The analysis of the territory shows a fairly substantial presence of young people, with a lower birth rate compared to other Italian regions, and strong youth emigration. Religious and family traditions are less relevant than in the past and many young people feel that the faith is far from their real life. The Salesians experience good adherence to youthful spiritual experiences but, at the same time, a lack of receptivity to systematic paths and definitive life proposals. In addition, emotional and affective illiteracy, families in crisis, early school leaving and unemployment, fuel widespread poverty and the growth of criminal organisations.
There are six Salesian communities in Basilicata and Calabria: Potenza, Bova Marina, Corigliano Rossano, Locri, Soverato and Vibo Valentia. First announcement becomes more and more a necessity even in these contexts of Catholic tradition. The educative and pastoral work of the Salesians seeks to give hope to many young people who are often forced to leave their homes to move north in search of a better life.
The approval of the project by the Rector Major and his Council paved the way for the arrival of the first two missionaries, sent during the 155th missionary expedition. To best accompany the missionaries, a gradual insertion into the new community and social reality is foreseen; in the missionary project the steps to be taken for initial accompaniment and for ongoing formation are explained, as well as all the details for the gradual integration of the new missionaries into the life and activity of the Province.
As highlighted by Fr Alfred Maravilla, General Councillor for the Missions: "The heart of Project Europe is the generation of local vocations. Therefore, before thinking of receiving missionaries, it is necessary to provide for a necessary restructuring of Salesian presences, to take courageous and foreward-looking strategic choices to revive the charism with new local vocations, as well as to foster an unconditional openness to the new missionaries on the part of the confreres."
