(ANS – Rome) – Over the weekend of February 27–28, 2026, three significant meetings of the Salesian Historical Institute (ISS) took place at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome: the Executive Council, the Editorial Board of Salesian Historical Research (RSS), and the ISS Assembly.

The meetings began with a moment of prayer and the approval of the minutes from the previous sessions (November 14–15, 2025). One of the first items addressed was the update of the institutional website, iss-acssa.org, particularly regarding the publication of the tenth volume of the Epistolario of Giovanni Bosco. The sessions also reviewed events organized by the ISS in recent months, with special attention to the recent publication of Paolo Pieraccini’s volume Salesians in the Holy Land: from the “Opera Don Belloni” to the British Mandate (1863–1920) (= ISS – Studies, 35), published by LAS in 2025. Dedicated to institutional and political-diplomatic issues, educational and pastoral activity, and questions of national identity within the context of the Salesian presence in the Holy Land, the work represents a significant contribution to contemporary Salesian historiography.

Editorial Planning and Future Publications

Considerable attention was given to editorial planning. Among forthcoming publications are: the volume edited by Francesco Motto, Presentation of the Ten Volumes of the Epistolario of Giovanni Bosco (= ISS – Studies, 38), gathering proceedings of two study days held in Rome (January 28, 2025) and Turin (April 2, 2025); the volume edited by Hendry Dominic and Francesco Motto, Salesian Missions: From the Apostolic Letter Maximum Illud (1919) to the Conciliar Decree Ad Gentes (1965) (= ISS – Studies, 39), containing proceedings of the international conference held in May 2025; and the work edited by Stanisław Zimniak, Salesian Missions in the World. Proceedings of the Five Continental Seminars (= ACSSA – Studies, 12), scheduled for publication in 2026/2027.

Research Proposals and Institutional Developments

The Council also reviewed research proposals from external scholars, including: Professor Angelo Dibisceglia’s project on the history of the Salesian Cooperators (1876–2000); Ms. María Nicoletti’s proposal for a critical edition of correspondence of Apostolic Vicar Bishop Giovanni Cagliero (1884–1904); the biographical profile of missionary José-Luis Carreño Etxeandía, presented by Fr. Ivo Coelho; and a proposal for a study evening to be scheduled between November and December 2026, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Pious Union of Salesian Cooperators.

In preparation for 2027, reflection began on what the ISS might offer for the 150th anniversary of the publication of Don Bosco’s work on the Preventive System. Discussions also included the editorial plan for 2026–2029, revision of the ISS Statute and Regulations, and the establishment of a commission tasked with reviewing the Institute’s scientific project. Other topics included defining editorial norms for the critical edition of Salesian sources; the status of the ISS–Don Bosco Library; inventory of ISS and ACSSA archives; and updates on ACSSA activities. The next meetings were scheduled for May 22–23, 2026.

Editorial Board of Salesian Historical Research (RSS)

Following this, the Editorial Board of Salesian Historical Research met. Materials for the 2026 issues were presented, focusing on research about the Salesian Cooperators, as well as plans for 2027 issues, which will focus on the Preventive System and the missions of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Planning for 2028 was also initiated. The participants discussed upcoming volumes to be reviewed and updating the bibliographical repertory, inviting members to inform the editor-in-chief promptly about new publications.

Commitment to Continuity in Historical Research

The meetings confirmed that despite challenges related to staffing, the ISS remains committed to carrying forward its planned work and ensuring continuity in Salesian historical research and critical promotion of sources, with an increasingly international and interdisciplinary perspective.

Fr. Stanisław Zimniak
ISS Coordinating Secretary