Catholic Education in Italy

Mr Romano’s visit to Istituto Salesiani Madonna degli Angeli in Alassio

I was lucky enough to travel to Italy for Easter this year.

I wanted to learn more about Catholic education in Italy and so I arranged a visit to one of the most representative educational institutions in the region of Liguria: Istituto Salesiani ‘Madonna degli Angeli’ (Madonna of the Angels) in Alassio. 

The school was founded in 1870 on the site of a previous medieval convent dedicated to Mother Mary, Mother of Angels. It was founded by St John (Giovanni) Bosco (1815-1888), a canonised priest who dedicated his life to the education of disadvantaged youth. The institute quickly became very successful and started to receive students from all over the north-west of Italy. 

After the Second World War, the school was further expanded to cater for boarders and students who could not return home during school terms. The school in the last 50 years has educated and inspired many students who maintain a strong relationship with their school. Currently the institute hosts 205 students in their middle years and senior years courses. 

The education offer is based on three types of Liceo: Scientific, Economic and Sportive which offers different pathways and subjects. It is interesting to note that all students of the three pathways study philosophy, ethics and religious education to equip students with critical thinking. 

Much like our students at St Joseph's, the Don Bosco’s students have retreats once a year. This year’s topic for their retreats is the motto ‘Renditi forte, umile e onesto’ which translates into ‘Make yourself strong, humble and honest’.  

The Don Bosco’s institute, despite being a private Catholic school tries hard to be affordable, maintaining low enrolment fees and having a number of scholarships available for families in need. The Don Bosco’s school is also actively involved in the wider community with students of the senior years participating in the activities of the Oratorio.

I met and spent time with the students, the mathematics teacher and coordinator, Prof. Elizabetta Preve and Principal Prof. Mimmo Ottonello. 

I proudly showed them some information about St Joseph College, its history and projects including the new campus. The Italians were mostly impressed with our buildings, our Brigidine history and the Catholic legacy of our school in a land which for them appears so remote.

Professor Ottonello and Professor Preve expressed desire to perhaps start a partnership with St Joseph College which might lead to a students and teachers’ exchange in future years. Surely an exciting prospect. The Istituto has its own private beach just a few hundred metres away from the school.

https://www.donboscoalassio.it/

Andrea Romano

Italian Teacher