(ANS – Rome) – The Presidency Assembly of the Association of Salesian History Enthusiasts (ACSSA) was held in Rome from February 13–15, 2026, dedicated to preparations for the 2027 World Congress on the theme “Salesian Missions in the World.” The proceedings opened with a moment of prayer, followed by greetings from the President, Sister Maria Maul, and a welcome from Fr. José Mendonça, Superior of the Pontifical Salesian University Vice Province.

Significant institutional meetings took place during the Assembly: with Sister Maria Luisa Nicastro, Secretary General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA); with Fr. Guido Garino, Secretary of the General Council of the Salesians of Don Bosco; and with the Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical Salesian University, Fr. Andrea Bozzolo. These meetings provided an updated overview of the protection of Salesian cultural heritage and the promotion of research, taking into account ecclesial and academic perspectives in view of the international event in 2027. A meeting with the Mother General of the FMA, Sister Chiara Cazzuola, was also held at the FMA Generalate on the afternoon of the first day.

Considerable time was devoted to reviewing the five continental seminars (Africa–Madagascar, America, South Asia, Europe, and East Asia–Oceania) held in 2025, with reports presented by the respective councilors. The general plan for the Congress proceedings was also defined, specifying the editorial methodology and common editorial standards. The Assembly began discerning the reports to be presented at the 2027 International Conference, as well as reviewing the draft general program of the Congress, presented by Sister Imaculada da Silva and Ms. Pamela Alarcón.

Among the organizational matters addressed were the preparation of the promotional brochure, the Congress budget, and the state of the Association’s accounts. The registration fee for the three-year period 2024–2026 was also discussed.

Particular importance was given to reports from the national sections (Argentina, Brazil, India, Italy, Poland, and Spain), which highlighted the vitality of Salesian historical research in different contexts. The proposal to establish ACSSA Ecuador–Peru was also considered, as well as the proposal to merge Chile with ACSSA Argentina, as a sign of the continued expansion of the Association’s network.

The Presidency Assembly also approved the admission of 27 new members to ACSSA, more than half of whom (16) come from African contexts — a sign of the growing development of Salesian historical research at the global level. The increase in new members from Latin America and the presence of several laypeople among the new admissions were also noteworthy.

Among the cultural initiatives discussed was the possibility of creating an exhibition or film dedicated to Salesian missions around the world in preparation for the Congress. The 30th anniversary of the foundation of ACSSA (October 9, 1996) was also commemorated as an opportunity to renew the identity and mission of the Association.

The Assembly reviewed new editorial proposals, including Ariel Fresia’s study on the Manuel Molina documentary collection, as well as preparations for the newsletter “ACSSA Informa 2025.” The “Progetto Rizoma” proposal was also presented, aimed at the digital reunification of Salesian historical archives, underscoring its strategic importance for research.

Among the most significant decisions were the approval of 27 new members and the proposal to appoint Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime and Sister Piera Cavaglià as honorary members. The Assembly also began preparations for the election of the new Presidency for the five-year term 2027–2032 and issued an appeal to the 2027 General Chapter of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to promote Salesian heritage.

The proceedings concluded with a discussion of future directions for ACSSA, with the goal of strengthening international collaboration and enhancing the historical heritage of Salesian missions in preparation for the 2027 World Congress.

Fr. Stanisław Zimniak
Secretary of ACSSA