By Pierre Larocque, SC, Secretary for the Inter-American Region

(Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) – From September 25 to 28, 2025, the Salesian Cooperators of the Inter-America Region held their VI Regional Meeting at the María de la Altagracia Archdiocesan House in Santo-Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator of the Association, attended the meeting, accompanied by his wife Francesca. Eighty-two Salesian Cooperators and Delegates participated from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Argentina. 🇨🇦🇺🇸🇲🇽🇬🇹🇭🇳🇸🇻🇨🇷🇵🇦🇨🇺🇩🇴🇵🇷🇦🇷

Under the slogan: “Pilgrims of hope with young people, relaunching our identity towards the future,” we reflected on the mission of strengthening regional fraternity, renewing the Salesian identity, and projecting ourselves with new leaders.

There were three talks given, namely those of: Antonio Boccia (World Coordinator), Sister Aracely Mayorga (FMA Regional Delegate, virtually), and Martín Calderón (Regional Councilor). The program included thematic workshops, dialogue spaces, Eucharistic celebrations, a moment of worship of the Blessed Sacrament, and moments of fraternity.

Significant moments were the jubilee pilgrimage to the parish of the Sacred Heart, a Jubilee Church, and the visit to the “Apprentices with Don Bosco” oratory, where the children welcomed the participants with songs and dances. The Cooperators shared gifts with them as a sign of gratitude.

During the meeting, the 60-year religious profession of Sister Alphonsine Roy, delegate of the Association in Canada, was celebrated. Sr. Alphonsine renewed her vows, accompanied by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and received the affection of all participants.

The meeting was organized by the Regional Secretariat, with the support of Salesian Cooperators from all over the region, particularly from the province of the Antilles, led by the Dominican Republic.

The event concluded with a community prayer, during which a lit candle was shared, symbolizing unity, light, and hope, as it passed from province to province, uniting us in the shared light of the Salesian mission.

With gratitude and joy, the participants returned to their countries, strengthened in their vocation and commitment to be pilgrims of hope with young people.

Editora: Judy Alvarez