A Distinguished Guest from Syria

In the coming days, several Salesian centres will be visited by Salesian Edwar Gobran SDB, director of the community in Damascus. Fr Edwar has come at our invitation during the Tehlička for Syria campaign.

He is one of the Salesians who, in spite of the danger that is still ever-present, remain faithful to their mission. Together with their confrères, they serve families, children and young people in three Salesian centres in Damascus, Aleppo and Kafroun.
In a country devastated by war, economic collapse and earthquake, the Salesians are a light of hope and a safe place where hundreds of children and young people come every day, seeking peace, help, education and meaningful activities.

The Salesian presence in Syria began in 1947, thanks to the determination of Matilda Salem, a noble-hearted woman from Aleppo. After losing her husband, she devoted her life to helping poor young people. Together with the local bishop, she invited the Salesians into the country and personally travelled to Turin to negotiate with the rector major about taking over a technical school in Aleppo.
Her courageous efforts bore rich fruit – since then the Salesians have been continuously present in Syria, where they have faithfully served young people even in the most difficult times. They provide education, spiritual support, refuge and humanitarian aid to families who have lost everything.

Invitation to meet

We invite you to a meeting with Fr Edwar, whom you will be able to meet in person at Salesian centres in Slovakia from Thursday, 26 February, to Tuesday, 3 March 2026. The detailed schedule is shown on the attached poster.
During the visits he will celebrate Holy Masses, present the life and ministry of the Salesians in Syria, and there will also be room for personal conversations during discussion sessions. We look forward to seeing you!

You can find out more about the Lenten collection for Syria at www.tehlicka.sk

HOW YOU CAN HELP

By prayer, by sharing, or financially to the account IBAN: SK6911000000002620852641, VS: 2603047004

or via the DARUJME.sk portal: https://savio.darujme.sk/tehlicka-2026/

We look forward to walking through Lent together!

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