The primary responsibilities of the General Councillor for the Missions are outlined in Article 138 of the Salesian Constitutions: he is responsible for promoting missionary spirit and commitment throughout the Salesian Society, coordinating initiatives, and guiding missionary activities to respond to the needs of evangelization in a Salesian style. Additionally, he ensures the specific preparation and ongoing formation of missionaries.
Biography of Fr. Crisafulli
Born on March 19, 1961, in Bahía Blanca, Argentina, to Salvatore Crisafulli and Gladia Gamberini, Fr. Crisafulli entered the "San Michele" novitiate in La Plata, where he made his first religious profession on January 31, 1980. Six years later, in 1986, he professed his perpetual vows in Junín de los Andes and was ordained a priest in Bahía Blanca on May 5, 1990.
After serving for a year as Vicar in the Villa Regina community in Southern Argentina, he worked for two years in Bahía Blanca before departing in 1996 as a missionary to West Africa, joining the Anglophone West Africa Province (AFW).
Missionary Work in Africa
- Sunyani, Ghana (1998-2003) – First as Administrator (1998-99) and later as Rector (1999-2003).
- Ashaiman, Ghana (2004-2009) – Served as Administrator (2004-06) and later as Rector of the Provincial House (2006-09).
- Provincial Superior of AFW (2010-2016) – Led the Anglophone West Africa Province for six years.
- Rector of Don Bosco Fambul, Sierra Leone (2016-2022) – Played a crucial role in expanding social outreach efforts, particularly for thousands of street children in Freetown.
- First Provincial of the Nigeria-Niger Province (ANN) (2022-2025) – Led the newly established "St. Artemide Zatti" Province.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, Fr. Crisafulli now steps into his new role, bringing decades of missionary experience and leadership to the global Salesian Congregation.
