Salesian Style

Provincial Fr. Nicholas Reina's recent trip to Africa took him from the streets of Freetown to St. Augustine's Secondary Agricultural School in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

by Mr. James Cross

Don Bosco's oratory model and mission to youth came to Africa in the mid-1970s. In 1977 the Rector Major, the late Egidio Vigaṇ, mandated that all Salesians turn their attention, their gifts and their resources to aid the youth of Africa. The San Francisco Province's Fr. Harry Rasmussen was assigned to Rome with the direct purpose of investigating ways to make a Salesian impact in Africa. The first works to be supported by American Salesians were run by the British in Liberia. For nearly a decade the American and British Salesians have worked side by side in this newest mission to youth.

In 1986 Salesians from both American provinces took over the Xaverian Brothers' mission in Sierra Leone. To this country-renamed for the "mountain lion"-Br. William Regner (San Francisco province) and Br. George Marquis (New Rochelle province) brought Don Bosco's oratory model. These pioneers with their own hands helped construct the buildings and then, with their Salesian zeal, established Don Bosco's century-old commitment to youth.

For nearly three years, this struggling country has been ravished with civil insurrection. In May 1998 the popularly elected government once again established itself, and a semblance of normality began to reappear. In the midst of all this the St. Augustine Secondary Agricultural School run by the Salesians has been a beacon of hope.

St. Augustine's is a model of Salesianity at its best. Fr. Nick Reina, provincial, recently returned from Africa, bringing with him a hopeful enthusiasm and confidence that the works will not just continue but thrive.

The school educates in three areas. First of all, it is a traditional school where academic subjects are taught in English. It is also an agricultural school with its own farm and husbandry curriculum. Finally, it is a technological school where the basics in technology flourish. Brick-making, building arts, sewing and soap-manufacturing are the first skills to be taught. The soap-manufacturing shop is now providing soap for a refugee camp where former rebel soldiers are being repatriated.

St. Augustine's is a school of nearly 1,000 students. Fr. Dominic DeBlase (New Rochelle province) serves as director of this Salesian presence. He oversees the work of Mr. John Atto, lay headmaster for the entire school. Fr. Albert Mengon (San Francisco province) is pastor of the parish. Fr. Mengon's parish consists of six mission chapels and 12 elementary schools in which more than 3,000 young people are taught each day. Working as teachers in the school are many graduates of St. Augustine's as they continue to foster the Salesian Spirit that they themselves have learned.