(ANS) – On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Salesian Cooperators of the Interamerica Region held their first Regional Formation Meeting of the year, centered on the theme: “From Celebration to Action: Salesian Cooperators, Believers and Free to Serve Young People.” The keynote reflection was delivered by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of John Bosco, who offered a profound and inspiring message.
In his address, Fr. Attard proposed four key verbs and three fundamental actions that illuminate the Salesian vocation from an educational, pastoral, and evangelizing perspective. His reflection was framed within the context of the 150th anniversary of the Association of Salesian Cooperators and in harmony with the 2026 Strenna.
He encouraged participants to walk together in mission, becoming prophets of hope and joy in the spirit of Don Bosco, and reminded them that the impact of an encounter lived with closeness and affection—especially with young people—can never truly be measured.
The Rector Major emphasized that being a Salesian Cooperator is part of a concrete educational and pastoral journey: a vocation that is not theoretical or distant, but lived in real experiences that educate, accompany, and transform lives—always beginning with a genuine encounter with young people.
At the conclusion of his presentation, participants from the United States, Nicaragua, and Haiti asked questions in English, Spanish, and French. Fr. Attard responded in each language with warmth and depth, leaving a strong impression on all present.
At the end of the meeting, Martín Calderón, Regional Councilor for the Salesian Cooperators, shared a message marking the 150th anniversary of the Association, encouraging participants not to focus solely on celebration, but to use this historic moment as an opportunity to bear concrete fruit by renewing their commitment to the mission.
More than 240 people participated via Zoom, with many others joining through Facebook Live, representing 13 countries in the region, including a notable presence of Salesian Cooperators from Peru and Venezuela.
The Our Lady of the Rosary Center in Stony Point, New York (Eastern United States) gathered in person to experience the meeting as a community. Additionally, 70 Salesian Cooperators and aspirants from Costa Rica participated as part of their national meeting.
The opening prayer was led in English by Jill Conroy, while the closing prayer was led in French by Anna Tran, both from Canada.
The meeting was conducted in Spanish, with simultaneous translation into English and French available via Zoom and through three Facebook Live streams—one for each language of the region. The recording of the event remains available on Facebook through the “SC Interamericana” page.