Salesians Plan Project Africa Golden Jubilee with Focus on African Vocations, Missionary Renewal

Salesians of Don Bosco in the East-South Africa Region will begin a three-year preparation for the Golden Jubilee of Project Africa. The planning, which emerged from an annual meeting of provincial superiors held October 2–6 in Luanda, Angola, focuses on missionary history, vocation formation, and a long-term vision for the continent through 2050.

The jubilee preparations will run from 2027 to 2029 under three themes: "Remember with gratitude," "Renew with Hope," and "Forward with courage." In 2027, the first phase will highlight the stories of nearly 1,000 missionaries sent to Africa from more than 80 Salesian provinces worldwide since 1980. The 2028 phase will address missionary renewal and vocation formation, specifically regarding a commitment to young people in need. The final year, 2029, will involve creating a Salesian vision for Africa toward 2050.

Fr. Vaclav Klement, the Salesian provincial superior in South Africa, noted the growth of the congregation since Project Africa began in 1980. He stated that while there were only about 300 consecrated Salesians on the continent before that time, the congregation now includes more than 2,200 members serving in 46 countries across Africa and Madagascar, with most being native vocations.