(ANS – Rome) – The series of public presentations of the critical edition of Don Bosco’s correspondence continues. After meetings held in 2025 and the recent events on January 22, 2026, at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, and on January 23 at the Salesian oratory-parish in Cuneo, a new event of international interest took place in Rome on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The event, entitled “Don Bosco’s Epistolary and Women’s Involvement in the Educational Mission,” was promoted by the Study Center of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) together with the Auxilium Faculty of Educational Sciences in Rome.

After greetings from the Mother General of the FMA, Mother Chiara Cazzuola, and the General Councilor for Formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr. Silvio Roggia—read by the Postulator General for the Causes of Saints of the Salesian Family, Fr. Pier Luigi Cameroni—the proceedings began with presentations by the scholars.

The principal of Auxilium, Prof. Sr. Piera Ruffinatto, FMA, offered an in-depth analysis of the letters to young people between 1860 and 1879, highlighting the constant yet discreet role of the Virgin Mary in Salesian educational activity: not merely a devotional figure, but a mother, guide, and support in the formative journey of young people and educators alike.

Next, Salesian Cooperator Prof. Eloisa De Felice explored the relationship between Don Bosco and the lay Salesian Cooperators, examining the correspondence from the recognition of the Association of Salesian Cooperators in 1876 until the Saint’s death in 1888. Particular attention was given to the role of the Salesian Cooperators during the cholera epidemic of 1884–1886, when they assisted the sick at the direct invitation of the Salesian founder.

The presentation by Prof. Eliana Petri, FMA, highlighted Don Bosco’s relational skills with religious women from different congregations. The analysis of about 90 letters revealed the building of networks of collaboration among religious institutes during the difficult years of Italian unification, marked by tensions between the State and the Church and hostility toward ecclesiastical institutions.

Prof. Grazia Loparco, FMA, examined the presence of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in the Saint’s 4,682 letters, emphasizing how their role emerges as structural in educational and missionary projects. The epistolary sources reveal a relationship based on collaboration, operational autonomy, and a shared strategic vision with the Salesians. Certain organizational choices also point to a vision of shared governance. Overall, it becomes clear that Don Bosco’s bond with the FMA was grounded in a common charismatic and educational vision, rather than merely in explicit references within the letters.

The conference concluded with remarks by the editor of the ten volumes of the Epistolary, Fr. Francesco Motto, SDB, who outlined the human and spiritual profile of Don Bosco that emerges from the body of letters. In his address, he recalled forty years of editorial work amid philological challenges, documentary discoveries, and a growing familiarity with the figure of the Saint, gained through direct contact with his writings.

Thanks to translation available in five languages, the conference was followed live via streaming by several hundred participants—primarily, though not exclusively, FMA members—connected from different parts of the world, confirming the international interest in the life, thought, and work of Don Bosco.

All the presentations, most of which are already available online, will be published in the coming months in a special volume in the Studies series of the Salesian Historical Institute.