(ANS - Rome)- At its meeting of 18 July last, the Historical and Scientific Committee for anniversaries of national interest, chaired by Dr. Franco Marini, established at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Government, gave recognition to the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco as an event of national interest.

The Salesian Congregation welcomes this recognition with joy.  The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, made this comment:

Dear Salesians and members of the Salesian Family, dear friends of the charism of Don Bosco and of the young: Yesterday we received a document with the news that in its session of 18 July, the Italian Government’s Historical and Scientific Committee for anniversaries of national interest, presided over by Dr. Franco Marini, decreed that the celebration of the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco be given recognition as an event of national interest.

Of course, the news makes us happy and fills us with satisfaction. This document recognizes that Don Bosco is one of the favourite sons of this land, and a figure of special importance.

I would like the message to reach all the places in the world where the Salesian charism is present that, really, our beloved Don Bosco is a gift of the Spirit for the whole Church.   As Father and Teacher of Youth,  Don Bosco belongs to the whole world and is part of the human patrimony of all people.  Wherever there is a work of the Salesian Congregation or of the Salesian Family, this patrimony is and ought to be as real today as ever, and lived, if possible,  with greater commitment.

We have shown that we do not want the celebration of the Bicentenary to be just a series of festivities, but an opportunity to do all we can to live the charism of Don Bosco which is as relevant for young people today as it has always been.
 
We thank the Italian Government for the recognition for Don Bosco shown by this award and we renew our commitment to young people around the world, including this beautiful land of Italy to which he belonged.

Yours affectionately,

 
Ángel Fernández Artime,                                               

 Rector Major


Published 30/07/2014