1. Retreat for Aspirants to Salesian Cooperators

On March 22, 2026, at the Menino Jesus de Praga Parish in Curitiba, Brazil, we experienced a profound moment of grace during the retreat for aspirants.

With the theme “Called to be Don Bosco today”, inspired by the life and mission of Saint John Bosco, the meeting was led by SC Luiz Marcos Schatzmann.

Aspirants from the Local Center of Menino Jesus de Praga Parish (Curitiba) and from Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora Parish (Ponta Grossa), belonging to the Province of Porto Alegre (BPA), were present, strengthening bonds of communion and sharing.

It was a special moment of living Salesian spirituality, marked by joy, fraternity, and a deepening of the Apostolic Life Project of the Salesian Cooperator.

More than a meeting, it was an experience of listening and responding to God’s call in daily life.

Being a Salesian Cooperator is a vocation!

SC Eva Marlene Tulchaski Provincial Coordinator – BPA

2. Provincial Meeting Brings Together Local and Provincial Councilors in São Paulo – Brazil

On February 28, 2026, at Santa Teresinha School in São Paulo (SP), a meeting was held between the members of the Provincial Council and the Councilors of the Local Centers that make up the Province of São Paulo. The gathering was marked by sharing, formation, and alignment of the Salesian mission across the province’s various centers.

The program began with the Eucharistic Celebration, presided over by Fr. Maurício, Vice-Inspector of the São Paulo Province. After the celebration, he presented the Provincial Organic Plan, highlighting its main guidelines for the coming years.

Participants then gathered in working groups according to the different areas of the council: Coordination, Secretariat, Administration, Formation, Communication, Youth, and Salesian Family. In dedicated rooms, each group engaged in dialogue, reflection, and planning for the 2025–2028 triennium.

The meeting concluded with a fellowship coffee and a Salesian “good afternoon” led by councilor Rosebel. A draw was also held to select the two Local Centers that will send representatives to the Salesian Spirituality Days in Turin in January 2027: Americana and Piracicaba – São Mário.

The meeting reinforces the importance of communion between Provincial and Local Councilors, strengthening the sense of belonging and unity. Inspired by Don Bosco’s charism, Salesian Cooperators continue to renew their commitment to accompanying young people, especially those most in need.

Leandro Souza Provincial Councilor for Communication – Province of São Paulo

3. PROJECT CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME

Motivated by the proposal of the Maiorano Project (World Council – SSCC) during the pandemic, the Local Center N. S. Auxiliadora of Lorena – São Paulo – Brazil reflected on the need to carry out permanent social actions. It began with the donation of food baskets and hygiene kits.

After the pandemic, with the firm desire to maintain this initiative, it expanded its activities with the PROJECT CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME.

This project is based on Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’, which “invites us to view the environmental crisis as a matter of social justice, encouraging the safeguarding of the interests of our brothers and sisters — near and far — if we wish to protect the future of the earth.”

With a view to ecological economy and sustainable lifestyle, the project promotes the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, collecting:

• plastics (PET bottles donated to a recycler),
• bottle caps,
• can tabs and blisters (donated to APAE),
• aluminum cans (sold to purchase food baskets and hygiene kits in partnership with the Vincentians of the São Luís Oratory – Lorena – SP).

“TOGETHER WE ARE MORE DON BOSCO!”

SC Maria Cristina Bernardes Local Coordinator