Meet the

Current SLMs

Photo of Genaro Cantu Genaro Cantu Colima, Mexico
Hometown Fort Worth TX College Texas A M Mission Site Casa Hogar Colimense Colima Mexico

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
The Salesians appealed to me because of their love for youth programs and helping children from a small age to encounter Christ. I love what St. John Bosco stood for during his life, and what he still stands for today. As a missionary I hope to contribute by being a light for these kids in need. Mary Help of Christians, pray for us on mission!

What do you expect to do on mission?
I look forward to simply serving my neighbor, and trusting God’s plan through it all! Whether I’m involved in educating youth, Catechism classes, or just being present with the kids at the Casa Hogar – anything that helps bring about God’s kingdom on earth. And I expect the Eucharist will taste just as great in Colima as everywhere!

Photo of Anthony Del Debbio Anthony Del Debbio Marrero, Louisiana
Hometown The Bronx NY College Caldwell University Mission Site Archbishop Shaw High School Marrero LA

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.

Photo of Jocelyn Escudero Jocelyn Escudero Poipet, Cambodia
Hometown Portland OR College University of the Philippines Mission Site Don Bosco Poipet Poipet Cambodia

Why have you joined the Salesian Lay Missioner program and/or what do you hope to accomplish thru your SLM mission?
I want to offer my skillset back to God.

Photo of Benigno Monteverde Benigno Monteverde Dili, Timor Leste
Hometown Long Beach CA College Cal State Long Beach Mission Site St. John Bosco Port Chester NY

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

Photo of Alexander Pelletier Alexander Pelletier León, Mexico
Hometown 22080 75TH AVE NY New City NY 11364 United StatesCollege Binghamton University Mission Site Ciudad de Niños León Mexico

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.

Photo of Suzanne Platt Suzanne Platt Dalat, Vietnam
Hometown Columbia PA College Temple University Mission Site Don Bosco Dalat Theologate Dalat Vietnam

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.

Photo of Anthony “AJ” Scheip Anthony “AJ” Scheip Palabek, Uganda
Hometown Sarasota FL College University of South Florida Mission Site Palabek Refugee Settlement Palabek Uganda

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.

Photo of Future SLM Future SLM
Hometown Anywhere USA/Canada College School of Loving Presence Mission Site Where God leads Do Not be Afraid

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.

Photo of Antonia Soave Antonia Soave Dalat, Vietnam
Hometown Plymouth MI Mission Site Don Bosco Dalat – Theologate Dalat Vietnam

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.

Photo of Kurt Whiteley Kurt Whiteley Alexandria, Egypt
Hometown Dacula GA College Georgia Institute of Technology Mission Site Don Bosco Technical Institute Alexandria Egypt

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

Are you ready to begin the journey?

Take your first step in answering God's call to serve!

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