New Delhi: Mission Poverty Eradication (MPE), the flagship initiative of the Salesians of Don Bosco in South Asia, is proving that its strength lies not just in vision but in its modus operandi—an intricate network of provincial teams working in synergy under central guidance.

New Delhi, India – November 2025 : In a landmark year of action and impact, the Salesians of Don Bosco in South Asia have marked a significant milestone in their ambitious initiative, Mission Poverty Eradication (MPE), aimed at transforming the lives of the region’s most vulnerable youth and families. With over 59,000 interventions documented in its first year, the project is rapidly evolving into a powerful network of hope, empowerment, and systemic change.

As the global Salesian Family commemorates 150 years of the First Missionary Expedition sent by Don Bosco in 1875, the legacy of that historic journey continues to flourish across continents — including Nepal, where the Salesians have been serving young people for over three decades. What began as a small mission in Dharan in 1992 has today grown into a lifeline of education, skills training and hope for thousands of Nepali youth.

Salesian communities across the Province of St. John Paul II, Shillong, joined the global Salesian Family in commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition — the historic departure of Don Bosco’s first missionaries from Valdocco, Turin, to Argentina on November 11, 1875. The sesquicentennial celebration was observed with gratitude, reflection, and renewed missionary zeal across communities.

The Missionary Commission of the Mumbai Province marked the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition with a half-day seminar at the Provincial House, Matunga, on November 11, 2025. Bringing together nearly 80 participants — including Salesians from across the province, Salesian Sisters, Cooperators, ADMA members, and lay collaborators — the seminar blended intellectual depth with heartfelt inspiration, rekindling missionary fervour across the gathering.

Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu – November 9, 2025 — The Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) marked the Salesian Missionary Day 2025 with a vibrant two-day celebration at Don Bosco Aspirantate, Tirupattur, on November 8 and 9. Themed “Salesian Missionary: A Sower Sowing the Seed of Love,” the event coincided with the 150th anniversary of the First Salesian Missionary Expedition (1875–2025), drawing around 270 participants from 26 Salesian institutions and formation houses across the province.

The Salesian Family in Sri Lanka came together on November 5 for a solemn Eucharistic celebration, offering thanks and praise to the Triune God for the countless blessings received through years of faithful service and missionary zeal. The Thanksgiving Mass, imbued with gratitude and joy, reflected on five significant intentions that underscored the enduring spiritual and missionary heritage of Don Bosco’s sons and daughters.

The Salesian Shillong Province held a heartfelt felicitation ceremony on Sunday, October 26, at Savio Juniorate, Shillong, to honour its senior religious members who have devoted more than 75 years to serving God and His people.

Following the heartfelt “A Legacy of Love,” the South Asia Region releases “A Legacy of Grace,” the newest episode in the Salesian Mission 150 Years series. Now streaming on YouTube, the sequel journeys deeper into the struggles and faith of Salesian Family Missionaries in Sudan and South Sudan, revealing how divine grace sustains them amid war, famine, and loss. Produced by BOSCOM, Missionary Animation, and Salesian Family South Asia under the SPCSA, the video is a powerful testimony of resilience, trust, and God’s loving presence in suffering.

The South Asia Salesian Brothers National Delegates Meeting brought together 10 of 12 national delegates for a two-day gathering at Don Bosco Provincial House, New Delhi, on August 8–9, fostering unity, reflection, and renewed commitment to the Salesian mission.

Twenty-four young men were ordained as deacons for the Catholic Church in India during a solemn liturgical ceremony held at the Sacred Heart Theological College Shrine in Shillong. His Grace Most Rev. Bernard Laloo, DD, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Shillong, presided over the ordination.

Marking an important milestone in the lead-up to the 150th anniversaries of the first Salesian missionary expeditions of the Salesians of Don Bosco (2025) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (2027), the South Asia Chapter of the Associazione Cultori Storia Salesiana (ACSSA) hosted a regional seminar from June 27 to 29 at the Salesian Provincial House in Bangalore.

In preparation for the International Seminar marking the 150th anniversary of the first Missionary Expeditions of the Salesians (2025) and of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (2027), the South Asia branch of the Associazione Cultori Storia Salesiana (ACSSA – Association of Promoters of Salesian History) will host a regional seminar from 27 to 29 June 2025, at the Salesian Provincial House, Bangalore.

With immense joy and gratitude to God, the Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT) celebrated the priestly ordination of seven deacons on April 29 at Don Bosco, Thanjavur. Most Rev. Dr. Sahayaraj Thamburaj, DD, Bishop of Thanjavur, presided over the solemn Eucharistic celebration and conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders.

In a moment of profound grace and thanksgiving, His Excellency, the Most Rev. Stephen Rotluanga, Bishop of Aizawlthe, consecrated the newly constructed parish church in Lawngtlai. Fr. John Zosiama, SDB, Provincial of Shillong, Fr. Joseph Lalbiakthanga, Vicar General of the Diocese of Aizawl, members of the Provincial Council, Sr. Maria Goretti Sangma, MSMHC, Provincial of Shillong and a host of priests and religious from the Dioceses of Aizawl, Shillong, Silchar, and Tripura attended the sacred ceremony.