Italy – Fr Mantovani: "the theme of this synod touches us directly as Salesian Family"

13 September 2018

(ANS - Rome) - In exactly a week from today, Thursday 20 September, the International Congress "Youth and life choices: educational perspectives" opens at the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS) in Rome. In view of this great event, which aims to be a contribution of the Salesian Family at the next Synod of Bishops on "Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment", we addressed several questions to the Rector Magnificus of the UPS, Fr Mauro Mantovani.

Many speakers will take part in the Congress ... What kind of line did you follow?

We opted for a large pool of lecturers to ensure a broad and international look at the topic. At the same time, the quality level is of undoubted depth. I can point to the presence of the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, card. Lorenzo Baldisseri, the Salesian bishop of La Guaira, Venezuela, Msgr. Raul Biord, the sociologist Franco Garelli and the psychologist Laura Nota, among many ... And then there will be experts on the conditions of youth of various continents and Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) able to present how the Salesian charism and experience of life of Don Bosco and of Mother Mazzarello can teach something about the choices of life today.

How many people are expected?

In total we are expecting around 300 participants from all over the world. There was a significant response from the Salesian Provinces and the FMA at a global level, which delegated those who are more specifically involved in Youth Ministry and who work alongside young people.

Is this the first time that Salesians and FMA have created such a great event on a similar theme?

In the past, also on the occasion of the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, there have been other collaborations. But there is certainly an element of novelty in the creation of an activity truly developed together between our institutions for such an important event as the synod of bishops: both because the theme of this synod directly affects us as Salesian Family, and because we move in the path indicated by the Pope to create increasingly more networks and greater cooperation and synergies in order to develop proposals of quality.

Will this event be followed by further steps or actions?

Certainly. First of all, the publication of the proceedings of the congress will take place. We shall keep the dedicated website active - www.giovaniesceltedivita.org - and then we intend to keep all contacts with the participants open for future collaborations.

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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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