The Salesian Congregation. The Salesians, officially the Society of St Francis de Sales (Latin: Societas Sancti Francisci Salesii), also known as the Salesian Society or SDB, are an active religious congregation of pontifical right founded in Turin, Italy, in 1859. In 1874, Pope Pius IX approved the Salesian Society.
The Congregation’s motto is “Give me souls; take away the rest” — Da mihi animas, cetera tolle.
The Salesian Congregation was founded by a humble priest, Fr John Bosco, who was born in 1815 and died in 1888. He devoted his entire hardworking life to educating young people, especially those who were poor and neglected. Fr John Bosco began his work among Italian young people in Turin. It soon spread throughout Western Europe and to every continent.
The Salesian Congregation continues Fr John Bosco’s great mission among young people worldwide, particularly the poor. Recognising the power of God at work in Fr John Bosco’s undertaking, the Church of Christ approved the Constitutions of the Society of St Francis de Sales, named after its heavenly patron, and proclaimed its founder a saint at Easter in 1934.
The Salesians’ purpose is to care for children and young people from poor families, provide them with religious education and vocational training, and undertake missionary work. In countries around the world, they run schools and educational institutions for young people regardless of their background. St John Bosco wanted his sons to follow Christ by serving young people, especially those who are poorest and most neglected, both spiritually and materially.
Founded by St John Bosco in 1859, the Salesians now number 15,750 members, as of 2008, in 128 countries.
In Ukraine, 9 Darbyniana Street, Korostyshiv, 12505 Zhytomyr Region.
Source: http://bibrka-sdb.org