(ANS – Salamanca – October 30, 2026) – Salesian Brother Santiago Elorriaga, a member of the Salesian Vocational Training Group of Spain’s St. James the Greater Province (SSM), received the Stella Award on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The award was presented to the Salesian Congregation in recognition of its work in vocational training, particularly its dedication to young people enrolled in entry-level vocational training programs.

The ceremony took place in the Aula Magna of the Pontifical University of Salamanca. The awards are organized by the General Council of the Church in Education (CGIE) of the Spanish Bishops’ Conference.

The event also included a tribute to the victims of the train accident that occurred on October 28, 2026, in Urda, Toledo. Organizers modified the scheduled program to include a Eucharistic celebration in memory of those who died and their families, as well as a minute of silence during the awards ceremony.

A Mass for the Victims of the Train Accident

The day began with a Mass at the Clerecía of the Pontifical University of Salamanca, presided over by Bishop Alfonso Carrasco Rouco, Bishop of Lugo and President of the Episcopal Commission for Education and Culture.

The celebration, which was open to the entire city, was dedicated to the victims of the Urda train accident and offered comfort and support to their families.

During his homily, the bishop highlighted the connection between prayer for the victims and the Church’s educational mission. He emphasized that educating means recognizing others, sharing in their lives, and guiding them in their growth.

“Ultimately, to educate means looking at the other person and entering into communion with them,” said Bishop Carrasco Rouco, further emphasizing that “education is intended for life.”

The Dedication of Salesian Educators

During the ceremony, Santiago Elorriaga highlighted in his remarks “the generosity and dedication of the teaching staff and educators at the centers offering this educational program.”

Elorriaga noted that entry-level vocational training is designed for young people who face difficulties in their educational journeys and find in these programs an opportunity to continue learning.

“As well as learning a trade, they learn to behave well, they learn to accept the rules, and they begin to believe in themselves,” Elorriaga said. He also recalled Don Bosco and the purpose of Salesian education: “From the Salesian centers, our educators encourage them to be—as Don Bosco said—upright citizens and good Christians.”

A delegation from the Province attended the gala, including Óscar Bartolomé, Provincial Economer; Pilar Ponce, a member of the BoscoSocial board of directors; and educators and Salesians from the Salesian works in Salamanca.

In Spain, the Salesians operate 56 vocational training centers, serving 17,985 students with the support of 2,042 educators. Their entry-level vocational training programs include 214 classrooms serving 2,562 young people.

These programs enable many students to continue their education, acquire professional skills, and prepare to enter the workforce, with the support of educators who also foster their personal development.

Recognition for the Daily Work in Classrooms and Workshops

The Salesian Congregation’s receipt of the Stella Award was announced on September 30. On that occasion, Father José Carlos Sobejano, Provincial of the Salesians of St. James the Greater Province, expressed the Congregation’s gratitude for an award that recognizes the work of its educators.

“It is a joy to receive this award, which we greatly appreciate, as it recognizes the work of so many Salesians and educators in vocational training, which is so closely linked to our history and our mission. This award encourages us to continue our work and to look to the future alongside young people,” he emphasized.

Vocational training has been part of the Salesian educational program since the time of Don Bosco. In Salesian centers, learning a trade goes hand in hand with personalized attention and support for each student.

Santiago Elorriaga’s remarks during the ceremony highlighted the dedication of educators and the young people who find in entry-level vocational training an opportunity to continue their education, develop their skills, and begin to believe in themselves.