(ANS – Rome) – The Central and Northern Europe Region carries forward the Salesian mission in a continent marked by deep transformation, social uncertainty, and spiritual questioning. Yet, despite the challenges, the Region remains vibrant and committed to its educational and evangelizing presence among young people.

As of 31 December 2025, the Region—comprising Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Georgia, Hungary, Ireland, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and Ukraine—counts 1,800 confreres, representing approximately 13.3% of the entire Congregation worldwide (13,558 members). Of these, 1,350 are priests, 6 permanent deacons, 265 coadjutor brothers, and 173 students in initial formation, together with 6 novices, for a total of 1,794 professed Salesians.

The high number of perpetually professed confreres (1,615) reflects the historical solidity and institutional maturity of the Region, even as the small number of novices highlights the ongoing vocational challenge within the European context.

In his good night talk offered to the confreres of the Salesian Headquarters, Fr. Roman Stanisław Jachimowicz underlined a fundamental conviction:"Salesian Europe is alive." Across its many countries, languages, and cultures, the Region continues to show creativity, initiative, and fidelity to the charism of Don Bosco, while adapting to rapidly changing realities.

A Complex and Challenging Context

Europe today faces significant challenges. Secularization has weakened the transmission of faith within families. Many countries experience a serious demographic crisis, while young people often struggle with loneliness, instability, and lack of direction.

Economic uncertainty, together with the consequences of the war in Ukraine and ongoing tensions in the Middle East, adds to the sense of fragility. Psychological difficulties—depression, anxiety, and loss of meaning—are increasingly widespread.

Fr. Jachimowicz also highlighted deeper cultural shifts. Certain contemporary ideological currents attempt to redefine the understanding of the human person. When a coherent vision of the human being is lost, disorientation follows. "When man no longer knows who he is, where he comes from, and where he is going, confusion easily arises." Behind growing psychological distress lies a profound search for meaning.

Signs of Spiritual Renewal

Despite these difficulties, important signs of hope are emerging. In France, approximately 23,000 adults are currently preparing for Baptism, reflecting a renewed openness to faith. England has also recorded a significant increase in catechumens. In Germany, small but determined groups of young Catholics consciously choose prayer, community life, and public witness in secular environments.

Though not large in numbers, these realities indicate a genuine spiritual thirst. "Europe does not thirst for a new philosophy," Fr. Jachimowicz affirmed,
"but for faith; not for optimism, but for hope; not for tolerance, but for love."

Salesian Presence Among the Most Vulnerable

Across the Region, the Salesians continue to respond concretely to the needs of young people.

In Berlin's Marzahn district, they work among disadvantaged youth, the homeless, and young people affected by gangs and addiction, offering education and social reintegration.

In Moscow, for years the Salesians have accompanied children without families and street youth, often with limited institutional support.

In Istanbul, two Salesian schools reflect the diversity of the mission: one a well-established Catholic institution, the other welcoming children of migrant families who might otherwise lack access to education.

In Bulgaria, Hungary, and Slovakia, Salesians serve Roma communities facing severe educational and social poverty. These works, often carried out discreetly, represent what Fr. Jachimowicz described as: "true miracles" of daily fidelity to Don Bosco's charism.

Looking to the Future with Confidence

Europe today may appear tired and divided. Political and economic interests sometimes strain unity. Yet the Region remains confident that the continent will rediscover its spiritual and cultural heritage.

Born from the synthesis of the Gospel, Greek philosophy, and Roman law, Europe has offered the world not only scientific and cultural achievements but also countless saints and witnesses of faith. History shows that difficult times in the Church have often become moments of renewal.

For the 1,800 Salesians of Central and Northern Europe, the essential question is not how to survive, but how to live the charism fully and creatively in today's context—strengthening communities, renewing vocational commitment, and remaining close to the young, especially the poorest.

As Don Bosco reminded his sons:"Have confidence in Mary Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are." With that trust, the Salesians of the Region continue their mission—educating, evangelizing, and accompanying young people across a continent that, even in uncertainty, continues to seek meaning, hope, and love.

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