Cesari Elio

Don Elio Cesari is a Salesian who has dedicated his life to serving young people and to the Salesian mission. Originally from Bologna, he has lived and worked mainly in Lombardy in the field of youth education: for nine years he was in charge of Youth Ministry and for six years he served as director at the Don Bosco Social Works in Sesto San Giovanni (Salesians of Sesto San Giovanni), an educational complex with around 2,800 students comprising secondary schools, a vocational training centre and an ITS.

Currently, Fr Elio Cesari serves as president of the National Centre for Salesian Works (CNOS) and secretary-general of the Conference of Salesian Provincials in Italy (CISI), a post he assumed in September 2023 for the three-year term 2023–2026 (Don Bosco Italia). He recently joined the National Council for Catholic Schools of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI).
His Salesian vocation was inspired by the desire to follow the example of Don Bosco, founder of the Salesians, by dedicating his life to the education and formation of young people, especially those most in need. In an interview, Don Elio described his vocation as “a calling that gives no rest and never disappoints”, reflecting his constant commitment and passion for the educational mission.