(ANS - Rome) - The Association of Catholic School Parents has decided to award the "Macchi Prize" 2015 to Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major, representing the whole Salesian Congregation. The award took place last Friday, 20 March, in the Sala Promoteca at the Capitol in Rome. Fr Francesco Cereda, Vicar of the Rector Major, was there to receive the award.

The Macchi Prize is awarded by the Association of Catholic School Parents at its National Congress, to individuals or institutions who have distinguished themselves in social and cultural activities, by a significant innovative contribution to promote freedom of education and school choice. The prize is dedicated to the memory of Professor Mario Macchi, one of the founders of the Association of Catholic School Parents in Liguria, and Founder of the European Association of parents of Catholic schools. The prize was awarded in the past to the Religious Order of the Scolopi and to Fr Luigi Giussani, founder of Communion and Liberation, now a Servant of God.

The award was given as a mark of "appreciation and gratitude to Don Bosco for his charitable work that has lasted for 200 years, through the Salesian Family, forming 'good Christians and honest citizens' especially for the most disadvantaged and poorest young people. (...) According to the letter of nomination, “Salesian schools represent a large and important part of the Catholic school and vocational training of Christian inspiration in Italy. Their work is recognized by all, but especially parents, for their exemplary dedication to education, the quality of education, hospitality and family involvement and openness to society."

The relationship between the Association and the Salesians has become even closer and more fruitful by the fact that the last two national assistants of the Association were Salesians, Fr Pierino de Giorgi and Fr Renato Mion.

In accepting the award Fr Cereda thanked the National President of the Association, Roberto Gontero, and other members who were present. He reiterated the commitment of the Congregation to work with parents. Quoting Benedict XVI, he said: "Today you cannot do Youth Ministry without Family Ministry." Among the emerging challenges he mentioned affective education and the preservation of an "anthropology of difference."

There are two short videos of the event on ANSChannel.

Published 23/03/2015