(ANS - Rome) - "It's not a nostalgic look back at the past, nor a parochial event, but an opportunity to renew our commitment to reach young people and accompany them in their challenges." With these words, Fr Pascual Chávez, Rector Major of the Salesians, revealed to reporters during an international press conference, the significance of the Bicentenary Year of the Birth of Don Bosco (1815-2015), which will open on 16 August 2014.

The Press Conference was held in Rome this morning, 6 February, at the Foreign Press Association in Italy. The moderator was Dr Antonio Preziosi, Director of Rai Radio News and Radio 1. In addition to Fr Chávez, those present included: Mother Yvonne Reungoat, Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians; Bishop Mario Toso, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace;  Fr Roberto Gottardo, President of the Commission of the Diocese of Turin for the Shroud, and two young people of the Salesian Youth Movement, Renato Cursi and Giorgia Intreccialagli.

At the opening there was a showing of a short video made by Don Bosco Missions in collaboration with the Department of Social Communications. It portrayed with authoritative citations and evocative images how the dream of Don Bosco is now shared and disseminated all over the world. The video is available on YouTube on ANSChannel.

A message from the President of the Italian Senate, the Hon. Pietro Grasso, was then read. In it he emphasized that "Don Bosco has left a message that is relevant today," teaching us to live with differences and develop attitudes of responsibility, acceptance and solidarity.

The first to speak was Fr Chávez. Emphasizing the relevance of Don Bosco in our time, he said that "he knew how to read the social reality of his time, he recognised  poor young people as the first recipients of his efforts and he gave them the best gift had to offer – education." The Rector Major then outlined the three major challenges facing young people today and showed how the responses of Don Bosco are still relevant today. The best way to respond to young people’s lack of self-confidence is by involving them in activities.  Fear of the future can be overcome through education and professional training. The generation gap between the world of adults and youth can be met only by being present with the young and sharing life with them.

Bishop Toso said that the Congregation and the Salesian Family are “a Church that reaches out." Following the example of Don Bosco, we continue to go to the young people at the physical and human margins of society. The Bishop mentioned some examples of the commitment of Salesians and the Salesian Family in the field of school work, higher education and vocational training.

Mother Reungoat, recalled the close relationship of trust between Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello for the education of the young, which was quite unusual at the time. She explained that the Salesian mission does not belong exclusively to the Salesians but is shared with all the members of the Salesian Family. She defined the Bicentennial as "a new call to engage in the mission of education for young people." This is the mission that the FMA will continue to carry out in the ninety-four countries in which they are present.

Fr Gottardo spoke of the extraordinary exposition of the Shroud in the spring of 2015, just five years since the last. He confirmed that it was planned specifically in relation to the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco. This is precisely why young people will be key players and will collaborate directly in the organization of the exposition.

Giorgia Intreccialagli then highlighted the importance of her Salesian education - something that helped her to feel loved and to know Jesus - and the value of the missionary experience she had with the Salesians in Venezuela.

Renato Cursi, a young Salesian Cooperator, said that his first meeting with Don Bosco took place in an oratory through sport, and later developed into a relationship of faith and life. He also announced the plan of the SYM to mark the bicentennial of Don Bosco by bringing 10,000 young people to Colle Don Bosco.

The final intervention was that of the television presenter, Cristina Chiabotto, Miss Italy 2004. She gave her testimony of Don Bosco and the relevance of his charism today. She recalled her experience as a pupil and past pupil of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, and admitted to still having the smile and the enthusiasm of Don Bosco in her professional and personal life.

The Year of the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco (16 August 2014 – 16 August 2015) is a year of celebration to remember a man whose teaching, after 200 years, is still as relevant as the subject of the education of young. It comes after three years of preparation that led the whole Salesian Family to rediscover the history (2011-2012), pedagogy (2012-2013) and spirituality (2013-2014) of the priest, educator and saint from Turin.

Published 06/02/2014