(ANS - Rome) – Wednesday 21 October is the date scheduled for the solemn inauguration of the academic year 2015-2016 at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS). It coincides with the seventy-sixth anniversary of the opening of the University of Don Bosco in Rome.

The inauguration takes place at a time of change marked by the appointment of the new Rector Magnificus, Professor Mauro Mantovani. He was nominated on 16 July by the Congregation for Catholic Education, appointed officially on 10 August, and took up office at the beginning of September.

As is the tradition, the inauguration will have two parts which will take place in separate locations. The first is at 9.30 in the parish church of Our Lady of Hope, adjacent to the University, with Mass celebrated by Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco and Grand Chancellor of the UPS. The second part - the Academic Ceremony – is scheduled for 11.15 in the Paul VI Hall in the Salesian University.

The Grand Chancellor will also attend the Academic Ceremony which will include the Report of the Rector, Professor Mantovani. The Keynote Address by Professors Giulia Paola Di Nicola and Attilio Danese is entitled "The family today: challenges and resources". A medal will be conferred on retired teachers and awards presented to students who have distinguished themselves for academic merit.  The academic year will be declared open by the Chancellor.

During the Ceremony a music group, coordinated by professor Claudia Caneva, will perform excerpts from the repertoire of classical music. The University Choir conducted by Professor Santiago Gassin will sing during the Mass.

Professors Danese and di Nicola are husband and wife. Professor Danese lectures in Political Philosophy and Professor di Nicola in Sociology. Together they edit the cultural magazine Prospettiva Persona. Theyare members of the International Academy INTAMS in Brussels. Each of them has published several books and essays among them "Antigone. Female figure of transgression" by Professor di Nicola (Effatà, Cantalupa - Turin, 2010); and "The anthropological problem: the Personalism of Emmanuel Mounier" by Professor Danese (Ladolfi, Borgomanero, 2012).

Published 12/10/2015