Fr Elio Cesari wrote a brief account with pastoral links and references to the Salesian world. Below is the full text, published on the Salesians of Piedmont and Valle D’Aosta website.
The 50th edition of the Italian Catholics Social Weeks was held in Trieste and the place was certainly not chosen "randomly", because it is a city that has experienced and continues to experience the interweaving of borders from multiple points of view: cultural, geographical, linguistic... About 1500 delegates met from 3 to 7 July 2024, together with many other participants who manned the stands throughout Trieste, to present best practices and the different groups that are currently interested in and involved in an important role in Italian political and social dynamics. Some illustrious personalities were involved: the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, the Cardinal and President of CEI, Matteo Zuppi and last but not least the Holy Father: all this signalled the importance of these days which have been characterised by meetings and in-depth reflection through sharing different experiences. If I could summarise what seems most important to me about these days in a few points , I would highlight the following:
- The heart of democracy (theme of this edition) is not a method, but lies in the free participation of people of good will and their passion to want to seek the common Good with all their heart and with all their strength, that is, a good that is such for everyone, no one excluded. Taking advantage of the words of Bishop Renna (President of the Organising and Scientific Committee), the objective is "to bring this experience home in the conviction that Catholics, in various areas, feel the importance of rethinking the community dimension, participating in social and democratic life, in Italy as well as in Europe." A conclusion that does not close things off, but holds the promise of new opportunities to be explored to build a democratic, participatory future for all. Together.
- The great preparatory work of the Scientific and Organising Committee was perceived, treasuring the history of these events and correcting the course by proposing some intelligent corrections. Nothing happens by chance! Worthy of note is the presence of Sr Angela Elicio FMA among the members of the Committee and the appreciation of the presence of the Salesian Family, including Past Pupils and Salesian Cooperators.
- There was a great space for sharing through the synodal method, which brought out each one's word. Only in this way can we build a path together that had in common the fact that we cannot be disinterested in the social and political fact, but we must make sure that we are interested and intervene in all those spaces in which the voice of the Church can still express itself effectively. Nothing that is important to man can be unimportant to the Church.
- There have been many occasions in which Trieste has been involved in a new way in past editions: there have been stands and meetings throughout the city. It was not an organisational choice but a real approach and design indication: the intersection between human and ecclesial spaces must have more and more intertwining and intersections.
- Many young people were involved and all this gave me a lot of hope for the future. In particular, I was struck by their desire to be active, to be involved, to say their piece and to be proactive in building a Good that benefits our entire society. This questions our Youth Ministry, which has often avoided dealing with some issues, deeming them unpalatable (or, perhaps, uncomfortable?) for its mission with and among young people.
- From the discussions and contributions over these days, it seemed to me that with regard to social and political thought and action, the attribute of the Church will be to make a contribution that goes beyond the right and left, recovering the value and meaning of the "leaven", the active principle and support that lies behind the commitment and the subsequent and possible political side.
I think that this 50th edition of the Social Weeks can mark a real passage so that the Catholic world can not only not feel foreign, but even be an "active subject" in debate and social and political action, bringing an unprecedented contribution at a time when we all feel a great need.
