A Beacon of Hope for the Future: the 5th Regional Meeting of the Salesian Cooperators in Sacrofano

From 31 July to 2 August 2026, the Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano (Rome) hosted an event of historic significance: the 5th Meeting of the Association of Salesian Cooperators of the Italy, Middle East and Malta Region. It was a memorable gathering that brought together an extraordinary 700 participants, including Salesian Cooperators, aspirants, and SDB (Salesians of Don Bosco) and FMA (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) Delegates.

For the very first time in the history of the Association, the entire Region gathered as one, bringing together Salesian Cooperators from Italy and the Middle East, as well as their Maltese brothers and sisters: a mosaic of cultures and histories united by the same charism given by St John Bosco.

Friday, 31 July – The Roots of the Future: 150 Years of Journeying Together

The Meeting opened with a grateful look back at the journey travelled thus far. The first day was dedicated to the grateful remembrance of the Association’s 150 years of life, revisited through the opening of the Local Centre of Siena and an inspiring panel discussion in which the experiences of Salesian Cooperators bore witness to decades of fidelity to the Gospel and to young people.

Guiding this reflection between the past and future perspectives was Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, who during his years as Rector Major accompanied the Association worldwide with a fatherly spirit.

The evening then continued with the traditional Salesian “Good Night,” warmly offered by Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, followed by the performance entitled “Cooperators, Women and Men in Love with a Saint,” written and directed by Salesian Cooperator Alessandro Spalvieri.

Saturday, 1 August – “Loving You in Return by Doing Good”: Mission in Everyday Life

The second day entered into the heart of lay commitment with the theme “Loving You in Return by Doing Good.” The focal point of the morning was the address by Fr Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians.

In the afternoon, the programme continued with a dynamic panel discussion aimed at showing how Salesian Cooperators embody the Salesian mission amid the challenges of the contemporary world, bringing the Gospel into everyday life.

The day concluded in an atmosphere of contagious joy with the great celebration of the 150th anniversary and the evening “Good Night” given by Sr Mafalda Diana, FMA Regional Delegate.

Sunday, 2 August – “For This We Promise”: the Manifesto for the Coming Years

The final day directed the 700 participants towards the future of the Region. The opening addresses included the voice of World Coordinator Borja Pérez and the passionate contribution of Antonio Boccia, former World Coordinator.

Italo Canaletti, World Councillor for the Italy, Middle East and Malta Region, then offered his heartfelt greetings and concluding remarks to the entire assembly, introducing the guiding theme, “For This We Promise.” During this culminating moment, Francesco Longo, responsible for formation in the Region, presented the Final Manifesto, a strategic document outlining concrete guidelines for living the vocation and lay communion within the Region in the coming years.

The Meeting officially concluded with the celebration of the final Holy Mass, presided over by Fr Stefano Pastorino, SDB Regional Delegate, who sent all those present back to their local communities as radiant witnesses of Don Bosco’s loving-kindness.

Let us continue to be drawn by his merciful love, doing good through the witness of our Promise.