The Salesian Congregation
135
Countries
13,694
Priests & Brothers
59
Salesians in UK
6
Communities in UK
Our Mission
Our mission is to be signs and bearers of the love of God for young people, especially those who are poor.
Each year, our Rector Major chooses a theme to help us focus on a particular aspect of our mission. The Strenna (Italian for gift) in 2025 is 'Anchored in Hope, Pilgrims with Young People". It follows the Church's Jubilee year set by Pope Francis, and grows from the roots of faith in God, journeying together with Young People through St John Bosco's teaching and legacy.
About The Salesians
In 1872, Don Bosco and St Mary Mazzarello founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians - the Salesian Sisters - to support and befriend disadvantaged girls and young women and offer them an education, skills and a home.
You will find us in schools of all kinds; in youth clubs; in homes for homeless or abandoned children; working with street children; supporting volunteers; working as missionaries; as chaplains in schools, colleges and universities; and in parish work.
The Salesian Sisters UK
The Salesian Sisters of St John Bosco (Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians) were founded by St John Bosco and St Mary Mazzarello. The Sisters currently number 14,000 worldwide, working in over 93 countries.
Latest Resources
Presentation of the theme for the 2026 Strenna
Each year the Rector Major presents the theme of the Strenna. For 2026 the theme is "Do whatever He tells you" - Believers, free to serve.
Justice & Peace Newsletter - April 2025
For the April edition of the Justice & Peace Newsletter, Fr Marco Villani SDB reflects on the Holy Land and the upkeep of religious sites.
What's On
8th January 2020
Feast of Blessed Titus Zeman
Blessed Titus Zeman (1915-1969) was a Slovakian Salesian priest.
16th January 2020 09:00 - 16:00 - 19th January 2020
Salesian Family Spirituality Days
The annual gathering in Turin open to all members of the 32 organisations who form our Salesian...
19th January 2020
Peace Sunday
Pope Francis's message for Peace Sunday 2020 is: 'PEACE AS A JOURNEY OF HOPE: DIALOGUE,...
22nd January 2020 - 23rd January 2020
Fellowship Schools Headteachers' Meeting
A gathering of the Heads of the 7 non-Salesian schools who are part of our Salesian Schools...
24th January 2020
Feast of St Francis de Sales
St Francis de Sales is the Patron of the Salesians of Don Bosco
27th January 2020
Holocaust Memorial Day
Holocaust Memorial Day 2020 marks 75 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
1st February 2020 12:00
Don Bosco Celebration, Manchester
The annual Mass and lunch for all members of the Salesian Family to celebrate our founder's...
7th February 2020
Feast of Blessed Pius IX
As Pope, Blessed Pius IX played an important role in the creation of the Salesians.
8th February 2020
St Josephine Bakhita - Day of Prayer for Victims of Trafficking
St Josephine Bakhita was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery. Her feast is an international...
Saints of Don Bosco
Saint John Bosco has inspired thousands of people, young and old, priests, brothers, sisters and lay people, to strive for holiness in their lives. The Church has recognised many of them as outstanding in holiness and deserving the titles of Saint, Blessed, Venerable or Servant of God.