We, the Salesians of Don Bosco, formally known as the Society of St Francis of Sales, are recognized in the Church as a clerical religious institute of pontifical right. We are a Religious Congregation of men devoted to apostolic and missionary activities and to the many different works inspired by Christian charity, but especially to the service of young people, in particular, those who are poor and disadvantaged. Our history began, we may say, when little Johnny Bosco had a very strange dream at the age of 9. However, today, the society has over 14,000 members working in 132 countries. Through a global network of educational and social service organization it currently caters to over 9 million young people the world over.
The Salesian charism consists in being signs and bearers of God’s love in the world in imitation of St. John Bosco. In keeping with his “politics of the Our Father” St. John Bosco worked for the total well-being of all people but with an evident predilection for the young and those more in need. Thus the Salesian charism remains open to all God’s children and incarnates itself in varying forms among all peoples, in all cultures and through changing times and circumstances. Through ceaseless work and judicious temperance, it constantly challenges one to search out the more effective and creative options which will draw people to God and to an experience of His love.
