Don Michele Rua, his first successor, formally launched the "South Italy Project," initiating the first Salesian houses in Castellammare di Stabia (Campania, 1894), Caserta (Campania, 1897), Corigliano d'Otranto (Apulia, 1901), Naples-Vomero (Campania, 1901), Bova Marina (Calabria, 1898), and Catanzaro (Calabria, 1894).

To enhance the educational efforts in the Campania and Salento regions, the first "Naples Province" was established in 1902. However, it lasted only nine years. In 1911-12, under the rectorship of Fr. Paolo Albera, the Salesian houses in Campania and Apulia returned to being administered by the Roman Province, while those in Calabria remained under the Sicilian Province.

The following decade was marked by the consolidation of these houses within their local contexts, adapting to the specific forms of poverty among the population. In 1922, the second "Naples Province" was established, covering all of peninsular Southern Italy, with 12 houses and 114 Salesians, led by Fr. Arnaldo Persiani as the first Provincial Superior.

At the time, educational activities were primarily school-based, often in a boarding format, and always included the essential festive oratory. By 1959, the province had 32 houses and about 500 priests, with continuous requests for new openings and a flourishing of Salesian vocations. Under the rectorship of Fr. Renato Ziggiotti, Southern Italy was divided into two Salesian provinces:

• The Campania-Calabria Province, based in Naples
• The Apulia-Basilicata Province, based in Bari

These were years of significant growth, especially for the Apulia-Basilicata Province.

The Reunification into the "Blessed Michele Rua" Province

Following national and ecclesiastical developments after 1968, the territorial structure was re-evaluated. In 1972, the two provinces were reunified into the Southern Italy Province, named after Blessed Michele Rua, with its headquarters in Naples. At that time, it included 34 Salesian houses and 420 priests.

Salesians became increasingly aware of new youth realities and evolving forms of poverty, leading to organizational changes at both the provincial and local levels. The mission was reoriented toward social and educational outreach, ensuring greater relevance to the pastoral needs of the time.

Salesian Expansion to Albania and Kosovo

In 1992, the Rector Major entrusted the nascent Salesian missions in Albania to the Southern Italy Province (IME), establishing works in Shkodër and Tirana. Later, the province expanded further with Salesian works in Kosovo, including Pristina (2000), Gjilan (2013), and Lushnjë (2019).

Most recently, on July 2, 2024, the Salesian General Council established the "Mother of Good Counsel" Provincial Delegation, encompassing the Salesian presences in Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro (AKM), headquartered in Tirana.

The Salesian Mission in Southern Italy

The "Blessed Michele Rua" Province stands out within the Mediterranean Region for its educational-pastoral focus on society's most vulnerable groups. Through oratories and social initiatives, it addresses marginalization and social distress, responding to the complex challenges of Southern Italy.

The main areas of mission include:

• Oratories and youth centers, with daily activities emphasizing sports and artistic expression
• Marginalization and social distress, through family homes, daycare centers, and socio-educational services, often in collaboration with state institutions and the Third Sector
• Schools and Vocational Training Centers
• Parish pastoral work
• Reception and inclusion services for unaccompanied minors, Romani communities, and various ethnic and religious groups

Through these efforts, the province remains a tangible sign of hope, providing concrete support to young people and families in Southern Italy and the Balkans.

Key Figures as of January 2025

The Southern Italy Province (IME) consists of:

154 Salesians, including:

• 142 with perpetual vows
• 12 with temporary vows
• 5 in formation
• 120 priests, 16 coadjutors and 1 permanent deacon

IME operates 29 Salesian missions today: 23 in Italy (4 entrusted to lay leadership), 6 under the AKM Delegation.

Salesian Missions in the Province

With the support of many lay collaborators, Salesian communities manage:

• 29 Oratories
• 5 Schools
• 7 Technical Training Centers
• 1 University
• 2 Boarding Schools
• 1 Vocational Training Center
• 21 Parishes
• 8 Public Churches And Basilicas
• 19 Projects For At-Risk Youth
• 1 Formation House
• 23 Sports Groups

Salesian Family Presence

The Salesian Family is well represented in IME, with 13 groups actively working in various communities:

• Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) – 29 communities
• Apostles of the Holy Family (ASF) – 1 community
• Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) – 13 groups
• Salesian Cooperators (ASC) – 39 centers
• Congregation of St. Michael the Archangel (CSMA) – 1 community
• Congregation of the Sisters of St. Michael the Archangel (CSSMA) – 1 community
• Past Pupils of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (EXFMA) – 24 groups
• Past Pupils of Don Bosco (EXDB) – 18 groups
• Daughters of the Divine Savior (HDS) – 1 community
• Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) – 28 communities
• Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (SOSC) – 8 communities
• Witnesses of the Risen Christ (TR) – 15 groups
• Volunteers of Don Bosco (VDB) – 3 groups

Through its extensive network of educational, pastoral, and social initiatives, the "Blessed Michele Rua" Province continues to embody the Salesian mission of bringing hope and concrete assistance to youth and families, both in Southern Italy and in the Balkan region.

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