Italy – Towards the VIth World Congress of the Salesian Cooperators: Four Days to Celebrate 150 Years of History and Look to the Future
Italy – Towards the VIth World Congress of the Salesian Cooperators: Four Days to Celebrate 150 Years of History and Look to the Future
(ANS – Rome) – Two months remain before the celebration of the VI World Congress of the Association of the Salesian Cooperators – the third group of the Salesian Family, desired and founded by Don Bosco himself – which will take place at Fraterna Domus, near Rome, from 7 to 10 May 2026. The event will represent a moment of great importance for the entire Association, called to live a privileged time to recognize the legacy received and to renew the commitment to live the Salesian lay vocation in everyday life, at the service of young people, families, and communities.
Celebrating an Anniversary and Looking Ahead
The Congress is part of the celebrations marking the anniversary of the foundation of the Association and will offer participants the opportunity to retrace the journey undertaken while also outlining the future perspectives of the mission of the Salesian Cooperators in the world. “It will be a moment to celebrate 150 years while looking to the future of the Association, remembering the path already travelled, as witnesses of a vocation of lay people committed in the Church and in everyday life, at the service of young people,” commented Italo Canaletti, the councillor for the region of Italy – Middle East and Malta.
A Four-Day Thematic Journey
The programme of the Congress will unfold across four thematic days, designed as a progressive journey of reflection and dialogue.
First Day – A Journey Already Travelled
The first day, Thursday 7 May, will be dedicated to the theme “A Journey Already Travelled.” The opening day aims to revisit the history and development of the Association throughout its 150 years of life. After the inaugural ceremony and the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr. Fabio Attard, participants will take part in a keynote presentation entitled “150 Years Building a Better World,” followed by a round-table discussion on the figure and spiritual legacy of Don Bosco. The work will then continue in language groups to encourage dialogue among the different cultural contexts represented.
Second Day – Looking Within the Association
The second day, Friday 8 May, will turn the focus “inward” to the Association itself. Attention will centre on identity, vocation, and the internal challenges that Salesian Cooperators face today in different parts of the world. Contributions will include those of representatives of the Salesian Family, among them Mother Chiara Cazzuola FMA, together with a presentation on the current state of the Association. The work will continue with discussions by Regions and a concluding assembly aimed at gathering shared reflections and perspectives.
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.
Omelia del Rettore Maggiore
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.
