"The Congress of the Salesian Social America Network in Aparecida was a very intense experience of comparison and listening with Salesian organisations that operate in about 20 countries, from the United States to Chile" says Fr. Preite. "From overseas, together with our Italian Salesian network (Salesians for social), the Indian social network (Youth at Risk) and the Spanish social network (Salesian Social Platforms) were also invited. "
"The social inequalities and poverty present in the Latin American continent have led to a greater capacity for reflection and a careful elaboration of the practice of the Salesian charism with reference to the social question," he continues. Europe can and must listen more to the freshness, simplicity and development of the Salesian charism resulting from contact with young people on the streets and capable of redeeming them through social development programs accompanied by educational and professional teams that prepare young people for adult life and work. "
The document drawn up at the end of the congress will be presented to the Moderator of the next General Chapter of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr Alphonse Owoudou, in view of the Chapter work, which will begin in February 2025.
“Also important was the presence of Andrea Farina, head of the Congregation for Child Safeguarding Policies, much appreciated and known for his research on rights and for the Salesian Observatory for the Rights of Minors. The days at Aparecida highlighted the need for an effective synthesis between the Preventive System and Human Rights and for this reason we believe that his research contribution will be essential in the coming years."
At the end of the Congress, Fr Preite visited Ciudad Don Bosco in Medellín, Colombia, one of the largest Salesian works in the country, which today welcomes many poor girls and boys exploited at work and sexual level, but also young people torn from the local guerrillas or from criminal groups in the city.
"I believe that the Salesian Congregation is doing an excellent job of listening to and connecting the various Salesian social networks around the world. I thank Fr Rafael Bajerano, Head of Works and Social Services in the Youth Ministry Sector, and the entire Sector, for this invitation; and I hope that Salesian social Europe can also feel the desire and need for greater connection between networks, to implement the exchange of good practices, its role and effectiveness before institutions on behalf of the poorest young people," Fr Preite concluded.
