On Tuesday 16 May, the General Councillor for SC visited the Don Bosco Sozialwerk (Don Bosco Social Work) whose headquarters are in Vienna. This is a Salesian work that has grown enormously in recent years. “I am happy that the concern for young refugees in the Province of Austria finds visible expression here. These young people belong to the poor of Europe!”, the General Councillor said on this occasion.
The main work of the Don Bosco Sozialwerk is taking in and accompanying unaccompanied minors who are refugees. Most of those taken in, whose ages range from 14 to 18 years, come from countries that have suffered much in recent decades, like Afghanistan, Syria and Somalia. Chatting with the young people and listening to their stories, Fr Mendes added, with clear appreciation: “I have been impressed by the efficient management of the Don Bosco Sozialwerk employees. You can see how much they have grasped Don Bosco’s spirit.”
The social work is a fine example of collaboration between the Sons of Don Bosco and lay people who are aware of and trained in the Salesian charism, and truly share responsibility for the mission. On behalf of the Salesians of Don Bosco, there are almost 70 lay employees at the work, and their Salesian formation and accompaniment are organised and carefully carried out directly by the Province.
Another task of the Vienna centre concerns the coordination of the four youth centres in the Austrian Province. Fr Mendes was also struck by his visit to one of these centres, where creative workshops such as painting, photography, music, theatre or design are carried out, noted as important areas in this field of social and youth work.
Speaking his impressions of his animation visit to the country, Fr Mendes said: “Art is an important means of communicative expression and Austria has a rich cultural heritage. It is wonderful to see that the Salesians of Don Bosco understand that this heritage can be successfully employed, including in social work with youth, simultaneously enhancing the cultural heritage they possess and the desire for beauty that every young person carries in his or her heart. Art is also a powerful means of communication, education and evangelisation.”
