(Pictured: Fr Kieran, Fr Guillermo Basanes (Councillor for the Missions),

Br Po Tak, Rector Major, Br Martin and our Provincial, Fr Gerry)

In the story of the how the Salesians of Don Bosco became a world-wide spiritual family in the Church, the 11th November 1875 is a significant date to keep in mind. Ten Salesians, led by Fr John Cagliero SDB, were sent by St John Bosco from Turin to Argentina.

This first group of Salesian missionaries has been followed by 147 successive Salesian missionary expeditions from Turin: Salesians of Don Bosco being sent around the whole world by the Rector Major, "to be in the Church signs and bearers of the love of God for young people, especially those who are poor" (Salesian Constitutions 2).

On 24th September 2017, Fr Gerry Briody SDB (GBR Provincial) and Fr Kieran Anderson SDB (GBR Mission Office Director) had the great privilege and joy to be present in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin for the 148th Missionary Expedition Mass which was celebrated by the Rector Major, Fr Angel Fernandez Artime SDB.

During the Mass, Br Po Tak Anthony Leung SDB from China and Br Martin Paul Pushparaj SDB from India were presented with the Missionary Cross by the Rector Major and began another stage in their journeys of being sent as young Salesian missionaries to the GBR Province. Presently, they are in the process of applying for their visas to enter the UK. Please pray that this will happen soon, as they are both excited and enthusiastic about being asked to come and live, work and pray alongside their brother Salesians of Don Bosco and among the young people of the GBR Province.

Please continue to remember the work of Salesian missionaries around the world in your prayers. If you would like to contribute financially to the work of the Salesian missions or would like to know more about the work of the Salesian missions, please contact SDB Missions, GBR Mission Office Director, Thornleigh House, Sharples Park, Bolton BL1 6PQ.

Fr Kieran Anderson SDB
Mission Office Director