(ANS- Rome) – Preparations for Salesian participation in Expo2015 begin today. This is an important undertaking for us in the Salesian Family and there is a significant precedent - Don Bosco himself was involved in Expo.

by FrClaudio Belfiore
Delegate of the Rector Major to Expo2015

Don Bosco took part in the General Exhibition in Turin in 1884.  He set up a production line consisting of several machines with which he demonstrated "the ingenious work that starts with a rag and continues to paper, font,printing, binding and eventually a book," as he himself said in a letter.

The history of the Salesian presence at the Expo in Milan began in 2012. The first contacts occurred in the spring, but the formal agreement was signed - on the recommendation of the General Council of the Salesian Congregation – by Don Bosco Network (DBN) and the International Voluntary Service for Development (VIS) on 11 October 2012.  The Salesians were committed to attend with various activities and initiatives for at least 30 days.

A new stage was reached in July 2014 when Civil Society Participants (i.e. non-profit organizations other than States, which are the first and main participants in the exhibition) were given the possibility ofrequesting a free site to erect their display stands. Then we realized the considerable effort that would be needed, both from the economic point of view (the construction and management of the pavilion), and from the point of view of the events to be organized. These will have to cover not just 30 days but a continuous period of six months. Expo2015 will last from 1 May to 31 October 2015, overlapping more or less with the Bicentenary year of Don Bosco.

New playershave now entered the stage. Various groups of the Salesian Family have expressed an interest and have made themselves available to participate in some way. A Salesian Past Pupil who is an entrepreneur and a passionate friend of Don Bosco is involved financially and in person to draw attention to Don Bosco and his work in the world.

In summary, the Salesian presence at Expo 2015 will have a stand of about 350 square metres on a plot of 747 square metres for the full six months. The pavilion will be called CASA DON BOSCO and the theme of the presentation will be "EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE, ENERGY FOR LIFE".  The presence of the Salesian Family here will serve to highlight the Bicentenary of Don Bosco and the Strennafor 2015. Most importantly, it will draw the world's attention to young people, "the most delicate and most precious sector of human society" as Don Bosco used to say.

It is a unique and providential occasion that challenges us to interact with almost the entire world (more than 140 participating nations), to offer our cultural and educational contribution inspired by Don Bosco, to understand and witness how important young people are in the lives of every social and ecclesial community and for the entire planet.

For more information and contact details contact info@expodonbosco2015.org.

To send a description of initiatives and activities to be presented at the Expo:  events@expodonbosco2015.org.

If you are in Italy and wish to visit Expo, you can prebook daily tickets by writing to ticket@expodonbosco2015.org.

Published 07/11/2014