The Committee was born not on the initiative of the Salesians, but of the laity, especially of the parents of the children who attend the Salesian center. The aim of the committee is to find new ways, new spaces and collaborations with local bodies to ensure that the Salesian charism, present in the Caserta for over 120 years, can continue to operate its educational, pastoral and social mission.
The press conference event showed already at first glance exemplary coordination and a significant family spirit, with the adults gathered in the Amphitheater and the youngest ones in the courtyard next door, engaged in the activities of the Children's Summer Camp 2020, Estate Ragazzi. Many people were present, all wearing anti-Covid-19 masks.
Among the prominent figures attending were the mayor of Caserta Carlo Marino, a former Oratorian; the local representatives of the "Italian Red Cross", in addition to the representatives of the various sectors of the Salesian Family, including the Director of the Institute, Fr Gino Martucci; the Director of the oratory, Fr Giancarlo D'Ercole; the local coordinator of the Salesian Cooperators, Federica Liguori; and the President of the Past Pupils Union of Don Bosco, Alfonso Voccia.
"The Committee must be a transversal structure so that the oratory remains the centerpiece of a Salesian house and everyone, in our different roles, must marry this cause!", said the President of the Friends of Don Bosco Committee, Mauro Giaquinto.
“The Salesian community is a piece of our city, of the history and culture of our city. Many young people, including me, have had the opportunity to build their own life path in this house which must continue to be the home of children, education, sociability, creativity and skills," said the Mayor of Caserta.
For his part, Fr Martucci, who wished to send a message to all citizens of Caserta, said: “The world of young people is the present and at the same time the future. We cannot miss the appointment with History ... We have a history of more than one hundred years on our shoulders that forces us to continue dreaming as Don Bosco and his successors did. This History empowers us and projects us forward in order to respond to the educational needs of the city."
