(ANS - Rome) - Fr Pietro Braido, SDB was commemorated on Thursday 19 November at the Salesian Pontifical University, to mark the anniversary of his death on 11 November 2014.

The celebration which opened with the greetings of the Rector Magnificus, Professor Mauro Mantovani, was in two parts. The afternoon was devoted to memory and reflection, and in the evening there was Mass.

The time of reflection was preceded by the screening of a power-point presentation with more than 80 photos of the life of Fr Braido and an audio recording of Fr Braido preaching to the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. These served to recall his life as teacher and university scholar. He could be among young people only indirectly, but they were always present in his office, in his research, in his prayer and in his daily existence. There was also a short video, in which he expressed his thoughts on the saving value of suffering.

Subsequently, with the Vice-Rector Professor Francesco Casella, and Professor Michal Vojtas in the chair, there were several interventions highlighting various aspects of the late Salesian: the scholar and professor of theory and history of pedagogy (by prof. Carlo Nanni, his successor in the chair of Philosophy of Education) ; scholar and admirer of Don Bosco and the Preventive System (by prof. Francesco Motto); sensitive and sure guide of many people and especially of the FMA (Sr. Piera Cavaglià).

There was time also for the testimonies of many past pupils, friends, relatives and people who knew him in the last years of his life. Finally there was the posthumous launch of the second edition of his History of Modern Catechesis, by prof. Joseph Biancardi who was also the editor.

The day ended with Mass at which the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Francesco Cereda, presided. Fr Nino Minetti, Superior emeritus of the Guanellians, was among those who attended while the Superior General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Mother Yvonne Rengoaut, sent a message.

"It was not only a moving remembrance of a life spent in the service of culture and education and the spiritual guidance of many people, but also an encouragement to continue his 'passion for education' by living the Preventive System of Don Bosco," said Professor Nanni.

Published 25/11/2015