The pilgrimage, held from February 17 to 21 under the motto “Like Don Bosco, Missionaries of Hope”, brought together youth from different Salesian missionary groups. “This journey was organized to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first Salesian Missionary Expedition to Patagonia and the 130th anniversary of the Salesian presence in Ecuador. With this group of young pilgrims from different communities and works, we aimed to follow the same path as the first missionaries in Ecuador, who traveled from Sigsig to Gualaquiza,” said Fr. Marcelo Coronel, Delegate for Missionary Animation and Missions.
The chosen route was significant for its historical and missionary relevance, requiring thorough research into the geography and history of each site.
A Journey Through Salesian History
The pilgrimage began on Monday, February 17, with a Solemn Mass celebrated at Mary Help of Christians Parish in Cuenca. After preparing their backpacks, the participants set off for Sigsig, where they spent the night. The next day, they attended a Missionary Eucharist at Mother Mazzarello Educational Center, joining the students in prayer.
Continuing their journey, they reached Matanga, where they gathered for a Missionary Rosary, and later arrived in Chigüinda, known as the “Gateway to the East”, where they engaged in missionary activities with the local community.
On Wednesday, February 19, before leaving Chigüinda, the group visited the tomb of Fr. Juan Ventura, SDB, a missionary who arrived in Ecuador in 1910 and dedicated 40 years of his life to the Vicariate of Méndez. Inspired by his legacy, the young pilgrims continued to Aguacate, where the Salesians established a presence in 1921. There, they celebrated the Eucharist, entrusting their missionary vocation to God.
The penultimate day led them to Gualaquiza, where they explored Salesian mission sites and learned about the region’s evangelization history. That evening, they celebrated the Eucharist before traveling to their final destination: Bomboiza Mission.
Renewing the Missionary Commitment
The pilgrimage concluded in Bomboiza with a missionary retreat, led by the local Salesian community. During the Closing Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Fabián Lozada, SDB, the young participants expressed their gratitude for the experience and renewed their commitment to being missionaries of hope—following the example of great evangelizers such as Sr. Maria Troncatti, (soon to be canonized), and Venerable Fr. Carlo Crespi, SDB.
“These days have been incredibly enriching. We retraced the paths of the first Salesians and experienced firsthand the legacy of Salesians on the path to sainthood. Visiting these places was deeply moving and strengthened our desire to be missionaries wherever we are,” shared Jessy Quiñónez, a participant from the Esmeraldas Missionary Group.
Source: Salesians of Ecuador
