This was the motto of the convocation for the 19th Provincial Elective Formative Congress, held from March 14-16 in Crucita. Salesian Cooperators from different centers in Ecuador participated, along with the outgoing Provincial Council 2022-2025; SDB Provincial Delegate – Fr. Iván Segarra; FMA Provincial Delegate – Sister Judith Mocha, FMA; World Councilor for the South Pacific-Caribbean Region – Deliana Almendras, SC; Regional Formation Councilor – Willy Rojas, SC; and FMA Delegates from Local Centers.

The Congress included: a report on our associative life, spaces for prayer, joint formation, group reflections, and an atmosphere of fraternity and integration for discernment in preparation for election.

The planned topics touched on important guidelines:

Service in the Association is a life commitment inspired by Don Bosco, based on co-responsibility, solidarity, and teamwork.

In a world of uncertainty, as Salesian Cooperators we are called to be beacons of hope, inspiring young people and our communities to move forward with faith and commitment.

“Let us continue to be a joyful and dedicated person” (Romans 5:5). Let us continue to move forward with the joy and dedication that Don Bosco taught us, walking together with faith and love toward a better future, living our present fully.

The election process for the new Provincial Council was carried out in accordance with regulations previously approved by the World Council. Deliana Almendras, SC World Councilor for the Region, accompanied the nomination process for candidates, who were consulted about their availability. The Electoral Commission was subsequently formed, and after the vote count, six Councilors were elected. They then met with the Provincial Delegates to distribute responsibilities.

At the closing Mass, the composition of the Provincial Council for the 2025-2028 Triennium was read out, with the installation of:

Verónica Mariño, SC – Provincial Coordinator

Rubén Palacios, SC – Formation Officer

Jéssica Sandoval, SC – Administrative Councilor

Galo Valverde, SC – Secretariat Councilor

Cristina Izquierdo, SC – Communications Councilor

Robinson Romero, SC – Youth and Vocation Ministry Councilor

Animation and governance is an apostolate through which the Association grows and matures in communion, in spiritual life, and in the Salesian mission; a willingness, entrusted to God, to take on the vocational challenges of the mission.

May the Lord bless your journey in synodality, hand in hand with our Help of Christians!

Karina Yépez A, sc