On 26January last, the mayor of Bari, Antonio Decaro, said: "The good or bad future of society depends on the good or bad education of the young." This was during a press conference for the presentation of the activities planned for the celebration of Don Bosco, running from 23 January to 10 February.
The Mayor stressed the importance of the Salesian presence in the Libertà area in Bari. Their great commitment to education directly helps many families in dire straits - not only economic - and offers benefits to all the citizens.
During the meeting, 6 plaques were awarded to boys who attended the school and the Oratory of the Redeemer, as evidence of their current social and civil commitment in the field of the judiciary, music, cooking and volunteering. The attendance included Giuseppe Gatti and Renato Nitti, members of the Anti-Mafia Directorate of Bari; doctor Michele Parisi of the Bari Court Judge; Chef Daniele Caldarulo, Captain of the Italian National association of cooks; doctor Giuseppe Cifarelli secretary of Don Bosco Today cultural workshop and Francesco and Gaetano Occhiofino, known as Reverendo and Torto from the band "Bari Jungle Brothers".
"We are on the right road today when we reward young people we have formed," said the Salesian Rector, Fr Francesco Preite.
On Tuesday 31 January, day of the feast of Don Bosco, the Salesian activities included a space for discussion of the theme "The family educates to justice and peace." The keynote speaker was the President of the association against the Mafia, Fr Luigi Ciotti, who also presided at the Eucharist in honour of Don Bosco.
