Slovenia – Tomaž Vovko, Don Bosco past pupil: "We need your help and support"

29 April 2020

(ANS - Ljubljana) - Dr. Tomaž Vovko, a former pupil of the Salesian high school "St. Francis de Sales" in Želimlje and actively involved in Salesian animation programs, is now a specialist in Infectious Diseases and Intensive Medicine who works in a clinic for infectious diseases at the University Clinical Center of Ljubljana. Married, father of three, he works in the frontline among critically-ill patients with COVID-19. In an interview with Don Bosko Slovenija he answered questions concerning the pandemic, treatment and quarantine, and suggested new methods of educational and pastoral work.

The mutations of the various viruses, explained Dr. Vovko, accompany humanity from the beginning; for this reason, he declares, "the various conspiracy theories that circulate among people must be rejected."

Speaking of the work among the critically-ill of COVID-19, among whom he works in the frontline, he underlined the importance of communication: between the sick in isolation and their families, and by doctors, called to have to communicate tactfully and with humanity the news of worsening conditions or even the death of patients.

Regarding the restrictions imposed by the new coronavirus and the confinement measures, the former pupil replied that "to save lives this was essential", and cited the situations that occurred in Northern Italy, Spain and the United States.

As Past Pupil of Don Bosco, he also offers advice for the pastoral work of the Salesian Family: “We are going through difficult times in which we especially need your help. Young people may find it more difficult to adopt these restrictions, as social contacts are important for their development. But as they already make extensive use of digital communication platforms for school, so classmates in religious education or catechism could meet," he notes.

In the forthcoming weeks, the "rigid" restrictions will probably begin to be eased and - given that a slowdown in infections is expected in the summer - "made to measure" Spiritual Exercises and summer oratories could be organized, especially outdoors, with limited contacts and a little more distance than in the past. "Adapting programs in this direction can be an option," he explains.

At the same time, autumn will come after the summer: waiting for medicines or vaccines, "it is reasonable to expect the same restrictions as now, or even more stringent."

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ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication, the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007.

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