For this reason, on the solemn day of 31 January 2026, due to the continuing insecurity in the country, the Salesians celebrated the feast of their founder and the start of the anniversary celebrations divided by area. Solemn Masses were organised in various locations such as Pétion-Ville and elsewhere, involving the educational communities in events rich in spirituality, joy, culture, sport and shared celebration.

In Pétion-Ville, the official launch of the celebrations for the 90th anniversary of the Salesians in Haiti was carried out by the Superior of the Blessed Philip Rinaldi Vicce-Province of Haiti (HAI), Fr Morachel Bonhomme; and the day highlighted the legacy of Don Bosco, Father and Teacher of young people, still alive and active in the country. These events symbolised the Salesians’ ongoing commitment to the education of the most vulnerable boys and girls in Haiti, despite the challenges facing the country.

As for the legacy to be preserved, renewed and carried forward, it is worth briefly reviewing some history.

From 1936 to 1950: Fr Pierre Marie Gimbert, Delegate of the Rector Major, and Salesian Brother Adriano Massa opened ENAM in Port-au-Prince on 5 October 1936, with a small group of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The pedagogical approach was inspired by Don Bosco’s Preventive System: Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness, to form ‘good Christians and upright citizens’. In 1955, the first expansion took place in Cap-Haïtien with the ‘Fondation Vincent’.

From 1950 to 2000: The Salesians developed their mission across the country, establishing themselves in the north-east (Fort-Liberté), the north (Cap-Haïtien), the Artibonite Department (Gonaïves), the west (Port-au-Prince, Cité Soleil, Pétion-Ville, Gressier) and in the south (Les Cayes), with 10 communities and about 72 members (priests and brothers). They run schools, oratories, centres for street children and formation in vocational training, welcoming more than 32,000 young people.

From 2000 to 2026: today, around 74 Salesians work in Haiti, within the HAI Vice-Province, which has multiplied and diversified its educational and social works despite the terrible earthquakes and various health, political and social crises that have afflicted the country. Their presence is a source of hope and confidence for young people: in 2012, the celebration of 75 years of presence brought together more than 2,500 boys and girls in Gressier.

The Salesian mission, inspired by St John Bosco (1815-1888), continues to be carried out with the aim of forming “good Christians and upright citizens” through schools, oratories and shelters for street children. In 2026, the 90th anniversary of their commitment to education, evangelisation and integral social promotion once again highlights the importance of the Salesians in the physical, moral and spiritual reconstruction of society, through the provision of quality education for young people, especially the most vulnerable, throughout the country.

Fr David Hérode, SDB

Provincial Delegate for Social Communication