(ANS – Rome) – As the Salesian Family approaches the 150th anniversary in 2027 of Don Bosco’s historic writing on the Preventive System, the Salesian Congregation and the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians are preparing to launch an International Congress expected to become a landmark event.

In a joint letter dated February 24, 2026 (Prot. 26/0052), the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, and the Mother General, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, announced the International Congress titled “Esperienza Educativa Salesiana. Ripensare il Sistema Preventivo a 150 anni dallo scritto di Don Bosco” (“Salesian Educational Experience: Rethinking the Preventive System 150 Years after Don Bosco’s Writing”). The Congress will take place at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome from April 9–11, 2027.

The initiative is the result of an extensive research project promoted by the Pontifical Salesian University and the Faculty of Educational Sciences “Auxilium.” For the first time in history, the Congregation and the Institute, through their academic institutions, are conducting such a broad and rigorous analysis of Salesian pedagogical practices worldwide. The project includes study seminars led by professors from Salesian institutions, as well as an empirical research process directly involving the Provinces.

“This is a work of great importance for our identity and mission,” the Rector Major and the Mother General affirmed, emphasizing that the Congress will evaluate the results of the empirical research and present the findings of the academic seminars. The goal is not merely commemorative, but rather to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges present in today’s diverse social contexts and to embody—within contemporary culture—the inspiration and charismatic vitality of Don Bosco’s Preventive System.

Both General Councils will participate in the Congress, and each Province has been asked to send three qualified representatives, including the Provincial Delegate (or Councilor/Coordinator) for Youth Ministry. The most significant sessions will also be livestreamed to allow local communities around the world to participate. Provinces are encouraged to begin preparing for the anniversary through opportunities for reflection on Salesian education, making use of the Acts of the seminars published by LAS.

Commenting on the upcoming Congress, Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, highlighted its deep pastoral and charismatic significance:

“The Preventive System is not simply a pedagogical method from the past; it is the living modus operandi of the Salesians and the entire Salesian Family. It expresses how we are present among the young—with reason, religion, and loving-kindness—transforming environments into homes that evangelize. This joint Congress will help us rediscover the heart of our mission and renew our passion for accompanying young people, especially the poorest, in today’s complex world.”

Fr. Bejarano further noted that bringing together the Congregation and the FMA Institute in shared reflection makes the event especially meaningful:

“This shared journey reveals the beauty of our charism lived in complementarity. It will be a historic, memorable, and fruitful moment—not only for study and research, but for pastoral renewal and prophetic witness.”

As the Salesian Family prepares to celebrate 150 years of the Preventive System, the International Congress in April 2027 is already emerging as a kairos of grace—a global opportunity to rethink, deepen, and renew Don Bosco’s educational and apostolic passion for young people with fresh zeal and hope.

Below, you will find the introductory letter to the Congress signed by the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco and the Mother General of the FMA, available in several languages.