(ANS – Vöcklabruck) – “How did God create us? And what do young people need today?” A study seminar organised by the Salesians and Salesian Sisters (FMA)  in Austria opened with these questions. The seminar was comparing Don Bosco's pedagogy with neurobiological understanding today. 170 young people from around the country took part in the seminar, held at Vöcklabruck  from 11-12 October.

The principal speaker was Martin Schweiger, Director of the state body for teaching and teacher formation at Albstadt, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. He was addressing students and researchers interested in subjects to do with neurobiology and study of the human brain. He told them: “In the light of neurobiological research, the way in which Don Bosco educated and led people is exemplary and shows the way by which all relationships between people should be shaped.” He then went on to explain his statement by highlighting particular features of Don Bosco: loving understanding, cheerfulness and joy, music and play and being careful not to put anyone down.

Pupils from Salesian Sisters' schools in Vöcklabruck then put on a “circus story”, creating great enthusiasm amongst the scholars who were present. The educational background to this activity was chosen by Emil Hartmann, director at Don Bosco Bamberg. It was a presentation of the Salesian “Giovanni Circus” – 20 years working with disadvantaged and differently-abled youngsters to discover their talents.

The second day had a session on “Don Bosco's playgrounds”. Fr Franz Schmid, sdb, from Benediktbeuern placed Don Bosco within the context of educational understanding today, while Fr Franz Wöß,  Salesian from Unterwaltersdorf, re-interpreted Don Bosco 's letter from Rome in 1884 in the light of neurobiology, especially the line: “Love what young people love”.

Split up into groups, participants were able to explore concrete aspects of Salesian pedagogical practice: the part played by music, sport, play and the limitations and opportunities of pedagogical activity for minors at risk.

At the conclusion of the study days, organisers were thanked: Sr Maria Maul, FMA, and Fr Franz Schmid, sdb. The next such seminar is expected to be held in October 2014, on Don Bosco's spirituality.

Published 30/10/2013