PROUD TO BE A SON OF SAINT
STEPHEN OF HUNGARY
Dear Derossi, you have been in Hungary for 12 years as one of the first missionaries. How has the province
changed during this time through the presence of missionaries from abroad?
I am currently 13 years old in Hungary and belong to the third group of missionaries. As missionaries we have
renewed our province with the values of religious life; in particular, to live and work together as brothers from
different countries, cultures and traditions, but united in the spirit of Don Bosco. Thus, my province is rich in
diversity and has grown in openness. The missionaries have made a qualitative contribution in the governance
and animation of the province. Missionaries have taken on leading roles in various capacities at the provincial
level and in communities.
What do you appreciate most about the nature of Hungarians?
I admire the patriotism of Hungarians. Hungarians adhere to their culture and traditions. Young people, too, are
very proud of their history. The day that is very special and very close to Hungarian hearts is 20 August, when we
celebrate the first Hungarian king, the founder of the Hungarian State and a saint, St Stephen of Hungary I feel
very moved when I see the State and the Church honouring the holy king.
The theme of this issue is promoting humanity, interconnectedness and relationships among peoples.
Where do you see the biggest obstacles and challenges to realising these attitudes?
I am deeply edified by the initiatives of the government. We have a separate ministry set up to take care of
persecuted Christians The "Hungary Helps" is the movement supported by the government precisely to promote
humanity, interconnections and relationships among people. And we Salesians in Hungary collaborate with them
socially through volunteering. The challenge is to manage prudently the havoc created by the pandemic in
people's minds regarding health, safety and finance.
Fr. Derossi
Raja, SDB
Born in Sarugani in Tamil Nadu, India, in a parish founded
by Jesuit missionary Giacomo De Rossi. There he was
inspired by dedicated missionaries. He made his first
religious profession in 2001 and was sent outside of h is
province to do his postgraduate studies in Philosophy
It was there that his missionary vocation was strengthened,
leading to his apphcation for the mission ad gentes.
In 2008, after perpetual profession. he was sent as a
missionary to Hungary. He successfully completed his
studies in Theology. Pedagogy and Catechetics.
He was ordained a priest on 8 August 2014. and is
currently the Vice Provincial. Rector of the community of
Pelifoldszentkereszt and Vice-Principal of a Salesian school.
He has been animating the missionaries and young
volunteers of Project Europe since five years. He was
recently appointed Delegate for Formation
● FOOD is a gift from God, it feeds,
nourishes & connects people.
● FOOD varies from country to country.
● We all love FOOD!
The Missions Sector has taken a new initiative
called BoscoFood. It will present the richness
of the cuisines of each of the 134 countries of
the world where Salesians are present.
BoscoFood consists of two-page bilingual
cards with a typical dish of the country.
Starting with this issue, for more than two
years, you will always find 4-5 cards attached
to each issue of Cagliero11 – one card per
week. The final goal is the publication of the
first Salesian cookery book BoscoFood Book.
True human fraternity
For the promotion of human fraternity and
good relationships within the Salesian family in Hungary.
We pray for all those suffering from religious discrimination and
persecution; may their own rights and dignity be recognized, which
originate from being brothers and sisters in the human family.
[Pope Francis’ prayer intention]
