Two days of study, from 17 to 18 April, were devoted to high-quality academic sessions. Experts from various provinces of the Salesian world explored the figure of Fr Scaloni through the monumental work by Fr Marcel Verhulst, Francesco Salon (1861-1926). Son rôle fondateur en plusieurs pays et sa pensée pédagogique et sociale [Francesco Scaloni (1861–1926). His Founding Role in Several Countries and His Educational and Social Thinking]. The first day featured a contribution from Father Thomas Anchukandam, Director of the ISS and historian of the Congregation, who had travelled from Italy, on ‘Francesco Scaloni sdb. As he emerges in Marcel Verhurlst’s book: Francesco Scaloni (1861–1926). His Founding Role in Several Countries and His Educational and Social Thought”; by Fr Germain Kivungila (Provincial-elect in AFC, Doctor of Church History) on The Socio-Historical Context (Negotiations with the Ecclesiastical Authorities of the Time); by Father Marc NAWEJ (BA in History and Cultural Heritage of the Church) on Don Scaloni’s Apostolic and Missionary Project and its Implementation in the Congo; by Fr Marcel Verhulst on La Pédagogie Salésienne chez Don Scaloni [Salesian Pedagogy in Fr Scaloni].
The second day focused on contributions from Fr William John Dickson, “The Young François Salon”: a reflection on some early episodes in the biography of Marcel Verhulst SDB; from Fr Didier UMBI (Master’s degree in Spiritual Theology) on La spiritualité en Don Scaloni [Spirituality in Don Scaloni]; from Fr Marcel Verhulst on L’enseignement Social et Politique de Don Scaloni [Don Scaloni’s Social and Political Teaching]; and finally by Fr Camiel Swertvagher, former AFC Provincial, on Le leadership (sa manière de diriger et son gouvernement) [Leadership (his style of leadership and governance)]. Concluded by Fr Jean Luc Vander Kerkhove, these two days of study highlighted the international and missionary scope of this historic event for the province and the congregation.
This centenary celebration reached its climax on Sunday 19 April 2026 on the historic grounds of Kafubu, where the founder of the Salesian work in the Congo is laid to rest.
The day began with a Mass starting at around 11 am and presided over by Father Guillermo Basañes, which paved the way for a deeply meditative pilgrimage through the key episodes of Fr Scaloni’s life, punctuated by a missionary rosary.
At the Kafubu cemetery, a solemn prayer and the blessing of Don Scaloni’s grave – where he was buried a hundred years ago – marked the high point of these celebrations. The Provincial of Belgium, Father Bart, following the prayer and the blessing of the grave, laid a wreath of flowers and delivered a speech of great spiritual and charismatic depth.
It should be noted that the success of this event was due not only to the quality of the speakers at the study days but also, and above all, to the expertise of the organising team led by Fr Pascal Nyunda, AFC Director of Novices. Despite the speakers at the academic conference coming from elsewhere, the Central African Province expressed its gratitude for the presence of Fr Barth, Provincial of Belgium, who willingly agreed to come and take part in these sessions.
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