“Don Bosco welcomed us to this house”. These are not my words. They’re the heartfelt expression of Valerio, a young man who found solace and direction right here at San Giovanni Bosco in Palermo.
This isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to the Salesians’ dedication to the youth of Palermo. Let’s step back in time. The Salesians first arrived in Sicily in 1879. They started their work with young people in Randazzo. By 1902, they wanted to expand this mission to Palermo.
The Istituto Salesiano “Don Bosco” on via Sampolo became incredibly popular. By 1936, it was overflowing with students. More space was needed to accommodate all the young people. In 1937, the Istituto Salesiano “Don Bosco” at Villa Ranchibile was established. It started as a branch of the Ginnasio. By 1940, all five classes of the Ginnasio were available to external students.
However, the Salesians’ work was interrupted by World War II. In 1942, all schools were closed. Villa Ranchibile was taken over by the maritime militia. After the war, in 1944, the Salesians returned to Villa Ranchibile. They welcomed external students of the Ginnasio. It was a branch of the Sampolo. They offered a safe space and education to the “sons of the street”. They focused on civil and religious education. All was taught through healthy recreation.
In 1947, ten years after the Istituto’s founding, Palermo’s City Council approved a name change. Piazza Ranchibile became Piazza Don Bosco. This honored the Salesians’ important work. In 1961, Don Zingali, the Istituto’s director, founded the Liceo Scientifico.
In 1987, under Don Antonino Giordano, the Istituto transformed. Villa Ranchibile became what we see today. It houses a Scuola Media that moved from the “Don Bosco” institute on via Sampolo. It also features a Scuola Superiore with classical, scientific, and business economics programs. There are labs for physics, science, IT, and languages. Girls were welcomed too. Plus, there’s a theater, a cinema club, and youth sports.
The Family Apartment Group in Palermo embodies this spirit. It supports young people transitioning out of training programs. The Salesians provide a family-like environment. They guide these young people toward independence and responsibility. As Ivan says, the Family Apartment Group teaches valuable life skills. It covers financial management and home care.
The Salesians’ approach is rooted in pastoral charity. Educators act with loving kindness. They ensure young people feel loved. Father Giuseppe Cutrupi emphasizes this. He believes that those who feel loved will love in return.
San Giovanni Bosco stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity. It embodies the Salesians’ unwavering commitment to Palermo’s youth. It’s a place where young people are empowered. They learn and grow into responsible, independent adults. This is a living legacy that continues to shape the future of Palermo.