Referring to the constituent elements of the Preventive System, Fr Guillén Soto said: “Reason should be understood as the foundation of meaning, reflection on reality and the guiding criterio for the formation of the individual. Loving kindness as a virtue whic makes it possible to have an interpersonal relationship and facilitates the growth of the young person. And religion, which, together with reason identifies, defines and engages human beings in the relationship with God.”
At the end of his address there were questions from the audience and Fr Guillén Soto pointed out that the values of the Preventive System apply not only to Catholic education. Don Bosco created an educational system which is always applicable, even in such extreme situations as in prison, and is capable of bringing about radical changes in people.
The Preventive System is a versatile system, adaptable to different faiths and cultures, without compulsory rules. Salesian houses are places where everyone can meet, and even in contexts of violence, factions strongly opposed to each other succeed in living in peace together thanks to the presence of the Preventive System in the houses.
Don Bosco had an “emotive intelligence” – as it is called nowadays– very well developed, which enabled him to select “the best of the best,” teaching with a pleasant, welcoming manner attentive to the good of the boys and without falling into a form of rigid conformity.
The meeting ended with Mass in honour of Mary Help of Christians at which Fr Guillén Soto presided and Fr Robert Recio Oyervides and Fr Alejandro Rodríguez Rodríguez, Rector of the University concelebrated. In his homily Fr Guillén Soto underlined the importance of the sacramental life in Don Bosco’s system and of the presence of the Virgin Mary in Salesian formation.
In conclusion the arrival of Don Bosco’s casket on 4 August was announced.
Published 28/05/2010
