For almost a century, the Salesians have been an educational and spiritual beacon for the young people of the Neapolitan city, especially for those who had fewer opportunities. Fr Fabio Bellino, Rector of "Don Bosco", at the beginning of the evening expressed the meaning of the event in two words: MEMORY and FUTURE, so not only remembering the arrival of the Salesians and the tens of thousands of young people who found an opportunity for redemption, but also relaunching with renewed commitment the educational mission in the heart of Naples, because as Don Bosco taught us: "education is a matter of the heart".
The event took on an even more engaging nature thanks to the presence of the actress Maria Bolignano, who masterfully led the evening. But the undisputed protagonists of the event were the young people from the Don Bosco oratory and the Rione Amicizia who, through theatrical performances, took the audience on an exciting journey through the history of the Salesians in Naples and the history of Don Bosco. Every boy, from the youngest to the oldest, gave his best, conveying joy, a sense of belonging and the importance of being part of such a united and close-knit community.
Many representatives of institutions were also present at the event, including:
- The Prefect of Naples, Michele Di Bari, who addressed the issue of the commitment of institutions and the third sector to improve the conditions of young people in the outskirts of the city;
- The Councillor for Education and Families of the Municipality of Naples, Maura Striano, who highlighted the projects implemented to combat early school leaving, underlining the importance of collaboration for the future of the young generations;
- The Campania Region Vocational Training Advisor, Armida Filippelli, who illustrated the initiatives to promote the inclusion of young people in vocational education and training courses;
- The Superior of the Southern Salesian Province, Fr Gianpaolo Roma, who shared the value of the dream in Salesian philosophy;
- The Head of the "Educational Pact" of the Diocese of Naples, Fr Federico Battaglia, who explained how the "Pact" should be made concrete with daily educational action in the territories.
Finally, the emotional testimony of Diego Vitagliano, Oratory historian and highly successful pizza chef, added a touch of nostalgia and joy to the evening, highlighting the profound impact that the Oratory experience can give to the course of one's life.
An evening, therefore, in which young people were placed at the centre, embodying the value of the educational mission that continues to permeate the social fabric of Naples through the oratory, professional training, family communities, territorial projects, educational sport.
Special thanks went to the educators for their total dedication and to the people and institutions present who made this unforgettable day possible.
