By Luis Chacon

As a Salesian lay missionary, I had the honor of promoting the Salesian mission at the Annual Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, California. This event provided an opportunity to share the Salesian Charism with a broader audience, particularly within the framework of the “Strenna” of the Rector Major of the Salesians this year, which focuses on the lay dimension in the family of Don Bosco.

My presentation focused on Mary Help of Christians and Saint John Bosco. Maria Auxiliadora de los Cristianos has always been close to my heart since childhood, as my mother took us to a parish with the same name. It was a beautiful experience to share the history of her invocation and the miracles she has done in my life. I also had the opportunity to talk about Don Bosco, his educational system, and some of his favorite phrases.

I was impressed by the number of people who were not only familiar with Mary Help of Christians, but also with Don Bosco. Most of the participants in the Congress are religious leaders who work with youth, so our presence as Salesians was vital in providing tools for working with young people.

I am grateful for the invitation from Fr. Peter Lee to be an exhibitor and to share the beauty of the Salesian charism during the Congress. It was a privilege to work hand in hand with laypeople, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and Salesians of Don Bosco to continue promoting this gift of God to the world through the figure of Don Bosco.

The experience at the Annual Religious Education Congress reminded me of the importance of promoting the Salesian mission and the message of Don Bosco to young people. It is essential to work together as a Salesian family to ensure that the Salesian Charism is preserved and transmitted to future generations. I hope to continue sharing my experience and promoting the Salesian mission wherever I go, and inspire others to do the same.