Malamulele (South Africa). On 25 January 2026, in Malamulele, Limpopo province, four aspiring Salesian Cooperators made their promises.
The Salesian Cooperators group in Malamulele was started in 2022 by Sister Consuelo Aguirre, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, who has since passed away. Sister Christina Laloo, Animator of Saint Dominic Savio Community in Malamulele, of Our Lady of Peace Province (AFM), continues to accompany them on their journey.
After two years of formation, Paulette, Grace, Audrey, and Basani were ready to make their promises. To prepare for this important event, on January 17th they participated in a half-day retreat led by Sister Christina. On January 24th, Sister Giovanna Pesenti, Regional Delegate of CIAM and Provincial Delegate for the Salesian Family, met with them to encourage them to live the Gospel values and the commitments they would undertake as Salesian Cooperators, guided by the Apostolic Life Project.
The ceremony took place on Sunday, January 25th, in the Parish of Saint Benedict in Malamulele, during the Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the parish priest, Father Marsel Samon. The newly appointed Salesian Cooperators were welcomed by Sister Giovanna Pesenti, together with Sister Christina Laloo, the local coordinator.
The celebrations continued with lunch at the Sisters’ house, prepared by the Salesian Cooperators. Mr. Philip Mushaikwa, the provincial secretary, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the members to Sister Giovanna, to the four new members – bringing the total to nine – and to everyone present.
In the 2026 Strenna, the Rector Major, Father Fabio Attard, dedicates an entire chapter to the Salesian Cooperators, on the 150th anniversary of their founding, emphasizing the great relevance of this initiative:
“Don Bosco’s original vision still challenges us today, because it invites us to renew that same apostolic spirit that he envisioned as its basis and foundation. For Don Bosco, the figure of the Salesian Cooperator was a multifaceted figure with a very specific identity and mission. Their identity was that of a Salesian in the world: a Christian (lay person, priest, man or woman) who lives the Salesian spirit in their own life circumstances, in their family, and in society. They are not religious, but they share with the Salesian religious the same heart and the same passion for the salvation of young people.”
May the calling to which the Salesian Cooperators of Malamulele have responded, and their love for Saint John Bosco and Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello, become ever stronger and deeper, in service to the Church, wherever they are engaged in their pastoral ministry.
