With this specific mission, the first religious arrived. At the head of the new community was Fr Aurelio Pischedda, the first Rector of the work, accompanied by Frs Esteban Ortiz and Roberto Guglierminotti. The three settled in the church of Our Lady of La Chilla, situated in Parque La Madre, from where they began their pastoral work.

Even in his earliest statements, Fr Pischedda clarified the identity of the apostolic project, affirming: “As Salesians, we wish to dedicate ourselves, in a special way, to the pastoral care of young people, through youth centres which we Salesians call ‘festive oratories’.” This statement encapsulates the essence of the charism inherited from Don Bosco: to accompany young people with closeness, joy, a family spirit and an educational programme that integrates faith, values and social commitment.

The Salesian Sacred Heart of Jesus Province of Ecuador (ECU) took up this call with a genuine missionary spirit. Its intention was not merely to establish a new work, but to collaborate with the Church in the Province to strengthen it pastorally. In those early years, the religious focused their attention on two fundamental areas: accompanying the basic ecclesial communities and pastoral work centred especially on young people. From catechesis, through formation meetings and celebrations, to projects for human development, the Salesians gradually established a close and committed presence in the working-class neighbourhoods.

Faithful to the call to be present where hope is most needed, the Salesian community extended its presence to the southern districts of the city. There, amidst manifold social needs, a pastoral initiative committed to the life, dignity and faith of the people began to take root, culminating in the establishment of the parish dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy.

Over time, that area thus became a place of encounter, of reflection on the Word, of concrete solidarity, of the defence of rights and of liberating catechesis. The base ecclesial communities helped to build a Church that was close to the people, participatory and rooted in their daily reality.

Over the years, the Salesian work in Machala has grown and become more organised, adapting to the times without losing the essence of the charism. Currently, its pastoral work is structured around three educative and pastoral areas, each with its own identity and specific mission, yet all united by the goal of serving, educating and evangelising.

Parish and Shrine

This setting constitutes the spiritual heart of the work. Through sacramental life, catechesis, communal celebrations and formation in the faith, the parish and the shrine are a meeting place for hundreds of families. Here, a missionary pastoral ministry is promoted, one that is close to and sensitive to the realities of every environment.

Oratory – Youth Centre

This is the space most directly linked to the original vision of the foundation. True to the festive spirit of the oratory, it offers children and young people a welcoming environment for play, formation, leadership, guidance and holistic growth. Workshops, youth groups, retreats, summer camps and recreational activities bring this environment to life, which many young people consider their second home.

Social Works and Services

This third area reflects the Salesian commitment to human development. Projects are developed to support vulnerable families, provide community service, offer vocational formation, deliver psychological support and carry out solidarity initiatives aimed at restoring dignity to the lives of those facing difficult circumstances. Today, after decades of dedication, the Salesian presence in Machala continues to thrive, faithful to the spirit in which it was founded. Wherever a child needs to be welcomed, wherever a young person seeks meaning in their life, and wherever a family awaits comfort and support, the Salesian spirit continues to be present. The work continues to grow thanks to the joint efforts of religious, lay people, young leaders and families who keep Don Bosco’s dream alive: to build a space where every child and every young person can feel loved, supported and protected.

Fr Servio Rojas,
Rector of the Machala Community

Source: Salesianos.org.ec