World, 6 August 2021 -- In spite of the pandemic, the World Confederation went through with their 7th World Congress (online) in the days from July 26 to August 2, 2021 with the theme 'What Resilience for the Association?' The first online and largest World congress among the 32 groups of SF brought together more than 1100 participants.

Among the 13 elected members of the Confederal Council (6 from Europe-Middle East, 4 from Americas, 2 from Asia and one from Africa) we find a new face from the Philippines: Ms. Kathleen Iza Pagkalinawan (present Philippines Federation President). Congratulations!

She brings her long standing charismatic experience of formation, communion and youth ministry from her Federation: 2000-2010 (National secretary), 2010-2017 (Core group member), 2018-now (National president).

Among the 16 groups of the Salesian Family, the FMA past pupils are usually not very well visible. We are happy to share a simple interview with the newly elected Confederal Councilor (2021-2027), Ms. Iza:

What is your dream for your Association?

I dream of the time when more people know will know about our Association, the Past Pupils. It is not because of what comes with fame such as glory or praises, but I would like us to be known for the Salesian-Mornesian identity and values we emanate, so that those who bear witness can reciprocate. Perhaps then, this world will be kinder and better.

What is your takeaway from this 7th World Congress?

There is hope, always, because there is God.

For even from way before the time of our founders, there have also experienced dark and challenging times—whether it be a conflict within a person, or a small unit of society or even at a larger scale, like this pandemic, and somehow, by God’s grace, humanity has always been spared.

That is love, God’s love, that has made it possible. It is in His love that we can build resilience.

Your greeting to the wider Salesian Family in the EAO region?

Live Jesus and Mary, dear members of the Salesian Family!

Thank you for all your warm greetings, prayers and support for my election as the Asian Confederal Councillor of the Past Pupils of the FMA for the next 6 years...

In these challenging times, let us be a source of hope, courage, and understanding not only to others but also among ourselves; for even if we have come from different groups in different parts of the world, we share the same Salesian values and culture. We belong to one Salesian family!

Warmest regards from the Philippines!

For those who are interested in the Congress content, it is easy to access on the FMA Past Pupils Confederation website (Message of the Rector Major, Message of FMA Mother general, Key talks about Resilience and Sustainable future of our Common Home).