Historic Gathering for Salesian Cooperators in eSwatini

by Fr Vaclav Klement SDB · Published October 8, 2024 · Updated October 9, 2024

By Vaclav Klement SDB – Fifty Salesian Cooperators and Aspirants from eSwatini, Lesotho, and South Africa convened in Manzini, eSwatini, for the AFM Provincial Congress (October 3-6, 2024). This marked a significant milestone for this large group within the Salesian Family, as they prepare for their 150th anniversary in 2026.

Renewed Focus on Formation and Collaboration

This Salesian Family group, founded by St. John Bosco in 1876, was launched in Cape Town in the early 20th century, and was formally established as the official ‘AFM Province’ in 2018, made up of 5 local centres, two in Lesotho: Maseru and Maputsoe, three in South Africa: Cape Town, Gauteng and Limpopo, with another three local centres in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Manzini.

Cooperators were accompanied by their provincial delegates, Fr Alberto Villalba, SDB and Sr Giovanna Pesenti, FMA in the presence of AFM Salesian provincial Fr Vaclav Klement, SDB and Br Clarence Watts (Salesian Family delegate). The presence of the first 6 Swazi candidates to the Salesian Cooperators vocation and 3 young Austrian volunteers from Lesotho also gave a special taste to this historic congress.

The congress emphasised ongoing formation through discussions on:

Deepening Salesian spirituality through reflection on Don Bosco’s Dream and the 2024 Strenna theme.
Making the most of the 150th-anniversary preparation period (2023-2026) with the theme “Remember, Renew, Relaunch.”
Sharing apostolic experiences like the Don Bosco Letter from Rome (1884) and the Bosco youth ministry project.

Strengthening Ties within the Church and Salesian Family

The congress fostered a sense of belonging through interactions with:

Bishop Jose Luis Ponce de Leon of Manzini, who encouraged the Cooperators to be more visible and contribute their charism.
Presenters on the “Alpha Course” for engaging young people in the faith.
The World Coordinator, Mr. Antonio Boccia, highlighting their global network of 27,000 members.

Investment in Formation and Communication

Recognising the importance of ongoing learning, the congress provided valuable resources:

A Digital Salesian Library with digital resources on Don Bosco and Salesian spirituality.
A 1500-page Don Bosco resource book for in-depth study.
Plans for a provincial program to train lay formators.

Celebrating Swazi Culture and Looking Ahead

Participants experienced Swazi culture through an outing, and a new AFM provincial Facebook page was launched for increased digital presence. The next AFM Congress will be held in Cape Town in October 2025.

This first provincial congress marks a significant step forward for the Salesian Cooperators in Southern Africa. By focusing on formation, collaboration, and communication, they are poised to play a stronger role in the Church and Salesian Family.