ANS – São Paulo) – On 31 May 2026, the Don Bosco Social Centre celebrated its 45th anniversary in the district of Itaquera, in the eastern part of São Paulo. The main event was a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Director and parish priest, Fr Aramis Francisco Biaggi. The Mass was also concelebrated by the founder and board member, Fr Rosalvino Morán Viñayo, assisted by the Salesians of the EPC. Together with the economer, Salesian Brother Antônio Carlos Martins, Fr Rosalvino arrived in the city’s far eastern suburbs 45 years ago, in 1981, to launch the Salesian work in the neighbourhood. The day of celebration brought together members of the Salesian Family, local authorities and the entire community, who actively participated in the festivities. The event programme also included theatrical performances, cultural and sporting activities for the public, as well as the significant launch of the book entitled ‘La Saga del Camice Bianco’, a work recounting the life and mission of the founder of the Salesian presence in Itaquera. In its 45 years of existence, the Don Bosco Social Centre has already carried out over 2,800,000 welfare interventions, benefiting more than 16,000 families. Inspired by the teachings and pedagogy of St John Bosco, the Salesian presence in Itaquera continues its mission to contribute to the building of a just, humane and egalitarian society.
