Dear Salesian Cooperators, aspirants, and delegates from around the world:

On this radiant Feast of Mary Help of Christians, I write to you with a heart still full from the recent experience of the Sixth World Congress, where together we heard the call to “be leaven in order to be fruitful.” Today, under the loving gaze of our Mother, that call takes on even deeper meaning.

Mary was a humble yet decisive leaven in the history of salvation. Her quiet “yes,” her discreet presence, and her faith that endured even without fully understanding became the small leaven God used to bring forth Life. She did not place herself at the center, yet without her, nothing would have been the same. Her fruitfulness sprang from listening, availability, and absolute trust in God.

This is how we too are called to live: as humble leaven that transforms from within, quietly, with a strength that comes from the Spirit.

Our Project of Apostolic Life reminds us that Mary is the “Mother and Teacher” of the Salesian Cooperator, a model of faith, service, and presence among the young. The PVA invites us to welcome her as our Help, to imitate her style, and to allow ourselves to be accompanied by her in our daily mission.

In her life we find the perfect synthesis of what we seek to become: available disciples, committed laypeople, and joyful witnesses of the Gospel.

In light of the World Congress, this day calls us to renew three essential attitudes:

• To listen like Mary, recognizing God’s voice in life and in the young.
• To build communion like her, who gathered the disciples and sustained the first Christian community.
• To be fruitful like her, who offered her life so that others might have Life.

May this feast find us united as the Salesian Family, grateful for the journey we have shared and open to the future the Spirit offers us. May Mary Help of Christians teach us to be that leaven which transforms, accompanies, and enlightens without imposing itself, helping others grow without seeking the center stage.

Happy Feast of Mary Help of Christians.

With fraternal affection,

World Coordinator
Borja Pérez