(ANS - Rome) - World Expo Milan 2015 will be inaugurated in less than 100 days. The Salesian Family, Don Bosco Network and VIS (International Volunteers for Development) are among thirteen organizations participating in the event, which is expected to attract around 20 million visitors. It will be a unique opportunity to draw the world's attention to young people, with the theme "EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE, ENERGY FOR LIFE".

The Salesian presence at Expo Milan 2015 will be located in a structure of about 350 square metres, on a plot of 747 square metres for the entire six-month duration of Expo (from 1 May to 31 October 2015) which largely coincides with the Bicentenary Year of Don Bosco. The pavilion will have the name "CASA DON BOSCO" and will be adaptable and multifunctional, capable of hosting conferences, events, exhibitions, shows...

On 1 February next the website site of the Salesian presence at Expo Milano will be officially opened at: http://expodonbosco2015.org/. Right now it is in the process of completion.

The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, together with members of the General Council, is investing a great deal of energy in this project and is deeply confident that the Salesian presence at the Expo - the only religious family represented – will help to put young people at the centre of global attention and to create new forms of collaboration with different bodies around the world.

The Rector Major and his Council invite all Salesian Provinces to prepare events and projects to bring to EXPO, to let the world see our Salesian commitment to young people and the experience and expertise gained by many confreres who spend their life with and for young people in the many Salesian centres around the world.

Many parts of the Salesian Family are already planning displays and events.

All interested parties are invited to send a description of initiatives and activities to be presented at Expo to this address: events@expodonbosco2015.org.

Published 21/01/2015