Missionary Charismatic Boldness
September 17, 18, 19 and 20, 2026, María Auxiliadora School, Medellín

The different groups of the Salesian Family in Colombia gathered at the María Auxiliadora School in Medellín to celebrate the 4th Congress of Salesian Spirituality, whose theme was “Missionary Charismatic Boldness”, with a special guest, Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli, General Councillor for the Salesian Missions. The Salesian Cooperators of Colombia were present at this important event, with the participation of 14 Salesian Cooperators from the Bogotá Province and 21 from the Medellín Province. Also present were the Provincials, Provincial Superiors, and the SDB and FMA Provincial Delegates for the Association of Salesian Cooperators.

The symbols of the Boat, the Net, the Sandals, the Staff, the Backpack, the Bread and the nets accompanied us throughout the event, symbolizing the need to “put out into the deep” in order to give new meaning to our presence before the faces and new frontiers that challenge us and call for our response.

During the opening of the Congress, the Provincial Coordinators, Diego Andrés Rodríguez (Bogotá Province) and Luis Guillermo Franco (Medellín Province), received, on behalf of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, a heartfelt recognition of our 150th anniversary of foundation.

For the Salesian Cooperators, the Congress was an experience of inner renewal through the fire of the Spirit, which impels us to set out as Salesian missionaries, crossing new existential frontiers in order to bring to life the call to “be leaven in order to be fruitful.”

The experience and the kerygma shared by Fr. Jorge Mario Crisafulli touched us deeply, both personally and as a community. The Holy Spirit made His presence felt, and we identified several challenges:

1. LOOK (with a gaze like that of Jesus and Don Bosco) – DISCERN – CROSS FRONTIERS – ACT / SEE – BE MOVED WITH COMPASSION – DRAW NEAR – TRANSFORM.
2. Feel loved by God and undergo a true personal and community conversion (discerning God’s ways / plans, with Mary as our model).
3. Look with humility and empathy (being vulnerable and allowing ourselves to be touched by the vulnerability of young people), going out to meet them and drawing near to the new playgrounds or realities of young people (faces and new frontiers).
4. Walk with young people, giving them the greatest gift we have received (the living water of the Gospel, Jesus Himself), offering high ideals and alternatives for their integral development through processes that require our accompaniment.
5. Overcome fear, learn to work together as the Salesian Family, leave our comfort zone and put out into the deep.
6. Have complete trust in God, total willingness to obey the divine plan, and a renewing charism that brings hope and joy to others.
7. In our mission, always keep in mind the verbs of the parable of the Good Samaritan: SEE, BE MOVED WITH COMPASSION, DRAW NEAR (bend down), HEAL, LIFT UP, BRING (to the community), ENTRUST (shared mission) AND RETURN (follow-up and accompaniment).
8. To know where we should be, ask ourselves: Where would Jesus go? Where are the poorest young people? Is it a real frontier? What does the Salesian Charism contribute? Can we sustain it as a community? With whom will we work? Are we willing to learn? What seeds of life are already present?
9. Be docile to the Holy Spirit, responding faithfully to the vocation and mission to which we have been called.
10. Open ourselves to unity and communion. Alone, we CANNOT do it.

Colombia needs a bold and missionary Salesian Family, docile to the Holy Spirit, reaching out and making a difference on the new existential frontiers. Jesus wants us to work in His Vineyard.