Country: Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Source: Salesian Missions 125 people benefit, including youth in formation.NEW ROCHELLE, NY (June 25, 2025) Salesian missionaries in Venezuela* were able to cover a portion of the Salesian medical insurance thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The insurance coverage includes medical consultations, hospitalizations and necessary procedures for unforeseen health situations for 125 people, including youth in formation, coadjutor Salesians, and Salesian priests.A Salesian noted, “The support provided allowed us to have secure health services for all Salesians of the San Lucas Province. We were able to have good help which in turn strengthens our pastoral work.”Salesian missionaries are working in 22 communities throughout the country. Most of these communities are located in areas which have complex social and economic environments. These Salesian communities cannot sustain themselves solely with their own income or with the income from the pastoral care and support services they provide. Funding from donors makes a critical difference in the lives of Salesians and the communities they serve.Monsignor José Ángel Divasson, bishop emeritus of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Ayacucho, who is currently residing in the Salesian Provincial House of Venezuela, highlighted the shortage and high cost of medicines, a reality that also affects the Salesian community in the country. He expressed gratitude for the support received for the medical insurance for the elderly Salesians, recalling medical treatment he received made possible thanks to this health insurance coverage.Salesian missionaries have been living and working in Venezuela long before the country’s political and economic crisis began. They operate schools, youth centers, and other programs that support youth and their families.An estimated 50% of Venezuela’s 28 million people are currently living in poverty, and essential goods such as food and medicine are scarce. Since 2014, 7.7 million people have fled as refugees to neighboring countries to find work and a more stable way of life.*Any goods, services or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.###About Salesian Missions USASalesian Missions is headquartered in New Rochelle, NY, and is part of the Don Bosco Network—a worldwide federation of Salesian NGOs. The mission of the U.S.-based nonprofit Catholic organization is to raise funds for international programs that serve youth and families in poor communities around the globe. The Salesian missionaries are made up of priests, brothers and sisters, as well as laypeople—all dedicated to caring for poor children throughout the world in more than 130 countries and helping young people become self-sufficient by learning a trade that will help them gain employment. To date, more than 3 million youth have received services funded by Salesian Missions. These services and programs are provided to children regardless of race or religion. For more information, go to SalesianMissions.org.