Salesian Cooperators present at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress!

This year, the Salesian Cooperators of the United States West Province had the honor of participating, alongside the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco, in the prestigious Los Angeles Religious Education Congress. The event, as always, was filled with keynote addresses, workshops, liturgies, moments of prayer, and exhibits that showcased the beauty of faith.

During this important meeting, the Salesian Cooperators took the opportunity to present the Salesian vocation, share the charism that moves us, and encourage attendees to reflect: How can we dream of a better future for young people?

The Congress was held from February 20 to 23 at the Anaheim Convention Center, under the theme “Called to Compassion.”

Rosary for the Health of Pope Francis

Anchored in hope, as a Salesian family on pilgrimage with young people, the Association of Salesian Cooperators of the Interamerican Region and friends of the charism gathered on Tuesday evening, February 25, to pray a virtual rosary together for the health of Pope Francis.

The rosary was prayed in the three languages ​​spoken in our region: three mysteries in Spanish, led from Puerto Rico, one in French from Canada, and one in English from the United States. The activity was held via Zoom, creating a space for unity and prayer.

At the end of the rosary, our world councilor, Martín Calderón, led a special prayer for the health of Pope Francis. The final blessing was given in Spanish and English by Fr. Tim Zak, SDB, pastor of Don Bosco Amigo Church on Lutz Street in San Juan, Puerto Rico, closing with a beautiful hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary, led by Sister Ruth, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians.

This event was coordinated by the National Council of Salesian Cooperators of Puerto Rico, under the direction of Rubén González.

Provincial Congress of Salesian Cooperators of Mexico South

From March 7 to 9, the Provincial Congress of the Salesian Cooperators of the Mexico South Province was held at the Salesian Youth College in Coacalco, State of Mexico. The objective of this important event was to establish guidelines for the animation and order of the province.

During the congress, the Provincial Directory was reviewed and updated, and each provincial councilor presented their work plan, with the goal of consolidating a manual of functions for each council. In addition, it was established that the next Provincial Elective Congress will be held in June 2026, concluding with the pledge of two new Salesian Cooperators from the local Mother Antonieta Böhm center, made during the closing Eucharist presided over by Fr. Carlos Barbosa, vicar of the Mexico South Province.

The congress featured the virtual participation of Fr. Juan Aaron Cerezo Huerta, the new Provincial of the Mexico South Province, as well as Martín Calderón, the Region’s world councilor, who sent an audio recording. Verónica Rodríguez, head of the regional Youth and Family Ministry, sent a video greeting the participants.

A total of 48 people, including Salesian Cooperators and delegates from the 15 local centers that make up the province, joined this enriching meeting. The congress took place in a joyful and spiritual atmosphere, with songs, prayers, Holy Hour, and a Marian moment that strengthened the attendees, who were happy to share their mutual vocation.

Local Council Assembly – Mexico North Province

On February 15 and 16, the city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, was the perfect setting for the Local Council Assembly of the Mexico North Province, which took place at the House of the Salesian Cooperator. This event brought together 36 local councilors.

During the Assembly, key topics were reflected on, such as the Strenna, the mission and vocation we assume as Salesian Cooperators, and the important role we play within the Church. Finally, the Provincial Delegate, Fr. Gabriel Gómez, SDB, presided over the Mass.

The meeting was a space for prayer, teamwork, and the exchange of ideas in plenary sessions, all in an atmosphere filled with fraternity, joy, and commitment. The Provincial Council of Mexico North organized it, under the coordination of Alfredo Algandar.

Regional Formators’ Meeting

On Tuesday evening, March 11, the first meeting of local, national, and provincial formators was held virtually, with the participation of 109 members from various countries in our region, including some participants from Argentina.

The objective of this meeting was to inform the formators about the actions being implemented at the global and regional levels within the framework of the 150th anniversary of the Association of Salesian Cooperators. Formation was highlighted as a key element for relaunching our identity and preparing for the challenges ahead.

Martín Calderón, our world councilor, shared the global guidelines surrounding the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Association, which will take place next year. Afterwards, Juanita Silva presented the path we are taking in the region from the area of ​​formation. She spoke about the SWOT analysis that all the provinces are conducting and the tasks being carried out in preparation for the regional meeting to be held in the Dominican Republic in September of this year. Current challenges and the creation of the Regional Training Development Commission were also discussed.

In addition, the communication workshops that will be held this year, beginning in June, were presented.

The meeting began with a Jubilee prayer in French, led by Pierre Larocque, regional secretary, and concluded with the Strenna prayer, recited by everyone in their respective languages.