The Past Pupils discussed how to guide synodality and understand Salesian work with young people in a synodal framework. Bryan Magro, President of the Confederation, said: "It was a day in which we connected with our roots, discerning the reality that unites us today and gives us energy, to look to the future for greater commitments in the mission with young people".
The most important moment of the day was the unveiling of the monument to Carlo Gastini, founder of the Past Pupils' Movement. The event was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Turin, Michela Favara, the Regional Councillor of Piedmont, Mario Salvatore Castello, Fr Stefano Martoglio, Vicar of the Rector Major, who blessed the statue, artist Mauro Baldessari, the Director of the Museo Casa Don Bosco, Ana Martín Garcia, and the Rector of the Basilica, Fr Michele Viviano. The world Presidency of Past Pupils was complete, under the guidance of Bryan Magro, and the presence of the Salesians' World Delegate for Past Pupils, Br Dominic Duc Nam Nguyen, and Fr Joan Lluis Playà, Central Delegate of the Rector Major for the Salesian Family Secretariat.
"The presence of Past Pupils is like an eruption of a volcano, where everyone comes out with their own abilities to be salt of the earth and light in the world. "In this work," said sculptor Mauro Baldessari, "the whole world is represented, since the universality of your mission is sculpted."
"Your presence around the world is a guarantee of education for young people," said the deputy mayor of Turin, Michela Favara, "especially the ones most in need." Between hymns and prayer, the representative of the Regional Council, Mario Salvatore Castello, also spoke, reiterating "the willingness of politics to pay attention to everything that comes from the Salesian world, a guarantee of credibility and reliability".
The day ended with the traditional group photo of the participants in the assembly and a colorful intercultural evening, where traditional foods, songs and dances were offered: a special way to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, in the typical style of the Salesian charism.
Valerio Martorana
