As usual, the theme was addressed from different disciplinary perspectives. The historical introductions that told how "giving a second chance" was part of the DNA of Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello were underlined by the Salesian Fr Wim Collin (Italy-Belgium) and by Sister Piera Ruffinato, FMA (Italy). Pedagogical and psychological approaches to address the issue were provided by Salesians Fr Antoine Farrugia and Fr Johannes Haas and Mrs Carina Baumgartner, from Malta and Austria respectively. Finally. Two specific topical issues were addressed. First, Fr David Tullimelli (India - South Sudan) spoke on the subject of migration, and finally Sister Magna Martinez, FMA (Italy - Costa Rica) spoke on early school leaving. These two themes are closely linked to Don Bosco's pedagogy, pastoral approach and spirituality. In fact, Don Bosco himself worked with young people from migrant backgrounds and tried to offer them vocational training.
Fr Carlo Loots (Belgium), Coordinator of the Salesian Forum, led the final block of creative work. The evening talks, the good-nights, also an important moment of learning, were given by Sister Barbara Poredoš, FMA (Slovenia) on Positive Youth Development and by Mrs. Lana Ivanjeck (Austria - Croatia) on work with young refugees in Austria.
The Salesian Forum has had a fixed format for several years. Among the topics proposed by the participants, the working group that accompanies them chooses a theme and seeks speakers inside and beyond the Salesian world who can develop interesting contributions. After the introduction of each speaker, the Forum participants dialogue with each other to exchange opinions, share experiences and learn from each other.
At the end of the Forum , suggestions were collected on issues that can be addressed in two years' time. Suggestions included: integral ecology, lay worker spirituality, social communication and evangelism, gender and youth identity... The working group that leads the Forum will study and develop one of these themes. The next Salesian Forum will be held in August 2026, in a place yet to be defined.
