Tampa, United States – 1928 – The Mary Help of Christians Centre in Tampa, Florida, is preparing to celebrate its centenary in 2028. This Centre has a rich and long history dating back to 1928, when Mrs Alicia Gonzalez Neve donated several acres of land on East Lake to the Salesians of Don Bosco for the construction of a boys’ orphanage. Mrs Neve donated her property, her home and her savings for the creation of the Mary Help of Christians Centre. For over 85 years, the Centre has been a place of faith and encounter for young people and adults,....

Battersea, Great Britain – 1900 – Although St John Bosco College (SJBC) only opened its doors in September 2011, the Battersea site boasts a rich tradition of Catholic education dating back to the opening of Salesian College in 1895. SJBC was established following the closure of Salesian College and the John Paul II School. In this image, we can see what the building housing Salesian College – known at the time as Surrey House – looked like in 1900.

Lisbon, Portugal – 1906 – The Salesians’ new building in Lisbon, built in the Italian style, was opened on 19 March, 120 years ago. According to newspapers at the time, around two thousand people gathered in the Alto dos Prazeres district for the opening, by the then Rector Major, Fr Michael Rua, who arrived from Italy by train. Today, 120 years later, the Salesian community keeps Don Bosco’s charism alive at the Salesian School in Lisbon, where more than 2,250 students and dozens of staff continue this same mission every day.

Viedma, Argentina – 1951 – Artemides Zatti, a Salesian Brother and tireless nurse, passed away on 15 March 1951. The funeral was held the following day. The turnout of officials and the public was impressive and heartfelt. The news of Artemides Zatti’s death had, in fact, deeply moved the entire population of Viedma and a significant part of the population of Patagonia. The funeral was therefore a tribute to his life, entirely dedicated to the sick and the poor.

Vatican – 1950 – On 5 March 1950, Rome experienced one of the most joyful days of the Holy Year: countless young people and faithful gathered at St Peter's Basilica for the beatification of Dominic Savio. During the morning ceremony, Pope Pius XII declared that he was adding Venerable Dominic Savio to the ranks of the blessed. After the reading, the image of the new blessed was unveiled and, at the same time, one of his distinguished relics was displayed on the altar. Immense applause rose from the entire Basilica, and shortly thereafter, the exultation rose like a hymn of....

Puertollano, Spain – 1960s – This photograph, preserved in the archives of the Salesians of Puertollano, shows a celebration in honor of Mary Help of Christians. It was presumably taken in May during the 1960s, at the estate known as El Bonal, on the outskirts of Puertollano. During those years, this rural enclave hosted a Salesian seminary with the permission of the diocese, established thanks to the generosity of the estate’s owner, Doña Concepción Narváez Ulloa, Marchioness Dowager of Álava and Viscountess Dowager of Casa Blanca, who granted the use of the property for the Salesians’ educational and vocational mission.....

Zaruma, Ecuador – 1948 – The Salesian presence in Zaruma arose from the desire to found a school of Arts and Crafts, initially realised with the opening of the primary school in 1948. Already in 1910, the parish priest, Fr Manuel Chiriboga, had promoted the arrival of the Salesians for the Christian education of young people, overcoming various obstacles. In 1945, official approval arrived from Turin for the foundation of a work in Zaruma, and in 1947, the first priest arrived. Then, in 1949, the college was inaugurated with about 200 pupils. The Salesians also took over the parish and....

El Salvador – 1950 – The history of the Mary Help of Christians – Don Rua Parish began with the dream of Fr José Miguel Funes, who wanted to build a chapel in honour of St Michael the Archangel. After his death the project passed from hand to hand until the Dominicans took responsibility for carrying it forward. When they learned that the Salesians were looking for a place to establish their seminary, they offered them this legacy on condition that they build the chapel he had dreamed of. Thusthe Don Rua International Institute was opened in 1947. In 1950,....