Ecuador. Anchored in Hope.
Last weekend, the Salesian Cooperators of the Quito Zone experienced a spiritual retreat filled with meaning, encounter, and renewal. Under the theme of the Jubilee and in tune with the Strenna 2025: “Anchored in Hope,” they gathered as a family to deepen their vocation and rekindle the joy of journeying together.

The retreat took place at the San Pedro de Cayambe Church, declared a Jubilee temple, where they made a pilgrimage as a sign of faith, unity, and commitment. This experience not only reminded us of the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and gratitude, but also allowed us to look at the present with eyes of hope and a heart ready to serve.

Ecuador. New Seeds of Hope in the Province of Ecuador
The Association in the Province of Ecuador is experiencing a time of grace: in various communities where the Salesians are present, young people and adults have begun their journey as aspiring Salesian Cooperators. They are the fruit of the pastoral, educational, and missionary work that animates the Salesian spirit. Their enthusiasm and commitment renew our vocation and invite us to continue sowing hope with joy. We thank God for each aspirant, trusting that the Spirit will continue to guide them in this beautiful process of discernment and dedication.

Colombia. Provincial Congress in Medellín.
On June 28 and 29, 2025, the Association of Salesian Cooperators, Medellín Province, held the Formative/Elective Congress, the main objective of which was the election of the new Provincial Council. The Congress, whose theme was “Hopeful and Hopeful,” was attended by four members of the Regional Secretariat – SR of the South Pacific-Caribbean Region: Deliana Almendras (World Councilor), Sister Beatriz Rodríguez (Delegate), Verónica Mariño (Regional Secretary), and Francisco Sánchez (Regional Administrator).
On Saturday, June 28, using a synodal methodology, formative topics of interest to the province of Medellín were discussed, with the sole objective of relaunching the Association of Salesian Cooperators with the anchor of hope.
Outgoing Provincial Council: Mónica María Cardona (formator), Carmen Salcedo de Manotas (coordinator), Clara María Estrada (communicator), Sister Margarita María Fonnegra (Delegate), Janeth Bother (administrator), and Mayra Contreras (secretary).

On Sunday, June 29, the election of the new Provincial Council for the 2025-2028 term took place, following the reading and approval of the Provincial Congress Regulations and the invocation of the Holy Spirit.
The electoral roll was composed of 43 local councilors from the Salesian Cooperator centers of the Province, of which 18 of the 21 centers had representatives eligible to vote. It should be noted that the Socialist Workers’ Association clarified that attendance at the entire Congress was essential to be eligible to vote.
During the Assembly, a total of six Provincial Councilors were elected, each elected in separate ballots.
The new Provincial Council was thus formed: Luis Guillermo Franco, Mary Help of Christians Community Center of Santa Barbara; Orfa Yaneth Quintero, Saint John Bosco Center of Bethlehem, Medellín; Héctor David Morales, Saint Peter Claver Center of Cartagena; Sara Isabel Gutiérrez, Mary Help of Christians House Center of Copacabana; Clara María Estrada, Mary Help of Christians Provincial House Center; Mónica María Cardona, Mary Help of Christians School Center of Medellín; Delegates: Sister Margarita María Fonnegra, Sister Diana Patricia Valencia, Father José Antonio Santís.
One of the highlights of the election of the new Provincial Council was the synodal focus on young people. On this occasion, two young people were elected, which represents a significant step for our Association. This youthful contribution is a source of great joy for us, as it contributes in a refreshing way to the relaunch and future projection of the Association of Salesian Cooperators.