(Rome) – The city of Rome has become a center of reflection, communion, and renewal for Catholic Education as leaders from across the world gather for the Jubilee of the World of Education and IUS members for the International Conference on “Participatory Models in Salesian Higher Education: Synodal & Salesian Facilitation”.
The gathering began on Monday, 27 October, with the Inaugural Eucharist of the Jubilee of Education presided over by Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Basilica, where he stated “Those who study are “’lifted up, broadening their horizons and perspectives in order to recover a vision that does not look downward, but is capable of looking upward: toward God, others and the mystery of life.” Following the Mass, Salesian participants joined Rector Major Don Fabio Attard, S.D.B., for a warm welcome dinner at the Sacro Cuore.
The Opening Session of the IUS Conference took place the next morning, 28 October, in the Viganò Hall of the Università Pontificia Salesiana. The session featured reflections by Don Fabio Attard, S.D.B., Rector Major, and Don Andrea Bozzolo, S.D.B., Rector of the Salesian University. Together, they explored the theme “Synodality, Salesian Identity, and Facilitation” as key pathways for renewing the Salesian Higher Education mission today.
Their discourse emphasized how the heritage of Salesian pedagogy rooted in accompaniment, dialogue, and participation can be translated into contemporary modes of institutional leadership and educational practice.
IUS General Coordinator, Fr. George Thadathil appreciated and thanked on behalf of the Rectors of Salesian Universities their setting the tone and tenor of discussions that would continue and introduced the Facilitation Team.
The coming days will feature topics that can be accessed through the IUS Network Youtube Channel:
Day 2 – Issues and Opportunities for Change in Higher Education: https://youtube.com/live/n6Elr93l9ng?feature=share
Day 3 – Facing the Challenges to Dream like the Dreamer https://youtube.com/live/u6ucw1_GS5Y?feature=share
As the IUS network moves forward, the spirit of Don Bosco continues to guide its mission, forming educators and institutions that accompany the young with faith, reason, and loving-kindness, preparing them to become protagonists of change in today’s world.
