Rome (Italy). From 13 to 15 February 2026, the Assembly of the Presidency of the Association of Salesian History Scholars (ACSSA) took place at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome, dedicated to preparing for the 2027 World Congress on the theme “Salesian Missions in the World”.
The meeting opened with a moment of prayer, followed by a greeting from the President, Sister Maria Maul, FMA, and a welcome from Father José Anibal Milhais Mendonça Pinto, Superior of the Vice Province of Mary Queen of Wisdom (UPS).
During the Assembly, significant institutional meetings were held: with Sister Maria Luisa Nicastro, Secretary General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; with Father Guido Garino, Secretary General of the Salesian Congregation; and with the Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University, Father Andrea Bozzolo. These meetings offered an updated overview of the protection of Salesian cultural heritage and the promotion of research, while also taking into account ecclesial and academic perspectives in view of the international meeting of 2027. The members of the Presidency also had the opportunity to meet with the Superior General of the FMA Institute, Mother Chiara Cazzuola.
Ample time was devoted to the evaluation of the five continental seminars (Africa–Madagascar, America, South Asia, Europe, East Asia–Oceania), with the presentation of reports by their respective Councilors. The general plan for the Proceedings was also finalized, specifying editorial methodology and common editorial guidelines. The Assembly began discernment on the papers to be presented again at the 2027 International Conference, as well as on the draft of the Congress’s general program, presented by Sister Imaculada da Silva, FMA, and Mrs. Pamela Alarcón.
Organizational issues included preparing the promotional brochure, the Congress budget, and the Association’s financial situation. The membership fee for the three-year period 2024–2026 was also discussed.
Particularly noteworthy were the presentations by the national sections (Argentina, Brazil, India, Italy, Poland, and Spain), which highlighted the vitality of Salesian historical research in various contexts. The proposal to establish ACSSA Ecuador–Peru was also considered, as well as the proposal to merge Chile with ACSSA Argentina, as a sign of further expansion of the association network.
Among the cultural options, the possibility of creating an exhibit or film dedicated to Salesian missions around the world, in preparation for the Congress, was explored. The anniversary of ACSSA’s founding (9 October 1996) was also commemorated as an opportunity to renew the Association’s identity and mission.
The Assembly examined new editorial proposals, including Ariel Fresia’s study on the Manuel Molina documentary collection and the preparation of the ACSSA Informa 2025 bulletin. The “Rizoma Project” proposal, aimed at the digital reunification of the Salesian historical archives, was also presented, emphasizing its strategic importance for research.
Among the most significant resolutions were the admission examination of 27 new candidates and the proposed appointment of Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime and Sister Piera Cavaglià, former Secretary of the FMA Institute, as Honorary Members. The Assembly also began preparations for the election of the new Presidency for the five-year term 2027–2032 and formulated a call for the promotion of the Salesian heritage at the 25th General Chapter of the FMA Institute, which will take place in 2027.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on ACSSA’s future development plans, with a view to strengthening international collaboration and promoting the historical heritage of the Salesian missions, in view of the 2027 World Congress.
