The Salesian Family, present wherever the Church has taken root—as Saint Paul VI reminded us—also flourishes in the Belarus‑Russia Province of the Central and Eastern Europe Region. In these lands, Don Bosco’s charism is lived and expressed through the mission of the Salesian Cooperators: lay people, young and old, who sincerely love God and dedicate themselves to the salvation and education of children, adolescents and young people.

Today, the Province counts 48 Salesian Cooperators and 17 aspirants in Belarus, and 47 Salesian Cooperators and 2 aspirants in Russia. In Belarus, the mission began in 2005 in the city of Smorgon and gradually expanded to other regions. In Russia, the group was born in Moscow, closely linked to the pastoral renewal of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Their apostolic service takes many forms: weekly Monday prayer meetings in the “prayer room” for the entire Salesian Family; animation of Salesian social media; service in the oratory; the Savio Club for adolescents; the organisation of the “Royal Games”, which help young people step away from the virtual world and discover their talents through creative and collaborative activities; support for the Salesian Youth Evangelisation Pilgrimage; the “Team Vacation” programme, offering young people a space for rest, personal growth and a deeper encounter with God; formation meetings for girls titled “I Am Happy”, organised with the FMA; and regular service in parish life.

Through these initiatives, the Salesian Cooperators of Belarus and Russia give living witness that Don Bosco’s charism continues to inspire, transform and generate new apostles for the young.

Over the past three years, the Province has been preparing spiritually and formatively for a major milestone: the 150th anniversary of the Association of Salesian Cooperators. In May 2026, the Province will gather in Smorgon, Belarus, to celebrate the Jubilee together and to thank the Lord and Don Bosco for the gift of the charism, the Salesian Family and the mission entrusted to them.