(ANS – Loreto) – The National Council of the Italian Federation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco concluded on 10 May 2026 in Loreto, bringing together representatives of the provincial councils from across Italy at the Salesian house in the town of the Sanctuary of the Holy House. The Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, had emphasised the need for a better and deeper understanding of Don Bosco during his recent meeting in December 2025 with the national presidency. Wishing to follow up on this invitation, the National Delegate, Fr Gino Cella, focused this formation session on “Don Bosco and the spiritual life”. The main objective of the meeting was to discuss the reorganisation of the youth presence within the Association. Starting from a project proposal drawn up by the National Council and presented by the National Youth Representative, Francesco Zangari, a lively and fruitful group discussion took place, followed by a plenary debate which sowed the seeds of concrete hope for the future. The past pupils present took part in the evening Holy Rosary at the Loreto Shrine, led by Archbishop Fabio Dal Cin, Prelate of Loreto, who, at the end of the prayer service, cordially spent time with them, recalling and recounting some episodes from his experience as a parish priest during which he met the Salesians and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Reports from the individual provincial federations, the shared planning of the main upcoming events, and announcements concluded the proceedings of the annual gathering of Don Bosco’s Past Pupils.
