A Co-operator is a true Salesian in the World, a Christian Layman, Laywoman or Priest who even without the vows of Religion follow his/her own special vocation to holiness according to the spirit of DON BOSCO by offering themselves to work for the Youth and the masses in the service of the local Church and in communion with the entire SALESIAN FAMILY.
The Union of the Salesian Co-operators was officially instituted on 9 May 1876 by a brief of Pius IX
Co-operators and the Salesian Family (Const. 5)
Don Bosco inspired the start of a vast movement of persons who in different ways work for the salvation of the young.
He himself founded not only the Society of of St Francis de Sales but also the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Association of Salesian Co-operators. These live in communion with each other, share the same spirit and, with specifically distinct vocations, continue the mission he began. Together with these groups and with other born later we make up the Salesian Family
SPECIAL BENEFITS THAT COME TO A SALESIAN FAMILY CO-OPERATOR
· personal encouragement and support in the work of Christian apostolate from other members of the association and the entire Salesian Family of which the Co-operator is a full member;
· as a secular member of the worldwide Salesian Family he/she shares in and promotes the work and spirit of Don Bosco;
· the Co-operator enjoys immense spiritual benefits. During life and after death he/she shares in the daily Masses, prayers, and good works of the entire Salesian Family.
THE MISSION FIELD OF THE SALESIAN CO-OPERATOR
The following are some of the principal areas of action in which the Co-operators pursue their mission, each one according to their own capacity and time at their disposal:
· before all else - attention to the young, especially from the poor classes and the fringe groups exposed to the dangers of atheism, vice, drugs, sexual permissiveness …
· problems connected with the family, the education of the young, their preparation for marriage and their future life in society;
· the fostering of apostolic vocations (lay, clerical, religious) for the benefit of Church and society;
· catechetical work and active involvement in local parish life and organization;
· cooperation in bringing the Gospel message to non Christians, the promotion of lay missionary movements and the ecumenical initiatives;
· efforts to work for justice and condemnation of whatever fosters oppression, violence, poverty. A readiness to stand for public office in order to bring about good governance and progress;
· dedication to constructing a more humane and just society, joining forces with others working in this field.
WHAT IS NECESSARY TO BECOME A SALESIAN CO-OPERATOR?
· a clear realization that every baptized Christian is ‘called’ by God to find his/her original position in the Church, sharing in its common mission;
· an understanding of an authentic Christian life. One strives to move away from formal piety to a deeper spiritual life. A serious period of Formation is a must;
· a sensitivity to the problems of the young and the poor; sympathy for them and a desire to help them and care for their human and Christian improvement of life;
· a desire to know Don Bosco better, to follow him with commitment and to work in the Church, with his style of life;
· a sense of family when one enjoys meeting others and working with them. Much value is set on co-responsibility and collaboration;
· a readiness to commit oneself permanently to a full Christian life in the spirit of Don Bosco
MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION
* an aspirant who is 18 years and above makes a free choice to accept an adequate programme of formation, to verify that the calling really exists;
* official entry into the Association takes place by making a ‘Promise’ that expresses the will to live one’s baptismal promises in keeping with the Gospel and the Salesian spirit;
* the ‘Regulations ‘ contain the statutes of the Association and describe the Cooperators’ plan of life that is an authentic path of apostolic holiness;
* formative activities that strengthen the vocation are: monthly meetings, significant times of prayer and discernment, frequent contacts with other groups of the Salesian Family, access to Salesian literature;
* the fundamental nucleus is the Local Centre with its own Council and a delegate (SDB). A number of these centres come together to form a Provincial Council. At national/Regional level there is the Conference. The World Consulting Body with elected members from all Regions guides the Association and is directly responsible to the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation