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Salesian Forum 2026
Thinking critically today
THREE DAYS OF STUDY
FROM 25th TO 28th AUGUST 2026
Rome - Italy
What is the Salesian Forum - Forum Salesiano?
The Salesian Forum aims to promote the study of Don Bosco and the Salesian tradition, and to encourage the exchange of ideas within a European context.
The goals of the Salesian Forum are:
to promote the Salesian formation of participants by organising dialogue and collaboration among people in Europe who reflect on the Salesian tradition;
to encourage systematic reflection - among scholars and practitioners - on all aspects of the Salesian tradition (education, pastoral care, and spirituality);
to contribute to the ongoing renewal of the Salesian educational and pastoral project;
to disseminate the results of reflection and research;
to promote dialogue between the reflections of SDB and FMA on the preventive system.
Every two years, the Salesian Forum organises a three-day meeting dedicated to the study of a specific Salesian theme.
Setting the Scene
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 AI-generated content and deepfake technologies. Information overload leads to decision paralysis, increasing polarisation fuelled by organised misinformation campaigns, and a growing mistrust in institutions such as schools, churches, government, and the media. Digital platforms fragment attention, manipulate emotions, and shape opinions long before young people develop the capacity to evaluate what they encounter.
Many desire freedom and authenticity, yet struggle to distinguish truth from illusion or reflection from reaction. In this context, the formation of critical and responsible thinkers is more urgent than ever.
The Salesian tradition offers a valuable response. Don Bosco spoke of “reason” as one of the foundational 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 grow in freedom, responsibility, and discernment.
Today, young people risk being formed more by algorithms than by educators, more by impulse than by reflection. The Salesian educator therefore cannot be satisfied with simply transmitting knowledge or enforcing rules. They are called to accompany the young: awakening thought, encouraging questions, nurturing interiority, and offering criteria for sound judgment.
The Salesian Forum invites SDB, FMA, and lay educators from across Europe to reflect together on how the Salesian educational tradition can foster genuine critical thinking in schools, oratories, youth centres, vocational training settings, and formation communities.
Cultivating critical reflection is not only essential for the growth of young people - it is also vital for the credibility and vitality of the Salesian mission today.
Salesian Forum 2026
The Salesian Forum 2026 will take place from 25 - 28 August 2026 at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS) in Rome. Through study and mutual exchange, the Forum will explore more deeply the formation of young people in critical thinking and its relationship with the Salesian Preventive System.
To approach the theme from different perspectives, speakers from various academic and educational contexts have been invited to share insights from their respective fields of expertise.
Alongside these keynote inputs, participants will have several opportunities for dialogue and exchange, allowing the theme to be explored and assimilated more fully. The working languages of the Forum will be English and Italian.
Programme contributions
Lana Ivanjek (Austria) Global introduction to critical thinking: Why it matters
Lana Ivanjek (Austria) Educating for critical thinking: approaches and challenges
Wim Collin (Italy - UPS) Between the Industrial Revolution and the Social Question: Don Bosco’s historical discernment and educational response
Francesca Caggiano (Italy) Maria Troncatti: overcoming prejudice through relationships
Geert De Cubber (Belgium) Critical thinking and the church: synodality as an opportunity
Fabio Pasqualetti (Italy - UPS) Remaining human in the age of social automation
Luca Bertazzi (Italy - UPS) Educating critical thinking in schools: an educational and didactic perspective
Carina Baumgartner (Austria), Antoine Farrugia (Malta), Barbara Poredos (Slovenia), Janez Vodičar (Slovenia) Sharing good practices and panel discussion with participant interaction: strengthening critical thinking among young people
The target group
The Salesian Forum is open to scholars in the field of education, pastoral care, spirituality, and history, as well as to SDB, FMA, lay people, members of the Salesian Family, and all those directly involved in the education of young people who seek a deeper understanding of issues that are vital to the Salesian mission.
Concrete information
The Salesian Forum begins with dinner on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Registration will be available from 14:30. The meeting concludes with lunch on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The total cost (participation, accommodation, and meals) is €350.
The forum will take place at:
Università Pontificia Salesiana
Piazza dell'Ateneo Salesiano, 1
00139 Rome
Italy
Given the limited number of places available (maximum 35 participants), early registration is recommended.
Registration is possible by clicking the button below or by email at: forum.salesiano@donbosco.be
Those who wish to arrive earlier or stay longer at Rome are asked to contact the UPS personally with regard to the possibility of booking a room.
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