Two days of gathering, listening, and planning to renew the Salesian mission together and put the 2026–2032 Programmatic Guidelines into practice.

How can we be leaven capable of making the dough rise? How can we make our presence more meaningful for young people, families, and society? These questions shaped the weekend gathering of the Regional Consultation of the Association of Salesian Cooperators of Italy, the Middle East, and Malta, held in Rome on October 10–11.

Following the opening prayer and greetings from the World Councillor, the discussions focused on the 2026–2032 Programmatic Guidelines. Seven main priorities were identified: young people as protagonists, family spirit and communion, a living Salesian identity, synodal co-responsibility, integral formation, mission and social influence, autonomy, and sustainability. These are not merely goals to be achieved, but paths to be travelled together, beginning with the concrete realities of the Local Centres.

A particularly valuable moment came when the Provinces shared their experiences, resources, and difficulties. Listening to one another helped participants recognise that, despite their different circumstances, many challenges are shared, and that networking helps them avoid feeling alone while transforming difficulties into opportunities for growth.

Formation for Association leaders provided further insights to support those who animate the life of the Local Centres. Saturday concluded with prayer at the San Tarcisio Salesian Institute. On Sunday, following the Eucharistic celebration, attention turned to upcoming events, the Regional Elective Congress scheduled for June 1–4, 2028, communication, and initiatives connected with the Association’s 150th anniversary.

Three verbs indicate the direction for the new Association year: involve, form, and accompany. These three commitments become concrete when every person feels welcomed and valued, when formation nourishes vocation, and when no one is left alone on their journey.

The challenge now is to bring what was shared into local communities: giving young people a greater role, strengthening co-responsibility, nurturing relationships, and making the Salesian presence more visible in society.

The Regional Consultation concluded with a shared awareness: the future of the Association cannot be built alone, nor solely through programmes and deadlines. It grows through the ability to walk together, share gifts, and support one another through difficulties.

Because leaven works from within. And we too, through the strength of communion and the concrete actions of everyday life, are called to fill the environments in which we live with the leaven of hope.