Meet the
Current SLMs
Meet the heart and hands of our mission! Our current Salesian Lay Missioners (SLMs) are living witnesses to faith in action, dedicating their time, talents, and hearts to serve youth and communities around the world. Discover their stories, their missions, and the inspiring work they do as part of the Salesian family!
Why did you choose to serve?
I would like to serve as a Salesian Lay Missioner to give back to a community that would be in need of assistance. I’ve always found a connection in helping others and the reward of it is more than anything I have achieved so far in my young career. I would look forward to helping many different people through any means of service both indirect and direct.
Salesian Roots and Spiritual Formation
Lorenzo comes to the Salesian Lay Missioners with a deep love for God, a heart for young people, and a long-standing connection to the Salesian family. Growing up in Italy, he was formed by the Salesian charism through years of involvement in oratories and summer camps, where he served as a youth leader and animator. These early experiences instilled in him Don Bosco’s joyful approach to holiness and his belief in the transformative power of accompaniment.
Academic and Professional Background
While Lorenzo went on to earn a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Turin and lead innovative research projects, he never lost sight of his call to serve. He led the biomedical division of Team Policumbent, managing a team of 18 and collaborating with industry partners to develop human-powered vehicles, including participation in the World Human Powered Speed Challenge in Nevada, USA.
A Missionary Heart for the Young
Lorenzo’s journey has included roles in educational robotics and youth formation. His enthusiasm for working with young people, combined with his leadership skills and Salesian spirit, makes him a natural fit for mission work. He sees his professional skills as tools, but his true mission lies in walking with the young—especially those most in need—and helping them encounter the love of Christ.
Mission Assignment: Tampa, Florida
In 2025, Lorenzo begins his service as a Salesian Lay Missioner at the Mary Help of Christians Center in Tampa, Florida. There, he will support the Salesian mission of accompanying the young and the poor with joy, presence, and hope—bringing his faith, energy, and dedication to a vibrant community rooted in Don Bosco’s vision.
Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
Discern God’s call for religious life or missionary life ; Help the poor get out of poverty via education
What do you expect to do on mission?
Teaching English
What do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
To help people in need and to educate each other and build each other up so that we stay on God’s path for us.
Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
My assignment is to help Seminarians and students alike enhance their knowledge and practice speaking English that is so important in today’s global community. I feel directed to continue to answer the Holy Spirit’s call to service and assistance to others wherever that may be in this world.
What do you expect to do on mission?
Engage in English conversations with Don Bosco school students and Seminarians in order to help build and enhance their English language skills.
Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
I wanted to be immersed within Faith and intentional poverty. I desired to be stripped of all my securities. Renewing my spiritual life by living amongst the poor was attractive. The Salesians of Don Bosco’s charism is centered around living out the Gospel through prayer and service.
What do you expect to do on mission?
To love and serve the Lord through acts of charity towards His most materially vulnerable sons and daughters. I foresee myself being humbled by other’s Faith and strength.
As an SLM, I want to approach every day with a heart full of compassion, serving the most vulnerable with love and understanding, just as Christ did. I aim to embrace patience and adaptability, ready to immerse myself in new cultures and challenges, building connections that foster hope and transformation. My goal is to work with unwavering faith and humility, trusting in God’s plan as I join others in our shared mission to bring love and kindness to the world.
Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
I Hope to serve God utilizing my gifts and experience in support of the Salesians’ work the missions.
Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
To offer a year of my life to God and grow in my faith and trust in God, as well as continue in vocational discernment.
What do you expect to do on mission?
Teach English to kids between kindergarten and high school