The reason for the celebration: the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, which will be on May 9, 2026, for which we will strive to prepare ourselves over three years, in which we will make a journey, inspired by a motto, three actions to live in the years of preparation, remembering where we come from, our origin, our founder, our identity, our charism, but also, living in the present, projecting ourselves into the future.

A silhouette that resembles the logo of the Association of Salesian Cooperators and its motto DA MIHI ANIMAS, which reminds us of our identity and our mission in the dream of Don Bosco, to contribute to the salvation of souls. It identifies us as the only Association spread throughout the world, with thousands of associates who live a charism received from God, with the Catholic Church, and we are committed to the work of salvation of young people.

The Pope, who not only reminds us that we are an ecclesial Association, approved by the Holy See, but also reminds us of the efforts made by Don Bosco to achieve the approval of the Pious Union, which came from the hands of Pius IX, on May 9, 1876; but also of the constant closeness, love and fidelity that as Salesians we profess towards the Pope, from whom we also receive his company and prayer.

St. John Bosco, our founder, who, with effort and dedication, despite the difficulties he faced, persevered so that our Association would be approved by the Holy See. He, who envisioned us as his external Salesians, gave us a mission received from God to live our baptismal vocation, in harmony with the Salesian mission itself.

A path, which indicates that we have an origin, but that we continue working, walking, present in today’s world, in a committed and close way to young people. A route made up, in turn, of three lines, which show us a three-year path of preparation towards the 150th anniversary.

The motto chosen by the World Council for this three-year journey towards the 150th anniversary, which refers us to the origin of our Association in the dream of Don Bosco; to a commitment of all Salesian Cooperators, which is realized in the experience of a promise made, which we continue to renew; and an effort to continue with firm steps, and trusting in God and Mary Help of Christians, towards the future. As well as the three actions that will be promoted in the Association, worldwide, in each of the years of preparation, to Remember our origin and identity, Renew our life, our vocation, our Association, and Relaunch it towards new challenges, and new future dreams.