What is OMAEC and why is it important for the Salesian Family?
OMAEC is an organisation founded in the 1960s by past pupils of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA), together with past pupils from 16 other congregations and institutes. Furthermore, within the framework of this congress, SDB and FMA former pupils have actively participated in the organisation, together with past pupils of the Lasallians, the Jesuits and other institutions.
The 16th World Congress: themes and proceedings
The Congress’s theme, “United for Peace”, aimed not only to explore the issue of peace in the current global context but also, as its primary objective, to encourage the commitment of former pupils of Catholic schools in this highly sensitive yet fundamental area.
Over four days, leaders, educators and former pupils from different countries gathered to reflect on peace as a driving force for social development, justice and the role of the lay Catholic in today’s world.
Among the topics discussed and the presentations heard, there was a debate on how true peace is not of this world—achieved solely through diplomatic efforts and compromises—but rather the peace God grants us, which is the fruit of generous love; furthermore, participants reflected together on the inseparable link between justice and peace, as well as on the opportunities and risks that Artificial Intelligence may pose to peace.
Other sessions focused on the role of past pupils as agents and multipliers of peace and, on the final day, on the first witness to peace: that of communion and unity.
The authorities present
Notable speakers included the Vice-President of the Republic, Raquel Peña; Archbishop Héctor Rafael Rodríguez, Archbishop of Santiago de los Caballeros in the Dominican Republic and President of the Dominican Episcopal Conference; the President of OMAEC, Alfonso Giraldo Saavedra; and international and national speakers, such as Fabiola Herrera, volunteer director of the Cathedral Museum.
Among the various speeches, that of the Vice-President of the Dominican Republic was particularly noteworthy. In her address entitled “Peace as the driving force of social development”, she not only spoke profoundly on the value of peace for building more fraternal and humane societies, but also highlighted her personal and active socio-political commitment to the human and Christian development of the country.
The manifesto “United for Peace through Catholic Education”
Before the closing Eucharist, presided over by Coadjutor Archbishop Carlos Tomas Morel at the Primatial Cathedral of America, the Congress concluded with the signing of a manifesto, which we reproduce below:
SANTO DOMINGO MANIFESTO – “United for Peace through Catholic Education”
We, former students of Catholic education from 15 countries and from all the religious congregations that make up OMAEC, gathered in Santo Domingo, the Colonial City, from 30 April to 4 May 2026, declare:
1. Our Founding Conviction
We firmly believe that without justice there is no peace. Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the fruit of respect for human dignity, the rule of law and social justice.
2. Our educational commitment
We embrace the legacy of our founders—Salesians, Marists, Lasallians, Jesuits, Teresians, Marianists, Dominicans and others—to form men and women with a critical conscience, evangelical values and social responsibility. Catholic education must be a breeding ground for citizens who build bridges, not walls.
3. Our call to justice
We commit ourselves to being agents of justice in our countries through our professions, families and communities. We denounce all forms of corruption, exclusion, violence and polarisation that fracture the social fabric. Justice cannot be the privilege of a few; it must be the right of all.
4. Our contribution to peace
We commit ourselves to being peacemakers in a world marked by misinformation and division. We promote fraternal dialogue, reconciliation and intercultural encounter as a path to coexistence.
5. Our concrete action
From today, we commit to:
– Being a witness to integrity in our workplaces and public spheres
– Educating new generations in the values of truth, solidarity and service
– Working as a network through OMAEC to respond to the challenges facing the Caribbean region and the world
6. Our hope
As past pupils of Catholic education, we believe that peace is possible when justice is lived out and taught from childhood. We are “United for Peace” not only as a motto, but as a life’s mission.
{gallery}ANT – Congresso OMAEC 2026{/gallery}
