An anniversary that is history and future

For a century and a half, the Salesian house has been an educational, social and spiritual reference point for the entire area. Oratory, Mary Help of Christians parish, Vocational Training Centre, educational and associative realities: a presence that has shaped city life and accompanied thousands of families. The rich and varied three-day programme included the participation of civil and ecclesiastical authorities, a sign of recognition that goes beyond the strictly ecclesiastical sphere.

Friday 6 March – “Young people and the meeting”

The opening could only be entrusted to the primary recipients of the Salesian mission: young people. On the morning of 6 March, Fr Fabio Attard met with the young people of CNOS-FAP in the courtyard of the Don Bosco Oratory, officially kicking off the celebrations. The local press described the moment as “very interesting and moving for young people,” marking the beginning of the three days of celebration.

Numerous authorities were present: Regional Councillor Armando Biasi, Mayor Fabio Perri, Deputy Mayor Cristian Quesada, Councillor Mirko Valenti, Municipal Councillor Marilena Piardi, former Prefect of Imperia Valerio Massimo Romeo, Deputy Prefect Federica Bellofatto, as well as other current and former priests of the parish of Mary Help of Christians and several former students.

After the meeting in the courtyard, the Rector Major visited the facility accompanied by the young people and the director Francesca Figini, who proudly described the identity of the centre: “Ours is a very family-oriented centre,” says Francesca Figini, director of Cnos-Fap. “There are about 200 young people and about 30 trainers who are passionate about their work. We are very happy and honoured to have Fr Fabio Attard here, but yesterday was also a very beautiful day because the preparation for this moment brought out the best in the young people. Yesterday we had the school I would like to have. Each of the young people put a piece of their heart into organising this day, they prepared everything, even the chairs and posters. I would like to thank my fellow trainers who follow them with consistency. The meeting ended with an aperitif prepared by the young chefs of the centre, a concrete sign of the quality of the professional training offered.

In the afternoon, Fr Attard met the Salesian Family in the parish hall of Mary Help of Christians, talking with the various groups that animate the local work. The day ended with the Way of the Cross and a moment of prayer in the church, bringing the celebration back to its spiritual heart.

In the evening, as scheduled in the official programme, the Rector Major was the protagonist at the Golzi Theatre in Bordighera in a public meeting interspersed with reflections, music and songs about the world of young people. It was an open dialogue with the local community that reaffirmed the relevance of Don Bosco’s charism in a time marked by new educational challenges.

During the days of the celebration, a photographic exhibition organised by former students was also open to visitors, retracing 150 years of social, educational and spiritual history of the Salesian presence in Vallecrosia.

The programme for 7 and 8 March

The celebrations continue on 7 March with the presentation of a book dedicated to 150 years of Salesian presence. In the afternoon, the Rector Major will be welcomed in the courtyard of the oratory and at 3 p.m. He will be awarded honorary citizenship, a sign of gratitude from the entire civil community. This will be followed by celebrations, games and shows until the evening aperitif. On 8 March at 11 a.m., a solemn Holy Mass will be celebrated by Fr Fabio Attard, the culminating moment of thanksgiving and the relaunch of the educational mission.

The celebration of 150 years is not a point of arrival but a new beginning. Vallecrosia renews its Salesian identity: to be a home for young people, a place of formation and a beacon of hope in the area.

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