Four Salesian Family Members to Attend SFSDs in Turin

By Andrea Zimmerman, Salesian Family SDB Delegate, Salesian Cooperator

Congratulations to our four Salesian Family members who have been nominated and selected to participate in the Salesian Family Spirituality Days (SFSDs) in Turin, Italy, from January 15–18, 2026. We are deeply grateful for their generous “yes” and their willingness to serve our Salesian Family in this special way.

To support their participation, each SUE Province Salesian Family member will receive a $1,000 award to assist with registration, lodging, meals, and ground transportation. Fr. John Puntino, SDB, will accompany them as their spiritual guide during this experience. Below are the detailed event agenda and brief profiles for each participant.

Now, we invite you to read on and learn more about the four members who will represent the SUE Province with faith, joy, and the spirit of Don Bosco.

Céline Bourassa is a Salesian Cooperator from Montréal, ON, Canada. A member of the Salesian Family for over 50 years, her life and service reflect the spirit of St. John Bosco and the Salesian Family’s mission to bring Christ’s love to others, especially through simplicity, generosity, and joy. As a retired nurse, Céline continues to live her vocation of care and compassion by offering her time and skills wherever she is needed. Her enthusiasm helps keep the Salesian spirit alive within her community and among those she encounters.

Céline is a person of deep faith, generosity, and service—a true example of what it means to be a Salesian Cooperator.

Based in Tampa, FL, Jim Desmond has been a Salesian Cooperator for six years and began his service as the Salesian Family’s provincial treasurer in 2024. He is assigned to three Salesian Cooperator Centers: Mary Help of Christians, Christ the King, and St. Dominic Savio. Through his experience and kind, genuine heart, Jim embodies how the Salesian Cooperators are a family with a shared charism.

A Salesian Cooperator for 23 years, Nancy Lopez is among the Salesian Family in Newton, NJ. Her son, Josh, is her living testimony of pure Salesian joy. As she prepared to become a single mother, Nancy grew closer to her Salesian Family, especially the Salesian Sisters. Today, Josh is “best friends” with the sisters of the Sacred Heart Center, who raised him alongside Nancy. Nancy brings faith in humanity, God, and His plan for us all in her words and actions. She has served on the retreat team at the Sacred Heart Center for years, as secretary on the council, and is always ready to welcome newcomers.

Maria Lee is a Salesian Cooperator at the St. Dominic Savio Center in Ramsey, NJ. She made her promise 10 years ago. She currently serves as the Center’s treasurer, regularly attends meetings, and actively participates in the Center’s works. Maria works with Catholic Charities of Paterson, NJ, to bring young people to Don Bosco Prep’s robotics program. She helps young people expand their education through training in robotics engineering and competition events. Maria also leads them to follow Don Bosco and to love our Blessed Mother. Her faith is on fire, as is her love for the Salesian charism. Though humble, Maria is well known among many other Cooperators, SDBs, and FMAs for her presence at Salesian-sponsored events.

Read more about the schedule online