Croatia – Salesian Family Day 2026
(ANS – Zagreb) – On 7 March 2026, Salesian Family Day 2026 was celebrated in the Holy Mother of Freedom church and pastoral centre in Jarun, Zagreb, by the St John Bosco Province of Croatia (CRO). About 200 members of the Salesian Family took part in the meeting: Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB), Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), Salesian Cooperators (ASC), members of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA) and Friends of Don Bosco. At the beginning of the meeting, the participants were welcomed by Fr Milan Ivančević, SDB, Provincial CRO;
Ivana Filipović, President of ADMA Zagreb-Knežija, and Vedrana Cvijin, representative of the Friends of Don Bosco. After the opening prayer by Fr Branko Bendra, SDB, Vice-Provincial of CRO and Delegate for the Salesian Family, the Rector Major’s Strenna 2026 was presented by Fr Mario Bobić, SDB, and Melita Jugov, ASC. The participants, divided into working groups, then reflected on Strenna 2026 and drew conclusions in a shared meeting. This was followed by the screening of a documentary on the history of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of their foundation and the 50th anniversary of their existence in the CRO Province. In addition, plaques of recognition were presented to ASCs who have distinguished themselves for their work and activities. The Eucharist, presided over by the Provincial in the church of Santa Madre della Libertà, closed the day, and during the celebration seven new ASCs made their promise.
Omelia del Rettore Maggiore
Ivana Filipović, President of ADMA Zagreb-Knežija, and Vedrana Cvijin, representative of the Friends of Don Bosco. After the opening prayer by Fr Branko Bendra, SDB, Vice-Provincial of CRO and Delegate for the Salesian Family, the Rector Major’s Strenna 2026 was presented by Fr Mario Bobić, SDB, and Melita Jugov, ASC. The participants, divided into working groups, then reflected on Strenna 2026 and drew conclusions in a shared meeting. This was followed by the screening of a documentary on the history of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of their foundation and the 50th anniversary of their existence in the CRO Province. In addition, plaques of recognition were presented to ASCs who have distinguished themselves for their work and activities. The Eucharist, presided over by the Provincial in the church of Santa Madre della Libertà, closed the day, and during the celebration seven new ASCs made their promise.
Third Day – Looking Outward to the World
Saturday 9 May will be dedicated to looking “outward,” with particular attention to the presence and role of Salesian Cooperators in society. The theme of the day will focus on being “leaven in the world,” especially among young people, families, and the elderly. The programme includes a round-table discussion with young people from different continents, followed by work sessions by geographical areas reflecting on how the Association can continue to be a living sign of the Salesian charism in various cultural and social contexts. The day will also include the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Association and one of the most significant institutional moments of the Congress: the appointment of the new World Coordinator by the Rector Major. The programme will conclude with a Via Lucis and a moment of fraternal celebration.
Saturday 9 May will be dedicated to looking “outward,” with particular attention to the presence and role of Salesian Cooperators in society. The theme of the day will focus on being “leaven in the world,” especially among young people, families, and the elderly. The programme includes a round-table discussion with young people from different continents, followed by work sessions by geographical areas reflecting on how the Association can continue to be a living sign of the Salesian charism in various cultural and social contexts. The day will also include the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Association and one of the most significant institutional moments of the Congress: the appointment of the new World Coordinator by the Rector Major. The programme will conclude with a Via Lucis and a moment of fraternal celebration.
Related News
