Last June Father Peter Newberry received the prestigious Worker for Peace (Servitor Pacis) award for his efforts with a project called Youth Outreach, which works with street children in Hong Kong. As a Salesian priest, he is following in the footsteps of other members of his order, who throughout their history have devoted themselves to working with young people.

Father Newberry, a renowned teacher, formed an educational association to work with “at risk” young people. In remarks after receiving the award in New York, he said, “I do very little. I consider the award for all the association members. . . . Education is done not only in the classroom . . . there are other forms of education for young people. The association offers an alternative to the classroom and textbooks.”

The Italian Saint John Bosco founded the Salesian Society for men in 1854 and the Salesian Sisters in 1872. He began his ministry by helping urban youth. According to the Salesians, “The educational philosophy of John Bosco can be condensed in three words: reason, religion, and kindness. The basic principle of his system was a deep understanding and love for young people and their problems.” Today the Salesian family numbers 40,000 members working in over 100 countries.

Father Newberry shares the award, which is given to one person each year, with political and social leaders like Cory Aquino and Lech Walesa.

Visit the worldwide Salesian website and click on the English version of the site: www.sdb.org.