James Kilcullen – Salesian institute the beginnings

Although Don Bosco never visited Africa, several of his dreams foretold a promising Salesian apostolate on the continent. A key early connection with South Africa was Fr. Peter Strobino, an Italian priest who had been a student at Don Bosco’s Oratory. Ordained in 1878 and sent to the Cape of Good Hope, Strobino served in various missions and became a bishop at just 35. A strong admirer of Don Bosco, he longed for the Salesians to care for South Africa’s youth. His death in 1896 preceded by just weeks the arrival of the first Salesians in Cape Town, marking the beginning of their African mission.

Reference time period: 1800 – 1901