Salesians raise 8 million euros for families affected by pandemic

CNA Staff, Sep 30, 2020 / 06:59 am (CNA).- The head of the Salesians announced that the order has raised nearly 8 million euros to help thousands of families worldwide who have been financially affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Specifically, 7.9 million euros have been collected, a very significant amount that has reached 62 Salesian provinces around the world, in response to 143 projects in support of very hard-hit families, who have benefited from food and small salaries to support themselves,” said Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians.

Fernández, who is the tenth successor of Fr. Don Bosco, founder of the order, spoke in a video message during his visit to Turin, where he is present for the opening of the ”Don Bosco House Museum” from October 2 to 4.

“I would like to tell you, in the name of Don Bosco, thank you for that solidarity, thank you for the good we do together,” he said to all those who donated.

“It’s been very beautiful because it has not only been about collecting money to help people, it’s also been about putting together reflections, concerns, ideas and initiatives to reach all parts of the world.”

Fernández stressed that many lives can be saved when people work together.

“For all this, in the name of Don Bosco, thank you very much for continuing to really help and change the lives of so many people,” he said.

The Salesians were founded by St. John Bosco, a 19th century Italian priest who had a particular love and apostolate for at-risk and underserved youth. Today, the order serves youth throughout the world primarily in schools, homeless shelters, and community centers.