Phnom Penh, Cambodia — Two senior leaders of the Salesian Congregation have concluded a three-day visit to Cambodia, reaffirming their commitment to supporting the country’s youth through education, vocational training, and spiritual formation.

Fr. Gabriel Stawowy, General Economer of the Congregation, and Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli, World Councilor for the Salesian Missions, met with members of the Cambodian Salesian Delegation from 20 to 22 August. The gathering, held at the Delegation House in Phnom Penh, was convened by Fr. Eugene Xalxo, the superior delegate for Cambodia.

The visit included the annual retreat for Salesian missionaries, led by Fr. Crisafulli, an Argentinian priest known for his work in Africa. He reflected on the life of Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese nun canonised for her resilience and compassion.

“Her story reminds us that suffering can be transformed into service,” Fr. Crisafulli told the assembly. “In Cambodia, we are called to walk alongside young people who carry invisible wounds and dreams waiting to be awakened.”

Fr. Stawowy, who presided over the Holy Mass, encouraged the Salesians to remain steadfast in their mission. “Hope is not a concept—it is a path,” he said. “And in Cambodia, that path runs through the hearts of its youth.”

The two councilors also led the Assembly of Confreres, a traditional forum for reflection and planning. Discussions focused on vocational promotion and expanding the reach of Don Bosco’s charism to what the Congregation calls “the last frontiers”—places where youth are most in need of guidance and opportunity.

Both leaders are part of the newly appointed General Council under Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th successor of Don Bosco. The Council has emphasized outreach to marginalized communities and the development of innovative educational models.

A Young Nation, A Growing Mission

Cambodia, where more than 50% of the population is under the age of 30, faces ongoing challenges in education, employment, and child protection. The Salesian Mission, a delegation of the Thailand Province since 2013, operates in five provinces across the country. Its focus includes technical training, youth empowerment, and safeguarding vulnerable children.

Since the 1990s, the Salesians of Don Bosco, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), and other members of the Salesian Family have played a pivotal role in rebuilding hope after decades of conflict.

“We are not just teaching skills,” said Mr. Try Seyha, a teacher working in Phnom Penh. “We are helping young people believe in their future.”

Recent initiatives include expanding digital literacy programs, launching mobile training units for rural areas, and strengthening partnerships with local industries to ensure job placement for graduates.

As Cambodia continues to evolve, the Salesians say their mission remains clear: to walk with the young, especially the poor, and to offer them tools for a dignified life.