Association of Salesian Cooperators

The Association of Salesian Cooperators (ASC) is a lay association in the Catholic Church and the third order of the Salesians. It is also one of the three main branches of the Salesian Family founded directly by Don Bosco in 1876. 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.

The ASC's superior is the Rector Major of the Salesians, inside a board of trust known as the World Council. Priests and bishops of the dioceses can join this movement, sharing the ideals and educative philosophies of Don Bosco.

History


After John Bosco's ordination, he took up work in Turin, where he was friends with priest and social reformer Joseph Cafasso. In 1846, Bosco became ill and his mother, Margherita Occhiena moved to Turin to care for him. After he recovered, she stayed to assist him in his work with the poor and abandoned boys who were flocking to the city. For the next ten years she served as a surrogate mother for the hundreds of boys who called her "Mamma Margherita". Occhiena is considered the first Salesian Cooperator.

In 1876 Don Bosco discussed his plan to create the Association of Salesian Cooperators, "It has hardly come into existence and it already numbers many members. Its aim is mutual assistance: spiritual, moral and also financial...

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.

In 1877, Bosco created the Salesian Bulletin to "link Salesians and cooperators." In the General Chapter of 1877 he reported the development of the cooperators and the Salesian Bulletin. 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 (...)

Present day
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. As of 2023, ACS has a membership of about 30,000, and is present in 58 countries. The headquarters are in Rome.

Generally the Salesian Cooperators are affiliated with a local Salesian school, parish and youth center. In some situations, particularly in the Third World, they manage oratories, schools and family hostels.

Notable members

 * Venerable Dorotea de Chopitea
 * Servant of God Matilde Salem
 * Sean Devereux