(ANS – Rome) – A morning of formation dedicated to Don Bosco’s Preventive System brought together members of the Salesian Generalate on Saturday, July 25, 2026. The gathering was attended by the Rector Major, the Vicar of the Rector Major, the General Councilors, and members of the various sectors. Organized in collaboration with the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS), the initiative is part of the preparations for the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco’s text on the Preventive System and the Congregation’s broader process of reflection on his educational and pastoral legacy.

Upon arrival, all participants received a copy of The Preventive System in the Education of Youth, with commentary by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, the 11th Successor of Don Bosco, and an educational and pastoral reflection by Fr. Rossano Sala (Elledici, 2026). The volume was presented as an invitation to rediscover Don Bosco’s educational method and to put it into practice in daily life and mission.

Exploring the Meaning of the Preventive System

The meeting opened with remarks by the Rector Major, Fr. Fabio Attard, who emphasized the importance of a process that not only deepens understanding of the Preventive System in today’s world but also leaves a lasting legacy for research, reflection, and the ongoing animation of the Congregation.

He noted that the International Congress on the Preventive System, scheduled for April 2027, represents a key milestone in a journey that began some time ago and will continue in the years ahead.

Ongoing Research Initiatives

Fr. Rafael Bejarano, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, explained the connection between the study of the Preventive System and the broader journey of Salesian Youth Ministry. He highlighted the relationship between charismatic identity, the Educational-Pastoral Community, and the Salesian Educational-Pastoral Project.

Fr. Bejarano also presented several research and collaborative initiatives currently underway with the Pontifical Salesian University and other Salesian institutions. These projects are intended to support the revision of the Youth Ministry Reference Framework, scheduled for completion in 2030.

Renewing the Preventive System

The first presentation was given by Fr. Andrea Bozzolo, Rector of the Pontifical Salesian University, who introduced a three-year research project developed in collaboration with the Salesian Auxilium University Institute. The project seeks to rethink the Preventive System in light of today’s profound cultural changes.

Fr. Bozzolo explained that renewing the Preventive System requires an ongoing dialogue between practical educational experience, academic research, and the discernment of the Congregation’s leadership. The challenge, he said, is to preserve Don Bosco’s original inspiration while expressing it in ways that respond to the anthropological and cultural realities facing today’s young people.

Particular attention was given to the findings of international seminars already held as part of the project. Drawing on contemporary educational theories and research on human development, the Preventive System emerged as an educational model that remains highly relevant, promoting the integral formation of the person, social responsibility, personalized accompaniment, and education for responsible citizenship.

Rethinking Salesian Education

The second part of the morning featured a presentation by Fr. Michal Vojtáš, Director of the Don Bosco Study Center and Professor of Salesian Pedagogy at the Pontifical Salesian University. He presented the international research project Rethinking Salesian Education, which involved thousands of young people and educators from Salesian ministries around the world.

The study collected approximately 40,000 responses, offering valuable insights into the values, expectations, and perceptions of young people regarding the Salesian educational experience.

Analysis of the data revealed significant findings related to educator-student relationships, the effectiveness of accompaniment, the role of spirituality, the impact of social media and artificial intelligence, and the different cultural perspectives found across the various regions where Salesians serve. These findings will be explored further through regional working groups and at the 2027 International Congress, providing practical guidance for the Congregation’s future educational and pastoral planning.

Living Don Bosco’s Charism Today

The meeting concluded with a reflection by Fr. Fabio Attard, who emphasized the importance of dialogue among lived experience, academic research, and leadership in shaping the future of the Congregation.

He stressed that understanding today’s young people is essential for faithfully living Don Bosco’s charism in the present day. Recalling the importance of authenticity, educational presence, and meaningful relationships, the Rector Major encouraged participants to see the Preventive System not simply as a treasured legacy from the past, but as a living and prophetic vision that continues to inspire creative responses to the educational challenges of today.