Meeting and new President ACSSA Spain

Madrid (Spain). On 27 September 2025, in Madrid, at the headquarters of the Mary Help of Christians Province (SPA), the meeting of the Association of Connoisseurs of Salesian History of Spain (ACSSA-E) was held, with the participation of members of the Salesian community engaged in research, dissemination, and conservation of the Salesian historical heritage.

The day began with a prayer presided over by the President, Fr. Jesús-Graciliano González, Salesian of Don Bosco of Saint James the Greater Province (SSM), followed by the approval of the previous minutes. The Chairman introduced the session, noting the excellent reception of no. 11 of the journal REACSSA, published in May and devoted to the missions. He also officially welcomed Pilar Prieto as a new member of the Association.

During the session, information was shared on some initiatives, such as the exhibits of the Missionary Office, guided tours of the Salesian-Estrecho church, and progress in research on historical figures of Salesian martyrs and of Blessed Augustus Czartoryski.

One of the central moments was the presentation of the reports that ACSSA-E will bring to the Continental Seminar, which will be held from 22 to 26 October in Rome. Three studies of particular note were highlighted:

• The Spanish contribution to the Salesian missions, by Jesús-Graciliano González.
• The contribution of the Spanish Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to the Salesian Missions (1886-2025), by Fatima Quevedo.
• The Salesian missionaries: A complete list of Salesians sent in mission, by Antonio Fuentes.

The report on the closure of the CCS publishing house and future prospects for Salesian publications was also presented, in order to adequately inform the Association.

In relation to the next issue of the REACSSA magazine, the figure of the Salesian coadjutor was proposed as a topic of particular interest, with the aim of examining his identity and vocational aspects in depth.

Lastly, the new presidency of ACSSA-E was elected, which saw Sister María Teresa Batista Llano, FMA, elected by consensus, who received unanimous support. This new phase opens with the proposal to revise the statutes, to adapt the organizational structure to current challenges.

Sister María Teresa takes over from Fr. Jesús Graciliano González Miguel, who resigned after having carried out tireless work and service for several years in favor of the conservation of the Salesian historical heritage of Spain.

“We congratulate all the participants on their commitment to Salesian memory and encourage the educating community to continue to support these initiatives that strengthen our identity and mission” is the Association’s message.

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