Salesian Pedagogy (1888-2018) by Michal Vojtas

It is an itinerary that highlights the pedagogical orientations and choices that have gradually taken shape in a great variety of educational-pastoral experiences carried out by Salesian generations in the different epochs and contexts that have followed one another in the 140 years from Don Bosco's death to the recent synod of young people in October 2018.

The proposed itinerary captures how in each epoch the pedagogical legacy of Don Bosco has given new impulses and at the same time received stimuli generating new ideas, placing different accents, sometimes leaving out aspects that instead become important in another moment or context.

It is an outline of life, beyond simply documenting what happened. It becomes a precious aid for those attracted by the spiritual pedagogical heritage of Don Bosco and who are interested in understanding the evolution of his charism, to fully understand its potential and relevance for our time.

These are the chapters into which the 481-page book is divided:

1. Statements on pedagogy by the first Salesian generation

2. A practical pedagogy of osmosis

3. Adverse times call for disciplined fidelity

4. Vatican II: Before, during, after

5. Planning and animation

6. New evangelisation and education for the third millennium

On the last page before the index, we find this commentary by Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesians of Don Bosco:

“I would like to conclude this afterword to Fr Michal Vojtáš’s book by congratulating him on this valuable treasure that he brings not only to the UPS, but to the whole Congregation. It will give us the opportunity to better see the path taken by Salesian pedagogy, current challenges and what is expected of us today. I thank you for the opportunity you have given me to read your book, which I have really enjoyed reading and which has done me much good, as I am sure it will do to all those who will have it in hand, and my opinion of it could not be better: excellent! I hope that the book will be very well received and arouse the desire to continue reflecting on Salesian pedagogy, the priceless legacy left to us by Don Bosco for the effectiveness of our educative and pastoral presence among the young.”

It is a new and promising reference point for Salesian studies, accessible and downloadable in the digital PDF version at the following hyperlinks from Salesian On-Line Resources, edited by the Don Bosco Study Center, for the English and French versions.