(ANS – Assisi) – Between 4 and 7 September, at Assisi, there was the second Happening of the Italian Oratories, entitled H₂O. Among the large numbers present were Youth Ministry representatives and those responsible for Oratories, Youth Leaders anxious to learn from the experieces of others and representatives of religious Congregations working with the young such as the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.

The event was organised by the  Italian Oratories Forum in harmony with the National Youth Ministry Service of the  Italian Bishps’ Conference.

At the opening ceremenoy in the LyricTheatre were the Minister for Education, Universities and Research, the Hon. Stefania Giannini, and Card. Gualtiero Bassetti, archbishop of Perugia and Vice President of the CEI. “I am very pleased to be able to speak to the educational alliance  of oratories and schools because in our view the school is not only a physical space but a space of the spirit. Not only are lessons in the class room important but also the set of relationships that are formed within and outside it.  The Oratory does this” the Minister said, indicating the importance and social and civil relevance of the Oratory.

In the three days of work those taking part considered the theme –“LabOratories of Community” – by means of twinning, the comparison between various Oratories and other situations, talks and discussions on issues such as the common good, being welcoming, leadership, educational relationships in which they tried to find new ideas  to “create community” and find the best ways and means to establish the value of the Oratory nowadays.

The groups belonging to the Salesian Family, represented by a significant number of leaders and directors of Oratories, made a significant contribution explaining the “good practices” evolved in their own situations: frequently mentioned was Don Bosco and his wealth of educational experience and teaching.

“Throughout Italy there is a dream of the Oratory to accompany little ones in their development. However, it is important to invest in this powerful means – the best and most effective in youth ministry ” Fr Michele Falabretti, director of the National Youth Ministry Service observed in his final reflections.

Relevant material is available on the official site of the Italian Oratories Forum www.oratori.org.

Published 18/09/2014