In preparation for the animation visit of the Regional Secretary we were invited to think about our Province, these were our reflections and answers…
1. How did Don Bosco dream of the province of Bogotá?
In Colombia there are traces of the presence of SC since 1910, with a group located in the town of Chía and led by Mrs. Concha T de Clavijo; they met monthly and sometimes with the presence of Inspector Don Antonio Aime SBD.
Around 1912, Sister Margarita Gay, director of the house, chose October 27 as the feast day of the SSCC.
Later, there are records from 1926, during which time, a significant group of benefactors supported the SDB to build the Sanctuary of the Virgin of Carmen, all are called Salesian Cooperators for their active participation and generous support of the Salesian works.
But it was not until 1978, when the first promises were officially celebrated in our territory, later, in 1981, with Fr. Julio Olarte q.p.d. as delegate for the Salesian Family, the Rector Major Don Egidio Viganó visited us and several people were promised there, especially from the San José center in Mosquera. Here, without the constitution of the Province, the SCs dispersed and there was no concrete membership in our Association.
It was not until 1985, when our Province was established, which, like the Salesian inspectorate, was constituted under the name San Pedro Claver, a name that was maintained until 2019, where, based on a reflection with the world delegation for Salesian Cooperators, a name was chosen that not only involved the cooperators of the SDB provinces, but also those belonging to the FMA presence, therefore, it was decided to call it the Bogotá Province.
Several congresses have been held which have allowed the Salesian vocation to be fostered and concretised and the commitments to be strengthened.
1. 15, 16 and 17 August 1930, 100th International Congress of Salesian Cooperators on the occasion of the beatification of Don Bosco. equipped with the uniform and provisions adapted to the new times, necessary against the modern enemies of the Church. 2. 1983 the first Congress for SSCC was held, led by Father Wenceslao Koppel
3. 1990 first National Congress of SSCC – Criste Fidelis laici
From that date onwards, centres were formed in Chia by Sister Teresita Moreno, Sister Magola in Popayán, Sister Paulina Gutiérrez in Dosquebradas, Sister Rosa Helena Angel in the Maria Auxiliadora Centre, Sister Josefina Tovar in the Central House and other FMA houses and in the Social Work of the Child Jesus, León XIII, Don Bosco Centre, in the works of the SDB.
In the history of the province we can count on 7 provincial coordinators with their respective councils.
1. What is the current state of our province and the local centres?
We have 60 candidates in 4 different groups, given the beginning of the formation. Of these, 22 are participating in the Vocational Discernment Retreat this September. We pray for their vocation and their journey to become part of the ASSCC.
1. How do we perceive ourselves today?
We are visible and credible for Salesian Colombia, particularly in the SDB and FMA Provinces where we have the Province’s centers.
We participate in the activities that are scheduled there and in which the laity are given the opportunity to participate.
The presence of Salesian Cooperators in management and/or administrative positions in the SDB and FMA works is significant: directors in the houses of the Youth Service Foundation and in the schools of the San Pedro Claver Inspectorate, give testimony of presence, testimony and collaboration in the Work of Don Bosco. Likewise, in government entities.
The work in initial formation has strengthened our BEING. We have encouraged people to live the experience of being the hands of Don Bosco in the world.
Participation in the Christmas Mission in different Salesian presences, in the Salesian celebrations at the Inspectorial level. We are linked to 9 oratories in FMA and/or SDB houses.
We are part of the PAD (Distance Support Project) as godparents of 10 children in vulnerable conditions, in different places of the Province.
We participate in the initiatives (religious, pastoral, formative) of the Salesian Family Consultation and in the Interinspectorial Commission for Joint Formation.
We achieved civil recognition for the Association that validates us as a legal entity of pontifical right in Colombia.
1. How do I dream my Province and local centers to be?
I dream of a united Province, which intervenes widely in the life of the SDB and FMA Provinces and in works of the SSCC in different spaces of the national geography. Strengthened with new SSCCs.
These were the reflections that were shared with the Secretary during the animation visit to the province of Bogotá.