(Università Pontificia Salesiana, Roma) – “What power does education hold today?” It is around this question that the theme of the solemn opening of the 2026/2027 Academic Year at the Pontifical Salesian University centres: “The Power of Education. The Relevance of the Preventive System”. The event is scheduled for Tuesday 20 October 2026, at the University’s headquarters, at Piazza dell’Ateneo Salesiano 1, in Rome.
The opening of the new academic year – the 87th since the University’s foundation – marks a significant moment in the life of the University: an opportunity to come together as a community and renew our shared commitment to study, research and formation.
Education at the centre
The chosen theme invites us to reflect on the contribution that the Salesian educational experience can offer to the present day. Speaking of the power of education means recognising the value of relationships, of guidance and of trust in every person’s potential for growth.
From this perspective, the relevance of the Preventive System today prompts reflection on how to live out Don Bosco’s legacy: how to stand alongside young people, listen to their questions and create environments in which they can develop knowledge, responsibility and hope.
For a university community, these are questions that cut across teaching, research and the day-to-day life of the University. The inauguration thus offers an opportunity to refocus on the educational mission that guides the University’s work.
The day’s programme
The day will begin at 9.30 am in the Parish Church of S. Maria della Speranza with a Mass presided over by Fr Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation and Grand Chancellor of UPS. In keeping with tradition, this will be a moment of shared prayer to mark the start of the new academic year and place it under the Lord’s blessing.
At 11.00, in the refurbished Paul VI Hall, following an introduction by the Rector Magnificus, Prof. Fr Andrea Bozzolo, Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, will deliver the inaugural address, in line with the theme chosen for the inauguration.
This will be followed by the presentation of awards to students who have distinguished themselves through their academic achievement during their university studies and the official proclamation marking the start of the new academic year.
For further information, please visit the website:www.unisal.it
Source: ANS – “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana”