(ANS – Rome) – On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Association of Salesian Cooperators – the third group of the Salesian Family, founded by Don Bosco himself – the World Council of the Association is pleased to announce that the VI World Congress of Salesian Cooperators will be held in Sacrofano, Rome, at the ‘Fraterna Domus’ house, from May 7 to 10, 2026.

“This Congress represents a moment of great importance for our Association. It is the occasion on which Salesian Cooperators from all over the world come together in a spirit of unity and communion with the Rector Major, our highest authority, to discuss and define the future of our mission,” explains the World Council.

The event was convened by the Rector Major and is organised by the World Council. The operational and technical coordination is entrusted to Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association.

About 400 Salesian Cooperators are expected to participate, together with delegates from the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), from the 110 provinces where the Association is present, divided into 12 regions.

The motto chosen for this significant meeting is: “Be yeast to be fruitful”. This is a significant reminder of the vocation of Salesian Cooperators to be a positive force, a ‘leaven’ that brings Gospel values to the world, so that their action in the world ‘bears fruit and your fruit remains’ (Jn 15-16).

The days of the Congress, which will last four days, will follow a path of reflection already started during the three years of preparation for the 150th anniversary. They will begin with a look at the past of the association, and then analyse the internal reality, the role of the institution within the Salesian Family, in the Church, and in the world. After understanding the current context, a look at the future will be projected to identify the challenges waiting to be addressed. The final objective will be to outline the guidelines and programmes for the association for the next six years (2026-2032).

During the Congress, the Rector Major will also appoint the new World Coordinator of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, who will take office from 2026.

In the coming days and throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, the World Council of Salesian Cooperators will unveil the official logo, anthem, and other promotional materials specially designed for the Congress.

‘We want this important event to involve, in a spirit of collaboration and sharing, all Salesian Cooperators around the world,’ conclude the members of the association’s World Council.