By Judy Alvarez

On Saturday, May 19th, the day before Pentecost, St Dominic Savio Cooperators gathered for a retreat in the Learning Commons at St. John Bosco High School. It was a long-anticipated opportunity for the English-speaking center, beginning with a family-style potluck at 11:00 a.m. and concluding at 4:00 p.m. with the Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Pentecost. In an atmosphere of love and fraternity, the day renewed everyone in body, mind, heart, and Spirit.

The retreat engaged participants with the theme: “Come, Holy Spirit! A Spiritual Walk,” prompting prayerful presence to God, each other, and the inner workings of the Spirit. Howard Hamel, the local coordinator, worked with a committee of cooperators and aspirants who meticulously planned the day’s program, ensuring that every aspect was in keeping with the community’s needs and aspirations. As the Cooperator “Project of Apostolic Life (PAL) indicates: 

“Conscious of the importance of ongoing formation, the Salesian Cooperators dedicate time to reflection and study to deepen Sacred Scripture, the Doctrines of the Church, their knowledge of Don Bosco, and Salesian documents.” PAL, Reg. Art. 16.1

The day’s program included input and reflection on the Rector Major’s 2024 Strenna: The Dream That Makes You Dream—A Heart that Transforms “Wolves” into “Lambs.” Guided by Mikey Vera, local councilor for vocation animation, participants watched the 2024 Strenna video. They had quiet time to reflect on the movie’s message as well as passages from Don Bosco’s Dream at Age Nine. Small group sharing followed, allowing everyone to offer their insights and encourage each other’s dreams.  

After a break, Johann Uriarte, local formation councilor, led a session on the historical development of devotion to Mary Help of Christians in the Church and Don Bosco’s journey. This input primed our hearts to pray together a scriptural rosary facilitated by aspirant, Dr. Adriana Segura, and others who read a scripture passage and led the traditional prayers for each Joyful Mystery.  

The community welcomed our good friend, Fr. Joe Farias, SDB, who presided at the vigil mass for Pentecost before leaving to celebrate the Eucharist at St. Mary’s Church in Boyle Heights. We are ever grateful for his support of our Association. Our Deacon Cooperator, Joe Lumsdaine, proclaimed the Gospel and preached a homily that urged all to seek and live the gifts of the Holy Spirit. During the Prayer of the Faithful, we interceded for the intentions of Pope Francis, for particular needs in the Province of St. Andrew, for young people, and for those most in need of Christ’s healing presence. After Holy Communion, we entrusted all the needs of the Salesian Family to Mary Help of Christians, using our parish community’s daily novena prayer. Renewed by the Holy Spirit, we were sent forth to continue our Salesian mission. 

Like other Cooperator centers, the St Dominic Savio English-speaking Center is an enthusiastic group of Salesians dedicated to their families, church ministries, and professions which include education, counseling, banking, law enforcement, computer technology, nursing, legal services, communications, administration, and marketing (to name a few). They also include a active retirees still in service. Currently, we have 18 aspirants:

• Three have completed initial formation and will make their promises later this year.
• Eight are taking online formation.
• Five are attending in-person formation.
• Two are in line for a new formation class that will begin in the fall.  

Given busy schedules, we work to make it feasible for people to discern their Salesian vocation. If you or anyone you know is interested in being a Salesian Cooperator, please contact Howard Hammel at champ7709@gmail.com.

Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!