This Salesian Family group, founded by St John Bosco in 1876, was launched in Cape Town in the early 20th century, but only in 2018 was it formally established as an official ‘AFM Province’ (Coordinator Mr Chester Browne), comprising 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). 

Fifty Salesian Cooperators were accompanied by their provincial delegates, Fr Alberto Villalba, SDB and Sr Giovanna Pesenti, FMA in the presence of the AFM Salesian Superior 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 four days of this annual event were marked by daily Mass, animated by all regions of AFM province, life and mission experience sharing, spiritual and apostolic input:

– Guided Reflection on Don Bosco’s Dream (1824-2024) explored Salesian spirituality insights, in tune with the 2024 Salesian Family ‘Strenna’ (motto)

– How to make the best of the ongoing three years of preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Association (2023-2026) – ‘Remember – Renew – Relaunch.

– Salesian apostolic spirituality sharing: Don Bosco’s Letter from Rome (1884)

– Presentation and sharing of each local centre life achievements and challenges.

– Interaction with the eSwatini Salesian Family: SDB community in Malkearns, Manzini, Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians in Malkerns, Don Bosco Past Pupils eSwatini

However, he main fruit of this memorable AFM Congress 2024 is the wide-open window on the communion in the Church, the worldwide Salesian Family and their mission:

– Much appreciated encounter with Manzini Bishop Jose Luis de Ponce, ICM (Consolata missionary) inspired the participants with deep insight into the lifelong faith formation and dynamic life of Manzini diocese, encouragement to be more visible in the Church and contribute with their specific charism to the Body of Christ.

– Taking advantage of the closeness of Manzini diocesan meeting venues, the Salesian Cooperators also enjoyed a vibrant presentation of the ‘Alpha Course’ as an attractive and interactive presentation of the Catholic faith, especially to the young people.

– One former Swazi volunteer at Bosco (SA, Johannesburg) enthusiastically shared the impact of this 30-year Salesian project of on-the-job training of youth ministers.

– Online encounter with the World Coordinator, Mr Antonio Boccia (Italian sharing interpreted in English) also strengthened the sense of belonging to the 115 countries large and 27.000 members strong global association.

– Saturday afternoon was dedicated to exposure to Swazi culture and outing around Manzini and Malkerns (Salesian parish of St John Bosco)

This annual AFM Congress of Salesian Cooperators also confirmed the vital importance and necessity of investing in life-long formation. Salesian Cooperators were provided with a large ‘Digital Salesian Library’ (USB), a Don Bosco resource book (1500 pages) and the formation of lay formators at the province level is coming soon.  

During the Congress gathered also local centres centre communicators with Ms. Tlhakiso Thabo (provincial councillor for SC) to foster the urgent need for more visibility in the digital world and mutual sharing among the centres in all 3 countries. AFM provincial Facebook page was opened in 2023.

The next annual AFM Congress of Salesian Cooperators will be held in October 2025 in Cape Town, the birthplace of this Salesian Family group in Southern Africa more than 100 years ago.

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