The 14th National Congress of Salesian Cooperators of Brazil was hosted in the São João Bosco Province, in Belo Horizonte – Minas Gerais, between the 19th and 21st of July 2024. It was attended by 265 Salesian Cooperators from the six provinces of Brazil : Belo Horizonte (BBH), Campo Grande (BCG), Manaus (BMA), Porto Alegre (BPA), Recife (BRE) and São Paulo (BSP).
On July 19, the work began in the afternoon, with a face-to-face meeting of the members of the Regional Consultation of Brazil, also counting on the presence of the World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, SC Antônio Boccia and the Rector’s delegate- Major for the Salesian Family, Father Juan Luís Playá- SDB.
In the evening there was a moment of welcome and prayer, followed by the performance of the Children’s Orchestra of the Padre João Botelho State School, in a musical performance that enchanted everyone, with a varied repertoire of national and international songs.
July 20, 2024, began with the official opening of the Congress, and right after the opening table, Inspector Father Natale Vitali – SDB, led a reflection on the theme “Salesian Cooperators, heirs of a dream” and “ A dream that makes us dream.”
Still in the morning, a round table took place with the theme “How to live the theme of the XIV National Congress in the daily life of the Salesian Cooperator?”, with the participation of representatives from the six provinces of Brazil, who shared their experiences.
After lunch, the World Coordinator, SC Antônio Boccia, spoke to those present about the importance of Economic Solidarity Animation (ASE) for the good functioning of the Association. Next, the congressmen were sent to eight study and experience exchange workshops, with the following themes:
1. Devotion to Mary Help of Christians, Mother and Teacher. – Sister Maria de Nazaré (FMA Delegate for the Province of Belo Horizonte)
2. Dreams of Dom Bosco today – Campo Grande Province – SC Carol Ferreira (Provincial Coordinator)
3. The Salesian Saints – Father Antônio João Neto (SDB Delegate for the Brazil Region)
4. The Festive Oratory – Belo Horizonte Province -Sc Iraci Baraúna (Local Center Father Roque Valiati)
5. Don Bosco’s Preventive System – Province of Recife – Sc Marta Galvão (Provincial Coordinator)
6. Communication and Evangelization in times of Internet – São Paulo Province – SC Maria Inês Bruno and Maria do Carmo Ohl (Communication Counselors)
7. The Legacy of the Salesian Cooperators – 150 Years of the Association – Porto Alegre Province – Sc Sandra Regina
8. Mamãe Margarida – Holy Mother of Filho Santo – Manaus Province – SC Luciana Reis (Provincial Coordinator)

In the evening there was a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Dom Nivaldo dos Santos Ferreira, Bishop of the Nossa Senhora Aparecida Episcopal Region of the Archdiocese of Belo Horizonte, concelebrated by Father Natale Vitali Forti – SDB, Father Juan Luís Playá and the delegated priests who accompanied the Provinces . After the celebration, everyone participated in the cultural night, with the “Julino theme”, costumes and typical food.
The last day of the congress, July 21st, began with the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Dom Juan Luís Playa, Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family. And during the celebration there was the rite of the first Promises of 14 Aspirants, from the Local Centers of the Province of Belo Horizonte and, also, there was a renewal of the Promise of all Salesian Cooperators present.
During the moment of thanksgiving, the Provincial Plan for Initial, Permanent and Specific Training for the Province of Belo Horizonte was launched. This document is the result of reflection by local trainers on the Brazilian Region’s proposal for initial training and training experiences in each local center.
After the celebration, the official photo of the XIV National Congress took place and, afterwards, the congressmen met by Province to give directions, suggestions and evaluation of the actions and initiatives that the Salesian Cooperators of Brazil should take to their practices and actions in the different locations where they work, as a way of continuing and strengthening the reflections experienced during this congress.
Long live DON BOSCO!!!!

SC Maria Inês Bruno – Communication Advisor-Brazil Region
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