HISTORY OF THE MISSION
Democratic revolution
Like many comunistic countries around the world in 1989/1990, even Mongolia went through this process peacefully and in 1990 became democratic country. The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 strongly influenced Mongolian politics and youth.
1990
Uneven economic growth
Mongolia is a landlocked nation in East Asia, caught between Russia to the north and China to the South. Since transitioning into a capitalist democracy in the 1990s, it has become one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. However, Mongolia is held back by various issues such as poverty and uneven economic growth. (https://borgenproject.org/5-facts-about-poverty-in-mongolia/)
Catholic missionaries in Mongolia
In 1992 were established diplomatic relationships between Mongolia and the Vatican. Soon after that arrived on invitation of Mongolian government the first Catholic missionaries under the guidance of Fr. Wenceslao Padilla CICM.
1992
1997
Salesians are invited to serve in Mongolia
In 1997 the superior of the CICM invited the Salesians to launch the mission in Mongolia. The following year provincial of Korea, Fr. Vaclav Klement visited Mongolia to study the situation. The request was accepted and Rector Major Fr. Juan Edmundo Vecchi entrusted the mission to a newly constituted Salesian province of Vietnam.
The first missionary expedition to Mongolia
The Rector Major Fr. Juan Edmundo Vecchi sent six missionaries to Mongolia during a Mission Expedition in 2000. (Fr. Carlo Villegas from Philippines, Fr. Joseph Toth from Slovakia, Fr. Simon Lee from Korea, Deacon Andrew Tin Nguyen Trung, Cleric Paul Trung Vu Van and Bro. Andrew Phuong Le)
2000
2001
Arrival in Mongolia
The first Salesian, Fr. Carlo Villegas from the Philippines, arrived in Mongolia on February 7, 2001 to prepare a new skills training Center in the capital. Several months later, in October 2001, the assembled group of Missionaries arrived as well.
Don Bosco Technical School
The first of the Salesians’ presence was a government certified dual curriculum technical-high school that began with 30 students in 2001. The school started to serve poor young people in Mongolia in the field of technical education and formal education for both male and female students.
2003
Caring center for orphan and street children
Don Bosco Caring Center was established in 2003 in Amgalan, Bayanzurkh district of Ulaanbaatar. Orphans, children dropped out from school and those who were neglected by their parents or discriminated against by society lived at this center. The center became home to many children since its foundation.
New presence in Darkhan
In 2005, a new Salesian presence was opened in Darkhan in the North part of Mongolia. A new Educational center was opened and soon after that Maria Auxilium Parish as well (2007). An agricultural farm apostolate was also added to the services later (2009).
2005
2016
The first Mongolian priest
On August 28, 2016, there was an ordination of the first Mongolian priest Enkh Joseph in St. Peter and Paul cathedral Ulaanbaatar. He became a living hope for Mongolian Catholic Church and an example for others to follow God’s vocation.
Visit of the Rector Major to Mongolia
October 22 – 25, 2016, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco visited for the first time Mongolia. He was received with great joy and gratitude by a great multitude of Mongolians, Salesians, Salesian sisters and Salesian family members.
2017
Shuvuu
In 2017 the Bishop Wens entrusted to the Salesians a new place around 40 km from the capital – Shuvuu. There are 3 main areas of service: Holy Family Parish, Youth center and a farm.
Planning and development office
Newly established Planning and development office aims to help the growing Salesian mission to become more coordinated and sustainable in the future.
2019
