ASC-China Province concludes year 2 theme Renew of 3-year preparation with members’ development
Hongkong, China (February 2025). The China Province of Salesian Cooperators (ASC-CIN) concluded the theme Renew for the Year 2 preparation towards the 150th foundation anniversary. A total of 12 Articles of the Project of Apostolic Life (PAL) were reviewed and reflected on as formation topics that were carried out in all Local Centers. These Articles are references to the Vocation and Mission of Salesian Cooperators, the Meaning and Formula of the Apostolic Promise, the Value of Membership, Apostolic Commitment, and co-Responsibility in Action with other groups of the Salesian Family.
In order to cooperate with the guidance of the World Council, each center studied two Articles during monthly meeting and aimed completion within six months. Discussion and reflections in studying the PAL were facilitated at the Centers and to achieve the goal of synodality, the set of topics and contents were prepared and shared to the centers on monthly basis. Each center may study the PAL during the year, according to its own needs and arrangements.
The Year 3 journey towards 150th Founding anniversary is underway with focused on the theme Relaunch.# (Beatrice Shek, CIN Provincial Coordinator)
Photos (screen grab from ASC-CIN Video Testimony on Remembering at the SSCC Mondiale Youtube Channel)
Salesian Cooperator of Vietnam joins the FMA’s CIAO 2025 Triennial Verification Meeting
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (February 2025). The 2025 Triennial Verification Meeting of the East Asia Interprovincial Conference (CIAO) brought together FMA Sisters from different provinces, lay collaborators, and young representatives accompanying the FMA mission on February 9 to 13, 2025, at the Mornese Spirituality Center in Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines. This significant event aimed to reflect on the Institute’s mission, evaluate the past three years, and discuss future directions.
As one of the lay representatives from Vietnam, Salesian Cooperator — Maria Nguyen Thi Lien Minh joined the FMA Vietnam along with young representative was honored to be part of the important event. “This was my first experience attending such a significant gathering, and despite feeling I contributed little, I deeply felt the family spirit through the warmth of the Sisters and the joyful presence of lay and youth representatives from nine countries. Through the sharings of Mother Chiara and the General Councilors, I gained a deeper understanding of the Salesian mission and felt even more inspired to dedicate myself to serving young people, following the example of Saint John Bosco”.
The highlights of the five-day event included, the Opening Mass presided by Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB, with the presence of Mother Superior General Chiara Cazzuola, FMA and members of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) General Council. The Vietnamese delegation led the prayer to the Holy Spirit. Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA (Philippines–Papua New Guinea Provincial), welcomed everyone, and Sr. Gertrudes Ditching, FMA (CIAO President), presented the roadmap. Mother Chiara emphasized the importance of openness to the Holy Spirit, synodality, and being a sign of God’s love in Asia. She highlighted recent activities, the theme of hope (linked to the Jubilee 2025), and the Salesian tradition of hope from Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.
The CIAO 2025 Triennial Verification Meeting was a meaningful and renewing encounter, reaffirming the FMA’s commitment to their mission and opening a new chapter in their journey of service.# (Maria Nguyen Thi Lien Minh)
ASC – FIN starts the Formators Formation Series
Manila, Philippines (February 2025). The first session of the Formators Formation Series of The Association of Salesian Cooperators – FIN was held on February 22,2025 at St. Francis of Sales Hall, Salesian of Don Bosco Provincial House, Makati City. The whole day’s event was attended by participants from different ASC Centers. The activity aimed to equip the Formators with skills and knowledge in facilitating the initial formation of the aspirants and also for the ongoing formation of the full pledge Cooperators.
Resource Speaker, Rev. Fr. Rene Lagaya, SDB underscored the basic task of the Formator which is to bring the person to have a personal relationship with God. He expounded on the assigned topic to him, “Devising a Formation Plan for the Salesian Cooperators”. He elaborated on the determining the difference of initial from ongoing formation Determining the ideals of various dimensions of formation and how these ideals be reached The main areas being discussed were the three elements of dimensions namely Human, Christian and Salesian. Human Formation. Joining Fr. Lagaya as resource speaker was Sis Claudia Mae Deypalan, FMA who shared the topic “ Skills in Facilitating Formation”. It was a fun-filled session with her activities facilitated for the participants. The highlight of the day was the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev Fr. Bobby Mac Roxas, SDB This is all for Don Bosco to carry out his Mission. This Formation activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Council led by Coordinator Yolly Ortiz through the Formation Councilor Mr. Redentor Salonga.# (Elda Bernadette R. Genovea)
