On Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Provincial Elective and Formative Congress of the Salesian Cooperators of Bolivia was held at the Don Bosco Fátima Retreat House. The Congress was held under the theme “Anchored in Hope, Pilgrims with the Youth: Relaunching Our Mission.” Approximately 65 promising and aspiring cooperators participated, sharing a meeting marked by fraternity, prayer, and Salesian commitment.
The first day was dedicated to formation, with the guidance of the Regional Secretariat Councilors, Francisco Sánchez (Administrator) and Verónica Mariño (Secretary), who reflected on Economic Solidarity and the Apostolate in the life of a cooperator, in light of the Project of Apostolic Life (PVA). The World Councilor for the South Pacific-Caribbean Region, Deliana Almendras, also presented the guidelines of the World Executive Secretariat for the elective processes. This was followed by the Mass for the Promises of the Laura Vicuña Center in Potosí, where four candidates sealed their commitment after several years of preparation. It is worth noting that Potosí has ​​a Don Bosco school run by lay people, which keeps the Salesian spirit alive. Concluding the day, the “good night” was given by Sister Gabriela Vivero, Provincial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, who invited everyone to rediscover the vocation and mission of the lay people committed to the Association and the Church.
On Sunday, in an atmosphere of prayer and invocation to the Holy Spirit, the elective process took place. Before voting, the participants received greetings from Mr. Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association, along with messages of support sent from different parts of the region. Subsequently, in an atmosphere of discernment, the new Provincial Council was elected for the 2025-2028 term. It is composed of: Coordinator: Marco Antonio Pérez; Formator: Sonia Bellot; Administrator: Teresa Pantoja; Secretary: Patricia Pizarro; Youth and Vocation Ministry: Mabel Mantilla; Communications: André Talavera.
It is important to mention the active presence of the provincial delegates, Father Juan Aparicio and Sister Rosario Gutiérrez, as well as Father Carlos Longo, former delegate of the Association and the Salesian Family. Their participation enhanced the Salesian charism in this third year of preparation for the Association’s 150th anniversary. The meeting, experienced as a true family celebration, left the participants with a renewed impetus to continue building community and joyfully serving in the Salesian mission.