«I applaud the possibility that, where there are large numbers of students, for example Muslims, this can also be done interrupt classes for Ramadan». The Archbishop of Salerno, Monsignor Andrea Bellandi expresses a favorable opinion on the decision of Campania region, made explicit in the council resolution with the guidelines for the 2024-2025 school year, to entrust schools with the possibility and decision to stop teaching activities in the event of religious holidays that affect part of the school community. As, for example, happened this year in Pioltello, in the Milan area, precisely at the end of Ramadan
«I believe that no comments should be made on these topics ideological battles of a political nature – specifies Bellandi – but we must look at the good and real interests of students and teachers. It is necessary to evaluate school by school, where there are large numbers of pupils including those from other religions, whether it is really appropriate to respect certain dates which are very significant for them. In this sense
In recent years, the Campania Region already expected schools to decide on religious holidays. However, without ever making it clear, as in the new resolution, whether these measures could concern Catholic or Muslim holidays. For Bellandi this opportunity must also be seized because he tries «to encourage the fact that the religious element is not foreign to the educational dimension of the children – insists the archbishop – and therefore also keep in mind certain more significant dates. Unfortunately I sometimes see that this is not the case even in the Catholic context, it turns out that sometimes there are courses or even exams on dates that are important for us Catholics, such as Good Friday. Some students I know had to take exams on a date that is very central for us. There should be respect for everyone and see how to make the best choices not based on battles of any other nature than those of respect and attention to the religious dimension of students, which is important.”
