Association of Salesian Cooperators

[1] The movement was created with the purpose to share the ideals of the Salesian Preventive System in the education of young people, especially those who are poorest.

[2] Priests and bishops of the dioceses can join this movement, sharing the ideals and educative philosophies of Don Bosco.

Its aim is mutual assistance: spiritual, moral and also financial...[4] Don Bosco formed the Association with the help of Pope Pius IX.

The membership grew rapidly, and with their help, the Cooperators made it possible to create and develop workshops for arts and crafts, mutual aid societies, farm projects, printing shops, day and evening schools, oratories, homes and shelters, missions and orphanages.

He described the Association as people who wish to devote themselves to works of mercy in a specific rather than general way and he underlined that the mission of the cooperators is to take care of boys, who are exposed to immorality, catechizing them, keeping them happily busy on Sundays and holy days, finding them jobs with honest employers (...)[6] Members are lay men and women, or diocesan clergy, who dedicate themselves to the welfare of young people, and live guided by Don Bosco's Salesian Spirit.