More than 50 Salesians and 200 youth use chapel.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY (Aug. 4, 2025) Salesian missionaries were able to improve and furnish the chapel at Don Bosco in the Sacred Heart of Jesus post-novitiate community in Zambia thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. With significant growth in the post-novitiate community over the last several years, the previous infrastructure was no longer serving the community.
With donor funding, Salesians expanded the sacristy and other related rooms in the chapel, installed new electrical lighting, and remodeled the design of the windows and doors to complement the overall architecture of the chapel. Salesians also installed items to enhance the spiritual ambiance, including religious icons, wall art, and color schemes to reflect the cultural and religious significance of the chapel. To make the space more comfortable, Salesians purchased furniture in line with the design of the altar and overall aesthetic of the chapel.
A Salesian explained, “The chapel is benefiting more than 50 Salesians and over 200 youth that use the chapel during pastoral moments with the Salesian seminarians. With these changes, we have an overall environment that encourages reflection and spiritual growth.”
Salesians in Zambia provide a range of social development programs and education to aid youth who are poor and at risk so they can have a healthy productive life. Early education helps youth gain a foundation to allow them to later advance to skills training for employment. Basic needs are met along the way ensuring youth focus on their education.
Poverty is widespread in Zambia with 64% of the total population living below the poverty line. For those living in rural areas, the poverty rate rises to 80%, according to UNICEF. Over the past three decades, incomes in Zambia have fallen steadily, and people do not have enough money to meet basic needs such as shelter, nutritious food and medical care.
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About Salesian Missions USA
Salesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople—all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to SalesianMissions.org.