9th General Assembly of DBVs

9th General Assembly of the Don Bosco Volunteers
“With Christ to Revive the Joy of the Call and the Passion of Witness”

(ANS – Rome – July 23, 2025) – The 9th General Assembly of the secular institute of the Don Bosco Volunteers (DBVs) began on July 17 with a Mass presided over by Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime, SDB, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, rector major emeritus of the Salesians.

The DBVs, the 7th group of the Salesian Family (in order of recognition), were founded in Turin in 1917 by Blessed Philip Rinaldi, Don Bosco’s 3d successor.

The general assembly, the highest governing body of the Institute, brings together 80 DBV delegates, along with others serving in support roles (secretariat, translation, communication, etc.), all gathered to reflect on the theme “With Christ to Revive the Joy of the Call and the Passion of Witness.”

In his homily, Card. Fernandez reminded everyone that the DBV Institute exists not for itself, but as a faith-based reality where the Holy Spirit is the true protagonist. The life of each volunteer, he emphasized, should be centered on God, and in doing so will naturally grow the desire to bring the joy of the Gospel into the heart of the world.

Following the Mass, the DBV delegates and representatives of various groups of the Salesian Family formally opened the assembly.

The world coordinator of the DBVs highlighted the core theme of the assembly,
calling each DBV to renew her desire to live in Christ and to “fill the jars” of her life—allowing herself to be transformed into fruitful love.

Warm greetings followed:

• Card. Fernandez Artime stressed that this assembly is not just a celebration for the Institute, but a joy for the entire Salesian Family.
• Mother Chiara Cazzuola, superior general of the Salesian Sisters, expressed strong affection and emphasized the richness of communion between these 2 female branches of the Salesian Family.
• Antonio Boccia, world coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators, and the world leader of the Volunteers with Don Bosco (CDBs, a male secular institute), also conveyed their deep affection and support.

After the opening ceremony, the assembly moderator presented the schedule and shared some introductory notes. The evening concluded with a sisterly meal.

On Friday, July 18, a day of spiritual retreat was held, including meditations, Eucharistic adoration, and Mass—providing a time of personal reflection and inner preparation.

On Saturday, July 19, the official work began, guided by a structured and rich program that included moments of prayer, assembly work, spiritual reflection, and community life. The opening sessions featured the report of the world coordinator on the state of the Institute, the financial report, and the presentation of the internal regulations.

After electing secretaries and scrutineers, the delegates registered into working groups for reviewing and updating the base document—an activity that continued through Sunday, July 20. All proposals for amendments were submitted to the coordinating group.

On Monday, July 21, the assembly shared a special moment: a Jubilee pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica. Work resumed in the afternoon with the discussion of the first proposed changes to the base document.

This same rhythm continued on July 22-24, focusing on the gradual study and provisional approval of the document’s 3 parts and related action plans, leading up to the final approval of the 9th General Assembly Document.

Throughout the week, fraternity among the volunteers was nurtured by evening activities, each animated by different DBV regions from around the world.

Friday, July 25, was dedicated to discernment: following personal prayer and silent adoration, the election of the new world coordinator and her vicar took place.

On Saturday, July 26, voting continued for the election of central councilors, followed by an opportunity for participants to offer suggestions to the new council. The day closed with a sisterly celebration.

The 9th General Assembly of the DBVs officially concluded on Sunday, July 27, with the final mandates to the central council, a farewell address by the newly elected world coordinator, and the closing Mass, marking both the end of the assembly and the beginning of a new chapter in the life of the Institute.