Formation, Salesian Education, Salesian World News

“Leading as a Network, Fostering Vibrant Communities”: 11th National Meeting of Salesian Leaders Promotes Synodality and Educational Innovation

(ANS – Morelia – September 11, 2026) – More than 200 educational leaders, including members of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), and lay principals from the country’s four provinces, gathered at the Anáhuac Salesian College in Morelia, Michoacán, for the 11th National Meeting of Salesian School Leaders (ENDS 2026), held September 4–5. Under the theme “Leading as a Network, Fostering Vibrant Communities,” the meeting sought to strengthen leadership, promote collaborative work and respond boldly to the current pastoral and educational challenges facing Mexican youth.

The national conference was organized and coordinated by the National Salesian Education Team (ENES). Its central aim was to renew the management of Salesian schools in Mexico through shared formation, discernment and the promotion of pedagogical innovation processes, in direct alignment with the strategic priorities formulated at the 5th Salesian School Meeting for the Americas (ESA V).

Interprovincial Communion and Shared Commitment

The opening session featured prominent representation from the Salesian Family in Mexico, led by the four provincial superiors: Sr. Luz María Martínez Trujillo (MME), Sr. María del Socorro Hernández Castillo (MMO), Fr. Juan Aarón Cerezo Huerta, SDB (MEM) and Fr. Francisco Cervantes Huitrón, SDB (MEG).

In her official welcome address, Sister Leónides Roldán García, FMA, president of ENES, emphasized the urgency of consolidating a leadership culture grounded in synodality and shared responsibility.

Sister Leónides Roldán García, FMA:

“Representing this network means safeguarding a living charismatic heritage that breathes from Tijuana to Yucatán. This congress is designed as a space for collective discernment, evaluation and synergy, intended to provide practical tools that enhance the work of each of our local communities.”

She also recalled the four guiding principles of ESA V: Salesian Leadership, Evangelizing Pedagogical Management, Pastoral Animation and Accompaniment, and Management of Meaningful Outcomes. The opening prayer, led by Sister Crystal del Sagrario Reyes Salas, FMA, invited participants to contemplate leadership as a form of service in which Jesus must always be present.

Keynote Addresses, Networking and the Preventive System

The academic program began with a keynote address by Ms. Itzel García García, entitled “Executive Leadership and Shared Mission: Coordination for Communion.” The specialist addressed the evolution of the principal’s role toward distributed leadership, outlining a strategic five-step approach: Inspire, Trust, Engage, Accompany and Empower.

The panel discussion “Weaving Charismatic Networks,” moderated by Orquídea E. Aquino Pineda and comprising representatives from the four provinces — Sister Saira Viridiana Martínez, Berenice Terán, Pablo Garay and Ángel Gazcón — explored networking as an essential communal practice for revitalizing Salesian educational environments.

The second day began with the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Juan Aarón Cerezo Huerta, SDB, who urged participants not to become arrogant or create divisions, but rather to care for the most challenging students, following the example of Don Bosco. This was followed by a lecture by Fr. Mario Alberto Escalante López, SDB, entitled “The Preventive System: Fraternal Coexistence and 21st-Century Global Competencies,” demonstrating how kindness and a family spirit naturally foster the development of the “Six Cs” of the 21st century: character, citizenship, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

Concurrent Workshops and Pastoral Focus

During the meeting, various concurrent workshops were held to put the thematic areas into practical use, addressing key issues such as:

  • Pathways for shared formation and collegial work.
  • Fostering a sense of community and Salesian kindness.
  • Evaluation and implementation of the “6 Cs” in leadership.
  • Models of distributed and participatory leadership.
  • Strategies for networking and inter-institutional educational partnerships.

A particularly heartwarming moment was the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Anáhuac Salesian School in Morelia during the fellowship lunch in the “Jericó” hall, where the community recognized the dedication of the sisters who have served in this educational endeavor.

Following the presentation of awards to the workshop leaders and the presentation of future plans by the provinces, the official closing ceremony reaffirmed the shared vocation of walking together. In her closing remarks, Sister Leónides Roldán concluded:

Sister Leónides Roldán García, FMA:

“Thank you for your energy, for listening attentively, and for reminding us that leadership is, above all, an act of love and service toward our children and young people.”

To access the proceedings, presentations, audiovisual material and workshop resources, please visit the official website: ENDS 2026 official website