Pascual Chavez Villanueva – “Let us educate with the heart of Don Bosco” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

In this letter, the author reflects on recent Salesian events and beatifications, emphasizing the significance of martyrdom and holiness. They introduce the theme of the 2008 Strenna, focusing on education within the Salesian Family. Emphasizing educators’ role in evangelization and liberation, they draw on biblical references and Don Bosco’s teachings to underscore their mission. The author stresses the theme’s continuity with previous Strennas, highlighting the long-term commitment needed in educational work.

Contents:

• 1 . Educating with Don Bosco’s heart
  • 1.1 Vocation and the way to holiness
  • 1.2 Preventive love
  • 1.3 Language of the heart

• 2. Fostering the development of the young to their full potential
  • 2.1 Shared trust in education
  • 2.2 Starting with those at the bottom
  • 2.3 A new education
    • 2.3.1 Complexity and freedom
    • 2.3.2 Subjectivism and truth
    • 2.3.3 Individual profit and solidarity
  • 2.4 The maturing of the faith of the young in this context
  • 2.5 Response of the Salesian Family
    • 2.5.1 Returning among the young with greater effectiveness
    • 2.5.2 Relaunch of the “honest citizen”
    • 2.5.3 Relaunch of the “good Christian”
• 3. Promoting human rights, in particular those of juveniles
  • 3.1 Human rights and personal dignity
  • 3.2 Salesian mission and children’s rights
  • 3.3 Let us try to present the same ideas in the language of human rights
  • 3.4 Educating ourselves to educate for the transformation of every individual and of the whole of society: for human development
  • 3.5 A text to which Don Bosco would be ready to subscribe
• By way of conclusion

Reference time period: 2008

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB