By Joaquim Taveira da Fonseca,
National Delegate for the Salesian Family
The event was attended by Fr Francesco Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Pierluigi Cameroni, Postulator for the Cause of the Saints and Spiritual Animator of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA), Raúl Abad, World Councilor of the Salesian Cooperators for the Iberian Region and Luis Fernando Álvarez, National Delegate of the Don Bosco Past Pupils of Spain. Also present was Fr José Aníbal Mendonça, Superior of the Salesian Province of Portugal. The Congress itself was chaired and directed by Ms. María José Barroso, National Coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators.
The Archbishop of Braga, Monsignor Jorge Ortiga, honored the participants with his presence and addressed them with an engaging and stimulating speech, perfectly framed in the charism of St. John Bosco and in the aims of the Congress. Also present was the Reverend Parish Priest of the parish of Balazar, who gave his greetings and wished the best for the event's fulfillment.
The approximately 90 congress attendants present were greeted with attention and affection by Mrs. Maria Rita Scrimieri and her collaborators, who created a true family spirit and made all participants feel at home.
The program of the day took place scrupulously and serenely. Fr Pierluigi Cameroni spoke about the Blessed Alessandrina da Costa as Salesian Cooperator and Raúl Abad referred to the apostolic action of the Cooperators. The afternoon was dedicated to the planning required by the Apostolic Project of Life. This important and obligatory moment was directed by Mrs María José Barroso. The pastoral year was evaluated and the objectives for the new year 2019 - 2020 were presented.
Fr Francesco Cereda, who presided over the Eucharistic celebration, then received the promises of 17 aspiring Salesian Cooperators.
