The Salesian educational charism has been widespread in the city of Cagliari for 110 years, that is since the first school year opened in the then Via degli Orti in October 1913, today via Sant'Ignazio da Laconi. Since then, generations of children have taken their place at desks in the Middle School and High Schools, and since the 1990s also in the Kindergarten and Primary School of Happy Childhood. The St Paul’s Parish was established in 1955 in the populous and low-income district of Fonsarda, which immediately featured an oratory and youth centre, and sports activities including at the highest level. And finally in 1967 the large VET centre was added in Selargius (today part of the Metropolitan City) which has formed an enormous number of technicians specialised in various work sectors, in particular auto-mechanics, refrigerator mechanics, welders, electricians.
Now all this rich and prestigious presence will see a single community of religious at its head, which will be dedicated to Our Lady of Bonaria. Fr Santorsola, 55 years of age and originally from Caserta, until now Provincial of the Salesians in Southern Italy (EMI), will be called to be its guide as Rector; Genoese Fr Francesco De Ruvo, 42 years of age, already engaged in leadership roles in the Central Italy Circumscription (ICC) will be directly in charge of the school; while Fr Marco Deflorio will continue as parish priest of the parish dedicated to Saint Paul.
In perspective and planning, the aim is an increasingly unified mission which does not ignore the differences and special aspects of each individual educational environment, but which includes initiatives and activities as part of a single educational offer. There is already a very concrete indication this summer 2023: a single Estate Ragazzi Salesiana, with over 300 children and young people enrolled for the five weeks of summer experience.
The new appearance of the Salesian presence, representing innovation and continuity, is the result of a process that has involved all the Salesians, the Salesian Family, young people and lay people from the three houses for almost two years in reflection and discernment together.
"This new structure", said Fr Stefano Aspettati, Superior of ICC to which the Cagliari community belongs "is a challenge for us religious, but also a splendid opportunity to strengthen the Salesian charism in Cagliari, together with many lay people and young people and the Salesian Family. The invitation to synodality that Pope Francis has given us and that we sense to be urgent, also translates into new directions to be followed courageously and creatively at the service of young people.
