(ANS – Rome/New York) – Continuing the Salesian Congregation’s commitment to advocating for young people—especially those who are poor and most vulnerable—Angelica “Vivi” Iglesias has become the first layperson to be appointed Main Representative of the Salesians of Don Bosco at the United Nations in New York.
She succeeds Fr. Mathew Thomas Panamkattu, Fr. Thomas Pallithanam, and Fr. Thomas Brennan, whose service helped strengthen the Salesian presence within the United Nations system in New York.
This transition represents both continuity and renewal in a mission that connects the lived experience of Salesian ministries around the world with international dialogue and decision-making on the rights, dignity, and future of young people.
Angelica “Vivi” Iglesias brings extensive experience in Catholic advocacy, partnership development, community engagement, and mission-driven leadership. She previously served with Catholic Relief Services, where she worked alongside national partners, supported advocacy initiatives, and coordinated campaigns on behalf of vulnerable communities. Her earlier ministry with the Diocese of St. Petersburg in Florida, particularly in Hispanic ministry and in support of diocesan leadership, also provided her with broad experience in Church leadership, intercultural communication, and pastoral ministry.
A longtime Salesian Cooperator with deep ties to the Salesian mission and youth ministry, Ms. Iglesias will strengthen the Salesian presence at the United Nations through relationship-building, networking, documentation, continuity, and collaboration with partners throughout the UN community.
She joins the Salesians’ central Advocacy Team within the Youth Ministry Sector, under the leadership of Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, and will work through Salesian Missions, the congregation’s representative agency to the United Nations, led by Fr. Michael Conway.
The Salesian presence at the United Nations in New York is part of a broader international commitment that also includes representation at the United Nations in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi, as well as engagement with the European Union institutions in Brussels and UNESCO in Paris. Through these international offices, the Salesian Congregation seeks to bring the voices and experiences of young people—especially those affected by poverty, exclusion, migration, conflict, limited access to education, and other forms of social vulnerability—into dialogue with institutions and partners working for the common good.
As this new chapter begins, the Youth Ministry Sector expressed its gratitude to Fr. Mathew Thomas Panamkattu for his years of dedicated service and welcomed Angelica “Vivi” Iglesias as she assumes this important responsibility. The transition reaffirms the congregation’s commitment to ensuring that the Salesian voice is present wherever the dignity, rights, and future of young people are being shaped.