In January 1963, the Vice-Province was elevated to the status of Province, solidifying its role as a Salesian reference point in southern Brazil.

Although its official foundation took place in the mid-20th century, the Salesian presence in southern Brazil dates back to 1901, when the first Salesians arrived in Rio Grande at the invitation of Bishop Cláudio José Gonçalves. Since then, the Salesians have expanded throughout various states, pastorally caring for parishes, schools, social works, and youth centers, all with the goal of educating and evangelizing young people.

Salesian Presence and Community

Today, the "Saint Pius X" Province consists of 63 Salesians, serving in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná. It is structured into three regional centers and is composed of:

• 48 priests
• 5 perpetually professed brothers
• 1 temporarily professed brother
• 9 temporary professed students in formation
• 2 novices
• 3 pre-novices

The Salesians work in various educational and evangelization fields, animating the Salesian Family groups and leading schools, social works, parishes, and youth centers.

Salesian Works and Presence

The Salesian Province carries out a wide range of activities, including schools, parishes, social works, and higher education centers:

• 8 parishes, serving 155,000 people, with 317 youth leaders and 8,751 lay collaborators involved in pastoral ministry.
• 5 social works, benefiting approximately 2,700 young people, with the support of 125 lay collaborators.
• 8 schools, educating 6,500 students, from early childhood to high school and technical education, supported by 786 staff member.
• Faculdade Dom Bosco in Porto Alegre, with 1,264 students, assisted by 106 staff members, including 79 professors.

Salesian Family Groups

The "Saint Pius X" Province is home to several Salesian Family groups, including:

• Apostles of the Holy Family (ASF)
• Past Pupils of Don Bosco (EEAA)
• Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA)
• Canção Nova Community (CN)
• Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
• Salesian Cooperators (SSCC)
• Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB)

Additionally, the Missionaries of the Risen Christ (MCR) also share the Salesian spirituality.

Key Projects and Initiatives

1. The Social Works for Vulnerable Youth

The Salesian Social Works in southern Brazil play a crucial role in transforming lives. Dedicated to supporting children, adolescents, and young people, these initiatives focus on social education through:

• Semi-professional courses
• Occupational therapy
• The “Jovem Aprendiz” (Young Apprentice) employment program

Currently, the Province is expanding its social outreach by opening a new Salesian presence: The "Miguel Magone" center in Ponta Grossa (Paraná)

2. Shared Management with Lay Professionals

All social works, schools, and the Faculdade Dom Bosco operate under a shared management system between Salesians and lay professionals. Each institution has a professional management team led by lay experts, who embrace and uphold the Salesian mission with competence and dedication.

3. The Office for Youth Ministry and Social Communication

Since 2018, the Province has strengthened its Youth Ministry Office, ensuring a structured approach to pastoral planning and accompaniment. At the same time, efforts to professionalize social communication have been ongoing. This includes:

• Institutional communication strategies
• Support for pastoral and evangelization efforts

A Growing and Dynamic Province

The Salesian "Saint Pius X" Province continues to flourish and expand, remaining deeply committed to Don Bosco’s mission of serving and educating young people, especially the most vulnerable, in southern Brazil.

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