The Bosco Food project began several years ago: in the wake of the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian missionary expedition in 1875, the Missions Sector, under the impetus of Fr Pavel Ženíšek, a member of the Sector, decided to showcase the enormous richness and variety of cultures through the culinary arts, recognising the value of food not only as nourishment for the body, but as a gateway to cultures and a powerful tool for encounter and dialogue.
It is not just about cooking: for each recipe there is a brief description of the Salesian presence in the country, along with some cultural and religious curiosities.
Following the monthly publication of the recipes alongside the missionary animation bulletin Cagliero11, the book was published in 2025: an international cookbook containing recipes from 137 countries. The book was a success, not only within the Salesian world but also beyond: a simple and welcome tool for showcasing the immense work that the Sons of Don Bosco carry out in every corner of the world.
It is, therefore, not merely a souvenir to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Salesian missions – Give Thanks, Reflect, Renew – but a valuable resource that can still be used to highlight the rich legacy of the Saint of Youth through a truly universal language.
The Missions Sector still has a few printed copies available at the Salesian Central Office – Opera Sacro Cuore; anyone interested in receiving a copy can write to cagliero11@sdb.org
