Pandemic yesterday and today: a salesian pedagogical understanding

Abstract

This essay intends to interpret, from a Salesian pedagogical understanding, the current crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic. For this, it’s important to consider Don Bosco´s historical memory and experience during the cholera epidemic that occurred in Turin in 1854, emphasizing the criteria and pedagogical options that allow a Salesian understanding of the recent global health crisis. This methodological process allowed to identify some key thematic nuclei to approach Salesian educative action today: the centrality of the poor; the need for an educational presence; the urgency for the formation of "honest citizen"; and the importance of spirituality for young people. It concludes showing the relevance of the Salesian pedagogical presence specially accompanying educational processes with young people in times of crisis.