In the dialogue with Salesians for Social, the Italian Network is recognised as a best participatory practice and as a possible horizon for a European and global vision, in line with the ‘Organising Hope’ programme.
Salesians for Social is the associative network that coordinates, animates and represents works and services for vulnerable young people in Italy, promoting shared responsibility between religious and lay people, professionals and educators, local areas and the national level.
The ‘Organising Hope’ Policy Document strongly expresses this vision: not episodic responses, but a shared strategy; not fragmentation, but a system; not welfare, but the promotion of rights, social justice and active citizenship.
In a Europe marked by new forms of poverty, educational fragility and often invisible suffering, Don Bosco's charism continues to challenge the Salesian mission. The meeting with Fr Rinderer is part of the process of reflection and shared construction promoted by Salesians for Social, which, through the participatory process ‘Organising Hope’, is strengthening a systemic, co-responsible and rights-oriented vision for the most vulnerable young people.
We discussed this directly with Fr Peter Rinderer, in a conversation that opens up significant perspectives at European level as well.
What are the most urgent challenges for the Salesians in accompanying vulnerable young people in Italy, Europe and the world?
We have many challenges in Europe. Currently, one of the most important concerns the mental health of young people, which is now emerging strongly in many contexts. Alongside this, there are various forms of poverty, often intertwined and not always immediately visible.
For us Salesians, the dignity of every person is fundamental. It is from this principle that our commitment arises: we try to respond in the best possible way to the needs of young people, especially those who live in situations of greater fragility. Dignity is not an abstract concept, but a concrete responsibility that challenges our works and our educational communities.
Following the official recognition of social works and services as an integral part of the Salesian mission, as a result of the 29th General Chapter, how is the Salesians' approach to the most vulnerable young people changing?
It was very important that the last General Chapter recognised that working with the most vulnerable is so central to us Salesians. This recognition marked a significant step forward because it made it clear that social commitment is not marginal but an integral part of our mission.
We are now taking a further step: that of creating networks. In Africa, for example, Don Bosco Social Services Africa is being launched, and at the same time we have a vision of building a European network as well. This means moving from isolated experiences to more structured, shared and coordinated work.
What opportunities and threats are there today in Europe in promoting and defending the rights of children and young people?
When working with the most vulnerable, the issue of funding is always very important. Sometimes public funds decrease, making it difficult to continue work that is essential for the protection of the rights of children and young people.
This is one of the main critical issues, but at the same time it reminds us of the need to seek every opportunity to continue to help the least and most vulnerable. It is a challenge that requires creativity, collaboration and a greater capacity for dialogue with institutions and civil society.
In your opinion, how does the role of Salesians for Social Welfare with vulnerable young people in Italy fit into the European landscape?
I have become more familiar with the Salesians for Social network and have been impressed by the way it has been built: in a highly participatory manner. This is an extremely important element, not only at the national level, but also at other levels and in other contexts.
If we now have a vision of a European network, it is clear that the participation of everyone and collaboration will also be decisive there. The Italian experience can serve as a good practice, a concrete reference from which to learn. I truly hope that together we will be able to take the next steps in this direction.
The conversation with Peter Rinderer confirms that the ‘Organising Hope’ path is not just a programmatic document, but a real cultural and pastoral horizon, capable of speaking beyond national borders.
The network of Salesians for Social, with its systemic, participatory and rights-oriented approach, now presents itself as a living laboratory for Salesian Europe: a place where Don Bosco's charism is translated into concrete choices of social justice, educational accompaniment and socio-political commitment.
In a time marked by widespread fragility, building networks means cultivating hope and transforming it into action, into a network: not as an emergency response, but as a shared vision and collective responsibility towards the most vulnerable young people in Italy and Europe.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/interviews/item/27039-italy-fr-peter-rinderer-building-networks-to-protect-the-dignity-of-the-most-vulnerable-young-people-in-europe-and-around-the-world-salesians-for-social-is-a-best-practice-to-be-replicated#sigProId52cddd2041
