(ANS – Rome) – Graduate in foreign languages and literature, married for almost 40 years, mother of two daughters and grandmother of 4 wonderful grandchildren; has worked in Rome for 35 years, and more particularly in professional formation of young people with her typical Salesian enthusiasm... these are but some of Noemi Bertola's attributes as the new Worldl Coordinator for the Salesian Cooperators, appointed on Saturday, 10th November, at the end of the 4th Congress of the Association which Don Bosco founded. ANS interviewed her to make her better known to the Salesian Family.

"I grew up in a Salesian Sisters' school, so I have just about always been aware of the Salesian Cooperators Association”, she says. “When my daughters were a little older and more independent I happily attended the initial formation course and on the 24th of May 1990 I made my apostolic promise as a Cooperator".

You are the first woman to be World Coordinator. How do you feel about your responsibility?
I feel a huge sense of responsibility not just because I am a woman, but in general, for the trust given me especially involving the final approval of our Project of Apostolic Life. Now this project must be spread to all levels of the Association, be taken to heart by each Cooperator and become a basic tool on the path to holiness. The enthusiasm which women demonstrated when I was appointed Coordinator – especially among Salesian Cooperators from every continent! – gave me even more courage: I am sure I can count on the support and prayers of so many of my sisters.

Which do you think are the most important points for the future of the Cooperators in the message Rector Major's message?
The Rector Major's message was an address offering us many ideas for reflection, but also a way forward: he wants us to be attentive educators, actively engaged in a constantly changing world, a multicultural society often focused only on market models, or so it appears. We have to encourage young people to be active and responsible citizens, seeking personal dignity, respecting everyone's rights. Our better understanding and practice of the Preventive System is undoubtedly an effective tool for forming young people today. This is the commitment that lies ahead.

What contribution can the Cooperators make to the Salesian Family and the Church?
As part of our commitment to society, education, social and especially family policies we need to increasingly emphasise that the work of the Salesian Cooperators and their view of the lay Christian can be an active contribution to the whole Salesian Family and the Church in general. It is my hope that in being part of the Association we sense that we are part of a charismatic Family which, in its various aspects, in what it has set out to do and in ways that meet society's needs, delivers the gift of total dedication to the Church.

What challenges await the Association in the coming years?
I have already mentioned the first, within the Association itself: to know, understand, appreciate, and finally live our Project of Apostolic Life.

As regards the world's broader challenges, I repeat what the Rector Major said: to grow up in society with the ability to make a mark on it by fostering sensitivity, information and formation; to become true Cooperators of God in his great plan of salvation, especially for young people who are “poor, abandoned and at risk”. This can take place, however, only by remaining faithful to the Word of the one Master and trusting totally in His Mother. Don Bosco and the many Saints, Blesseds and Venerables of the Salesian Family are our powerful intercessors and our daily reference models.

Published 19/11/2012