special attention to self-care and formation, Youth Ministry and community building.
A special touch in the Assembly was the unexpected presence of an 8-member refugee family from Gaza, which was hosted for 3 days on their way to their final destination in the Eastern part of Indonesia. A couple with 6 children, from 21 to 7 years of age, appreciated the wholehearted welcome and family spirit during meals and informal sharing, which helped them to leave behind the trauma of a two-year-long war and their respective personal traumas.