Interamericana. News from the Provinces.

 

2025 Annual Assembly of the Salesian Cooperators of the Dominican Republic Province of the Antilles.
A total of 138 Salesian Cooperators met in Pinar Quemado, Jarabacoa, from January 10 to 12, with a very special purpose: to renew hope, anchored in faith and reaffirm their commitment to work for the dream that Don Bosco entrusted to us: to care for the smallest and most vulnerable.
This meeting aimed to promote spiritual renewal and strengthen hope, encouraging us to live our faith in an active and committed way as we pilgrimage together in Christian life. The Salesian Cooperators were inspired by the reflections of the Strenna of the Salesian family 2025, guided by the Inspector of the Salesian Province of the Antilles, Fr. José Pastor Ramírez, SDB.
In addition, a festive sharing was enjoyed that was full of fraternity and significant moments, which served as a preamble to the renewal of the promise as Salesian Cooperators, within the framework of the preparations for the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Salesian Cooperators.
The Eucharistic celebration at the María Auxiliadora Parish in Jarabacoa was a very emotional moment, presided over by Fr. José Cuello and concelebrated by Fr. Juan Linares, Fr. Víctor Pichardo and Deacon Reinaldo Inoa. During this ceremony, the Salesian Cooperators publicly renewed their promise to be signs and bearers of God’s love, especially towards young people and families, following the Project of Apostolic Life that Don Bosco left us.
Celebrating a New Promise in the United States West Province
On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Georgina Koch’s promise as a Salesian Cooperator was fulfilled. Georgina is part of the local San Juan Bosco center in San Antonio, Texas.
The ceremony took place in the gymnasium of the San Juan Bosco School, where the Eucharist was presided over by Father Ramón Zárate, SDB. It was a moment full of emotion and spirituality, surrounded by the affection of family and friends who accompanied our new Salesian Cooperator, as well as the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

Annual Conference in Honor of St. Francis de Sales. Salesian Cooperators Don Bosco Basilica Center Panama, CAM South Province
On Saturday, January 18, the Annual Conference in honor of St. Francis de Sales was held in the Domingo Savio auditorium of the Don Bosco Basilica Panama. This year, the motto of the conference was “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts,” inspired by the theme of the World Day of Social Communications 2025.
The event began with an opening prayer led by Fr. David Panezo. Next, Fr. Carlos Vilanova, director of the Basilica, offered an introduction on the life of St. Francis de Sales, patron of the Catholic press, journalists, social communicators and writers. The atmosphere was filled with melodies thanks to the performance of the string orchestra of the San Cristóbal Episcopal School of Panama.
The conference was held in a panel format, moderated by Mr. Diomedez Martínez, who facilitated a clear and enriching dialogue. We had the honor of having the participation of prominent communicators and journalists who shared their perspectives on the Pope’s message for the World Day of Communications 2025.
This event brought together the faithful in an atmosphere of profound Salesian spirit, with the participation of the Salesian Family of Panama and an important representation of young people from the Basilica, which allows us to prepare together for the Patronal Feast of St. John Bosco.
Celebration of new Promises in Guatemala. CAM Norte Province.
The Association of Salesian Cooperators in Guatemala was filled with joy when welcoming 9 new members. Of these, 7 come from the Santo Domingo Savio Center in Guatemala City and 2 from the Luis Versiglia Training Center, in the beautiful city of Petén.
The first celebration took place on Saturday, January 18, at the San Juan Bosco Parish in Guatemala City, where Father Rolando Echeverría, delegate of the local center, presided over the ceremony, accompanied by Fathers Juan Carlos Mesén and Giuseppe Liano. Nelson García, provincial councilor for initial formation, received the promise of the new Cooperators.
The second celebration took place on Wednesday, January 22, at the San Benito Parish in Palermo. The Eucharist was presided over by Father José Anael Pascual, SDB, in charge of the Salesian Community, and concelebrated by Fr. Francisco Hernández, local delegate. The promise was received by Carlos León Toledo, councilor for ongoing formation of the province.
Each new Salesian Cooperator received his pin and other distinctive signs, and then signed the registration book of the local Center, which officially accredits them as members of our beloved Association.
Both celebrations were special moments, where the new Cooperators were surrounded by family, friends and members of the Salesian Family.
Pilgrimage of the Salesian Family of Puerto Rico, Antillas Province
On Monday, January 20, the Salesian Family of Puerto Rico gathered for its annual meeting, joyfully making a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Ponce. Coming from various cities where the Salesian Family has a presence, such as San Juan, Orocovis, Aibonito, Cataño and Aguadilla, the participants walked from La Merced Parish to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where they were warmly received by Bishop Rubén Gonzales Medina.
With vibrant music, colorful banners and messages of hope, the Salesian Cooperators of the 4 local centers: Don Bosco 88 Aguadilla, Alejandrina Da Costa Orocovis, San Francisco de Sales, Cataño and Don Bosco Amigo of San Juan, Puerto Rico, together with the other branches of the Salesian Family and pre-adolescents, adolescents and young people made a joyful pilgrimage, celebrating not only the jubilee year of the universal Church, but also the 100 years of the Cathedral of Ponce. This event was a beautiful continuation of the missionary line in the year of Hope, uniting hearts and strengthening faith in community.