| Italy – A positive year for VIS |
| Italy – “The Preventive System and Human Rights”: a stimulus for the future |
After twenty years Fr Colombo brings an end to his role at the VIS. Point of reference for hundreds of young people, volunteers and workers, Fr Colombo has made a significant contribution to VIS becoming an international educational agency of the highest professional quality but especially human.
The role of Vice President of VIS and national delegate for Salesian Missionary Promotion passes to another Salesian Fr Franco Fontana, who has on numerous occasions has been called upon by the Salesian Congregation to concern himself with Youth Ministry in the large cities and important regions of Italy. In particular, synonymous with commitment and attention to the education and formation of youth are the six years Fr Franco spent as Youth Ministry and Vocational Delegate for the Archbishop’s Office in Bologna, where among other things he was also Secretary General for the 1997 National Eucharistic Congress.
“We are continuing with the process of serious innovation in the organisation.” –Massimo Zortea, President of the VIS says. “And along this path the Delegate for Missionary Promotion represents for our association a guarantee of fidelity to the Salesian charism, which has always been one of our special strengths. They have been long difficult and delicate months because something like this is not something to taken lightly. But Fr Franco’s abilities and determination, combined with those of all the committee and other members of staff will be able to draw on the example given by such an extraordinary man as our dear Nando.”
The change of Vice President had already been officially announced at the end of the International Congress on “The Preventive System and Human Rights,” held in Rome at the beginning of January. On that occasion the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Pascual Chávez, had thanked Fr Colombo for the work he had done during his years in office.
Published 22/01/2009
