RMG – SDB Provinces: The Province of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" in Mexico-Mexico (MEM)

25 March 2025
RMG – SDB Provinces: The Province of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" in Mexico-Mexico (MEM)

(ANS – Rome) – "Mexico" frequently appears in international media, whether due to U.S. tariffs, the historic election of the country's first female president, issues related to drug trafficking, or its role as a transit country for migrants seeking entry into the United States. For many, Mexico is seen as a dangerous place for priests, journalists, human rights defenders, and especially for its children and youth. However, Mexico is also a country of great resilience and hope, with a population of nearly 130 million, 31% of whom are young people. It is a young nation, blessed with the immense gift of the Virgin Mary.

Don Bosco never visited Mexico, yet his reputation reached the country. On May 12, 1887, he met a group of Mexican seminarians, and one of them asked when the Salesians would arrive in Mexico City. Don Bosco replied: "It will not be me who sends the Salesians to Mexico, but my successor will do what I cannot. Have no doubt about it!"

The Salesian Province of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" originated from the desire of Mexico's first Salesian Cooperators to improve the lives of children and young people during the difficult era of the Porfiriato. They were inspired by Edith Borrel, the first Salesian in the country, who spoke of the immense good Don Bosco was doing elsewhere. Finally, in 1889, the first group of Salesian Cooperators was officially established in Mexico City.

Just over a year later, on January 11, 1890, with Fr. Rua as Rector Major, the Archbishop of Mexico City blessed the country's first Salesian work, in the presence of bishops and archbishops from across Mexico. In February of that year, the first Salesian school was inaugurated. In 1891, Fr. Rua sent Fr. Miguel Unia to Mexico, but he was soon recalled to work in Agua de Dios. It was only during the 6th General Chapter, held in Valsalice from August 29 to September 7, 1892, that the decision was made to send at least four Salesians to Mexico.

A telegram confirmed the departure of five Salesians, who arrived in the country to establish works in Mexico City, Puebla, Morelia, and Guadalajara. These pioneers, and those who followed them, remained steadfast, even through the difficult years of the Mexican Revolution, when the Church and religion faced severe oppression and persecution. Despite these challenges, Mexico remains one of the Latin American nations with the highest number of Christians—a land of Christian martyrs who choose forgiveness and peace.

Just as in the past, Mexico today remains a land of hope, imbued with the joyful and optimistic Salesian spirit. Aware of its difficulties, the country faces them with hope, walking hand in hand with Mary and Jesus. Salesians have never shied away from adversity, even risking their own safety, as they did during the COVID-19 pandemic when they were at the forefront of food distribution for those in need.

The Salesian Province of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" was officially established in 1902 and canonically erected on April 20, 1903. It became the 33rd official Salesian province and later gave rise to the Province of Mexico-Guadalajara. Belonging to the Interamerican Region, the Province is under the protection of Our Lady of Guadalupe and is headquartered in Mexico City, at the Motherhouse of "Santa Julia."

Updated Figures as of 2025:

Temporary professed confreres: 6 Perpetually professed confreres: 70 Canonically erected communities: 15 Schools: 13 Oratories: 5 Youth Centers: 1 Vocational Training Centers: 2 Parishes/churches served: 10 major ones Average age of confreres: 59

The Province manages schools, oratories, parishes, boarding houses, and vocational training centers.

Ten of the 32 groups of the Salesian Family are present in the Province:

Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) Association of Salesian Cooperators (SSCC) Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) Past Pupils of Don Bosco Past Pupils of the FMA Volunteers of Don Bosco Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (mainly in the north of the country) Damas Salesianas Association Volunteers with Don Bosco

The current Provincial Superior is Fr. Juan Aarón Cerezo Huerta, who took office on January 28 at the Shrine and Parish of Mary Help of Christians in Mexico City. The installation ceremony was presided over by Fr. Hugo Orozco Sánchez, Regional Councillor for Interamerica, and was concelebrated by Fr. Ignacio Ocampo Uribe (former MEM Provincial), Fr. Filiberto González (Provincial Superior of the Salesian Province of Mexico-Guadalajara – MEG), and members of the Provincial Councils.

Fr. Cerezo emphasized the great work of the Youth Ministry and the entire Salesian Family in evangelizing the Mexican people, serving as a beacon of hope. He highlighted the strength of young people, despite the many challenges they face, and reaffirmed the Salesian Family's unwavering mission to support and accompany them.

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