By Martha Hernandez, Website & Online Services Coordinator

Los Angeles, California – On August 25, 2026, the Don Bosco Mission Center in Boyle Heights hosted a formation gathering with Fr. Joe Nguyen, SDB, the new Provincial of the Salesians of the United States West. Fr. Joe shared a glimpse of the “roadmap” he envisions for the Province, drawing upon the directives of Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard, SDB, existing Province plans, and his own areas of focus for the years ahead.

A central theme of the gathering was the need to move toward a unified and comprehensive vision for Salesian formation—one that encompasses both general formation and specialized ongoing formation and goes beyond the basic introductory resources already available locally.

Fr. Joe posed a fundamental question to the participants: “What is the mission of a Salesian educator and pastor? How can the Salesian Family and our collaborators respond to this question within the current contexts of ministry in the Western United States?”

To help organize and structure this vision, Fr. Joe presented a simple visual model of a pyramid made up of interconnected layers, with young people at the top. Supporting them are the pastoral project, educators and pastors—including young leaders—formation programs, organizational animation, resources, governance structures, and other essential elements. Each layer informs, strengthens, and supports the others, creating a solid foundation for carrying out the Salesian mission throughout the Western United States.

The methodology for working together is just as important as the structures and resources themselves. Grounded in the Preventive System, the discussion emphasized loving-kindness, shared responsibility, active listening, confidentiality, and respect for personal boundaries. Participants were encouraged to avoid gossip, listen attentively, and use “I” messages rather than accusatory “you” messages when addressing concerns or navigating conflicts.

The gathering also recognized the importance of preserving the richness and diversity of local initiatives. As the Province develops common resources and strategies, local creativity and innovation should continue to flourish. The guiding principle is “unity in charism, but diversity in expression.”

Among the proposed next steps are the development of sector-specific formation strategies, the identification and sharing of existing formation materials, and making these resources more readily accessible through Don Bosco Hall in Berkeley, the Salesian Center for Ongoing Formation. Workshops and conferences will also be offered to help Salesian educators, pastors, and collaborators engage more deeply with formation resources and apply them to their ministry.

The process will include consultation with each sector, providing opportunities for participants to contribute ideas, recommendations, and perspectives as the Province continues developing its formation vision.

The day provided an important opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Salesian educator and pastor today. It also reaffirmed that formation is not simply about acquiring knowledge or learning new skills. Rather, formation is about becoming the kind of people who can accompany young people with authenticity, joy, and a living witness to the Salesian charism.

This charism, a gift of the Holy Spirit, continues to animate the Salesians and the young people to whom they are sent. A shared commitment to ongoing formation can help ensure that this gift remains alive, relevant, and fruitful in the diverse contexts of Salesian ministry throughout the Western United States.

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Martha Hernandez is the Website and Online Services Coordinator for the Province Social Communications Department.