The booklet opens with an initial greeting from Fr. Eric Mairura SDB, member of the Missions Sector and coordinator of Salesian solidarity, who reminds us how ‘Don Bosco’s legacy challenges us to think creatively about solidarity and inspires us to continue his mission of uplifting the marginalised and providing opportunities for all in a society so rich yet full of poverty around us’. This is followed by the Lectio Divina of General Councillor Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli SDB on the courage to give it all, like the widow described in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 12.

Contributions from the Congregational Mission Offices include the story of Fr. Ed Cappelletti SDB, a visionary pioneer in New Rochelle in the last century, a reflection by Missioni Don Bosco, Turin, on the Mission Office as a bridge between benefactors and missionaries, and Don Bosco and fundraising, by Misiones Salesianas, Madrid. From the provinces, there is a presentation of the Mission Offices of Nairobi, Kenya, and Seoul, South Korea, which highlight the heart behind their immense work.

In addition, there are echoes of the 2023 world meeting ‘Dare to share’ and the work of the Provincial Mission Offices Advisory Team, as well as a look at the documents contained in the Acts of the General Council that address the theme of Mission Offices.

The booklet is enriched by some themed interviews and a proposal for peace activities to be offered to children in a school class.

There is also mention of the great missionary, Cardinal John Cagliero, 100 years after his death, Salesian advocacy on behalf of the most vulnerable young people, the Salesian mechanism for responding to humanitarian emergencies, the link between social communication and fundraising, the Missionary Ethnological Museum of Colle Don Bosco, which saw its first exhibition in Valdocco a hundred years ago, solidarity in formation houses…

In short, there are many inputs that each Province and each community can use and adapt to transmit the missionary spirit and celebrate it in a fitting manner. Together with the posters and videos, these valuable materials contribute to the dissemination of this fundamental aspect of the Salesian charism, which was so dear to Don Bosco.

Enjoy reading!