On Saturday 12 April, the annual Calasanzian Education Meeting was held in Frascati, convened by the Provincial Father Sergio Sereni. Teachers from the nursery, kindergarten and primary school were invited. The schools that took part were: All Dodici Stelle School in Frascati, Guido Alfani Institute in Sesto Fiorentino, Calasanzio of Genoa Cornigliano and Calasanzio Institute of Rome. A total of 40 participants were present, both lay people and Piarist religious.
Fr Maurizio Fagnani welcomed the participants and thanked them for their presence.
Father Sergio Sereni then explained the structure of the meeting and encouraged everyone to engage in open exchange and honest dialogue as well as mutual exchange and self-criticism.
Dr Laura Castella then presented her reflections on the importance of the identity of the Piarist educator. She also emphasised the importance of overcoming all obstacles in order to fully realise the dream of St. Joseph Calasanz: To accompany children on their path to happiness.
A time of dialogue followed in an atmosphere of trust and sincerity. The participants were able to express themselves and share their thoughts, experiences and concerns. The exchange was rich and captivating.
Lunch then took place in a festive and friendly atmosphere. After lunch, the group visited the nursery and kindergarten rooms of the Alle Dodici Stelle School in Frascati.
Later, a moment of prayer was held in the church of the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pious Schools.
At the end of the Calasanzian Education Day, each participant shared a thought, an idea or a personal conviction. All these contributions were written down and can be published later to preserve the memory of the reflections and experiences of the meeting.
After Father Sergio Sereni’s farewell words, the participants returned to their respective communities like the disciples of Emmaus: joyful because their hearts were burning as they spoke of all the things that had happened.
