{"id":25644,"date":"2025-10-07T22:41:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T05:41:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/?p=25644"},"modified":"2025-10-09T14:24:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T21:24:04","slug":"salesian-cooperators-from-usa-west-respond-to-the-vi-regional-meeting-in-santo-domingo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/2025\/10\/07\/salesian-cooperators-from-usa-west-respond-to-the-vi-regional-meeting-in-santo-domingo\/","title":{"rendered":"Salesian Cooperators from USA West Respond to the VI Regional Meeting in Santo Domingo"},"content":{"rendered":"

With Reflections by Lourdes Guzman, Doris Salas, and Kristie Martinez <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Bellflower, California)<\/strong> – Lourdes Guzman, Centro Santo Domingo Savio Treasurer, Province Councilor <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participating in the Regional Meeting of Salesian Cooperators of the Interamerican Region was a deeply enriching experience. Under the theme \u201cPilgrims of Hope with Young People, Relaunching Our Identity Toward the Future,\u201d an atmosphere of Salesian fraternity and joy permeated from the very beginning. We gathered as a large family, sharing dreams and concerns, and celebrating the diversity of our countries, cultures, and ways of living the Salesian charism. This first theme, \u201cWe meet as a family, we journey as pilgrims,\u201d was intensely experienced in every greeting, in every conversation, and in everyone’s willingness to advance together on the journey of faith and commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Doris Salas, SC, Formator; Sr. Cynthia Salas, FMA, Delegate for Cristo Rey, Austin; Lourdes Guzman, SC, Treasurer and Province Councilor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

During the conference, we dedicated time to deepening our Salesian identity and vocation. The presentations and workshops invited us to look within, to remember the origins of our vocation, and to rediscover the richness of Don Bosco’s legacy. We discussed current challenges and the need to remain faithful to our mission, adapting to the present times without losing the essence that characterizes us. It was a moment of self-discovery and gratitude for being part of this great family, which continues to be a light and hope for so many young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Ernie Rodriguez, Local Coordinator for St. Michael the Archangel Center, Colorado Springs, receives the Christ candle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another key aspect was the reaffirmation of our commitment as bearers of hope. In a world marked by uncertainty and change, this theme encouraged us to be active witnesses of the joy of the Gospel, especially among the most needy young people. We shared experiences of mission and service, renewing the call to be signs of hope and accompaniment. I felt that the meeting prompted us to step out of our comfort zone and respond with generosity and creativity to the needs of today’s young people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the celebrations we had was the 60th anniversary of Mother Alphonsine of Canada’s profession. She was filled with joy and showed me a photo of herself when she entered the novitiate. She was a very pretty young woman who decided to follow the Lord and continues to follow him, as joyful as she was on the first day of her profession of vows. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Sr. Alphonsine Roy FMA with Fr. John Putino, SDB, Province Delegates for Canada, with Lourdes Guzman, Doris Salas, and another Cooperator.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We visited the Church of the Sacred Heart and passed through the Holy Door, where Mass was celebrated. The Dominican Republic welcomed us with open arms, with music, dancing, and above all, the joy and charisma of Don Bosco. Without even knowing each other, we hugged each other and enjoyed ourselves like a big family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We visited the “Apprentices with Don Bosco” Oratory. We had the opportunity to share gifts with the children, and they in turn welcomed us with baskets full of lollipops and that joy, happiness, and beautiful hugs. We enjoyed the dances the children had prepared especially for this occasion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A million thanks to everyone who planned, organized, and was attentive to every detail of the congress, to those leaders who didn’t mind everything, from carrying boxes to being drivers who picked us up and returned us to the airport. Organizers and speakers Franklin Ortega, Espin, Arismendy, Martin Calderon, Antonio Boccia, Juanita Silva, and others who were behind all the events, and the technical aspects, translations, etc. I’m listing them without titles so as not to make mistakes. Thank you for joining us at our tables as a fellow collaborator and for having a sincere heart in communicating with you. I hope to have the opportunity to attend this congress again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Lourdes Guzman, SC, Province Councilor USA West; Juanita Silva, Regional Formator; Martin Calderone, World Councilor for the Interamerica Region; Denise Dunn, Province Coordinator, USA East
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Franklin Ortega, Province Coordinator, Antilles and Regional Councilor; Francesca and Antonio Boccia, World Coordinator, and Mrs. Ortega<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the congress motivated us to relaunch the Association for the future. Concrete proposals were generated to strengthen our presence and action, promoting ongoing training and networking. I left the meeting with a heart full of hope, convinced that, as pilgrims of hope, we have the task of continuing to build together a dynamic, open association faithful to Salesian values. This experience reaffirmed my vocation and renewed my commitment to walk with and for young people, always with hope and joy, and above all, to listen to them and get to know them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traducci\u00f3n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participar en el Encuentro Regional de Salesianos Cooperadores de la Regi\u00f3n Interam\u00e9rica fue una experiencia profundamente enriquecedora. Bajo el lema \u201cPeregrinos de Esperanza con los J\u00f3venes, relanzando nuestra identidad hacia el futuro\u201d, desde el primer momento se respir\u00f3 un ambiente de fraternidad y alegr\u00eda salesiana. Nos reunimos como una gran familia, compartiendo sue\u00f1os, inquietudes y celebrando la diversidad de nuestros pa\u00edses, culturas y formas de vivir el carisma salesiano. Este primer tema, \u201cnos encontramos como familia, caminamos como peregrinos\u201d, se vivi\u00f3 intensamente en cada saludo, en cada conversaci\u00f3n y en la disposici\u00f3n de todos para avanzar juntos en el camino de la fe y el compromiso. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Durante el congreso, dedicamos tiempo a profundizar nuestra identidad y vocaci\u00f3n salesiana. Las ponencias y talleres nos invitaron a mirar hacia nuestro interior, a recordar los or\u00edgenes de nuestra vocaci\u00f3n y a descubrir de nuevo la riqueza del legado de Don Bosco. Dialogamos sobre los desaf\u00edos actuales y la necesidad de permanecer fieles a nuestra misi\u00f3n, adapt\u00e1ndonos a los tiempos presentes sin perder la esencia que nos caracteriza. Fue un momento de autoconocimiento y de gratitud por formar parte de esta gran familia, que sigue siendo luz y esperanza para tantos j\u00f3venes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otro aspecto fundamental fue la reafirmaci\u00f3n de nuestro compromiso como portadores de esperanza. En un mundo marcado por la incertidumbre y el cambio, este tema nos anim\u00f3 a ser testigos activos de la alegr\u00eda del Evangelio, especialmente entre los j\u00f3venes m\u00e1s necesitados. Compartimos experiencias de misi\u00f3n y servicio, renovando la llamada a ser signos de esperanza y acompa\u00f1amiento. Sent\u00ed que el encuentro nos impuls\u00f3 a salir de nuestra zona de confort y a responder con generosidad y creatividad a las necesidades de los j\u00f3venes de hoy. Una de las celebraciones que tuvimos fue la celebracion de los 60 anos de aniversario de profesion de la madre Alphonsine de Canada. Estaba llena de juvilo y me mostro una foto de ella de cuando ingreso al noviciado, era una jovencita muy bonita y decidio seguir al senor y continua siguiendolo tan juvilosa como el primer dia de la profesion de sus votos.  Visitamos la Iglesia del Sagrado Corazon y pasamos por la Puerta Santa y se celebro la misa. Republica Dominicana nos recibio con los brazos abiertos, con musica, bailes, y sobre todo la alegria y charisma de Don Bosco. Sin conocernos nos abrazamos, y disfrutamos como una gran familia. Visitamos el Oratorio \u201cAprendices con Don Bosco\u201d tuvimos la oportunidad de compartir regalitos para los ninos y ellos a la vez nos recibieron con canastas llenas de paletitas y esa alegria, Felicidad y hermosos abrazos. Disfrutamos los bailes que los ninos habian preparado especialmente para esta ocacion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Un millon de gracias a todos los que planearon, organizaron y estuvieron al pendiente de todos los detalles del congreso a esos lideres que no les importo desde cargar cajas hasta ser choferes para recogernos y regresarnos al aeropuerto. Organizadores y conferencistas Franklin Ortega, Espin, Arismendy, Martin Calderon, Antonio Boccia, Juanita Silva, y otros mas que estuvieron atras de todos los eventos, y lo tecnico, traducciones, etc. los anoto sin titulos para no equivocarme. Gracias por acompanarnos en nuestras mesas como un cooperador mas y tener un corazon sencillo para comunicarnos con ustedes. Espero tener la oportunidad de asistir nuevamente a este congreso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finalmente, el congreso nos motiv\u00f3 a relanzar la Asociaci\u00f3n hacia el futuro. Se generaron propuestas concretas para fortalecer nuestra presencia y acci\u00f3n, promoviendo la formaci\u00f3n continua y el trabajo en red. Me fui del encuentro con el coraz\u00f3n lleno de ilusi\u00f3n, convencido de que, como peregrinos de esperanza, tenemos la tarea de seguir construyendo juntos una asociaci\u00f3n din\u00e1mica, abierta y fiel a los valores salesianos. Esta experiencia me reafirm\u00f3 en mi vocaci\u00f3n y renov\u00f3 mi compromiso de caminar con los j\u00f3venes y por los j\u00f3venes, siempre con esperanza y alegr\u00eda y sobre todo escucharlos para conocerlos. Los dejo con el Proyecto de Vida Apostolica y la cancion del 150 SSCC que nos compartio Franklin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doris Salas, Centro Santo Domingo Savio, Formator<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

“I was impressed by the feeling that we’re all part of a large family with Jesus in our hearts, pilgrims of hope for young people. I could feel the presence of Don Bosco with the children of the Oratory. I will bring this experience back to our Province and my Local Center.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Doris Salas, SC, Formator for Centro Santo Domingo with young girl from the oratory.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Doris Salas, SC, Kristie Martinez, SC, Lourdes Guzman, SC with youth from “Apprentices with Don Bosco” Oratory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Traducci\u00f3n<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Me impresion\u00f3 el sentimiento de que todos somos parte de una gran familia con Jes\u00fas en nuestros corazones, peregrinos de esperanza para los j\u00f3venes. Pude sentir la presencia de Don Bosco con los ni\u00f1os del Oratorio. Llevar\u00e9 esta experiencia a nuestra Provincia y a mi Centro Local.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
Kristie Martinez, Area North Representative, Regional Secretariat, St John Bosco Center, San Antonio<\/h5>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(San Antonio, Texas)<\/strong> – The formation congress was an unforgettable experience. The people of the Dominican Republic greeted everyone with such joy and welcoming that it was easy to recognize Don Bosco’s spirit among them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I finally got to meet the Provincial Coordinators for USA East and Canada, Denise Dunn and Joe Conroy, respectively. We all 3 felt the same strange feeling, as if we’ve already met in person and knew each other well. It reminded me of how Mother Mazzarello would say that we will meet in the heart of Jesus. This is something to reflect on as sometimes we as Cooperators in this Province can be far spread out, and in some cases may be far away from the nearest center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Area North Cooperators and Delegates Take the floor!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were reminded last weekend by our World Coordinator, Antonio Boccia, that we must keep Christ at the center of our lives and at the center of our mission. We watched and listened to messages sent to us by FMA & SDB Delegates from the region and world levels, including our current and past Rector Majors. Our regional councilor, Martin Calderon, spoke to us on reaffirming our commitment to the mission – we look forward to Martin joining us in person at our USA West Provincial Congress in San Antonio!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall it was a great weekend of formation and talks with other Salesian Cooperators who were more than members of the same Association, they were family!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following people were in attendance from Area North<\/strong>:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Canada<\/strong> \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\udde6
Pierre Larocque
Fr. John Puntino, SDB
Joe Conroy Rosina Di Felice
Sr. Alphonsine Roy, FMA
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

USA East<\/strong> \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Marciel Gomez Patricia Sobel
Bernie Pontillo
Denise Dunn
Emily Maldonado
with Regional Coordinator, Martin Calderone<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

USA West <\/strong>\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8
Doris Salas
Lourdes Guzman
Sr. Cynthia Salas, FMA
Kristie Martinez
Elisa Figueroa
Ernie Rodriguez
Sidney Rodriguez<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
L-R: Ernie Rodriguez, Kristie Martinez, Martin Caldreone (Regional Coordinator) , Elisa Figueroa, Antonio Boccia (World Coordinator), Doris Salas, Sr. Cynthia Salas, FMA, Sydney Rodriguez, and lourdes Guzman<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A final Message from Antonio Boccia, the SSCC World Coordinator:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Screenshot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Future World \/ Regional Meetings for Salesian Cooperators :<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n