Salesian Cooperators’ Regional Formation Congress

By Fr. John Puntino, SDB Delegate, Salesian Cooperators Provincial Council (Canada)

(Etobicoke, ON – October 8) – The InterAmerica Region of Salesian Cooperators held a formation congress from Thursday, September 25, to Sunday, September 28, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Over 80 local coordinators, council members and delegates participated, along with World Coordinator Antonio Boccia and InterAmerica Regional Council members.

The Salesian Cooperators are in the third year of preparation for their 150th anniversary. Don Bosco founded the Cooperators on May 9, 1876. The congress developed the theme, “As pilgrims of hope with young people, we are relaunching our identity into the future.”

In typical Salesian style, participants quickly developed the Salesian Family spirit with impromptu sing-a-longs, entertainment from young people, fellowship at meals and plenty of souvenirs representing the countries that make up the region.

Antonio Boccia spoke on a Christ-centred formation as a pillar of the vocation, and in a second conference on the Project of Apostolic Life and the risk of becoming self-referential. FMA Regional Delegate Sr. Aracely Mayorga presented the Salesian mission as a response to future challenges. Additionally, World Councillor for Inter-America Martín Calderón spoke of Salesian commitment as the way to reaffirm the mission of hope and transformation.

On Saturday afternoon participants made a holy year pilgrimage to Parroquia Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, a designated holy year destination. The Salesian Sisters run an oratory at the parish for poor and abandoned boys and girls. Some of the niños y niñas oratorianos performed music and dance numbers. Salesian Cooperators came prepared with gifts, such as candy, pencils, and toothbrushes.