Notícias de la Inspectoría, Cooperadores Salesianos

Embracing Don Bosco’s Spirit at the 2025 Salesian Cooperator Province Congress – USA West

By Susanna Carrillo, Salesian Cooperator

(Bellflower, California) – I had the blessing of participating in the Salesian Cooperator Province Congress for USA West, held at the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas, from October 10–12, 2025.

This gathering was filled with fraternity, reflection, and renewal of the Salesian spirit. Local center councilors and members were updated on the life of our province and local centers. We also worked together to discern and elect members for a new Provincial Council.

Susanna Carrillo (front) is working on a translation with Lourdes Guzman (back).

Local Center update presented by Armando Gonzalez, Coordinator for Santo Domingo Savio Center.

I attended, representing the St. Dominic Savio (Spanish) Center in Bellflower, California, where I have the grace of serving as Formator. During this congress, I experienced a deep sense of communion and belonging. Every talk, every moment of prayer, and every conversation reflected the heart of Don Bosco—his love for the young and his call to live with joy and hope.

One phrase echoed in my heart throughout the days: “Be light in today’s world.”

This invitation touched my heart deeply. It reminded me that being a Salesian Cooperator is not just a title but a vocation, a daily commitment: to shine with the light of Christ in what I do, how I live, how I communicate, and especially in how I accompany young people who seek meaning and hope.

Martín Calderón Vargas, World Councilor for the Interamerican Region, shared a reflection that deeply moved me:

“To be light is not automatic; it is a daily decision. Christ is the source of light. We are lamps lit with His fire. The mission He entrusts to us is clear: ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Mt 5:16).”

During the voting process to elect the new Provincial Council, seeing my name on the list filled me with humility and gratitude. I felt that if I was there, it was because God and Mary Help of Christians wanted it that way.  With joy and gratitude, I accepted the call to serve as one of the new Communication Councilors for the Provincial Council USA West.

The new Communications Councilor is already at work.

This call represents a new opportunity to share Don Bosco’s charism with creativity and love, to strengthen the bonds of communication among our centers, and to help us all continue to be bearers of his light.

The words of Dr. Alex del Carmen, Provincial Coordinator, reminded us that our lives—nourished by the Word, prayer, the sacraments, and community life—should be a sign of love and hope. And that, in the style of Don Bosco, we must learn to be joyful witnesses among the young, the families, and the poor, radiating Christ’s light where it is most needed.

I return from this experience with my heart aflame and the conviction that the Salesian charism remains alive and shining.  Don Bosco shines today, and his light must continue to shine through us—in our witness, in our works, and in our mission to form “good Christians and honest citizens.”

I also wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who made this gathering possible — the organizing team, the speakers, and every Cooperator who, with joy and dedication, helped make these days of grace so meaningful. May God and Mary Help of Christians bless you always for being instruments of light and hope.