(ANS – Quito – October 6, 2026) – The Salesian Family Regional Advisory Council of the Interamerica Region took place from October 1–4, 2026, at the Provincial House in Quito, bringing together Provincial Delegates and leaders from various Salesian Family groups from Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Central America, the Antilles, Haiti, Mexico, the Eastern United States, and Canada.
The meeting was attended by Fr. Joan Lluís Playá, the Rector Major’s Central Delegate for the Secretariat for the Salesian Family, and Fr. Manuel Jiménez, who has been appointed to take up this role by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard.
On the opening day, Fr. Juan Flores, Vice Provincial and Delegate for the Salesian Family in Ecuador, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of continuing to grow together in service to young people. In turn, Fr. Playá emphasized that the advisory council aims to strengthen the sense of belonging, discern social, ecclesial, and youth-related challenges, and establish formative and apostolic guidelines based on communion, spirituality, and a shared mission.
On the first day, Fr. Luis Eugenio Vargas, World Spiritual Animator of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), presented the progress made since the 2023 regional meeting. His presentation provided an opportunity to assess the results achieved, the processes requiring continuity, and the new needs that have emerged in the provinces.
Another central theme was the document Animation and Accompaniment in the Salesian Family, presented at various points by Fr. Filiberto González, Sr. Leslie Sándigo, FMA, Fr. Playá and Fr. Jiménez. A presentation entitled The Preventive System and the Salesian Family in Dialogue with a Globalized World was also given by Fr. Luis Timossi.
The program included group work, the exchange of experiences and the sharing of good practices developed in different countries. Fr. Hugo Orozco, Councillor for the Interamerica Region, who is currently carrying out an Extraordinary Visitation to the Province of Ecuador, also addressed the participants.
On Saturday, the delegations took part in the 18th Meeting of the Salesian Family in Ecuador, which brought together approximately 150 representatives. On this occasion, participants took part in moments of reflection centered on the Salesian Youth Movement, the Youth Missionary Volunteer Program, and the “Synodal Courtyard of Valdocco.”
Fr. Marcelo Farfán, Provincial of ECU, was present at the closing ceremony and shared a message on the mission of the Salesian Family. Finally, the groups shared the priorities identified for the coming period, and Fr. Manolo Jiménez presented the lines of action that will guide regional work over the next three years.