A few days ago Michael Hort, the President of the World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco, shared his thoughts:
I am often asked how the Past Pupils belong to the Salesian Family. When we were students or lived at Salesian schools and works, we were the ones who were trained and educated. From the moment we leave these environments and become Past Pupils, we have to look for a way to remain close to Don Bosco and contribute, in our lives, to making this "circle" of the Salesian Family grow more and more.
I see that this is of huge importance for the Past Pupils – developing their sense of professionalism and competence and testifying in everyday life and our society, even on the smallest occasions, to our motto that is also the title of this year’s Strenna: “being good Christians and upright citizens”. I am convinced that it is our vocation to struggle openly, publicly, against injustice, superficiality, indifference. Our professionalism allows us to be present at various levels in public life, as well as in personal life, to bear witness to the importance and meaning of being Don Bosco's children.
Dear members of the Salesian Family, we feel that you are an important part of our life as tutors, teachers, educators, mentors and spiritual guides.... Please remember these words: we need you, your heart, your prayers, your example and your company. At the same time, we offer you our professional skills and talents to support your service together with ours. I ask you to use our offer to help us better live out our vocation and our mission as Past Pupils. I am convinced that we all have a mutual need.
Because of this solemn anniversary, the Confederation has also planned several special initiatives:
- a book and a statue dedicated to Carlo Gastini;
- a book on the past pupil of Don Bosco and Blessed, Alberto Marvelli;
- a publication on 150 prominent figures among the Past Pupils;
- a publication on 150 projects and initiatives of the Past Pupils who deserve to be known to inspire others;
- the coffee cups with a 150th anniversary logo: 150 special and exclusive gift packs, accompanied by a pack of coffee from the project "DI BOSCo – Coffee of Past Pupils", the sale of which will serve to support the educational and social projects of the Past Pupils in America, Africa and Asia. For further information, write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Mr. Hort concludes: "For the Past Pupils it is a blessing to be alive at this special time and to be able to see how Don Bosco’s dreams are being realized every day."
