Rome, Italy – 1970s – This photograph, taken by the Salesian and photographer José Luis Mena in the 1970s, presents us with a view of the imposing Basilica of St John Bosco in Rome. Its monumental dome rises above the city like a spiritual beacon, bearing witness to the strength and universality of the Salesian charism in the Catholic capital. In the scene, daily life flows naturally: people passing by, cars stopping, an urban rhythm that contrasts with the majestic serenity of the church. This photograph is part of a series dedicated to the monuments and emblematic places of Rome....

Piura, Peru – 1926 – On 15 May one hundred years ago, in 1926, the artistic processional platform of Our Lady Help of Christians in Piura was blessed; this was the canopy on which the statue of Our Lady was raised during processions through the city streets. It is a work of faith and devotion which, a century later, continues to be greatly appreciated for its beauty throughout Salesian Peru.

Madrid, Spain – 1961 – This photograph shows one of the largest school grounds in Spain in the early 1960s: a spacious open courtyard, bordered by a row of trees and dominated by the old building and the new wing on the right — opened in 1961 — of the Salesians of Paseo de Extremadura. The building, with its straight, simple lines, rises over several storeys and conveys the image of this Salesian house growing with determination. The history of this project actually began in 1925, when Salesian Cooperator Rosa Cáceres de la Torre donated an estate of over 20,000....

Medellín, Colombia – 1926 – In April 1926, the Salesians, who had arrived in Medellín 11 years earlier, took over the management of the Pedro Justo Berrío School of Arts and Crafts, at the request of the Government of Antioquia. Today, a hundred years later, the Pedro Justo Berrío Salesian Institute is recognised nationally for its contribution to young people's formation, offering technical secondary education programmes in various specialisations.

Niterói, Brazil – 1933 – This old black-and-white photograph captures a moment from the ceremony during which, in 1933, Bishop José Pereira Alves proclaimed Mary Help of Christians Patroness of the city of Niterói. This city, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, has always been the cradle of devotion to Our Lady of Don Bosco. In 1901, in fact, the foundation stone of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians was laid, and it was subsequently opened for worship in 1918. The Shrine was granted the title of Minor Basilica in 1951, when the Cardinal of Rio crowned the....

Macao – 1906 – On 13 February 1906, the Portuguese Salesians established a presence in Macao, a presence that lasted for 92 years, until 1999, when the territory was returned to China. The Salesians arrived at the request of the Bishop of Macao. They came to the territory under the guidance of Fr Louis Versiglia (Saint, Salesian protomartyr), who was also the first Rector of the Orphanage of the Immaculate Conception – today the Salesian Institute, which is still in operation. Over the years, the orphanage was opened first, followed by a primary school, workshops and buildings equipped with modern....

Barcelona, Spain – This photograph offers a sweeping aerial view of Sarrià, in Barcelona, at a time when the neighbourhood still boasted large estates, gardens and open spaces. On the right, the buildings of the Salesian house are clearly visible: the tower of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, which stands out for its distinctive appearance, and the buildings of the complex comprising that great work, which included the Vocational Schools, the Santo Ángel College and the Provincial Headquarters of the then Province of Tarragona (the Can Prats estate where Dorothea de Chopitea hosted St John Bosco in 1886),....

Tampa, United States – 1928 – The Mary Help of Christians Centre in Tampa, Florida, is preparing to celebrate its centenary in 2028. This Centre has a rich and long history dating back to 1928, when Mrs Alicia Gonzalez Neve donated several acres of land on East Lake to the Salesians of Don Bosco for the construction of a boys’ orphanage. Mrs Neve donated her property, her home and her savings for the creation of the Mary Help of Christians Centre. For over 85 years, the Centre has been a place of faith and encounter for young people and adults,....