(ANS – Rome) – The “goodnight” on 16 July 2026 was delivered by the Regional Councillor for Interamerica, Fr Hugo Orozco Sánchez, who shared with the Salesian community of the Sacred Heart his experiences during his recent visit to the Our Lady of Guadalupe province in Mexico City (MEM).

A complex socio-political context

In his address, Fr Orozco described a complex socio-political context, marked by official accusations from the United States against certain Mexican politicians suspected of collusion with criminal groups, and by a climate of widespread violence linked to the cartels’ control of the territory. He also noted, however, signs of recovery, such as investment in infrastructure in the south of the country, which has historically been more disadvantaged.

The World Cup and social challenges

Father Orozco then spoke about the atmosphere surrounding the World Cup, currently taking place in Mexico City and now drawing to a close. In the days leading up to the opening ceremony, various social tensions – involving teachers’ unions, the Mothers of the Disappeared and transport workers – were resolved through dialogue, allowing the event to proceed smoothly and generating a climate of shared enthusiasm across the country.

Centenary of the ‘Cristero Resistance’

Fr Orozco also highlighted the ecclesial dimension of this historic moment: 2026 marks the centenary of the ‘Cristero Resistance’, commemorated in a message from the Mexican Bishops’ Conference in memory of the more than 200,000 martyrs who defended religious freedom in the 1920s.

The situation in the Mexican province

In his account, the Councillor then outlined the situation of the Mexican Province, the “mother” of the Salesian presence in the country since 1892: it currently comprises 77 Salesians spread across 15 communities and 48 works, including schools, oratories, parishes and centres for vocational formation, engaged in an important educational and evangelising mission for the benefit of young people.

A brief visit to Venezuela

Father Orozco finally mentioned his brief visit to Caracas, in Venezuela, for the installation of the new provincial, Father Jorge Gahzal, emphasising the Congregation’s solidarity – through the Don Bosco Network – with the communities struck by a severe earthquake just a few days later.

Concluding his address, the Regional Councillor shared his experience of the moment of prayer at the Basilica of Guadalupe, where he presided over the Mass for the Salesian Family pilgrimage, entrusting his Mexican confreres and his own community of the Sacred Heart to the intercession of the Virgin Mary.