The initiative, coordinated by the President of the CNOS-FAP Regional Associations, Don Maurizio Lollobrigida, SDB, provided an opportunity for meeting and discussion. Directors, coordinators, tutors and trainers from all regions of the “Sacro Cuore” Circumscription of Central Italy (ICC) took part.

What challenges lie ahead and what proposals are there to address them?

The common objective was to follow up on the work of the Pastoral Council held last November. In particular, the aim was to identify potential future challenges and formulate proposals on how to tackle them. All this whilst preserving the Salesian style of openness, hospitality and attention to human relationships.

The day began with a welcome address by the Provincial of the ICC, Fr Roberto Colameo. This was followed by two sessions of workshops and discussion, during which the participants were divided into two groups. During the morning, the groups worked to identify the direction to follow, symbolically becoming the needle of the Salesian compass.

Which direction to choose? And above all, which aspects of the Salesian educational style should be preserved?

Work was interrupted for lunch, prepared by the students of the catering course at the Borgo Ragazzi Vocational Training Centre (CFP). This was a much-appreciated moment, which allowed both the quality of the dishes and the educational programme of the CFP to be showcased. The guests also had the opportunity to visit the centre and the workshops.

In the afternoon, activities resumed with a new working method. Groups were organised not by geographical area, but by role. Trainers, tutors, pastoral coordinators and directors exchanged views, each bringing their own perspective. Everyone appreciated the chance to hear the different perspectives that bring a vocational training centre to life.

Vocational training centres: Salesian homes and communities

The final outcome was clear. Vocational training centres do not intend to abandon their Salesian DNA. On the contrary, they consider it a strength and a distinctive feature, recognised by the young people themselves. Vocational training centres aim first and foremost to be homes and communities. The common goal is to accompany young people on their journey of growth, including through consistent behaviour on the part of educators.

The proposals that emerged look to the future. Among these:

– greater stability to plan with continuity

– a shared educational style, with greater attention to interreligious dialogue

– and a strong Salesian identity, capable of countering the risk of an administrative drift.

At the end of the day, the participants presented their conclusions. The meeting closed with a farewell address by Fr Lollobrigida, who left a clear and incisive message: “We can no longer go back to working alone”.