RMG – SDB Provinces: The “Mary Help of Christians” Province of Brazil-São Paulo (BSP)

20 February 2025
RMG – SDB Provinces: The “Mary Help of Christians” Province of Brazil-São Paulo (BSP)

(ANS – Rome) – Established in 1883, the Salesian Province based in São Paulo (BSP) initially had its headquarters at the Villa Colon Institute in Montevideo, Uruguay. In 1896, the headquarters was transferred to the San Joaquin High School in Lorena, São Paulo State, and in 1908 to the Coração de Jesus High School in São Paulo, where it was separated from the Uruguayan territory. Since then, BSP has given rise to two other Salesian Provinces in Brazil: the "St. John Bosco" Province, based in Belo Horizonte (BBH), established in 1947 and the "St. Pius X" Salesian Province, based in Porto Alegre (BPA), established in 1963

The first Provincial Superior, Fr. Luigi Lasagna (1883-1895), initiated a leadership tradition that today includes 23 Provincials, including the current one, Fr. Alexandre Luís de Oliveira, who is serving a six-year term from 2024 to 2029.

The current Provincial Council also includes:

  • Fr. Maurício Tadeu Miranda (Vicar)
  • Fr. André Luiz Simões (Economer)
  • Fr. Cláudio Andrade Motta
  • Fr. Douglas Verdi
  • Fr. Edson Donizetti Castilho
  • Fr. Jeferson Luiz Pereira da Silva
  • Fr. Tiago Eliomar Gonçalves de Morais

BSP is also one of the six Provinces that make up CISBRASIL (Conference of Salesian Provinces of Brazil), an organization that, together with the respective Brazilian Provinces of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), forms the Salesian Network of Brazil (RSB). This body oversees Salesian activities in the following sectors: schools, social action, communication, youth ministry, and higher education.

Structure and Management of the Province

The São Paulo Province consists of 18 canonically established Salesian religious communities, located in various cities in São Paulo State. BSP currently has 129 Salesians, including:

  • 94 priests
  • 14 coadjutors
  • 21 in initial formation
  • 2 novices

These Salesians work in:

  • 16 Social Works and Services
  • 12 Schools
  • 1 Higher Education Institute (with five campuses: Americana, Campinas, Lorena, Pio XI – Lapa, and Santa Teresinha Campus)
  • 12 Parishes
  • 2 Shrines
  • 30 Public Chapels
  • 3 Formation Houses

In its 12 schools, BSP has 1,649 staff members and 11,431 students. Additionally, its university, "Unisal," educates approximately 3,100 students, supported by 511 staff members.

A key focus is the integral development of underprivileged minors and their communities. Through its 16 Social Works and Services, BSP benefits over 45,000 people, with the support of approximately 1,420 collaborators.

Areas of Activity and Key Projects

1. Salesian Youth Ministry (SYM)

Salesian Youth Ministry is at the heart of the Salesian charism, dedicated to the evangelization and education of young people. Several initiatives promote youth leadership and engagement, such as:

  • Regional Leadership Course (CDL)
  • Salesian Youth Festival (FEST)

Evangelization and catechesis are strengthened through training programs for catechists and laypeople, while vocational promotion offers personalized accompaniment through projects like "Gospel & Life."

2. Communication and Integration

Salesian communication efforts include:

  • The Integrated Virtual Platform, which connects schools, social works, parishes, and universities
  • The Integrated Marketing Project, which optimizes resources and strengthens vocational accompaniment

3. Social Action & Humanitarian Aid

  • Annually provides approximately 2 million acts of care
  • Distributes 4 million meals
  • Managed by 11 social works and overseen by a committee that ensures high-quality interventions

The RSB Social Sector conducts market research and fundraising courses to support sustainability.

4. Higher Education and Schools

  • The Salesian University Center (Unisal) serves over 3,100 students across four campuses.
  • The focus is on expanding technological courses, distance learning, and business partnerships.
  • The School Commission serves over 11,000 students and prioritizes data-driven management, student retention, and educational innovation.

5. Parishes and Shrines

Salesian parishes and shrines offer:

  • Catechetical training
  • Vocational programs
  • Community engagement with a strong Salesian spirituality
  • They serve as dynamic centers of evangelization, addressing modern challenges faced by young people.

6. Planning and Development Office (PDO)

  • Aligns provincial projects with global strategies
  • Enhances fundraising and project development

7. Crisis Prevention and Management Committee

  • Implements preventive strategies
  • Develops crisis management manuals and training programs for Salesians and lay collaborators

8. Institutional Memory Team

  • Preserves and promotes Salesian heritage
  • Catalogs historical documents and artifacts
  • Encourages future generations to continue the mission of the first Salesians

9. Formation and Training

  • Ensures Salesians and laypeople remain faithful to the Salesian charism
  • Provides specific and joint training plans

10. Missions and Evangelization

- Promotes evangelization, education, and social support
- Engages young people and lay collaborators in initiatives such as:

  • Missionary Week
  • Missionary Action
  • Youth Volunteering
  • Border Mission

These projects reflect Salesian youth spirituality and community leadership.

11. Salesian Family

The Salesian Family consists of 10 groups, including:

  • The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
  • The Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA)
  • The Past Pupils of Don Bosco

One of its major projects is the Salesian Family Pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Aparecida, gathering thousands of participants. Together, these groups promote spiritual animation and evangelization, spreading Don Bosco’s charism in diverse social and pastoral settings.

A video presentation showcasing the activities of the BSP Province is available on ANSChannel.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/23521-rmg-sdb-ispettorie-l-ispettoria-maria-ausiliatrice-di-brasile-san-paolo-bsp#sigProIdad7c33af3f

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