(ANS - Rome)– To mark the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, the World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco has organized a conference to take place in the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament on Wednesday 15 July 2015. The theme of the conference will be: "Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco: Political Commitment of Past Pupils in the Social and Educational Field".

The initiative is being promoted by Mr Gian Luigi Gigli, Salesian Past Pupil and currently Leader of PI-CD in the Constitutional Affairs Committee, and by Dr Francesco Muceo, President of the World Confederation of the Past Pupils. It aims to highlight the contribution made by past pupils of Don Bosco in the development of the country, and specifically the contribution through political action particularly in two specific fields of Salesian action: social work and education.

In the letter of invitation it says: "Parliamentarians who are past pupils of Don Bosco want to remember their father in the bicentenary of his birth and reawaken the charismatic aspects of his inspiration and action for young people".

The conference is open to all members of the Salesian Family and friends of Don Bosco. In addition to the two promoters, several members of the General Council of the Salesians will participate.

The work will begin with a greeting and a brief introduction by the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Francesco Cereda, to be followed by the testimonies of some parliamentarians who are past pupils and friends of Don Bosco.

The keynote address will be given by Bishop Mario Toso, SDB, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and now Bishop of Faenza-Modigliana.

Published 10/07/2015