(ANS – Aparecida) – The National Meeting 2025 of Salesian Social Action (ENAS, in Portuguese) was held in Aparecida from June 30 to July 3 and marked 10 years of Social Action activity within the Salesian Network Brazil (RSB).

The event opened in the Father Vítor Coelho de Almeida Event Centre and brought together the Executive Directors of the RSB, Sr Silvia Aparecida and Fr Sérgio Baldin, the Superiors of the provinces of reference, Sr Maria Américo Rolim and Fr Felipe Bauzière, as well as students and educators from Salesian works throughout the country.

One of the highlights of the first day of the ENAS was the presentation of the panel: ‘RSB Social Action: 10 years on the road!’ which reflected on the history, teachings, and fruits of Social Action within the Salesian Network Brazil. During the panel presentation, Sr Maria Américo Rolim emphasised the importance of this journey, saying that it is a project that generates life and hope. Sister Silvia Aparecida said for her part that this path reveals the strength of the shared mission: ‘consolidating the Network means realising the dream of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello, who believed in the strength of the educational and pastoral community as a response to the demands of young people’.

Fr Sérgio Baldin reaffirmed the collective commitment to social transformation, stating: ‘The union and active role of the Salesian community can transform Brazil and the lives of children, adolescents, young people and their families.’

Salesian Fr Agnaldo Soares spoke of the essence of the mission that translates into service: ‘We need to believe in the strength of union for a witness in the logic of love and service, as a way to transform lives, strengthen hope and promote a society in the light of the Gospel’.

The programme for the second day of ENAS focused on reflection on the social challenges of the present, the role of young people in building a more just world, and the legacy of the Salesian mission on behalf of the most vulnerable.

To discuss these issues, ENAS relied on sociologist Jessé Souza, who offered an overview of the current Brazilian social scenario and spoke about the roots of social inequalities, the role of the economic elite in maintaining these structures, and the impact of racism and exclusion on young Brazilians.

Salesian educator Patrícia Machado then gave an address on ‘Pilgrims of hope with young people!’, in which she emphasized the centrality of young people in the Salesian mission. Facilitator Eduardo dos Santos Batista led ‘Futurospettiva’, a group activity in which participants reflected on the possible futures of Salesian Social Action.

The second day of the ENAS also saw a dialogue with young people who have participated in Salesian Social Action and testified how social work has marked their lives.

The third day involved spirituality, fraternal sharing and experiences that reaffirmed the RSB’s commitment to the values of the Salesian charism and the educational and evangelizing mission towards young people. From the early hours of the morning, the participants were welcomed with a prayer led by Sister Silvia Letícia, Social Action Coordinator of the FMA Nossa Senhora da Amazônia Province, and José Jair Ribeiro, Social Action Coordinator of the Salesian Saint Pius X Province Porto Alegre.

One of the highlights of the day was the consolidation of the ‘Framework of Project Steps’, a tool that systematizes the commitments undertaken by Salesian social works for the coming years.

On the same day, the participants made guided visits to the Memorial of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Guaratinguetá, SP, to the replica of the house of St John Bosco,  the Social Work in Pindamonhangaba, SP, and to the National Shrine of Aparecida where they were able to renew their faith and give thanks for the journey so far.

The last day of the meeting began with a welcome and prayer led by Salesian Brother Fábio Julio de Souza, Coordinator of Social Action of the Saint Alphonsus Liguori Province of Campo Grande Brazil (BCG), and by Jessica Jesus Silva, Coordinator of Social Action of the FMA Nossa Senhora Auxiliadora Province.

Afterwards, the consultant Eduardo dos Santos Batista presented a summary of the Social Action frameworks for the next 10 years in the Network, the result of the journey made during ENAS.

The final plenary was a moving moment of interaction and gratitude. The representatives of the different provinces expressed their impressions of the meeting, shared feelings of vocational renewal, and reaffirmed their commitment to social action that transforms realities and builds bridges of hope.

ENAS 2025 concluded with the sending-off Eucharistic Celebration, characterized by strong spirituality and emotion. The participants renewed their commitment to the Salesian mission before the altar, inspired by the living presence of Don Bosco, Mother Mazzarello, and Mary Help of Christians.