Salesian High Celebrates 150th Anniversary of First Missionary Expedition

By Fr. Jim Heuser, SDB, President, Salesian High School

(New Rochelle, NY – November 19) – Salesian High School continued its observance of the 150th anniversary of the 1875 Salesian missionary expedition with grade-level Masses. Students and teachers gathered by class in the school chapel on Monday morning, November 10, to celebrate Masses for the Evangelization of Peoples presided by four Salesians with missionary experience outside their country of origin.

The senior Mass was presided by Fr. Michael Conway, SDB, the executive director of Salesian Missions. The Junior Mass was led by Fr. Sasika Lokuhettige, SDB, a missionary to the USA from Sri Lanka. Fr. Sean McEwen, SDB, with missionary experience in Sierra Leone, Bolivia and South Africa, celebrated with the sophomores, while Fr. Richard Alejunas, SDB, who had served in Mexico, prayed with the freshmen.

As they gave thanks for the missionary heart of Don Bosco, whose pastoral vision led to the diffusion of the Salesian charism for the young and the poor around the world, students were challenged to be missionaries themselves and to reach out to others in need, often very close by.

Included within the Masses was the celebration of the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens for 15 students of Salesian High School who have asked to enter the Catholic Church. Throughout the year they will engage in a program of faith formation to prepare them to receive the Sacraments of Initiation in April 2026 during the Easter Season. It was yet another reminder that the evangelization of peoples happens right next door.