By Sheila Kun, Salesian Cooperator

April 24, 2024, was a day to remember for Salesian Cooperators at St Joseph’s Salesian Youth Renewal Center in Rosemead. We had a fun day putting our culinary skills together to prepare a special lunch for the SDBs, who gathered to meet with Fr. Hugo Orozco, the Regional Councilor of Inter-America.

Fr. Hugo oversees 12 provinces, and he is now on his extraordinary visit to our Province of St. Andrew the Apostle.

At our scheduled meeting and after a brief introduction to our special guest, Fr. Hugo, we engaged in a warm joint meeting with the Bosco Tech students and their CEPC team. With an unassuming opening dialogue, we learned a little more about Fr. Hugo. His nickname is Fr. Pollo, and his favorite image of himself is a little chicken in the warm hands of the Lord.

Our CEPC discussion and information sharing ended with a resolution to strategize for our targeted youth. By August, we hope to come up with plans that we can work together between St. Joseph and Bosco Tech.

The last part of the meeting was one of the most memorable moments when we learned from Fr. Hugo how he engaged youth, his family values, and how other Inter-America Cooperators are doing. We shared opportunities to enhance our impact as Salesians, and we departed with a renewed sense of pride and dedication to our Salesian charism.

Thank you, Fr. Pollo, for your visit. We know we are in good hands with a leader like you!