Contextualisation of the theme
The contemporary European context presents a profound challenge for educational and pastoral communities. Young people are growing up in a world of rapid technological change, including content generated by Artificial Intelligence and deepfake technologies. Information overload often leads to decision-making paralysis, growing polarisation, misinformation and an ever-increasing distrust of institutions. Digital platforms fragment attention, manipulate emotions and shape opinions long before young people develop the ability to evaluate what they encounter.
Many long for freedom and authenticity, but struggle to distinguish truth from illusion or reflection from reaction. In this context, the formation of people capable of critical and responsible thinking is more urgent than ever.
The Salesian tradition offers a valuable response. Don Bosco spoke of ‘reason’ as one of the fundamental pillars of his pedagogy – understood not as cold rationalism, but as a form of reasonableness that educates through dialogue, persuasion and trust – helping young people to grow in freedom, responsibility and discernment.
Today, young people risk being shaped more by algorithms than by educators, more by impulse than by reflection. The Salesian educator, therefore, cannot limit themselves to imparting knowledge or enforcing rules. They are called to accompany young people: awakening their thinking, encouraging questions, cultivating inner life and offering criteria for balanced judgement.
For this reason, the Salesian Forum invites Salesians, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and lay educators from across Europe to reflect together on how the Salesian educational tradition can foster authentic critical thinking in schools, oratories, youth centres, vocational training settings and formation communities.
Target audience
The Salesian Forum is open to scholars in the fields of education, pastoral care, spirituality and history, as well as to SDBs, FMA, lay people, members of the Salesian Family and all those directly involved in the education of young people who wish to explore issues fundamental to the Salesian mission.
To address the theme from different perspectives, speakers from various academic and educational backgrounds have been invited to share their reflections based on their respective areas of expertise.
Alongside these main presentations, participants will have various opportunities for dialogue and discussion, which will allow them to explore and assimilate the theme more fully. The working languages of the Forum will be English and Italian.
Further information is available in the flyer at the bottom of the page, downloadable in Italian and English, while registration can be completed via the website https://sites.google.com/site/forumsalesianoitaliano/ or forum.salesiano@donbosco.be
