{"id":30710,"date":"2026-05-12T15:11:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T22:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/?p=30710"},"modified":"2026-05-12T15:11:17","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T22:11:17","slug":"appointment-of-the-new-world-coordinator-of-the-salesian-cooperators","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/2026\/05\/12\/appointment-of-the-new-world-coordinator-of-the-salesian-cooperators\/","title":{"rendered":"Appointment of the New World Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators"},"content":{"rendered":"

(ANS \u2013 Sacrofano<\/strong>) \u2013 On the third day of the World Congress of Salesian Cooperators<\/strong>, participants gathered in Sacrofano to renew their lay vocation, strengthen the bonds of shared responsibility within the Salesian Family, and present the local Church with an Association that is more united, more missionary, and more capable of generating life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As on previous days, the gathering began with Mass, but May 9, 2026<\/strong>, was no ordinary day. The joy that had already marked the Congress became even greater, transforming into a prayer and hymn of thanksgiving. The date marked the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Association<\/strong> and commemorated the moment when the Church finally approved John Bosco<\/strong>\u2019s vision of including laypeople within the Salesian Family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although Don Bosco\u2019s original project underwent several adjustments before receiving official approval, the essential goal remained unchanged: the salvation of young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this anniversary, participants celebrated both continuity and renewal. The Pious Union of Salesian Cooperators<\/strong>, as Don Bosco originally called it, is today known as the Association of Salesian Cooperators<\/strong>, yet it continues to embody the founder\u2019s dream: true Salesians living in the world, bringing the charism of St. John Bosco<\/strong> into their families, workplaces, service to young people, outreach to families, and care for the poor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the homily delivered by Fr. Pascual Ch\u00e1vez<\/strong>, Rector Major Emeritus, participants were reminded that the road ahead remains challenging, but above all that the true protagonist of the mission is the Holy Spirit<\/strong>, who opens both geographical frontiers and human hearts to the Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cWhat is asked of us,\u201d emphasized Fr. Ch\u00e1vez, \u201cis listening, docility, and collaboration.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Listening became the central theme of the day\u2019s proceedings, together with the Association\u2019s outward focus on missionary commitment and the qualities that must define its future. A round-table discussion reflected this spirit, bringing together four participants from different parts of the world to discuss \u201cA New Dynamic Among Young People, Families, and the Elderly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The atmosphere throughout the day was marked by reflection and hope, suspended between gratitude for the past 150 years and anticipation for the future of the Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginning at 6:00 p.m., anticipation grew as participants awaited the appointment of the new World Coordinator by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard<\/strong>. Those gathered eagerly wondered who would guide the Association forward in living and carrying out Don Bosco\u2019s dream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Fr. Attard<\/strong> took the stage, silence filled the hall. Before announcing the new Coordinator, he stressed the importance of governance as a means of walking together, noting that without governance, there is only anarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He identified four key words as the foundation for fruitful governance within the Association and the broader Salesian mission:<\/p>\n\n\n\n