By TLS SC

       Venilale, Timor-Leste, 16 May 2023 -- On Saturday, 13 May 2023, on the occasion of the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima and the Feast of St Mary Domenica Mazzarello, fifteen men and women made their promise as Salesian Cooperators before Fr Anacleto Pires, SDB, TLS Provincial. It is their will to live their baptism according to the Project of Apostolic Life as intended and proposed by St John Bosco as an apostolic expression of the Salesian Vocation in society (Art 32).

       They join the association which Don Bosco himself established in 1876. After a long process of discernment and accompaniment, these men and women finally made their promise to God to cooperate with the local Salesian community at Venilale to spread the charism of St John Bosco wherever they live and work. They took part in the Mass at which by Fr. Anacleto was the main celebrant, together with two concelebrant priests including the Delegate for ASC, Fr Silvano de Oliveira, SDB, and in the presence of two FMA sisters, the leader of TLS Salesian Cooperators and other members of Salesian Cooperators from Laga Chapter and Dili Chapter.

       Having some members from another two local chapters is an expression of support to the newly promised members. The majority of the members of the Salesian Cooperators in Venilale are professional teachers, and some are married, but some single members dedicate themselves to the welfare of young people, live, and are guided by the Salesian spirit. Fr Anacleto reminded the newly promised members of two questions: why did they join the association and what do they do after making their promise? They must know this association in the first place. After knowing the association, they are to love it and its apostolic life. After falling in love, they follow this association. And lastly, the most important one is to serve and be ready to help in the schools, in the parish, and or in the diocese. Just like Mary who was obedient to God, like St John Bosco and St Mary Domenica Mazzarello, may the new membersive faithfully according to their statutes and regulations as Salesian Cooperators.

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