The first Salesian presence in what is now the Czech Republic was established in Fryšták in 1927, followed by Ostrava (1934), Prague (1936), Brno (1940), and Pardubice (1942).

Until 1935, these communities were part of the Salesian Province of Yugoslavia. From September 15, 1935, to December 14, 1939, they belonged to the unified Czechoslovak Province, which later split into two separate provinces:

1. "Saint John Bosco" Province of the Czech Republic, based in Prague
2. "Mary Help of Christians" Province of Slovakia, based in Bratislava

Persecution and Underground Salesian Life (1950–1990)

By 1950, the Prague Province had 260 Salesians across 12 communities. However, following the communist takeover in 1948, the totalitarian, anti-religious Soviet-style government launched a brutal crackdown on religious orders.

On the night of April 13–14, 1950, armed forces stormed all male religious houses and congregations in Czechoslovakia. Salesians were among those forcibly relocated to internment camps, while many superiors were imprisoned.

All religious activities were outlawed, with the worst persecution occurring in the 1950s. Despite this, the Salesians continued to operate clandestinely.

• Novitiates were conducted in secret—each novice was either a student or worker who met their Novice Master discreetly.
• Religious professions were held in secret.
• Some studied theology privately or under state surveillance at the national seminary, which was common for all dioceses.
• Some Salesians integrated into diocesan structures while maintaining hidden ties to the Congregation.

Despite these hardships, the Salesian charism endured. By 1990, after the fall of communism, the Province still had 200 members.

Post-Communist Rebirth: 1990s and Beyond

Following the "Velvet Revolution" (1989) and the restoration of democracy, religious life became free once again. The Salesians emerged from the underground, beginning a long process of reconstruction:

• Re-established contact with the Salesian Generalate in Rome.
• Rebuilt communities, as many Salesians had lived independently for decades in apartments or parish houses.
• Some former Salesian houses were returned, though most had been used for offices, schools, barracks, or theaters for 40 years, making them unfit for community life.
• Salesians lacked financial resources, foreign language skills, and Salesian literature, but vocational enthusiasm remained high.

By 1990, the first official novitiate was launched. By 1992, there were already 21 novices.

Initially, Salesian formation took place within the Czech Province or in Slovakia:

• The novitiate was held in Czechia (1990–2004) and later in Slovakia (2004–2024).
• Salesian seminarians first studied at theology faculties in Prague, but since 1994, they have attended the new Salesian Faculty of Theology in České Budějovice, where they could also live in a Salesian formation community.

Growth and Expansion (1990s–2000s)

In the 1990s, the Salesians expanded their presence, founding:

• "JABOK" Institute – A center for Pedagogy, Social Work, and Theology.
• "PORTÁL" Publishing House.
• In 1994, Rector Major Fr. Egidio Viganò entrusted the Czech Salesians with missionary work in Bulgaria.

Since 2012, the province has entered a phase of consolidation:

• Stronger community life.
• Steady development of ministries.
• Growing involvement of lay collaborators in Salesian works.
• Handover of non-Salesian parish ministries back to dioceses, with some Salesians integrating into diocesan structures.
• Formation has also evolved:
• Since 2012, all Salesian initial formation (except for the internship period) has been conducted abroad.
• In 2019, a new Salesian community was founded in Kroměříž, managing the boarding house of a Vocational Training Center owned by the diocese.

Current Challenges and Apostolic Vision

Today, the Salesians in the Czech Republic (CEP) face multiple challenges:

• Most Salesian Youth Centers are now led by laypeople.
• Increased administrative and economic responsibilities.
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Revelations of past cases of abuse.
• War in Ukraine and the influx of refugees.
• Declining vocations and an aging consecrated population.

Despite these difficulties, the CEP Province remains committed to its mission, placing trust in Divine Providence and maintaining a renewed apostolic zeal. The Salesians continue to seek new ways to live Don Bosco’s charism in the face of evolving challenges.

Current Status of the Czech Province (CEP)

Statistics

• 15 communities
• 107 Salesians (92 priests, 10 brothers, 3 deacons, 2 students). Average age: 60 years

Salesian Presences

• 7 comprehensive Salesian presences (youth centers, parishes, social welfare projects)
• 5 parishes without additional ministries
• "JABOK" – Institute for Pedagogy, Social Work, and Theology
• Prenovitiate community
• Boarding house
• Mission in Bulgaria
• "SADBA" – Salesian youth volunteer preparation & support organization
• "PORTÁL" – Salesian publishing house
• Support center for young people from foster care
• "Ignác Stuchlý" House – Experiential education programs on relationships, values, and future planning for secondary students

Salesian Family Collaboration

The mission is supported by other Salesian Family groups:

• Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) – Active collaboration in four Salesian works.
• Salesian Cooperators – 30 groups with 702 members, guided by 22 Salesians.
• Volunteers of Don Bosco – In direct contact with three Salesian Delegates.
• Four groups of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA).
• One group from the Contemplative Fraternity of Mary of Nazareth.

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