(ANS – Manique) – On 28 March 2026, the first formation session took place in Manique for volunteers who will participate in the 2026 Missionary Animation Programme. In 2026, the Don Bosco – Progetto Vita Programme enters a new phase. The Salesian volunteer programmes offer the opportunity to undertake short- or long-term missions in Salesian communities. This project aims to offer young people a concrete missionary experience, inspired by Salesian principles, in a spirit of service, prayer and communion with local communities in Angola, Cape Verde and Mozambique. The new programme was developed by the Mission Animation Programme 2026 team, comprising the Provincial Mission Animation Team and the Delegate for Youth Ministry and Vocational Ministry, and was launched on 11 November 2025, to mark the 150th anniversary of the first dispatch of Salesian missionaries. Following initial contacts, the analysis and selection of candidates, the formation programme has begun for the volunteers who will take part in the 2026 Missionary Animation Programme. The volunteers are preparing for the missions with the formation and support of the Salesians Fr Juan Freitas, Fr Ronaldo Pereira, Fr Celestino Costa and Fr Jorge da Luísa, and Sofia Oliveira. ‘The spirituality of the missionary in the light of the Salesian charism’ was the theme of the first of three monthly formation meetings to be held until May.
