Sirmione Parish Priest Responds to Safety Concerns Raised by Parents

The debate triggered by the publication in our newspaper of an article regarding alleged beatings of minors, which supposedly occurred near the Sirmione middle school and in other areas of the town, shows no signs of easing. After the principal, Professor Bruno Tommasini, denied that acts of violence took place inside the school building, it is now the turn of the parish priest, Don Evelino Dal Bon, who had read in church the letter from the families that raised the issue.

“As a parish priest,” he begins, “and therefore in my role of public service towards my parishioners and the numerous guests who attend the Holy Masses here in S. Maria della Neve church even during this low season, and also towards the readers of Bresciaoggi, I feel it is my duty to clarify what was published in the newspaper last Sunday, concerning my part.”

Don Evelino emphasizes one point regarding the headline: “The individual reporting the situation is not the parish priest but the parents.” However, the priest read the families’ document in church, publicly revealing a matter that many residents of Sirmione were unaware of.

Here is the full text of the parents’ letter that Don Evelino read at the end of Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 27 Masses. “I clarify that I received the letter on the evening of Thursday, November 23, but it bears the date October 28, and it is addressed to the mayor of Sirmione and for their information to the principal of the middle school, the parish priests of Lugana, Colombare, and Sirmione, the municipal police command, the Carabinieri, and the traffic police command.”

“The citizens of Sirmione, and in particular the parents of middle school students,” the families write, “after meeting, highlight the existence of serious problems (beatings, intimidations…) affecting a peaceful environment for their children, both inside and outside the school setting and at the recreational areas available for leisure in the afternoon.”

“Due to these serious problems that emerged at school, and after verbally informing teachers, police officers, parish priests, and the mayor, the parents request that necessary safety measures be taken to protect their children and prevent the recurrence of the incidents reported and now known to everyone.”

“This document aims to be a formal request for protection, ensuring their children’s awareness of being safeguarded against those who attempt, even illegally, to hinder their growth.” The letter is signed by 91 individuals.

Regarding the content of the letter, the parish priest states that the article was biased (“the serious issues of safety are not only inside but also outside the school environment”) and would distort the facts. In reality, the journalist, who was present in church, simply reported the information collected after verification, fulfilling their journalistic duty.

Don Evelino, after clarifying these points, does not diminish the delicacy and importance of the issue. He also recalls: “I sincerely hope that all the people to whom the parents addressed the letter feel genuinely involved and concerned about the present and future of these boys and girls.”

“In order for the issues raised by the parents to be properly addressed, I intend to summon the seven individuals to whom the letter was addressed as soon as possible at my rectory. Since I have received my mandate from the bishop, it is my duty to involve him in my pastoral service.”

“In the coming days, I will send the December 3 article and today’s to my bishop in Verona, who oversees the three parishes of Sirmione, Lugana, and Colombare. I thank Bresciaoggi for their attention and wish everyone, including the children and parents, a Merry Christmas in the Lord.”