(ANS – Chile) – The first meeting of the online formation cycle for Salesians and lay collaborators from Salesian works took place on Tuesday, June 9. More than 130 participants from schools, parishes, shrines, the Don Bosco Foundation, the Catholic University Silva Henríquez, and various groups of the Salesian Family—especially Salesian Cooperators—took part in the session.

The opening session was led by Salesian priest Fr. Claudio Cartes, who presented key insights for interpreting the 29th General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, of which he was a participant last year.

Participants widely appreciated the clarity, accessibility, and depth demonstrated by the presenter, highlighting his ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, approachable, and distinctly Salesian language.

Particular appreciation was also expressed for the space for dialogue, the responses to participants’ questions, and the emphasis on returning to the sources of the Salesian charism and Don Bosco’s Preventive System.

Attendees noted a strong reception of this formation initiative, which is considered an important opportunity to deepen Salesian identity, strengthen understanding of the Congregation’s current challenges, and renew commitment to the shared mission between Salesians and lay collaborators.

This first session marked the beginning of a four-part formation cycle aimed at deepening and updating key elements of collaboration between religious and lay members of the Salesian mission, with the goal of renewing pastoral action as educator-pastors in each mission area, in accordance with their specific vocations and shared charism.

The next session will take place on Tuesday, July 28, at 7:00 p.m. and will focus on the teaching of Pope Leo XIV.