(Escola Universitària Salesiana de Sarrià, Barcelona) -The traditional annual assembly of the Salesian Institutions of Higher Education (IUS) occurred this year at the Escola Universitària Salesiana de Sarrià (EUSS). From April 3rd to 4th, EUSS hosted this gathering, which also brought together the pastoral teams of these institutions and served, among other objectives, to explore the potential development of joint European degree programs.
Nearly twenty directors and pastoral leaders from across Europe had the opportunity to get an in-depth look at EUSS during the two-day assembly. Through meetings, group dynamics, and presentations, participants worked on a joint research project focused on Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its alignment with the core values of Salesian pedagogy.
The assembly also addressed the possibility of advancing shared training in Salesian educational style and pedagogy for IUS staff. Additionally, time was dedicated to exploring the development of joint European degrees. Before that, however, new IUS institutions were introduced, and each centre presented key updates from the past year.
On the pastoral side, participants discussed the strengths and challenges their institutions face. Attendees shared examples of best practices in pastoral care, inspiring other centres.
For EUSS, hosting this event was an opportunity to open its doors to Salesian representatives across Europe. The university’s director, Ignasi Florensa, expressed his satisfaction with the experience: “It has been a pleasure to show the rest of the Salesian Higher Education family the work we do at EUSS.”
The institutions that took part in the assembly included Istituto Universitario Salesiano Torino Rebaudengo (IUSTO); Istituto Universitario Salesiano Venezia (IUSVE); Jabok Institute of Social Pedagogy and Theology in Prague; Centro de Estudios Superiores Don Bosco in Madrid; the Pontifical Salesian University of Rome; Instituto Universitario Progetto Uomo in Montefiascone; and SED Firenze in Massa. Don Bosco International, the Salesians’ Brussels-based office, also participated in the event.
The host team was led by Dr Ignasi Fernando director of EUSS with a welcome note by the Provincial online from Turin GC29, and moderated by Dr Alessio Rocchi the European Coordinator. The Group also welcomed Prof George Thadathil sdb, the new General Coordinator, IUS Rome.
