Abstract

Analyzing the pedagogical experience of the Salesian Congregation, we can affirm that over the years it has been realized in various dimensions. The beginning was precisely the pedagogical charisma of Don Bosco and his contacts with the pedagogical heritage of northern Italy of the century. XIX. The following stage was the pedagogical work of the first Salesians who likewise in the immediate and sincere meetings with the young people as well as through the theoretical study of the educational sciences laid the foundations and deepened the pedagogical experience of the new religious congregation. They strove to constantly keep up with the spirit of the times, adapting as much as possible to the pedagogical heritage of the time and always updating the methods of education, or even sometimes surpassing the already existing educational methods through initiatives and projects. The effects of that commitment can also be seen today as activities in the field of immediate contact with young people in schools and oratories as well as in scientific works in the pedagogical-didactic field in universities. And so the essential elements of that experience must be seen in the commitment of Don Bosco and of the first generations of Salesians to the educational work which up to now is being carried out in the two dimensions which collaborate with each other: work without interference with the young in the schools,  oratories and parishes, as well as in theoretical study and university work which lay down the theoretical foundations of education and also prepare future educators of young people.