19 November 1894 marks a historic date for the Salesians in Venezuela. On that day, in fact, the first Salesians destined for this land arrived in La Guaira. The Salesian experience in this country is an “adventure” that deserves to be told. It began when seven Salesians, selected by Fr Michael Rua, Don Bosco’s first successor at the helm of the Salesian Congregation, left Turin with destination the port of La Guaira, and then settled in the cities of Caracas and Valencia.
The group of the first seven Salesians was made up of Fr Enrico Riva, Rector; clerics Nicolò Carrena and Giacinto Piana; and Brother Giuseppe Faletti, for the house in Caracas; Fr Andrea Bergeretti, Rector; and clerics Innocenzo Montanari and Alfredo Savoia for the house in Valencia. After an affectionate and very warm welcome from the authorities and parishioners, the first group of Salesians settled in a small house in El Valle, at the time a village far from the capital. While the second group went to Valencia where their beginnings were equally humble, but also there they were accompanied by the generosity and kindness of the people.
Today, in Venezuela, the Salesians lead more than 100 initiatives that give life to communities through parishes, oratories and youth centres, the Casas Don Bosco network, school projects and training centres throughout the country.
Graduates from Salesian educational centres stand out in every field of work in the country. In this regard, Fr Jorge Bastidas, Provincial Delegate for Youth Ministry, emphatically stresses that “Where you least expect it there is a Venezuelan who has received complete formation in a Salesian work. The priests and sisters of this religious movement carry Don Bosco’s ideal in their souls, Mary Help of Christians engraved on their foreheads, and their love for young people permeates their mission with joy, a joy that exudes from their pores and which distinguishes them in such a constant and evident way, even if it is a mandate of faith and spirituality for all Christians.”
“The Salesians are celebrating 130 years of work in Venezuela and for this reason we want to recognise the efforts and spirit of those first Salesians who contributed to spreading life, enlightening minds and bringing hearts closer; we will do this both by promoting a more in-depth knowledge of Don Bosco’s work in our country, and in the commitment to promote and implement more just, more supportive and more Christian initiatives”, Fr Bastidas said.
In conclusion, the Salesian stated that “today, in the midst of difficulties, we continue to realise Don Bosco’s dream in the hearts of young Venezuelans, and next year we hope to close this beautiful celebration in the city of Caracas, paying homage to the Salesians who have left their soul, their life and their heart in our country.”
