Salesian Cooperators’ 150th Anniversary and Novena Honoring Mary Help of Christians

By Provincial Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Salesian Family,

In November 2025, we marked the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco sending the first SDB missionaries to Argentina. It was the beginning of the Salesian Family's presence and service in so many parts of the world today.

This month, we celebrate 150 years of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, the Salesians who are “in the world” advancing the Salesian mission to youth and to ordinary folk, [working] for the good of the Church and of society” (Article 6, Project of Apostolic Life of Salesian Cooperators).

The mission the Holy Spirit gave to the young John Bosco in that dream continues with us today.

As we begin the novena honoring Mary Help of Christians, let us pray that we might grow in trust that Mary, who inspired, guided, and helped Don Bosco, is with us now, continuing her mission as our Mother and Help.

United in the peace of the Risen Christ,

Fr. Dominic Tran, SDB