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Italy – Presentation of the book « Don Bosco in Vallecrosia: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow »: 150 years of Salesian History between Memory and Future

ANS – Vallecrosia) –  As part of the celebrations marking 150 years of Salesian presence in the “city of the family,” the volume “Don Bosco in Vallecrosia: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” was presented on the morning of Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Municipal Multi-Purpose Hall of Vallecrosia. The book retraces a century and a half of educational, pastoral, and social history of the Salesian institute.

The volume, produced by the leadership of the Salesian institute of Vallecrosia together with the organizing committee for the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Salesian work, and edited by Roberto Capaccio, was published under the patronage of the Liguria Region and the Municipality of Vallecrosia. The result of a year’s work, it emerged from the contribution of an editorial committee composed of Fr Karim Madjidi, Fr Simone Indiati, Domenico Badini, Roberto Capaccio, Claudio Carbone, Ferdinando Giordano, Elvio Lanteri, Ciro Mariella – who conceived the title – and Marino Moraglia.

The presentation was attended by Roberto Capaccio himself, Rector Major Fr Fabio Attard, XI Successor of Don Bosco, Mayor Fabio Perri, the Provincial Fr Roberto Colameo, Fr Simone Indiati – Director of the institute and parish priest of Maria Ausiliatrice – and Fr Karim Madjidi, Director Emeritus. Also present were Regional Councillor Veronica Russo, the municipal administration, current and former priests of the parish, former students and numerous representatives of the city community.

During the meeting, several passages from the book were read, including two significant testimonies, offering those present a taste of the historical and spiritual richness contained in the text.

A book of testimonies and history

Presenting the work, Roberto Capaccio explained: « It is a collection of testimonies of the Salesian presence in Vallecrosia on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Salesian work. » The volume, he pointed out, is « largely made up of testimonies of how the Salesian Fathers and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have permeated the territory of western Liguria with the spirituality of Don Bosco and helped generations of young girls and boys to become adults, contributing to the good of the community. »

The book includes greetings from the Bishop of the Diocese of Ventimiglia-Sanremo, Monsignor Antonio Suetta, letters from Fr Karim Madjidi – author of the 150th anniversary project – and Fr Simone Indiati, as well as a message from Mayor Fabio Perri. The text traces the Salesian charism, the history of the church – from its origins to the latest interior painting work carried out by the Past Pupils – the life of the parish, the Salesian Family, the school, and the sporting and socio-cultural activities of the oratory.

The book concludes with an afterword by the Rector Major, Fr Fabio Attard, and a documentary appendix listing the parish priests of Mary Help of Christians, the directors of the institute, the directors of the Mary Help of Christians Institute from 10 February 1876 to 11 September 2019, and Don Bosco’s visits to Vallecrosia. Numerous historical photographs accompany the narrative.

Memory as a responsibility

In his speech, the Rector Major emphasised the profound significance of the initiative: « The opportunity to present this volume has a double value: first of all, not to lose memory, because those who lose their memory have no future ».

He added: « When memory is recalled in the present, it either leaves us prisoners, looking only to the past, or it allows us to enjoy what we have experienced and to take that joy as a call to responsibility. » Fr Attard highlighted how the work of Vallecrosia, embedded in the territory, has been able to read the challenges of the times « always putting young people at the centre, » defining this attention as « a golden thread » that runs through 150 years of Salesian presence.

He then recalled that the good of young people takes many forms – sport, theatre, music, associations, care for the poor, spiritual research and group life – and concluded by defining the presentation of the book as « a gesture of social responsibility », a way of recognising the legacy received and taking it on as a commitment for the future.

The link with the city

Mayor Fabio Perri also highlighted the value of the book as a tool for memory and identity: « This book is the result of research, study and attention to Don Bosco’s 150 years. » Recalling his personal experience in the oratory, the mayor emphasised the importance of the ‘courtyard’ as a privileged educational space, a place of welcome, listening and empowerment for young people. He then reiterated the need, even for civil institutions, to look to the future and support paths that help new generations to grow in a healthy and community-minded way.

The Provincial Fr Roberto Colameo placed the anniversary in a broader context, recalling how Liguria was a land particularly dear to Don Bosco. « We, therefore, must give thanks, reflect and relaunch. » A threefold commitment that sums up the meaning of the anniversary: gratitude for the journey accomplished, discernment about the transformations of the territory and momentum to relaunch Don Bosco’s educational system today.

Finally, on behalf of the former students, Elvio Lanteri expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation of the book, emphasising that the publication represents only a part of the richness of these 150 years of Salesian life in the far west of Liguria.

The morning thus took the form of a moment of shared memory and renewed commitment. It was not only a historical celebration, but also an act of dynamic fidelity to Don Bosco’s charism: preserving the past in order to serve better the young people of today and tomorrow.
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