This year the theme was focused on Don Bosco's "Dream at Nine Years of age", since 2024 marks the Bicentenary of this event, and we wanted to reinterpret this theme from a theological perspective. Therefore the solemn academic Address was given by Fr Andrea Bozzolo, Rector Magnificus of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome and a well versed in the figure of Don Bosco.
At the opening of proceedings, Fr Giovanni Russo, Director of the Theological Institute and of the School of Specialisation in Bioethics, greeted those present; Bishop Cesare Di Pietro, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Messina, then spoke.
Also at the table was Fr Giovanni D'Andrea, Provincial of the Salesians in Sicily, who emphasised in his greeting the importance of this event for the Salesian community in Sicily and for the diocesan community that refers to the Theological Institute for Studies.
Before Fr Bozzolo’s address, Fr Russo also illustrated the academic year just ended and future directions for the Institute.
Subsequently, Fr Bozzolo sketched Don Bosco's Dream at nine years of age both graciously and professionally, interpreting the episode step by step and presenting the theological ideas contained in it from an Easter perspective.
During the evening, a tribute was paid to Prof. Nino Meli, professor emeritus of Communication Sciences, and two scholarships were awarded to two young Franciscan students.
In addition to the students of the Institute, the civil, military and religious authorities and friends of San Tommaso were in attendance.
The San Tommaso Theological Institute in Messina is a breeding ground for ideas. In addition to the Theological Institute, it also houses the School of Specialisation in Bioethics and Sexology, which this year has reached the 25th Master’s course.
The University of San Tommaso in Messina offers first and second level courses: philosophical, theological studies, specialisation in catechetical theology. Postgraduate activities such as the Master’s degree in Bioethics and Sexology. In addition, it offers several university and formation diplomas in different theological fields: pastoral theology, liturgical catechesis, music, sacred art and religious tourism, pastoral counselling, formation for the permanent diaconate and ministries.
Pierpaolo Galota
https://www.infoans.org/en/component/k2/item/19615#sigProId856a59d97c