(ANS – Quito) – From June 13–27, 2026, the Salesian Centre for Ongoing Formation in the Americas (CSFPA) hosted an Intensive Course on Salesianity, a formative experience that brought together 33 members of the Salesian Family from various provinces across the continent.

From the moment participants arrived, the atmosphere was marked by a warm welcome from the Centre’s staff, who supported every stage of this experience aimed at deepening participants’ understanding of Don Bosco’s life, spirituality, and mission. Representatives from Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, and Ecuador took part in this year’s program.

The formation program enabled participants to return to the roots of the Salesian charism, particularly through the study of the Memoirs of the Oratory, communal reflection, and the exchange of pastoral, educational, and cultural experiences. The initiative helped participants rediscover Don Bosco as a father and teacher of young people while reaffirming the relevance of his educational approach in today’s world.

Jorge Yépez, from the Don Bosco Publishing Group in Ecuador, emphasized the value of the experience:

“It was an extraordinary experience to come face to face with Don Bosco thanks to the CSFPA’s formation program. The team guided us in discovering the life of the father and teacher of young people. Don Bosco continues to need his family to accompany children and young people in the four settings of the home, the school, the playground, and the parish.”

Hernando Mendivelso, a participant from Colombia, said the course allowed him to refresh and deepen his knowledge of Don Bosco while renewing his commitment to putting what he had learned into practice. He noted that the experience inspired him to accompany others more effectively, serve with greater purpose, and strengthen the Salesian mission.

Similarly, Cecilia Adano, from a Salesian educational institution in Uruguay, explained that the experience strengthened her Salesian identity, broadened her perspective, and enriched her educational vocation through the opportunity to learn alongside participants from other countries.

The team of formators consisted of Fr. Ángel Prado, director of the CSFPA; Fr. Luis Timosi; Fr. Miguel Toriz; Fr. Walter Jara; Fr. Manolo Pérez; Fr. Leandro Brum; and María Soledad Romero.