This year, the Salesian Congregation celebrates the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition—a milestone that shaped the Congregation’s history, reaffirming Don Bosco’s missionary vision and setting new directions for the growing Salesian movement. Before their departure from Genoa, Don Bosco urged the missionaries to "do all you can, and God will do the rest." This reminds us that mission work requires tireless efforts to proclaim Christ and defend life, while also recognizing that missionaries do not act alone—God’s grace works alongside human dedication.
Don Bosco once dreamed of being among the indigenous people of Patagonia. Today, 150 years later, the Salesian Mission of Mato Grosso (MSMT) continues to bring that dream to life by being present among indigenous communities, carrying forward the pioneers' determination and kindness. As reported by the Salesian Province of Brazil-Campo Grande (BCG), "With the arrival of the Salesians in Mato Grosso in 1894, indigenous assistance expanded. The first settlement was in Teresa Cristina Colony in 1894, followed by Sangradouro in 1906, and São Marcos in 1957."
According to Salesian missionary Fr. Juan Carlos Ingunza, “For various reasons, the Xavante people sought out the Salesian missionaries for help. The community warmly welcomed them, and over time, the Sangradouro mission became entirely dedicated to the Xavante.”
"We must proclaim the Gospel of Jesus in an inculturated way. Through our presence, we are a sign of Jesus," affirms Fr. Ingunza.
The Sangradouro Community
The Sangradouro community, dedicated to St. Joseph, serves 68 villages. It is led by Fr. Amércio Rezende de Oliveira, along with Salesians Fr. Joseph Tran Van Lich (a missionary ad gentes from Vietnam), Fr. Ingunza Uscola (a missionary ad gentes from Spain), Br. Altair Gonçalo Monteiro da Silva, and Gabriel Coelho, a cleric in practical training.
According to Fr. Rezende, the Salesian missionaries’ work among the Xavante people takes many forms, including:
✔️ The oratory
✔️ Holy Mass celebrations
✔️ Catechesis
✔️ Distribution of food baskets, medicine, and clothing (donated by various Salesian communities in the province)
✔️ Support for families
✔️ Courses for women and young people
✔️ Sacramental celebrations aligned with indigenous rites of passage
Additionally, both the Missal and Lectionary used in liturgies are translated into the Xavante language, ensuring that evangelization respects and integrates indigenous culture by allowing them to pray in their native tongue.
Fr. Van Lich adds that the mission also provides:
? Fruit tree seedlings for families to cultivate
? Portuguese language courses
? Support for the elderly and sick in the villages
? Music education in the Xavante language, reinforcing cultural identity
The Sunday oratory is a key gathering space for youth, featuring sports, games, snacks, the traditional Salesian Goodnight message, and the constant presence of Salesians engaging with the community.
Challenges in the Mission
When asked about the biggest challenges, the Salesians point to:
? Language barriers – Missionaries often require translators.
? Employment issues – Many indigenous people are no longer working in agriculture as they once did.
? Health concerns – Many suffer from diabetes, although they receive care from the local Basic Health Unit (UBS).
? Education – Formal schooling is no longer under Salesian management, which is a significant loss for the mission.
The Missionary Spirit and Future Vision
In the spirit of the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition, Fr. Ingunza Uscola highlights the ongoing importance of the mission ad gentes:
"A Salesian sent by the Rector Major to serve as a missionary presence seeks to continue the legacy of the pioneers who came before us. What we have learned from them is the importance of respecting the culture and identity of indigenous peoples, while advocating for their rights. The most important aspect of missionary work is being present—sharing in their rituals, dancing with them, respecting their traditions, and immersing ourselves in their lives. We must proclaim the Gospel of Jesus in an inculturated way. Through our presence, we are a sign of Jesus."
The 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition is also an opportunity to reflect on Salesian missionary identity and spirituality, rethinking how to respond to today’s challenges, especially where young people struggle for dignity. Faithful to Christ’s missionary mandate, the Salesian Congregation—following Don Bosco’s example—remains committed to serving the Kingdom of God. Guided by the anniversary’s theme—Gratitude, Reflection, and Renewal—the Salesians continue to reshape their missionary presence, engaging in dialogue with diverse realities, embracing a synodal spirit, and living out a Church that "goes forth" to meet the world.
José Cleudo Matos Cardoso
? Source: Salesian Bulletin of Brazil
