The 6th World Congress of the Association of Salesian Cooperators, scheduled for 7–10 May 2026 at the Fraterna Domus retreat house in Sacrofano, on the outskirts of Rome, will be an event of international significance bringing together members from across the globe for a time of reflection, evaluation and renewal of the association’s journey, marking 150 years of history.

The Congress will be structured around four thematic days, each with a specific focus in terms of content and methodology. The opening day, scheduled for 7 May, will be dedicated to “A Journey Travelled”, with the aim of revisiting the history and evolution of the Association over its first century and a half of existence. The programme includes the opening ceremony (available via live stream) and the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, followed by a presentation focusing on the Association’s contribution to building a better world and a round-table discussion inspired by Don Bosco’s charism (both of which will also be streamed). Work will then continue in groups, with a specific focus on the changes experienced and emerging challenges.

The second day, 8 May, will instead be oriented towards “An inward look”, centring on reflection on the identity and vocation of the Salesian Cooperators. This perspective will include presentations by Mother Chiara Cazzuola, Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and other representatives of the Salesian Family, together with a presentation on the current state of the Association (available via live stream) by the World Coordinator, Antonio Boccia. The discussion will continue at regional level, through working groups dedicated to analysing needs and critical issues, before culminating in a summary assembly.

9 May will be dedicated to “A Look Outwards”, with the aim of exploring the Association’s role as an active presence in society, particularly amongst young people, families and the elderly. The programme includes a round table (available via live stream) with young people from different continents, followed by working sessions organised by geographical area aimed at identifying concrete ways to be a leaven in the world. On this day, the Association’s 150th anniversary will also be celebrated, and the Rector Major will appoint the new World Coordinator (both events will be streamed live). The day will conclude with a Via Lucis (Way oi Light) and a cultural evening.

Finally, on 10 May, the Congress will focus on “A path to follow”, with an eye to the future. The proceedings will be geared towards defining proposals and lines of development for the 2026–2032 six-year term, through the presentation of contributions from around the world and moments of shared discernment. Voting sessions are planned, along with the drafting of the programmatic guidelines that will guide the Association in the coming years. The Congress will conclude with a Eucharistic celebration (available via live stream) and final farewells.

The entire programme is designed as an experience of communion and shared responsibility, in which historical memory, charismatic identity and future planning will be systematically interwoven. In this way, the 6th World Congress aims to represent a significant milestone for the Association of Salesian Cooperators, called to renew its commitment to the Church and society, in continuity with the charism of Don Bosco and in response to the challenges of the present day.