Later that same year, on November 15, 1886, Don Bosco wrote a letter in French to Queen Ranavalona III of Madagascar, requesting financial assistance to support Salesian evangelization efforts in Patagonia, where they were struggling.

The "Project Africa" Initiative

Everything began in 1978, during one of the final General Assemblies of the 21st General Chapter.

A speech by Fr. Jacques Ntamitalizo inspired all Chapter members to turn their focus toward Africa. Recognizing the importance of this opportunity, Rector Major Fr. Egidio Viganò launched "Project Africa" in 1980, seeing it as a true grace from God.

The Arrival of the Salesians in Madagascar and Mauritius

The Salesians of Don Bosco arrived in Madagascar in 1981. Following an invitation from Rector Major Fr. Egidio Viganò and requests from several bishops for a Salesian presence in Madagascar, four Italian provinces responded immediately:

• Southern Italy (IME)
• The former Roman Province (IRO)
• Sicily (ISI)
• Eastern Veneto (IVE)

Early Salesian Missions in Madagascar (1981–1983)

• The IME Province engaged with the Bishop of Ambanja and accepted a mission in Bemaneviky (northwest Madagascar). On February 3, 1981, they sent the first two Salesian missionaries.
• Later that year, the other Italian provinces also sent missionaries: ISI (Sicilian Province) went to Tuléar (south Madagascar). IRO (Roman Province) was assigned to Miarinarivo (central Madagascar). IVE (Veneto Province) took responsibility for Majunga (western Madagascar).

The first Salesian houses were established in:

• Bemaneviky (Ambanja), Mahajanga, Ijely (Miarinarivo), Ankililoaka, and Mahavatse (Tuléar).
• In 1983, the Salesians opened "Notre Dame de Clairvaux" near Ivato International Airport.
• In 1987, they expanded to Betafo (Antsirabe).
• In 1993, they reached Fianarantsoa.
• In 2003, they established a mission in Ambohidratrimo (Antananarivo).
• On October 3, 2018, a Salesian community in Tamatave was inaugurated.
• In 2022, a new presence was established in Ambatondrazaka.

Since 1990, the Provincial House has been located at Ivato Airport.

Towards an Autonomous Salesian Province

Initially, the Salesian communities in Madagascar were directly dependent on their respective Italian provinces. However, as time passed, local Salesians began expressing a strong desire for unity under a single leadership. This aspiration grew even stronger as concerns arose about the formation of Malagasy youth into Salesian religious life.

• First Step: A Rector Major's Delegate was appointed for Madagascar (Fr. Luigi Zuppini).
• January 31, 1993: Madagascar was established as a Special Circumscription under the patronage of Mary Immaculate.
• 1999: Madagascar was officially recognized as a Vice-Province (MDG).

Expansion to Mauritius (2000)

Following an invitation from the Bishop of Mauritius, the Rector Major entrusted the new Vice-Province with a mission in Mauritius. The Salesians were called to work with underprivileged youth who had been excluded from the state school system. Since 2000, the Salesians in Mauritius have been active in schools and parishes across the archipelago.

Salesian Pastoral and Educational Works in MDG

The Salesians of MDG are engaged in numerous pastoral and educational initiatives, including: Parishes, Oratories, Primary and Secondary School, High Schools, Higher Education: Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Vocational Training Centers, Technical Institutes, Centers for Women's Empowerment, Medical Dispensaries, Rehabilitation Centers for Children with Learning Difficulties, Literacy Schools, Shelters and Family Homes for At-Risk Youth, Remote Schools in the Forests, Career Counseling Centers, Vocation Animation Groups & Radio Stations.

Radio Don Bosco – A Voice for Madagascar

Among these projects, "Radio Don Bosco" stands out as a major media apostolate, serving all dioceses across Madagascar.

Salesian Family in Madagascar and Mauritius

The Salesian Family in MDG includes 10 groups:

1. Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB)
2. Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
3. Salesian Cooperators (SSCC)
4. Community of the Mission of Don Bosco
5. Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA)
6. Past Pupils of Don Bosco
7. Past Pupils of the FMA
8. Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB)
9. Volunteers with Don Bosco
10. Damas Salesianas

Salesian Personnel in MDG (2024)

The Salesian Vice-Province of MDG currently has 157 Salesians, comprising:

• 143 native Malagasy members
• 14 missionary Salesians
• 77 perpetually professed members
• 80 temporarily professed members
• 16 novices

A Growing and Dynamic Vice-Province

The Salesians of Don Bosco in Madagascar and Mauritius continue to expand their mission, staying faithful to Don Bosco’s charism and serving the most vulnerable youth.

A video showcasing the Salesian presence in MDG is available on the ANSChannel YouTube channel.

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