(ANS – Quito) - The book entitled "The Salesian presence in Ecuador. Historical and social perspectives " was presented on 15 November by the Salesian Province of the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" in Ecuador, along with the Salesian Polytechnic University. The presentation of the book is included in the journey of preparation for the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco (1815-2015) and the celebration of 125 years of the Salesian presence in the country (1888-2013).

The Salesian community wanted to document and analyze the significance and relevance of their work from a socio-historical perspective, with the aim of deepening and disseminating the Salesian charism. The book presents the results of a survey that examined various dimensions of the Salesian presence in Ecuador: community development; social inclusion; childhood and adolescence; Salesian education, with an emphasis on technical education; structure at regional and local levels; Salesian missions; cross-cultural and indigenous peoples.

According to the Provincial, Fr Marcelo Farfán, "the study and dissemination of these works will promote greater historical knowledge of the Salesian presence, a critical reading of its action and the ability to project forward the Salesian charism through the identification and interpretation of possible challenges ahead".

The research was conducted by a team made up of historians, anthropologists, sociologists and educationalists from the Salesian University in Ecuador. For this reason, the book delves into the dialogue between the spiritual and the Salesian educational heritage, science and expectations of peoples and cultures in every territory and region of the country.

The book was presented in Quito on 15 November, at the Aula Magna of the Salesian University; the following day in Riobamba; on 20 November in Cuenca and will again be presented at Guayaquil on 29 November. Prior to this, the text had already been presented in Macas (9 October) and Cayambe (9 November). On each occasion, the presentation was attended by academics and ecclesiastics, and received an overwhelming response from members of the Salesian Family and friends and supporters of the Salesian charism.

Published 22/11/2012