AGCRM290


AGCRM290

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YEAR LIX
JULY-DECEIUBER 1978
NO. 290
il A[I$ lllt $IlPHI[[ $flllilHl
OF THE S,ALESIAN SOCIETY
SUMMARY
Letter of the Bector Maior (p. 3)
SALESIAN EDUCATIONAL PROJECT
ln Search of Appropriate Practise
The Preventive System of Don Bosco
ln the Footsteps of Christ, the Friend of the Young
Pastoral Charity and Pedagogical Wisdom
The Salesian Style
Conclusion
2. Gommunications (p. 47).
New Provincials
New Delegates of Rector Major
Vicar of Rector Major for the FMAs
Secular Institute of VDB with Pontifical Approval
Fraternal Solidarity
3. Activites of Superior Council (p. 53)
Department for Salesian Formatlon
Department for Youth Apostolate
Department for Mlsslons
4. Documents (p.58)
Telegram
Telegram
and
and
Beply
Reply
on
on
Occaslon of
Ocoasion of
Death of
Electlon
oHfisHHisolHinoelisnsesPsauJol hVnl
Paul I
Letter of Rector Major to His Holiness John Paul I
Telegram on O,ccasion of Death of His Hollness John Paul I
5. Necrology 1p. 62)

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s. o. s. - RoMA

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1. LETTER OF THE BECTOR MAJOR
Rome
Feast ol the Assumption
Augast, L978
Dear Confreres,
\\7e are still deeply moved by the unexpected death of pope
Paul VI who has always graced our humble family with special
signs of affection and forthright advice. \\U7e admire in him a
bright testimony of magnanimiry in the ministry and holiness
of life.
I am writing to you during the days preceeding the feast
of Mary's Assumption. It is a bright coincidence. Tha proximiry
of the two events helps us paradoxically rc unite joy to iadness-
the sadness of a deceased friend with the great reahty of Mary,s
Assumption. A prophetic sign of our final victory.
Assumed into heaven, Mary is even closer and real to the
Pilgrim Church because she has become Helper who dispenses
through the centuries her blessings with motherly concern.
Today we can look upon the fifteen years of pope paul's
pontificate as a gif.t of Mary for the enrire world. The special
protection of Mary has made him teacher and guide in one of
the most trying periods of the Church's history.
The feast of Mary's Assumption and her motherly inter-
vention in favor of the People of God help us to think of our
founder who was born in the proximity of this solemn Marian
feast. The vocation of Don Bosco also seems to be a gift of
Mary for the whole christian world.
Recalling one of the last suggesrions of pope paul to our
chapter according to whom "the requirements both in the Church

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and in civil society today, appeil to correspond more than ever
to the particular apostolate of the sons of St. John Bosco";1 on
the ottrer hand, recalling that the intervention of Mary in the
first
has
dream
shaped
of little John
that "genius
Bosco was the determining factor
of an apostle" who stands out
which
in the
Church,I invite you to reflect with me on the project which is
the hallmark of our genial pastoral apostolate- the Preventive
System.
For months we have been busy deepening our application
of the results of GC 2L. Days of study, meetings and days of
prayer to better understand the capitular documents have been
held in the provinces. In many houses the local communities
have organized in the ongoing formation themes of the chapter.
All this activity is a sign of a genuine religious attitude of the
Congegation to the docility to the Spirit of the Lord.
Alio the Superior Council has collegiately rcaltzed a further
deepening of this topic to serve the confreres according to the
directives of the chapter.
I shall express a sentiment which this solemnity of Mary
evokes: we all complain of the weight of difficulties, of some
defects and defections. Yet I am deeply aware in the recesses
of my being of an inoease of the good which is being done.
The figure of Pope Paul VI in the Church is a suong proof.
The Congregation, too, has enthusiastically gtown in the aware-
ness of Jesus Christ and His mysteries, of Mary and of the Church'
A knowledge and love for Don Bosco is growing apace; religious
commitment is more deeply lived and one faces reality with
steadfastness.
It seems to me that we see more clearly, that we walk
more surely, that a new era of grace is dawning.
I GC 2l No. 448.
The abbreviation GC 21 indicates chapter Documents, General chapter of
the Salesian Society, Rome, 1978. Numbers indicate section'

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May Mary's Assumption as well as the intercession of Pope
Paul serve as sure guides as we energetically walk the long path
highlighted by the Council and our last two general chapters.
1. ln Search of Appropriate Practise
A very delicate problem for tlese "post-capitular" years is
that of finding ways of manslating into our lives the final results
of the documents of the chapter. The objective of the chapter is
precisely the "conversion" of our very selves and manner of
acting.
Now the Preventive System of Don Bosco has been, in fact,
the proper manner of living and working- {(61fi1s-praxis" as
some would say today- after the manner of the first generations
of Salesians.
The GC 2L offers us ways to the manner of identifying our-
selves amid changes.
\\We wish, therefore, to rethink our fideliry to the Preventive
System. To do this we propose a definite objective that of the
conversion of our daily li[e.
To this end, I invite you to reread once again the first docu-
ment of the chapter, "Salesians Evangelizers of the Young."
This document assures us that the Salesian practise has as
point of relerence and as authentic oieu the genuine educational
and pastoral scope of Don Bosco. This is, indeed, a positive and
leading sign of our task of renewal. rWe must seriously consider
it because, it represents not only our own growth but << in a
certain sense something new, as regards the work of the SGC." 2
The more we acquaint ourselves with the text the more
we will discover the key to its teachings and practises as found
'1 GC 21 No. 165.

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in Part. III, "The Salesian Educational and Pastoral Plan."
In the introduction we read:
the idea, therefore, that links tthe various parts of the
document and gives them unity is our vocation as
evangelizers, which becomes real when it is lived out
in our pastoral and educative projects, restudied and
put into practise.3
Of prime importance is a religious spirit which ought to
integrate our life with lasting values of our consecration and
mission,a which we find in carrying out our Preventive System.
In fact, in the mind of Don Bosco and in our living radition
this system "tends to identify itself increasingly more with the
'salesian spirit': pedagogy, apostolate, spirituality." s
Our Salesian presence and activity among the young is not
only an educational method but also, fundamentally, a religious
witnessing:
We publicly confess that the Father's love has called
and united us into a community for the evangelization
of youth, carrying on a uork ol education inspired by
the charism of Don Bosco.6
The religious commitment of each community to grow spi-
ritually in its vocation is measured, in fact, by the extent in
which the conversion is accepted to live "with the soul of the
Preventive System," 7
It is only with this "soul" that one can realize "that new
Salesian presence" which is the flight of the spirit of initiative
and missionary zed. of the first generations of our society to which
3 ibid. No. 4.
n passim Nos. 577-592
s GC 2L No. 96.
6 ibid. No. 6.
7 ibid. No L7.

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the SGC referred: "rWith the young people of today, the Preven-
tive System means that a new kind of presence is needed." 8
'$7'e are, therefore, speaking of a subject which is demanding;
one which goes to the very core of our renewal; one which forms
a bond of unity at a time of transition in which pluralism and
cultural differences could easily lead us asffayi
The Preventive System becomes all the more urgent
today when the members of the Congregation scattered
throughout the world... wish to preserve through the
community effectiveness of their vocation, the vital bond
with their Founder and unity of spirit.e
This important capitular statement reaffirms Don Albera's
statement "This magna charta of our Congregation, the Preventive
System."'o This theme reechoes Fr. Rinaldi's saying to young
confreres:
The salesian is either a salesian or is nothing; either
of Don Bosco or of no one. If we study Don Bosco,
if we follow his system, we shall be true sons; otherwise
we shall be nothing, working in a vacuum and off the
ffack. 1r
2. The Preventive System of Don Bosco
The few quotations and others taken from the GC 21 t2
supported by our traditon indicate that our Preventive System
8 ibid. No. 155.
'q GC No. 80.
'o Circular Letters of Don Pauli Albera to the Salesians, Tutln, t965, p. 375.
'r EucENE VarrNtrro, Don Nnaldi, Teacher of Pedagogy and Salesian Spi-
rituality, Turin, Crocetta, L965, p. )2,
" GC 2L Nos. 80, 96, 99.

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is basic to that "proper character" " which distinguishes us among
the People of God as salesians of Don Bosco.
2.1, Geniality Expressiae ol tbe Foander
The recent Pope Paul in speaking of the religious in their
apostolate of. evangelaation states: "their apostolate is often
earmarked by an originality, a graciousness which call for admi-
ration." la
For salesian "originality" is linked to the carrying out of
the Preventive system. This system, in fact, constitutes tbe
creatiae originality ol Don Bosco. I would like to cite several
passages from a conference given by Fr. A. Caviglia, an outstanding
authority of our Father's educational method. fn a conference
to teachers held in Rome, 1934, the year of our Fathet's canoniz-
ation, he said:
Don Bosco's greatness in the life of the Church is his
establising a definite christian pedagogy.... A christian
pedagogy lived basically in the christian life for all
times has found in bim its characteristic which is the
expression of faith of all and of faith of all and of
his holiness. ls
The underlying theme of his Preventice System can be con-
sidered as a kind of "prophetic message" (God speaking through
His saints) of our times. In this manner Don Bosco points the
way as a "doctor" of the Church, "Father and Teacher" of the
art of chtistian education. The decree of his canonization defines
him as "the prototype of the education of modern youth. He has
ti Cf. Directiaes ol Bishops and Religious in tbe Church, Vatican City, 1978,
Nos. 14, 15.
'a Eaangeli Nuntiandi No. 69.
" AITERT Cevrclra, Pedagogy of Don Bosco, Rome, t%5, p, 6,

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opened up v/ith a method truely original, the best and most
secure road to pedagogical practise." 16
In the Preventive System Don Bosco manifests a strong
creative ability. His meativity,
is not a qeativity of elements. Creating from nothing
is the work of God alone. Don Bosco's creativity is a
creatiue syntbesis which is a sign of a genius. I call it
ueatiae synthesis because its originality, its beauty, its
greatness does not reside so much in its novelty of
particulars but in the discovery of that idea which
bands them into a new and results into a whole. ,,
The catalyst of such a crearive synthesis has been called by
the chapter "pastoral cbarity", heart of the salesian spirit.rE Fr.
Caviglia considered it more as a method under the aspect of
"bont)." It was a goodness which was visible and intimate. A
goodness which elicits a response of love and creates an environ-
ment of kindness.
Some of us have heard Fr. Caviglia when he preached spi
ritual retreats. He stared quite frankly that such kindness ought
to be the object of a fourth vow for the salesians- a vow of
kindness and the pracise of the Prevenrive System.
I believe that it is especially urgent today in the Congre-
gation to become once again aware of this originality and creativity
of Don Bosco.
Perhaps his early disciples spoke so enthusiastically in a
language which pre-dated the developmenr of the science of educa-
tion and the inevitable changes have created a certain remissness,
a certain slackening for serious study which could have negarive
16 << novae juvenrutis educator princeps, nova prorsus...method, quae quidem
in paedagogica disciplina vere escellentissimum ac tutissimum signavit iter >. ASS
1935, p. 285.
r7 Ar,sBnro CevrclrA, op.cit., p. 9.
t8 Consritutions No. 40.

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results on our identity. Don Bosco instead incarnated in this
"system" his own sanctity. He conceived pedagogy "beyond
theory and beyond the narrow confines of methodology" to the
realm of a wisdom which is based on the chatism and special gift
of the Holy Spirit. In this manner "the originality" of his system
has acquited a future dimension.
F. Caviglia again says:
It is without doubt a paradox: his title to greatness,
the invention of the Preventive System. The originality
and the end result of the mind and heart of this rue
genius of goodness is this powerful creative synthesis.
He lived it. This idea, this synthesis, otiginated from
the heart and resided in goodness... This system of
Don Bosco is the system of kindness or, for better
words, kindness built into a s?steril. Quite naturally
it is kindness springing from the heart of a saint and,
hence, a kindness which is more than human. Here
the heart of the man gives shape and form to that
which the idea of chariry dictates, namely, the molding
and the saving of souls." "
It seems to me that these citations have hit the mark. They
clearly describe with accuracy the most original cbaracter ol our
"proper character" in the Church; they show us what is the
"pastoral charity" which is the perennial source of our identity.a
2.2 A Date in Tradition
It is clear that when C{,2L speaks of the Preventive System
it does not simply refer to the classic pages written by Don Bosco
in L877 and up to the SGC incorporated in the Regulations.
Rather it is "an organic whole of convictions, attitudes, actions,
n'e
AInERT Cevtcrre, op.cit., pp., L+15.
Constitutions No. 40; ASGC 26, L27.

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presence, means, methods and structures which have progressively
established a certain personal and. community manner of existence
and action of Don Bosco, of each individual salesian and member
of the salesian famtly."'l
In this respect Don Bosco's brochure is, without doubt, one
of the most precious documents. Yet his apostolic and educa-
tional method cannot be adequately understood in the few pages
of his brochure or orher of his many writings. It is enough to
glance at the most evident and clear evidence of his system, the
growth of Dominic Savio in holiness. During Dominic's life span
a great part of Don Bosco's writings were not yet in existence.
The Oratory of Valdocco had not yet a full residenr program.
We are dealing, therefore, with an apostolic and educational
practise which is clarified by the help of Don Bosco's rreatise
and other writings, but above all by his subsequent manner of
acting.
The analysis of such a pracrise requires a special task of
tuning in on the spirit. In fact, since the "system" is the sum
total of convictions, attitudes and presence, and was created and
lived in a social environment of the last century, we must earnestly
endeavor to make some subtle distinction; that is, the living and
permanent heidoom of the Preventive System. Its .,lasting,'
values and its message for the future is not to be identified with
a cultural view and with an ecclesial mentality of the past.
But if it may have been lamentable to have to reduce the
Preventive System to legal observance, it would be more disastrous
n Cf. AA.VV., "The Educational System of Don Bosco as Found in Old
and New Pedagogy"; "Act of the Salesian European Congtess on the Educational
System of Don Bosco", Turin, LDC, 1974, No. 301.
For Don Bosco the expression Preventive System did not refer to a written
work but to "that sum of means and educational procedure which srippose and
imply an entire organi56 of convictions, ideas, reasons and faith which comprise
his way of dealing with youth". Peter Braido, Tbe Preoentiae System ol Don
Bosco, Zuich, PAS-Verlag, 1964, pp 66.

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to believe that it no longer bears for us that original vitality so
necessary for our renewal.
The GC 21 exhorts us to discover with seriousness and
love its "charismatic nucleus" so as to preserve and to carry on
our original dynamism. This ought to be done by the entire
salesian f.amily, since without the practise of the Preventive System
we cannot be faithful to Don Bosco.z
23. Tbe Basic Elernent of Oar "Cbarism"
The SGC had aheady inserted the subject matter of the
Preventive
system as
System in
"precious
the text
heritage"
Iof
the Constitutions defining the
linked to that "apostolate of
love" which forms "the center of our salesian spirit." 2a
With good reason, therefore, Fr. Louis Ricceri in his important
letter, "Decentralization and Unity Today in the Congregation"
of October, 1977, in presenting the original components of our
cbarisrn explicitly enumerates the Preventive System as a special
"style of apostolic presence." 2s
It is closely linked to other components of salesian charism,
especially to the "spirit" of Don Bosco and his "mission" to youth.
In the Preventive System, in fact, one can distinguish two
2 For a more comprehensive historical-doctrinal in depth study of salesian
practise of Don Bosco, three outstanding authors are worthy of note:
Fr. A. Caaiglia in his commentary on the lives of Magone, Besucco and,
above all, Dominic Savio, shows a penettating grasp of Don Bosco's spirit'
superior
-hasFrb. rPo.uRgihctalodounteqiunitheisabuothookriDtaotinveBlyosctoh,eTebdeuEcda.tuiocantaolr
and as
aspect
a major
of Don
Bosco's charism.
He
has
-scieFnrt.ifPic.alBlyraaipdporoinachheisd
Preaentioe Systen ol Don Bosco is the
the subiect of the Preventive System.
scholar.
Part I,
"The Times, Works and Personality of Don Bosco" merits attention.
ts
x
Constitutions No. 25; Cf. Regulation Nos. 3,
ACS 272, October-December, 197), No. 10.
4.
ACS indicates Acts of Superior Chapter of Salesian Society'
Superior Chapter of Salesian Society.
" ibid. No. Lo.

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levels or aspects which are different yet closely linked to one
another: tbe inspiring principle which creates a spiritual attitude
in the individual, "the spiritual thrust", and the metbod.ological
principle which serves as a guide in the concrete situation of his
action, "the educational method."
Between the "pastoral thrust" and the "pedagogical thrust"
one can notice a subtle distinction which is worthy of reflection
and deepening insight, but it would be an illusion and a danger
to add that to forget the close bond which unites rhem so radically
as to make it impossible to separate rhem. To dissociate Don
Bosco's method from his apostolic soul would be to destroy both.
In this manner the Prevenrive System is totally linked to the
salesian " spirit" by means of its "pastoral thrust" that it consti-
tutes its incarnate character. For a good reason it can be defined
as an authentic spiritualtty of. our apostolic action and "therefore
our practical way of tending for the fulness of charity and christian
life." In fact the educator is completely saturated by sentiments,
thoughts and activities which characterae his existence.
On the other hand the Preventive System is so directly linked
to the salesian mission with regard to the "educational method"
that it translates it into pracrice. The SGC reminded us that be-
tween salesian "mission", one and identical for all and everywhere,
and "pastotal" in action, changeable according to circumstances,
that there is an important level which one needs to harmorize.26
The Preventive System is to be situated between two frames,
that of education and apostolate which enlighten and guide the
various projects to elaborate and apply in an orderly fashion of
the diverse situation of time and space.
To sum up, the "apostolic thrust" and "method of action"
of the Preventive System fuse so perfectly to make of the system
% ACGS No. 30.
ACGS tefers to Acts of Special General Chapter of Salesian Society,
Rome, 1972.

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a point of reference for the unity and identity of the salesian
Lanily in the Church.
2.4 Tbe Sure Way to a True Conuersion
The originality and geniality of our Fonuder are not museum
pieces but an appeal to a challange. They point out the right
path to choose for that concrete conversion to which the GC 2L
invites us.
Apostolic charity translated into goodness is at the root of
our spirit and our mission. The very name salesian originates
from goodness in practise considering a saint who had incarnated
the "begnignitas et humanitas" of Our Divine Savior. It is,
indeed, a name which qualifies our vocation and points out the
goal for which we are accountable in the Church. The entire life
of Don Bosco is like a commentary on the bearers of this name.
!7hen nine years old John Bosco felt called by the Most
High and considered the Madonna as "the inspiring force" and
"teacher" of the Preventive System.
!7ith good reason Fr. Rinal& on the occasion of the centi-
nary of the first dream, 7925, "had ordered that a corrmemo-
ration be held in every house and he himself held con{etences
with the salesians and sisters on the subject. Already at that time
he aimed to help them see how it had been pointed out to Don
Bosco that his educational system was founded on the spirit of
goodness and meekness." u
For this reason Don Bosco made the formation of his first
salesians consist in learning to live and practise the Preventive
System. This remained the tra&tional formation of the first
genefations of salesians.
Among the last letters of Don Bosco there is an important
' Eucrue Cnw.e,, Life ol the Seruant of God, Pbilip Nnaldi, Turin, S.E.I.,
1948, p. 443.

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one to Fr. James Costamagna in Argentina. Don Bosco writes
I feel myself failing and I would tike to have with me
my sons and daughters of America... I would like to
give you a conference on the salesian spirit which
should serve as a guide to our actions and our speech.
The Preventive System should be for us a11... Let words
of kindness, patience and charity pervade our classes....
Let every salesian be a friend of all; never to seek
revenge. Let him easily pardon. Never recall incidents
once forgiven... Kindness of speech, in word, in advising
conquefs everything and all.":8
Ve know that "rhis letter contributed ro the spiritual and
temporal welfare of the province of Argentina. Not only the
provincial but other confreres who made copies of the letter sent
thanks to the saint. Some who felt they were at fault or found
greater difficulties to be charitable and parient took a vow which
they renewed every month on the occasion of the practise of
'Happy Death'."'
The recent Pope Paul with farsighted vision and deep interest
in our vocation on May 24, 1973 in his motu proprio, .,Magiste-
rium Vitae", delivered on the occasion of the elevation of our
Pontifical Atheneum to a University stated:
The members of the Salesian Society have respectfully
received from their Father and Founder thar special
charism in the afi of. education entrusted to them nor
only as a sacred deposit to be guarded jealously but also
as a fruitful seed to be cultivated faithfully.s
Hence, be it at the Pontifical Salesian University or at our
centers of study u/e must carry on that activity according to
a
D
s
Eucrua Cr*rt, Letters
ibid. p.33, footnote.
of
St.
lobn.
Bosco,
Yol.4,
ACS 272 October-December, 1971. Nos. 72-77.
Turin,
L959,
p.
3)2.

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which the spirit of the holy Founder which is well known as the
" preaentiae system" and which not without a special design of
God has drawn its force from the gospel. \\7e are, therefore,
dealing with an element which is "substantial." 3r
Let us listen to the tefreshing words of P. Duvallet, a
French priest who for twenty years was at the side of Abbe
Pierre, the apostle for the education of youth of today:
You have schools, oratories and youth centers but only
oInnethtreeawsauyrein-
the educational method ot' Don Bosco.
which youth is abused, taken advantage
of, mistreated, the Lord has entrusted you with a method
of education in which respect for the boy, his nobility
and fuarlry, his dignity as a son of God triumphs.
Maintain, renew, enrich this method with modern
approaches. Adopt it to the youth of the twentieth
century which Don Bosco could not know. But for
God's sake preserve it! Change everything. Lose, if
the case may be, your houses but hold on to this treasure
thus building in thousands of heatts a way to love and
save youth which is the heredity of Don Bosco''2
3. In the Footsteps of Ghrist Friend of the Young
The salesian family was born of the love of Don Bosco fot
the young. A love of pre&lection which developed and permeated
his natural gifts but which was radically a special gift of God
destined for the salvation of the youth of today. This predilection
welled up in him from his enthusiastic adherence to Jesus Christ
and under the guidance of Mary leading to make ptesent the
!
o
C,C 21 No. 216.
AA.W. "Prevendve
System
of
Don
Bosco
in
Old
and
New
Pedagogy";
"Acts of European Salesian Conference on Educational System of Don Bosco".
Turin, LDC L974, p. )L4.

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mystery of Christ "while blessing children and does good to dl,"
" as the Council says.
The Gospel shows the love of Jesus Christ for the young
in various ways: He loves them. "Jesus looked... and loved him.
Mk, 10,21. He wishes to be surrounded by them; Mt. L9,14-15;
Mk. 10, 1.3-1.6; Lk. 18, 1.5-1.7.
"Let the little children", Lk. 9. 46-48, "He who welcomes."
He invites them to follow Him. The rich young man, Mt.
1.9, 1.6-26; Mk. 10, L7-22.
He heals them. "Go home, your son will live." Io. 4, 46-54.
He resurrects. "Young man, I tell you get up." Lk.7, LI-L5.
Daughter of Jairus, Lk. 8, 40-55; Mk. 5. 21.-43.
He frees them from the devil. Mk. 17, 14-1.8; Lk. 9, 37-43.
He casts out the devil from the daughter of Canaarite
woman. Mt. 15, 21,-28; Mk. 7, 24-30.
He grants pardon to the prodigal son. Lk. 15, L132.
He works a miracles. "There is a small boy here." Io. 6,
L-L5.
\\7e cannot explain Don Bosco's deep delight for the young
without his love for Jesus Christ. In the following of Christ one
finds the life-giving source of his vilality. This is the initial gift
of the Most High; the "first charism" of Don Bosco. We are
not dealing with human inclinations or natural preferences but
beyond them. A modern theologian of the religious life states:
Such a level, and no other than what Jacques Maritain
has defined as 'the sphere of the spirit at its source'.
It is described as the point of poetical inspiration, the
genius of the artist, the mystical experience and above
all the indwelling o[. grace...
I7e find ourselves beyond the beckoning frontiets, with
a grand view. The normal encloses one's existence as
33 Luruen Gentiurn N. 46.
2

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if it had mote in store. It is almost as if beneath the
ashes, ambers had the source of a fire... as if the expe-
rience in the soul of Paul on the road to Damascus. s
It is the sight of Don Bosco's vocation and, therefore, of
his intuition in the art of education and of his spiritual originality
of a saint.
3."1. "Tbe Gift of Pred.ilection lor tbe Young"
Don Albera in his important circular letter of October, 1920,
wfote:
"Don Bosco is our model in the education and sancti-
fication of youtJr."
He perhaps best depicted with greatest care and psychological
insight Don Bosco's love as a type for the salesian vocation. He
defines it:
The gift of predilection for the young. It is not enough
to have a cefiain natural attraction but it is necessary
to have a liking for them. This predilection in the
initial stage is a grtt of God; it is the same salesian
vocation. It is up to our intelligence and our heart to
develop and perfect it.3s
This apostolic predilection for young people appeared in Don
Bosco as a kind of "passion". Better, it was his "super-vocation"
to which he dedicated himself "avoiding every obstacle and
everything, even though good, which would hinder its reaT:zation."
(Fr. Louis Ricceri) Fr. Peter Stella states: 5
' Jrer Menm Rocrn TlLtAno, Carisrna e Sequela, Bologna, Dehoniane
Editions,
tr
1978, pp. 57-58.
Circular Letter ol Fr. Paul Albera,
ACS 284, October-December, 1978,
p. 372.
p. 31.

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For Don Bosco to love youth did not only mean to
arouse affection, but also to feel its attraction, to be
subdued, to be aware of the indispensable role of one's
Iife. Don Bosco expresses it in words which suprass
the conventional letter-writing sty-le as exemplified in
his letters to his boys from St. Ignatius near Lanzo,
from Rome and from Florence.3T
fn a memorable page of the early cited circular Fr. Albera
$/rote:
One must say that Don Bosco had a Iiking for us in
a special way which was characteristically his. One felt
his irresistaLle atraction. I felt -yr.if captive to a
powerful force which nourished my thoughts, my words
and my activities. I felt myself loved as ar no other
time, far gfeater than any other. He surrounded us all
and completely as if in an armosphere of happiness and
joy. In him there was a magnetic atffaction. He attract-
ed our youthful hearts in such a manner that we could
not leave him. Even if we could have, we would never
have left him for all the gold in the world for such
was our joy in his having such an ascendancy over us
which for him was so natural, without any effort on
his part. It could not be otherwise because each spoken
word or action reflected the holiness of union with
God which is perfect charity. He drew us to himself
with the fullness of supernatural love which burst forth
from his heart. From this singular attracrion there
sprang up the conquest of our hearts. In him the abun-
dance of natural gifts was raised to a supernatwallevel.s
' PrrBn Srure, Don Bosco in the History of Catbolic Religion, yol. 2,
PAS-VserlCagir,caZlwaricLhe,tt7e9r6o9,l
p. 473.
Fr. Paul
Albera,
pp.
)72-374.

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20
Don Bosco nourished this his charism, the apostolate for the
yoog, with a constant meditation on salvation desired by Our
Divine Savior and calling of his priestly vocation: "the young are
the delight
those who
of the
concefn
Lord." 3e "Mary
themselves with
HtheelpyooufngC.h" t4istiaHnes
blesses
backed
up thris special inspiration of God with realistic reflections based
on historical happenings in a society in transition. "Youth is that
delicate and precious portion of society on which the hopes of
the future are based." n'
His predilection for youth became the driving force of his
life. "The Lotd has sent me fot the young, hence, T must not
become engrossed in other rnatters and preserve my health for
their good." And it is the mission of the Congregation. "I7e
must have as our first aim, the good of the young. Those projects
which take us away from them are not good." a2
At the basis of the Preventive System there is, therefore,
this preferential choice which requires fuIl commitment to young
people prescinding from so many other possibilities: "\\U7e already
have too many things on hand without going to look fot othet
projects. These projects only direct our attention elsewhere." "
Today, too, our Congregation must grow and live in a trae
apostolic predilection towards boys and tbe young. This is
indispensable for a healthy growth.
\\7e cannot make the Preventive System live if this clear
choice is not sealed by the charism of our Founder regardless of
other ideological interpretations. Even if we righty speak of our
3'
o
MB
MB
16,
16,
p.
p.
66.
D8.
4r MB 2, p. 45.
MB indicates to Tbe Biograpbical Memoirs of Saint Jobn Bosco, a work
in 19 volumes written from 1898 to t939 by Frs. Baptist Lemoyne, Angelo Amadei
and Eugene Ceria. (Extra-commercial Edition).
42 llIB L4, p. 284.
s MB 14, p.284.

3 Pages 21-30

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"apostolate of the young in the segment of our society", this
segment only narrows the human sphere of action of our predi-
lection rather than change the object of our prioriry. I7ithout
doubt "predilection" does not mean "exclusion", but it does
demand that the youngsters still maintain the first and most im-
portant place.a
The GC 2l afftums that:
We recognize in youth itself the other source of our
inspiration in spreading the gospel. !7e salesians are
sent to the young, and especially to the poorest of them
and we collaborate in the creation of a new society
grounding to the full their life in faith." as
We must not be surprised if those communities lose their
salesian spirit if for one reason or anorher they lose their predi-
lection for youngsters.
The first and most urgent need of the Preventive System
today is "not to desert the difficult field of our youth commit-
ment." e
Each community program, each individual's commitment,
each new seatch of salesian presence, it to be aimed towards
placing the Congregation at rhe heart of the problem of young
people.
3.2 Sbared Charity
The daily presence of the salesian educaror with his youngsters
is one fundamental aspect of the Preventive System. Don Bosco
had given himself completely to them and did all he could to
live in their midst. He could very well assure them, without fear
of deception, that his life was for rhem:
4 Cf. Constitutions 2, 14. ASGC 45, 53, 45, 55.
as
6
GC No. 12.
ibid. No. 11.

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-22-
Be awate that I am completely at your disposal morning
and evening,
have no other
day
aim
and
but
tnoigohbtta-in
at whatever hour. I
your spiritual, intellec-
tual and physical advantages. I did not desire that
you consider me as youf superior but as your friend.
Have full confidence in me; this is what I desire; what
I ask as true friends".4 I study for you; I work for
you; I live for and I am ready even to die for you." a
The salesian does not only work for the young but among
and with them. The Preventive System is for him a practise
directed by the heart rathet than a scientific manner of procedure.
He has need, therefore, to leam the art and the sacrifice to be
physically present. He is completely involved as an educator, "a
sign of and bearer of the love of God fot young people." ae
To make the Preventive System live it is necessary to review
and renew the salesian practise of presence and of friendliness
whether it be in genuine predilection or in youthful develope-
ment of today.
Here is a subject and assignment we must face with courage
and with christian generosiry in the gift of self.
The GC 2L has reminded us of "considerable difficulties
experienced by some salesians in accepting and understanding the
young, in
problems."
teunTinhgis
in to their wavelength when
situation could lead to missing
discussing their
the mark. Some
choose those who are more likeable rather than those whom the
Lord sends.
It is disturbing to note in many of our works a dimi-
nution in number of this preferential group, and that
a7
4
MB 7, p.
DovrpNrc
503
RurrrNo,
Cbronicles ol the Oratory of St. Francis of
Sales,
Salesian Archives 110, Rome, MS ,, 10,
ae Constitutions 2.
so m 21 No. 21.

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2'
we seem to be choosing others who have less claim to
our attention." sl
For this reason ,1r. rcyilalization of the Preventive System
demands that at the head of the list of priorities an acttal
presence among young people-those in greater need. The peda-
gogy of Don Bosco is apostolic; born, developed and lived in
this segment which constitutes the special place for a genuine
salesian experience.
3.3 Kruowledge ol Each One and of tbe "Youth Situation"
Predilection of the young repuires a continual deepening of
interest, be it for the individual youngster with whom one works
or in that cultural phenomenon which today is the "youth sit-
uation."
Friendliness and dialogue with tbe indiaidual, the unsurpas-
sable example of Don Bosco to which we have referred, is a
tadition of dialogue and friendliness which we ought to keep
and renew.
In our day the ouday in educatonal services has become so
exhorbitant as to place greater demands on instruction and
culture.
Now this can place a heavy burden on education. I7e must
not forget that our service in education is the task of evangeli-
zation and for this reason assure the necessary and even ideal
means for such an objective. s2
Growth in faith has need of a personal touch which can
bring to maturity the individual vocation. fn "en masse" programs
we lose the best opportunity to influence which was so characte-
ristic of Don Bosco's manner of dealing with the young.
il ibid.
s2 Cf, Eoangelii Nuntiandi No. 46.

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Knouledge of the "youtb situation", a phenomenon of today,
is a mattet of great urgency for us. It is an element conditioning
our dialogue with each youngster and with the entfue gamut of
the apostolate. There is today this very special "world of the
young" which bodes good and evil. The GC 2L describes it
with few general references saying that youngsters "go through
this experience as living parts of a setting called'youth situation'."s3
For us it is necessary "to lend a willing ear to the voice of the
world of the young and to keep it in mind in the educative and
pastoral dialog of evangelization." s
This is of the greatest importance because the educational
mission of Don Bosco considers quite positively young people as
a treasure of society and and the Church. Young people constitute
a unique dimension of human existence, a propitious moment, a
responsibility for the faith and not simply a passing phase and
an age of preparation.
A salesian does not intend to help a boy "pass" or "get over"
his young years, but rather to live his days in the company of
others developing, through his rypical plans and his dreams, a
personality grounded on evangelical principles to make him a
candidate worthy of. canotization even at the age of. fi{teen.
Now the cultural phenomenon of "youth situation" requires
special knowledge of his condition:
The harmonious relationship which is so necessary to
educate them (young people), Iiking what they like but
without abandoning our adult role of salesian educators,
becomes in this way both difficult and complex. tt
To renew the Preventive System it will be necessary not
only to penetrate the heart of each individual but also the acrual
33 GC 21 No. L3; Cf. ASGC No. 46.
v GC 21 No.20.
55 GC 21 No. 13.

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_25_
life situation of each youngster: his aspirations, sense of values,
his home condition, his models, his tensions, his goals, his life
ambitions.
The chapter, therefore, asks us:
As a premise to every educational and pastoral program,
salesians need to be more sensitive to the 'youth con-
dition', understood in its expectations which are most
in line with the gospel, through an adequate and
serious analysis and by means also of direct contact
with the young.s6
3.4 A Carelul Eualuation of Hurnan Reason
The correct understanding of the young is a basic necessity
of their education and upbringing. Young people today live in
a society which touches their sensibilities by changes because they
easily assimilate the values and disvalues of a new culture and
present a rca1. pastoral problem to be conftonted.
To seriously analyze the conditions of the young it is neces-
sary to have a suitable preparation and competence in the so
called human sciences which today are already studied in the first
years of formation. These studies ought to hold a prominent
place in the updating of the salesian and in his continual readings.
These human sciences while an enrichment can also be a danger.
In thefu respective field they need to integrate their findings
with global conditions and the ultimate human rcakty. This
result is to be evaluated in the light of philosophical and theolog-
ical insights and above all in the light of faith.
To renew the Preventive System there is need of an intense
and continued collaboration between the human disciplines en-
lightened by philosophical-pedagogical insights and the discipline
s ibid. No. 30.

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26-
of faith based on a pastoral-theological vision. \\flithout this
indispensable interchange of reason with human sciences and
theology we shall not have the required knowledge of the con-
ditions of the young and sources of their evangelization.
Much evil can result by a one-sided and conceited point
of view.
In a special manner rcalizng that today awareness of the
conditions of the young abound in the psychosociological field, it
is necessary to underscore the urgenry to correlate and link
knowledge of the history of salvation, a sense of sin, and the
original riches of the patrimony of faith so as not to lose sight
of the true perspective.
The word of God, in fact, is not simply a ceftain convergence
of values, or a response of human aspiration but mainly a message,
a calling, an interpellation. To "believe" indicates to teceive
not simply to discover. God is truthfully "other than" the tem-
poral values even though it is beautiful and indispensable to
know how to discover the newness of the signs of the times.
In the act of evangelizing it is, without doubt, necessary to
know and cultivate the new style of life, of participation but
without indentifyhg its values with those of the Gospel which
is the bearer of a special riches$, superior and distinct, not to
be confused with the cultural level.
The youth of today demand that we take interest and concern
in human affaks, study and promote theit positive aspects, but
also to know their limitations, to critically penetrate their ambi-
valence and to single out their negative aspects so as not to fall
into danger, not imaginaty, of. man's self-centeredness.
"Man's bend of mind" and "man's self-centeredness' are not
the same. The former is demanded by the Preventive System,
the latter would be a corruption. As the memorable Pope Paul VI
said at the conclusion of Vatican II: The Church has "turned to"
but not "turned away from" man.
Our true involvement in "youth situation" ought not to

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_27
polarae our human competence, to place obstacles on our other
rudical involvement as disciples and prophets of the Lord with
its theological competence.
4. Pastoral Gharity and Pedagogical Wisdom
Don Bosco's method as history indicates is clearly a "pastor-
al" activity. \\We give to this term a meaning which is specific,
linked to the apostolic mysrery of the Church.
The type of charity which initiated it and inspired it in the
heart of Don Bosco is that which grows in the mystery of apostolic
succession in which the presbyterate with the collaboration of
the episcopate shepherd a special porrion of the flock in the light
of salvation and the coming of the Kingdom of God. This meaning
is not forgotten in an attentive rereading of the Preventive System.
He, too, carrys out the teachings of Don Bosco without being a
priest-and these are, indeed, many-must understand this radical
concept which gives the tone to so many aspects and explains
the characteristic features of a style all its own.
Don Braido writes:
In my opinion this indicates that Don Bosco has placed
the summit of his concern, and hence of his interest
for the young, their insertion into society, in the labor
field and professional fied. This benefit of their edu-
cational maturiry had one sole aim: their christian
redemption in this life and their erernal salvation. He
did not deny the intrinsic validity of work to make of
the boy an upright man and good citizen and hence of
a wotk accesible not to priests alone.
Don Bosco wished that the ranks of his social and educ-
ational apostolates be filled with zealous lay persons
("Coadjutors") in his religious society and outside his

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religious society with ("Cooperators"). In a very con-
crete way he envisioned that the combined effort tend
towards a supernatural christian redemption with an
eschatological dimension. The need was to have recourse
to the means of grace, the sacraments and to the minis-
ters who could dispense them.t
Today, therefore, a true rcalizaldon of the Preventive System
directs us to the theme of "Priesthood" of the New Alliance in
the light of conciliar doctrine. Vatican II has recalled the key
meaning of the royal ptiesthood of the faithful and in this manner
has thrown a light on the function of service and animation of
the ministerial priesthood.* The bishop with the presbyterate are
consecrated to a priestly life for the whole community. The Pre-
ventive System is permeatedby a priestly spirit.
A vast panorama opens on the horizon 1s 2 diligent rereading
to which *i CC 2l on the explicit invitation of Pope Paul VI
has invited us to consider in particular the priestly figure of the
Rector. The problem is indeed more extensive and compelling.
The results of studying
of the true "pastoral"
it carefully
aspect for
will
all
be a definite explanation
those who work in the
salesian mission of the Church.
4.1 Penetration Not DissiPation
The "pastoral" thrust of the Preventive System serves as a
unifying link between evangebzation and education.
Don Bosco, in fact, excludes in his pastoral-educational
activity any division between education and evangelization.
He wished to desoibe his practise with a kind of catchy
slogan: "Evangelize by educating and educate by evangelizing."
"#
Prrsn BneIoo, The Preaentiae
Cf. Larnen Gentiun No. 10.
System
ol
Don
Bosco,
p.
88.

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_29_
With this slogan the salesian youth apostolate is characte-
tized by the cultural incarnation in the field of education. Sale-
sian education is to be distinguished by its constant pastoral
scope. It is not a play on words bur an avoidance of two harmful
arrangements; viz., that of pretending simply to reduce pastoral
pedagogy to that whic} extols human findings, as if these findings
were already christian in their very structure.
The GC 2L states: "\\7e are well aware that education and
evangehzation are specifically distinct activities of their class, bur
nevertheless there is a strict connection between them on the
practical plane of existence." se
Their mutual autonomy of nature and order do not indicate
difference of practise and att.
The distinctive nature with its respecrive values and relative
science does not, therefore, impose a subject matter contrary
to "a christian education." In theory it would be a kind of
nominalism which is alien to historic realism. Berter, it would
not take into account either the existing pfactise, or the existence
of two fields of activity, or the existential unity of the person,
or the christian meaning of one history.
4.2 To Euangelize "by educating"
Let us consider the first part of our formula: "to evangelize
by educating".
The pastoral concern of Don Bosco is characterized by the
choice of education as the area and field of genuine pastoral
activity.
Hence the Preventive System tends towards the existential,
bringing into bold relief "evangelization" and "education" which
have been underscored in the apostolic exhortation "Evangelii
Nuntiandi." @
5e GC 2l No. 14.
& Eaangelii Nuntiandi Nos. 31-16.

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Our SGC had spoken of "complete christian development"
and of "christian education leading for freedom." Don Bosco
in his days "was fond of summarizing the program of life proposed
to boys in simple but meaningful formulas. He speaks of 'good
christian and respectable citizens'; he sets his sights on 'health,
wisdom and holiness." 6r
His pastoral concern is not reduced to a simple catechetical
or liturgical instruction but embraces the concrete pedagogical-
cultural situation of the boy.
His pastoral concern is directed to the inner core of the
process of humanization without doubt with a oitical eye to its
short-comings but also with an optimistic global view of human
maturity. He was convinced that the gospel seed must be planted
in this field to lead the young people to give themselves whole-
heartedly in their own time.
In this manner his pastoral concern leaned toward the up-
building of a new society so much so that Don Bosco could
present his "System" as a genuine element of promoting a common
good to any politician who was not keen on matters of faith.
\\fle are dealing with that evangelical chafity which is exempli-
fied in the giving of a glass of water and a piece of bread, in
visiting the sick and the imprisoned, in freeing and helping the
wayrvard and abandoned boy.
ITith good reason Don Bosco is known in the Church and
in the world as a "Saint Educator" since he directed his holiness
in educating. On the other hand if the Gospel is a value for
sa-lvation in the process of a boy's growth and if a boy lives in
a period of educational process, his evangelaation has to be
assisted by an educational process by which his faith is to be
integrated as a unifying element of his own petsonality.
The formula "evangelize by educating" carries with it some
precise options on the part of the salesian
o' GC 21 No. 8l

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One must note that the Preventive System as a ',praxis,,
places these options on the existential plane and so wi refer
them to the person who evangelizes and educates, to his convict-
ions, to his intimate motives, to his competence, to his method
and ways among the young people. I shall list the more impor-
tant options of this first formula:
o Tbe tbrust utbicb sets the educational process into action.
The reason why the salesian (as an individual or as a community)
plunges himself into the educational field has its origin outside
the realm of culture. It originates from his pastoral charity, or
better, from a motive of service to the Gospel. The fundamental
option of his whole life is the following of Christ wholeheartedly.
This basic choice permeares the very being of the salesian so that
all his activity, whatever it be, acquires evangelical intention.
"The Preventive System", Don Bosco often said, ,,is charity.
The holy fear of God infused into the hearr.,,@
The interior thrust (personal or communitatian) must be
guided and directed to the point of holiness. To neglect tlris
would reduce the formula "evangelize by educating', to a snare
that would make of evangeltzation a purely human gimmick.
\\7ith good reason Don Bosco chose the motto: ,,Give me
souls" to point the way and to stimulate the salesian on his
mission.
o Positiae concern tor aalaes and cultural institutiorzs. The
intention to evangelize brings the salesian (as a person or as a
community) to appreciate and ro assume the educational task of
human values, thus deepening and developing the specific nature
which is endowed with its own finality even if it Lnows that a
certain autonomy which responds in the order of analysis and of
@ MB 6, p. 381; Cf. Circular Letters of Fr. Paul Albera, pp.374375

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their study does not bring independence of. f.uth in the practical
order in the art of education.6
There is, in fact, a very important distinction which has
to be maintained between the natural rcality to be considered
analytically in its formal autonomy and the same reality considered
globally and harmoniously in so far as it refers to a man living
in history and recapitulating in Christ.
At any rate, the fact that values, cultural institutions and
human sciences have their own specific goals, the Preventive
System should be open to the initiatives and cultural institutions
with a special view for the needs of youth thus helping to bring
about their harmonious growth.
Don Bosco was most attentive to human values. lWe have
only to think what he did in the arca of. schools, works, leisure
time, printing, cultural updating, music, otganizations etc.. Orly
a person with a free and very human spirit-without any touch
of Pelegianism--<ould leave to his disciples such words: "Give
myouusnicg,sdteercslapmleantiroynso,fthtiemateertoansdhwouatlk, sjuamrepvearnyderffuenct.iveGymmenaanssti.c"ss,
In this manner, cultural and educational know-how of the
salesian will be a gauge to measure the sincerity and efficacy of
his intention to evangelize. On the other hand, his intention
will be the light which will illumine him on the way in the art
of education.
o To securely bind tbe Gospel to culture. In the carrying
out of the Preventive System, the Gospel is presented in a manner
closely linked to concrete situations. The Gospel is not isolated
from life but harmoniously set is the growth process of the
youngster's personality and development. It is not to consist in
legal observances and obligations, but is a gif.t and a power which
63 Cf. Apostolicam Actuositatern, No. 7
e MB 13, pp. 920-921.

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permeates one's whole person which funs ovef into history and
the entire creation of the Mystery of Christ.
Don Bosco was always concerned to have boys see the inner
human development of the person and of society, "the beauty of
Religion." He sought always to prevent and heal the dramatic
cleavage of the Gospel and culture. He often repeated: "Only
religion can begin and bring to completion the true task of
education." 6s
A true sense of gradual growth. The Constitutions of the
Salesian Congregation state:
'W'e accept yourh as we find them and imitate the patience
of God himself whatever the srate of their present
freedom or faith... \\7e seek to enlighten and srimulate
them while recognizing the subtle process by which faith
grows. In education we should aim at involving young
people more and more in their own development.6
It is an educational process that bears in mind all the
human dynamism and creates in the youngsters the necessary
requfuements for a free response.
For this reason the first patt of. the formula "evangelize by
educating" bears a special need to reactivate the preventive
System: each one must be true evangelical "animatofs,, as pefsons
and communities 67; to consider a specific cultural area with its
values; its institutions and sciences as the environment and destiny
of our pastoral mission.
4.3 Educate "by euangelizing"
Let us briefly look into the second parr of the formula.
If it is a fact that the evangelical choice of the preventive
6s
6
MB 3, p. 605; Cf. MB
Constitutions No. 25.
7,
p.768:
MB
10,
p.
2M.
57 Constitutions No. 25.
3

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System is the cultural choice of education, it is likewise true
that its educational task is firmly lniltzed by the pastoral aspect
of evangelization. Our educational outlook is "pastoral." This
not only in the sense that on the part of the educator it grows
and is nourislred by the daily apostolic charity, but also in the
sense that the whole educative process with its contents and
methodology is directed to the christian goal of salvation and
filled with its light and its grace.
This does not mean that salesian pedagogy is simply concerned
with establishing a set program to impart lessons on religion or
some form of culture; rather, it must bear a global task to impart
absolute values of God and to interpret the life and history of
the richness of the Mystery of Christ.
This pedagogy is well aware of the future resurrection and
f:ul7y rcalbes the vivifying presence of the Holy Spirit in the
Church and the world. It is objectively concerned and focuses
on the nerve-center of man's history. The Preventive System
intends to propose an education which is realistically aimed at
the heart and center of the man of history, as a practical aft to
learn to grow in fulness.
This manner of "educating by evangelizing" also catries with
it the concrete options of worth in the educative pfocess. Such
options refer here to the rcahty of the "person" of the educatot,
to the rcal goal and history of his growth, to the contents, to the
means required and to the methodology most useful in his growth.
The most incisive options to the second part of the formula are:
o A clear auareness ol the last end. Don Bosco's pedagogy
presents with insistence the true religious end of life; the ultimate
end is the focal point of his education. It is clear, concise in its
psoreulsse."n6tat"ioTnh.is"Tishneoot nolnylyaitmheopfritnhceipOalraatiomrybiust
the
the
salvation of
only motive
6 lvlB 9, p. 295

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for my coming here." ue We know quite well the deep conviction
of Don Bosco that without "religion" (in its full sense of the
word) true human progress is not attained.
Now, in the practical order of art, the Preventive System
is an "att", the end entails the same function of principles in
the speculative order. The forgetting of the end of education-
one of the erroneous and incomplete views of today-is cause of
deviation, of incompetence and one-sidedness. This is one of the
great dangers of our time. Our society which, in fact, has made
such technical progress is accused by thoughtful men, even un-
believers, as being decadent because it stresses more the means
than the end, and so, dangerously deviates with regard to human
growth of the person and society.
Don Bosco wished to formulate and have present the clear
objective of the supreme end of one's existence. He wished to
introduce its true light and its force in the educational merhod.
o An educational process directed. positiuely toward Christ.
If the salesian practise is bom and is nourished by pastoral charity
and tends explicitly and loyally towards salvation of redemption,
it will find all its motives and inspirations in Christ and in His
Gospel.
At this point christian values and principles have great
importance and effect in the Salesian System.
It is worthy of note that this christian objective of the educa-
tional formula is a requirement ol a "oalid. premise" or ratber of
tbe objectiaity of banan history, even if such a ,,premise,, is
not known or recognized by all, and not simply the result of a
religious cultural structure which could by now be an anachronism.
In the educational process as conceived so realistically in the
Preventive System the "ecclesial" dimension is approximately
considered. It does not develop only the individual religious
o MB 7, p. 504

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experience but tbe coflcrete and cornmunitarian experience ol the
Churcb with all the elements which constitute the community of
constitute love, of faith and of cult fot the service of human sal-
vation.
A prominent place is given to the life of the sacraments and
liturgy with a special stress on the pedagogy ol "Penance" and
"Eucbarist" in"Mariaru Climate." These; indeed, after Vatican II
and in view of the cultural changes need a futther deepening and
ufgent renewal,
A demanding task in this field is that of "catechesis" which
explains the gospel and introduces one into the life of the
Church. In all of this it brings a strong "se?trse of aocational
direction" to each conscience and the aim of an active and personal
participation in the Mystery of Christ.
Here, too, "sanctity" is the expression of the "System." If
the motive of pastoral charity made Don Bosco the "Educator
Saint", by analogy the right direction to Christ of the salesian
educational method made Dominic Savio the "Educated Saint,"
In the Church and in the world the Preventive System is
the genuine pedagogy of sanctity-one the part of the educatot
who completely lives it; on the part of the pupil who absorbs
the Gospel teachings. Sanctity is the true and inevitable goal of
our history.
It is worthy of note that Don Bosco and Dominic Savio
are not saints who have worked in the field of education but
tJ:ey are saints simply because they have camied out this educat-
ional "System." Their sanctity might be considered a lesson
which has been given by the Holy Spitit. The environment of
Valdocco at the time of Domenic Savio lead us:
not only to the treshold, but to the full view of mystical
experience, It brings us to a pentecostal climate, to a
collective experience of the Holy Spirit. The family
spirit which Don Bosco generated is that of spiritual
consanguinity. The educatot ransmits life filled with

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union of God through life of grace in the Church. rc
The original and bold concept of "youthful sanctity" is in-
trinsic in the art of. education for Don Bosco. His great insight
was not only not to disappoint the deep-seated aspirations of the
young-need of life, of expansion, of joy, of liberty, of the futu-
re-but to have brought gradually and realistically the same
youngsters to taste that only the "life of grace", that is, friendship
of Christ, which is perennial joy. Their authentic ideals became
reaTized and actualized: "\\7e make sanctity consist in being always
cheerful." 7r
The Preventive System invites us, therefote, to rethink and
to renew for today the same concept of "sanctity", its presence
in the history of man, its indispensability of the process of human-
ization. It invites us to consider Don Bosco as the "Teacher of
youthful sanctity." 72
On the question of this genuine christian concept it is note-
worthy to hear the chapter:
A similar plan in its contents, in its goals, in its style,
may also be proposed and offered to those who do not
share our vision of the world and who do not share
our faith... Applied with flexibility, gradualness and a
sincere respect for the human and religious values of
the cultures and religions of our charges, it can yield
abundant fruits on the eductational level, it can create
friendship and promote affection from pupils and past
pupils, it unleashes great energies of good, and in more
than a few cases lays the foundation for an open path
of convetsion to the christian faith.13
70 Prtrn Srnlra, Don Bosco in History. YoL 2., p. 472.
?r MB 5, p. )56.
" Pnrsn SrEuA, Spiritaal Values ol 'Conpanion of Youtb' of St. Jobn
Bosco,nRGomCe2, L79N6o0.,
p.
91.
728,

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38
o Critical thinking and a sense of duty in tbe light ol tbe
Gospel. At a time of pluralism, as in our days, it is necessary
to teach the youngsters to think critically so as to pick out auth-
entic values and also to unmask certain cultural influences which
aia the media impose and overwhelm the young.
The Iight of faith is, indeed, the only sure guide that can
objectively lead the mind tluough th. snare of false ideologies.
The Euangelii Nurutiandi states:
To educate by evangelaing (means) that the power of
the Gospel reaches and nearly upsets the judgments,
set values, points of interest, set ideas, inspfuational
sources and human models which are in control with
the 'S7ord of God and with the plan of salvation. Tn
The true value of education and of authentic culture is: to
free the young ones, to make them conscious of their ffue rights
and duties, and awarc of the right events of their day; to make
them capable of self-determination and cooperation.
Educating in this manner results in a culture which is open
and enriches itself not only by the production of new ideas and
new life but, above uJI., by grving society a contribution of indi-
viduals who are courageous beaters of critical thinking and good
conduct.
"Have the courage of your faith and of yout convictions.
Do not fear. God is with the Church all days even to the end
of time. It is up to the wicked to fear the good and not the
good to fear the wicked," said Don Bosco.Ts
In the pedagogy of Don Bosco rigbt conducr holds a pro-
minent place. He always insisted on gentle persuasion, on "a
sense of duty", on "discipline" in life and on the "spitit of
sacrifice."
7a Eaangelii Nuntiand.i No. 19.
7s MB 6, p. 482.

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The meaning of liberty and one's rights can be consonant
to the Gospel only if it is accompanied by a claity and insistence
in the practise either of the spirit of sacrifice of one's duties.
At the epicenter of christianity is Christ crucified!
A great politician of our day, AIdo Modo, who has given
witness with his life to the values of a democracy, has stated
that " a country will not save itself; the season of rights and
liberty will be passing, if (in that country) a new sense of duty
is not born."
To educate "by evangelizing" implies, therefore, a concrete
option with new obligations for a revision from the very foun-
dations of our educational work.
In co-ncluTshioenW, oarnd.inodlisGpoedn,sabbyleitsonpatitounre,toreaaessaulsreanthdeinetedrupcealltaiotensa.l
process is to respect the specific nature of the Gospel and of
faith.
The \\U7ord of God is not, narurally speaking, a human devel-
opment or an answer to a problem. It is instead an initiative
of God, a grtt, an interpellation, a calling, a request. The Gospel
before answeting, questions.
The educator must be aware and loyal to this lford of
God. His main concern in adjusting to the conditions of the
young, is not to ignore or oppose the pastoral mission of "prophet"
of the Gospel.
Harmony and mutual understanding of the ru/o aspects
demand reflection, renewal and loyalty.
Hence, as the pedagogy of the Preventive System rests on
the fundamental option of pastoral concern, the salesian must
constantly present the teachings of the faith unblemished. \\7ith
personal gifts and abilities he must guide his charges according
to the examples and teachings of Christ who intetcedes and calls
as the Lord of history.

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5. The Salesian Sfile
Permit me some concluding observations. The renewal of
the Preventive System according to a living tradition is linked
to some conditions of community sharing which appear quite
simple yet caffy potential educational advantages.
In its entirety these constitute "the salesian style" which
gives tone and form to our work. We now choose the main
features to underline some concrete points which need to be
valuated and renewed.
5.1 Typical characteristics
Among the chief characteristic qualities of the Preventive
System are the following:
o Assrsleucr. It needs to be interpreted in the light of
the present conditions of the young and according to educational
needs. Being present among the young, taking active pam in
their activities and apostolic programs, counseling them in their
problems, all this is the essence of assistance. \\We might perhaps
have to overcome the habit of considering its disciplinary aspect
in favor of the example of the "otatory."
To favor such a view we might have to analyze the delicate
concept of "pfevention".
Don Bosco had a clear insight into the methods aimed to
repress and remedy damages of a negative experience and srained
himself with directed love to cultivate the seeds of the good to
prevent the experiences of the disfigured. He chose the second
way; namely, his "System" which he wished to be called "Pre-
ventive." It is entirely directed to the proper growth with the
grace of God, of youth's potentials so that with human possibility,
they can be kept from every sin which impinge on their human
frailty.

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To attain this he lived entirely among the youngsters so
that by his presence he could be a witness to a life of grace and
he was concerned to create an environment of respect for it. Here
is a point upon which it is necessary f.or us to meditate upon, if
we wish to relive genuine salesian style.
a Creating an Educational Enairon?lent. Our manner of
dealing with the young is not based solely on one to one basis.
\\7e believe that the surroundings can be a vehicle for values.
The necessity of an environment was for Don Bosco one of the
first pastoral accomplishments. It definitely became a focal point
so that we cannot conceive salesian educational action without
considering the quality of surroundings.
o Formation of tbe Educatiae Cornmunity. In educational
communities it is necessary to know how to involve all those res-
ponsible and to inspire them with the ideals of Don Bosco. The
ever increasing number of lay persons offers us an opportunity
to hand on the wealth we possess. At the same time there is a
risk of losing our identity if we do not seriously handle our
assigned roles of "animatofs". The educative community is, in
the first place, the community of the young inspired by the edu-
cators. \\When speaking of a community for youngsters this means
to have created with them and in their midst a means of com-
munication and friendship; to have placed in their view common
objectives. ft means to have let them share and participate in
the educative process and not only be recipients of our apostolic
and professional expertise.
a Youth Groups and Mouements. The community experien-
ce opens up a world of possibilities and values. lWe must not be
surprised that our Father with his keen intuition and wisdom
reached such definite and fundamental conclusions. The GC 21
has demostrated a sensibility on this point confronted by a twofold
phenomena: the collapse of traditional groupings (associazionismo)

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and the lack of a substitute agent sufficiently forceful to assume
the characteristics of salesian spirituality. Evidently we are not
dealing here with founding a movement which would be a sign
of force in a particular circumstance. Rather to offer to the young
an intense experience of the community of faith and commitment
in favor of others with sufficient doctrinal support and organized
to assufe gfowth continuity.
5.2 Urgency ol Inaentiueness
The salesian style is not once and for all; it is rather a task
of sound creativity, above all. at a time of cultural transition.
It is exactly with this in view that we have chosen this
subject matter, subtle and demanding, for this letter.
One of the aims of the GC 21, which I consider quite ut-
gent, is the following:
Every province (or group of provinces) will draw up
an educational plan suited to local conditions as a basis
for programming and evaluating its various works in
line with the basic options made by the Congtegation:
oratories, youth centers, day and boarding schools, resid-
ences for students and artisans, parishes, missions.T'
To devise a program of such responsibility it is indispensable
to think "salesianly." Educational sciences afe not enough, not
faith alone, and not even one's experience which has become more
or less uncritical with the passing of yeats and has now been
called to be renewed by the Council and two General Chapters.
The fact that the GC 2L speaks of an environemnt so diffe-
rcn1-f16rn the oratory to schools, from parishes to the 6i5si61s-
ought to indicate that it is a completely different criterion or a
spirit which u/e must know how to reactivate rather than have
'5 GC 2l No. 105.

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a body of rules for this or that structure even if the following
of a spirit becomes incarnated in precise directives and obligations.
The carrying out of the project demands that we face a
"united front" subject to various applications.
To rewrite in synthesis the ideas and practises of the Prev-
entive System in such a way that none of its spirit is lost or
obscured it a task which requires tuning in on the chatism of
the Founder and a careful reading of the signs of the times. One
of the practical results of the session has been that this synthesis
may involve not only some who are competent ot the qualified or
cthoomsme unnaittuyr.aTlly
interested in such
\\7e will need to
a subject but
refresh what
every confrere and
we abeady know
and to admire what is new. IDTe will need to recover what we
have abandoned; discovet dimensions emerging from our reflect-
ions and arive at a deeper and richer synthesis which will direct
us in our commitment of evangelization and our search of unity
in our life of religious apostles.
All levels of responsibility are called upon to take part in
this movement. The GC 2l states:
The provincial, the ptovincial confetences and the reg-
ional Councillor, will promote meetings, study days or
weeks, discussions, exchanges of educational and pastoral
experiences, which will eventually be open also to
teachers and educators who do not belong to the sale-
sian family, for the purpose of spreading the knowledge
of Don Bosco's preventive system, encouraging research
into it, and furthering its updated implementations,
taking carefully into account the conditions of youth and
working-class people in the local environment as well
as the valid conributions of modern anthropological
and pedagogical sciences. 78
NGC2I
ilGC2L
No.
No.
571
105

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To this end it will be of help to take advantage of expertise
assistance for the Depratment of the Youth Apostolate which
during the coming years will direct its service to the educational
and pastoral phase of the salesian apostolate.
5.3 Practical Aspects ol Cornrnitrnent
Therefore, the carrying out of a project involving a commu-
nity means to call together individuals for study and reflection,
to focus attention on the social and ecclesial phase of our work,
to search with creativity ways and solutions of situations. It
means to unite the community with a unified criterion to which
all members can aspire and by which each can recognize one
another. It means to assure integrity and to free ourselves from
sectionalism and improvisation.
The project will be the result of our study on the Preventive
System and of our efforts in the application of the actual situation.
A similar task of rediscovering ought to reonforce the now
operative programs in three areas:
o Tnp FoRMATToN oF ouR rERSoNNEL. Our personnel
ought to value, assimilate and deepen the pedagogical and pastoral
aims of Don Bosco's Project. It ought to reflect on the cultural
mentality attuned to pedagogical, pastoral and spiritual subject
matters. A genuine renewal of the Preventive System will result
if the above aims are practised in formative communities of the
young confreres, courses of ongoing formation and in the updating
of every house of the province.
a THe sALESTAN "ANTMAToR" oF LAy HELrERS. Experien-
ces of these past years show that a clear and definite presentation
of principles guiding our salesian pedagogy does much to impress
itself on the minds of our helpers, since they are well aware of
the special richness of the spirit of Don Bosco. They realize that
they are closely involved in the work of education and they have
a sense of belonging.

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O TUB STUDYING AND EXPANDING OF SALESIAN PEDAGOGY.
The study and spreading of salesian pedagogy on the part of our
professional educators and researchem in out Centers of Study is
a must,
In his own days Don Bosco recommended that writings
which made known our spirit and whicfi presented our unique
type of apostolic action be made known.
Dear Confreres, we have dealt with a topic which is indeed
at the center of out salesian identity on levels nearest to our
daily practical life. To dedicate ourselves to its reactivation is a
question of life. Already Don Bosco in September 1884 spoke
befoqe the Superior "Chaptef": "Every effort and every plan
must be used to introduce and put into practise the pfeventive
system in our houses... The advantages which accrue from its
practise are incalculable for souls and glory of God." D
These are difficult days for our young people. The hierarchy,
especially in the last synod of bishops, was well aware of the
problem. It asked that further research and greater effotts be
made in behalf of the youth of today. \\We have been given by
the Lord, through the initiative of Mary, a special charism to
bring to the Church in this field. The recent Pope Paul IV has
reminded us with insistent concern.
Be of good heart. Let us apply ourselves wholeheartedly to
use the gift we have received. "'We afe not dealing with a new
pedagogical theory, but to know and understand a model of the
of education," Fr. B. Fascie would say.
\\7e must be "artists" capable of recreating the scenes of
friendship and holiness which were seen at the Oratory of Val-
docco especialTy at the time of Don Bosco and Domenic Savio.
This, in essence, is the problem of salesian sanctity. If we
do not grow in the practise of the Preventive System, we shall
not be faithful to our vocation. Our Family is likewise involved.
n I'IIB 17, p. L97

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If we do not revitalize the Preventive Sytem, we shall fall into
a kind of anonymity which will never justify our existence among
the various ecclesial groups.
Let us ask Mary Help of Christians two great favors for
the Congregation and our entire Family. One, the ability to
maintain a harmonious and creatiue tautness betueen two poles
of the Preventive System; namely, the one the "pastoral" thrust
of our activity; the other a well selected "pedagogy" and "educa-
tional" competence.
Second, a goodness of heart which can season our style of
life and of dealings with boys and the young with that goodness
which Don Bosco would say: "It is not enough to 'love', but to
'be loved' by the boys." e
May the saintly pastor, Pope Paul VI, follow us from heaven
with his loving friendship that we be indeed genial aposrles and
wise disciples.
I wish each of you every good and I assure you my prayers.
Let us togethff seek to let this treasure of Don Bosco bear
abundant results. Our boys and youngsrers have a right. All
the People of God will benefit therefrom.
Affectionately yours,
Fr. Ecrnro Vlcend
Rector Maior
e MB 17, pp. lll-LL2.

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2. COMMUNICATIONS
f, New Provincials
The Rector Major according to Art. 169 of the Constitutions
has appointed the following provincials for:
Province of Liguria-Toscany
Province of Southem Italy
Province of Navara
Province of North Belgium
Province of South Belgium
Province of C6rdoba (Spain)
Province of Ktiln (Germany)
Province of L6& (Poland)
Province of Austria
Province of Middle Orient
Province of Central Africa
Province of '$7est fndies
Fr. EIio TonnrcrANr
Fr. Alphonse Ar.reNo
Fr. Louis BosoNr
Fr. Henry Brr,svreNs
Fr. Michael Doutnrr-urNcNr,
Fr. Domenic GoNzelrz
Fr. Joseph OppBn
Fr. Adalbert Szurczvusrr
Fr. Louis Scrrvenz
Fr. Victor Pozzo
Fr. Albert Sesan
Fr. Henry Mr,lr,eNo
2. New Delegates of Rector Maior
According to the deliberations of the GC 21, Nos.4i0-411 (Con-
stitutions t64 C and D), the Rector Major has erected and named
the Generalate, "Blessed Michael Rua." The house is a delegation
directly dependent upon him. The delegate is Fr. Angelo Bianco.
Fr. Charles Colli has been appointed delegate of the P.A.S.

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48-
3. Vicar of the Rector Maior for the lnstitute of the Daughters
of Mary Help of Ghristians
Fr. Joseph Sangalli former provincial of the Liguria-Tuscan
Province has been nominated Vicar for the Institute of the Daughters
of Mary Help of Christians.
4. Secular lnstitute of Volunteers of Don Bosco meet with
Pontifical Approval
A family news item which will certainly please all. On July 21,
1978, Pope Paul VI with his signature approved the erection of the
Secular Institute of the Volunteers of Don Bosco (V.D.B.) to a Se-
cular Institute thus giving pontifical approval to its constitutions.
The decree of the S.C.R.I.S. was signed on Augusr 5, 1978.
This signature of Pope Paul VI was one of his last. His last
hand-writing gave wimess to a last gift, a grand gift of this pope
to the Salesian Family, abeady so privileged by Paul IV with tokens
of benevolence.
$7ith this act of the Holy Father a project begun by the Servant
of God, Fr. Philip Rinaldi, in 1.9L7, as a special experience and
mission of charity in the Church according to the spirit of Don Bosco,
terminated.
Now the fnstitute of VDB has the same rights as the SDBs and
FMAs in its consecratior, lsalized and lived by them. This conse-
cration is lived by the VDBs in the world.
The Salesian Bulletin in numerous issues has shown that their
way of life is not simply being in the world, but adopting all the
authentic values so as to redirect them to the greater glory of God.
\\)7ith a certainty and intensity that follows from a life consecrated by
evangelical counsels they pursue the Creator's plan of action,
The VDBs rcahze that with the recognition by the Apostolic
See everything is not sompletely accomplished. In fact, they now
renew witl greater effort and responsibility their commitment in the
Church and the Salesian Family.
For this reason they request our prayers and we fuatetnally
promise and assure them as well a full spiritual cooperation.

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-49
5. Fraternal Solidarity (26th report)
a ) CoNrnrnurrNc Sounces ( 2-1 8-1 978
8\\
-9-8-197
AuBnrce
'West Indies
United States, East
United States, West
L.
432,500
346,000
g,ooo,oo0
Asre
Japan (for Lo&, Poland)
India, Gauhati
India, Madras
Thailand
5,ooo,o00
500,000
2,ooo,o00
1,000,000
EunopB
Belgium, North
Belgium, South
Italy, Central
Italy, Liguria
Italy, South
Italy, Navara
Italy, Rome
Italy Sub-alpine
Italy, St. Mark (Udine)
Italy, Motherhouse, Turin
Italy, Pontifical Salesian University
A conlrere
Total offering frorn 2-18-1978-9-8-1978
Casb on harud
Total amount for distribution
18,480,000
392,000
1,000,000
3oo,ooo
1,000,000
5,r00,000
1,000,000
5,000,000
1,576,000
5oo,ooo
300,000
488,800
53,6L5,457
)2,062
53,647,519
4

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-r0-
b) DrsrunsEMENr (2-18-L97 8-9-8-1978)
Refund by Departmenr (Cf. ASC. 289 p. 48)
L. ,00,000
Arnrca
Africa, Central, Zaire for the dispossessed
Egypt, Cairo for the dispossessed
Egypt, Cairo for social work of FMAs
Etiopia, Adigrat for the poor
Rhodesia, Salisbury for a catechetical school
South Africa and Swaziland, for the poor and
dispossessed
Tanzania, Sumbawanga, fot a catechetical school
1,000,000
1,000,000
500,000
1,45o,ooo
88,000
L,000,000
107,000
AnaBnrca
Dominican Republic, West Indies for the
dispossessed
Haiti, !7est Indies for the dispossessed
Argentina, for a salesian bishop
Bolivia, for the dispossessed
BraziT, Campo Grande for the dispossessed
Brazil, Belo Horizonte for the dispossessed
Brazi, Manaus for the dispossessed
Brazi, Porto Alegre for the dispossessed
Chile, scholarship fund for a confrere
Chile, for the dispossessed
Chile, Linare, for the construction of a chapel
Colombia, Bogot), for the dispossessed
Ecuador, Chigoaza, for the needs of a mission
Ecuador, IvIiazal, for the needs of a mission
Ecuador, Rocafuerte, for a catechetical supplies
Ecuadot, Yaupi, for the mission (from Navara
province)
Ecuador, for the dispossessed
Mexico, Guadalajara for the dispossessed
1,ooo,ooo
1,ooo,ooo
1,73,000
L,ooo,ooo
L,o0o,ooo
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,ooo,ooo
1,r00,000
L,ooo,oo0
1,ooo,ooo
1,000,000
100,000
500,000
1,500,000
500,000
2,000,000
1,000,000

6 Pages 51-60

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6.1 Page 51

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-5L-
Peru, Huancayo, fot a vehicle
Peru, for medical help to a confrere
Peru, for catechetical supplies
Peru, for the dispossessed
Venezuela, S. Fernando de Atabapo, for the
mission (from Navara province)
L. 1,000,000
500,000
300,000
1,000,000
Soo,ooo
Asrn
Korea, for the dispossessed and other needs
Lebanon, to the Secretariate, Vatican City for
refugees
Lebanon, El Hussun, to the Secretariate, Va-
tican City for refugees
India, Bombay, f.or the poor
India, Calcutta, Bangoan, for a parish shall
India, Calcutta, for the refugees of Bengala
India, Calcutta, for the dispossessed
India, Calcutta, for the refugees in slums of
New Delhi
India, Gauhati, Manipur, for religious publi-
cations
India, Gauhati, Pyndengrei, for poor resident
students
India, Gauhati, Shillong, to the studentate for
building in behalf of the poor
India, Gauhati, Shillong to FMAs
India, Gauhati, Umsolhait, for rebuilding
houses desmoyed by fire
India, Madras, Cochin, for the dispossessed
India, Madras, Brahamanakodur, for the poor
India, Ma&as, Kodambakkam, to FMAs
India, Madras, Poonamallee, for various needs
India, Madras, Veeralur, for a village in dire
needs
Philipines, Cebil, for technical school equipment
Philippines, Tondo
1,085,000
1,000,000
2,000,000
1r0,000
1,ooo,o00
1,50o,000
1,ooo,o0o
1,370,000
1,000,000
L,ooo,ooo
1,080,000
,80,000
1,8oo,oo0
1,000,000
250,000
760,000
50,000
500,000
1,3oo,ooo
175,000

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Philippines for the dispossessed
Thailand, Bangkok, for technical school equip-
ment
L. 1,000,000
1,000,000
Eunopr
Italy, Assisi, for the Poor Clare, one of their
missions
Italy, Ostia, to the EMAs for the dispossessed
Italy, Sardinia, Nuraminis, for a non-salesian
parish
Poland, Lodz, f.or the construction of a c-hurch
(Japanese province)
Total Sum (lrorn 2-18-1.978-9-8-1978)
Casb on hand
GBNrnel Toter
500,000
,00,000
1,000,000
5,000,000
53,3L8,275
329,244
5r,647,5L9
c) Gner.,n rorAr, oF FRATERNAL soLIDARITy
Sam receoide to 9-8-1978
Sums distributed to 9-8-1978
Casb on band
679,9L0,708
679,581,464
329,244

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3. ACTIVITIES OF THE SUPERIOB COUNCIL
L. During the period immediately following the conclusion of
the 2lst General Chapter the members of the Superior Council occupied
themselves with the business afLats of the chapter. The Superior
Council met at the Generalate from April 11 to June 24. This was
the first session of the new Council. The work load was tense and
heavy. Only a summary of its proceedings can be given here.
After an informative briefing by the Regional Councillors, the
first contact with their respective regions, the Rector Major and the
Superior Council studied collegially the Acts of the 21st General
Chapter. Their study on the "focal points" was to initiate action for
"animators" and leaders on the results of the deliberations of the
chapter, especially those which were left by the General Chaptet to
the responsibility of the Superior Council.
The study of each problem was approached in two phases: a
special sqmmittee of the council members prepared a working paper
on a definite topic; the topic uras then discussed at a full session to
add the final touches to the solution and manner of aproach.
In this background fout in-depth issues of the General Chapter
were studied:
a) the primacy of religious spirit to make our vocation as bearers
of the Gospel possible;
b) the bringing of the Gospel to youth according to the edu-
cative and pastoral salesian mission;
c) the "animation" of the Salesian Family;
/) Salesian Formation, a priority of a genuine renewal embracing
the entire period of the salesian vocation.

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54
At the same time, aftet a careful examination of the results of
the consultations as provided by the Constitutions, the Council pro-
ceeded to the appointment of assignments. The list of the assignments
is listed in this issue of the Acts of the Council.
A special and delicate task of this first session has been the
deepening of the "political" phase of the general obiectives and of
the methods of procedure of eacJr department. This deepening extended
to tle various "organs", hence, a search and choice of indispensable
helpers not only for the deparments but also of secretaries, office and
service personnel which comprise the Generalate. This entire complex
has been called to serve the Congregation.
The Rector Major desired that this first session of the council
be terminated by a spiritual retreat. This was a fitting manner to
bring to a close a fraternal and peaceful garhering of the Superiors
around the Rector Major. In this manner, too, the members of the
Superior Council got to know each other better and were better disposed
in the presence of Our Lord to carry out the mandate placed upon
them for the good of the Congregation.
2. Department for Salesian Formation
The first few months after the 2Lst General Chapter were ser
aside by ,1r" 6oolcillor and the few members of his team to the study
of the Chapter Documents. The Councillor of Formation and the
staff of the deparment searched to determine precisely the various
tasks left to the Department of Salesian Formation by the chapter.
The results of such findings which represented a unified whole
were presented to the Superior Council which approved them in
principle.
These results dealt with:
a) Assisting and "animating" Centers of spiritual renewal
(ongoing formation);
D) Sensitizing tJre confreres to the task of developing ongoing
formation;
c) Publications to be issued;

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7
-55-
l) Formation and "animation" of the salesian coadjutor broth'
ers;
e) Work on a "Ratio Institutionis" and "Ratio Studiorum"l
l) Studies which the 2Lst General Chapter has asked to be
completed;
g) Centers of formation; communities of formation;
D) Rules of study and cultural formation;
l) Preparation of trained personnel;
l) \\7eeks of study for Salesian Spirituality. A program in colla-
boration with the Departments of Youth Apostolate, Missions and
Salesian Family.
In this manner the staff of the Department was completed. The
results and findings were reac-hed in a collegial spirit; concrete pro-
posals were presented to the Rectot Major, Regional Superiors and
other members of the Superior Council.
As far as the "Ratio Institutionis" and the "Ratio Studiorum" a
rough draft has been prepared for the end of October. This rough
draft in under consultive consideration and will be ready for final
edition.
During this same period the Councillot of Formation, Fr. Juvenal
Dho, made his first contacts with the confteres of the two Polish
provinces; he met with the rectors of the provinces of Ma&id and
Barcelona at the end of July.
He returned to Spain to meet with those in charge of formation.
From September 24 to J0 he met for a week with those responsible
for formation in the areas of Bogota, novitiate at Medellin and
Quito (The Pacific Region).
The following members comptise the department:
Fr. Peter Bnoccenpo
Fr. Louis Dr Fronr
Fr. John Bennorno
Fr. Donatus Ver-rNtrxr
Coad. Bro. Renatus Rovrelnr
Fr. Arnold Pponrnr
Fr. Eugene PruNett, secretary.

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{
3. Department of Youth Apostolate
From March to November the Councillor for Youth Aposrolare,
Fr. John Vecchi, made his first conracts and acquaintances with the
Spanish and Polish provinces. He took part in the inter-provincial
meetings of directors in Italy and Spain on the subject matter of
the chapter which pertain to his field as "animator.',
During the month of October at the suggestion of the Rector
Major, Fr. J. Vecchi visited the Orient ro meet with the confreres of
Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines and India. Under the
auspices of the provincial conference of Italy, he held a meeting with
the "animators" of the Educational Salesian Project. The lines of
approach by the deparrment was looked into. The following comprise
the staff of the department at the Generalate, Rome:
Fr. Hyacinth Aucrt,lo, secretary
Fr. Charles Boncrtrr
Fr. Viliam BoNecrr.r.r
Fr. Jesris Mnrner.
Fr. Celestine Rrvr,ne
4. Department of the Missions
1.1 The missionary ideal is much alive today among our confre-
res. Many have volunteered. In the first months of. 1978,55 requests
were made: 23 priests, 1L coadjutor brothers,2L clerics in formation.
1.2 To date the missionary expedition comprises 44 (p. 28; c.b.
8; cl. 8). Nineteen confreres (p. 10; c.b. 5; cl. 4) of the 55 requests
will make up the expedition.
2.1 Of the 44 missionaries on rhe approved list for L978, 17
(p. 13; c. b, 2; cl. 2) have reached their mission fields.
2.2 A group of 13 missionaries (p. 8; c. b. L; cl. 4) under the
direction of Fr. Anthony Smit, a member of the department, are
pursuing a course in preparation for their apostolate. The course
began on September 4 and will be completed on October 1 with the
ceremony at Valdocco with the reception of the crucifix.

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2.3 Ve hope that the missionaries of the 1978 expedition will
reach their mission fields before the end of the year notwithstanding
difficulties of various kinds.
3.1 Vhile singling out the generosity of the confreres who leave
for the missions and the provinces which offer them to the Congre-
gation, we call your attention to the great need of personnel at this
time for the missions. Every sacrifice we make for the missions will
result in high interests in the Kingdom of God.
3.2 Yery many requests for personnel from bishops, especially
from Africa reach the desk of the Rector Major. The answers to
these constant requests which the 21st General Chapter has responded
depend on tlre availability of each confrere who wishes ro volunteer
for the missions.
3.3 Three Regional Councillors are contacring bishops in some
ten African countries to study the possibilities of missionary fields.
On their return the coucillors will present their reports to the Superior
Council. On the basis of these reports our missionary program for
Africa in the following years will be determined.

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4. DOCUMENTS
l. Text of Telegram Sent on the Death of His Holiness Paul Vl,
August 7,7978
The Salesians of Don Bosco with deep filial emotion participate
in the loss of the Church in the sorrowful death of Pope Paul VI, a
great Prophet of the Gospel in our day, Proponent of peace for
humanity, courageous Guide of ecclesial life, Teacher of religious
renewal, well loved Father and generous towatds our humble Salesian
Family.
Fr. Ecroro Vrcexd
Rector Major
Answer to Telegram
Sincerest thanks for expressions of condolences in behalf of
deceased Holy Pontiff Paul Sixth accompanied by special fervent
suffrages.
Cardinal Vrr.ror
Camerlengo
2. Text of Telegram Sent for Election of His Holiness John Paul I
With joy and enthusiasm, in the name of my Salesian confreres I
present sincerest congratulations, total loyalty as Don Bosco, obedient
affection and complete collaboration to new providential Popb John
Paul I.
Fr. Ecroro Vrceud
Rector Major

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59
Answer to Telegram
His Holiness gratefully acknowledges message sent in spirit of
prayer in union with circumstances of elevation to His Ponti.ficate
paternally grants and in authentic fidelity of vocation for complete
dedication to Christ and Church while imparting cordially apostolic
blessing supplicating abundant heavenly blessings.
Cardinal Vnror
Camerlengo
3. Letter of the Rector Major to His Holiness John Paul I
His Holines JoHu Peul I
Vatican City
September 5, 1978
Most Holy Fat}er;
The Salesians of Don Bosco rejoice in your election to the Office
of Peter.
Our Saintly founder has transfused into our hearts a filial love
which makes us feel humble in belonging to the Family of the Pope
in His daily solicitude for the Church and in His living message of
the Gospel to the people and to the young.
His eminence Cardinal Raul Henrique Silva, odr dearest confrere,
has spoken enthusiastically and with great sympathy of yout Person
and your goodness. He has extended your fondest greetings, your
paternal blessing and your request for prayers. n7e feel the need to
express to you, in letter form, our deepest thanks and total loyalty
toget}er with promises of daily prayers in carrying out the commit-
ments of the Gospel.
At the beginning of our Salesian Vocation, the intuition, initia-
tive and love of Pope Pius IX guided and supported Don Bosco in
the delicate work of the Founder. A century later amid the complex-
eties of the wotkings of Vatican II, there was another guide for us,
the clear directives and predilection of another pope, Pope Paul VI

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60-
who has inspired and directed us in the difficult task of our religious
and pastoral renewal.
In this manner with eyes fixed on the Successor of Peter, our
journey-if only one hundred years-has taken place in a serene
and calm atmosphere, in the knowledge of the Church in the faith-
fulness of its First Pastor and Teacher. 'S7e are always mindful of
the heritage of Don Bosco who in 1873 wrote on the occasion of
the definitive approval of our Constitutions: "The fundamental aim
of our Congregation from the very begining, has constantly been to
uphold and defend the authority of the supreme Head of the Church
among the less privileged of society and is a special way of abandoned
youth."
Also in our last General Chapter, finished last February, we
have unanimously renewed our deep loyalty to the Pope.
This loyalty is the expression of a strong and concrete love for
Jesus Christ, to His fascinating paschal mystery, to his history of
salvation in which He has wished to explicitly include the unfailing,
adequate, timely teaching and indispensable ministry of Peter and of
the Apostles.
This tJ-ren, Most Holy Fathet, in the reason and intensity of the
joy and loyalty of the Salesian of Don Bosco to your Pontificate and
Person. Accept our filial wishes of fidelity to service, of docility to
your guidance, of goodness of your fatherliness. You may count upon
our loyalty, on our continued prayers, on our modest and fulI cooper-
ation for the evangelization of the young.
In the name of my confreres scattered throughout the world,
especially those suffering and imprisoned fot the faith, and interpreting
the sentiments of diverse groups belonging to the Salesian Family, I
am happy to present to you the fervent wishes for Your Pontificate
begun under the auspices of St. Gregory the Great, of the maternal
Helper, Mary, the Mothet of the Church.
Fr. Ecrnro VrcaNd
Rector Major
P.S. - Most Holy Father permit me to enclose a check of L.
5,000,000 to be used for good works which Your Holiness deems
worthy,

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4. Text of Telegram Sent on the Death of His Holiness John Paul I
September 29, 1978
While this issue of the "Acts of the Superior Council" was in
pdnt, the world was saddened by the sudden death of Pope John
Paul I.
The Rector Major sent the following telegram to his eminence
Cardinal Charles Confalonieri, Dean of the Sacred College.
Cardinal Charles Confalonieri
Dean of the Sacred College
Vatican City
The Salesian Congregation partakes in the universal sorrow of
the sudden death of Pope John Paul I. It extends sincerest condo-
lences to the Sacred College. The said Congtegation recalls the paternal
goodness, the teachings of the Gospel and the christian humanism in
behalf of people which have distinguished his brief pontificate of
hope in the Church and in the world.
With filial devotion it joins itself to the prayers of all.
Fr. Ecroro Vtcexd
Rector Major

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5. NECROLOGY
*Fr. George Cbemmarappallil
Veliyanad, India, l-21-1961;
f
Vellore, India, Ll-9-76; 55 yrs; 25 prof.;
22 piest.
At first vice-pastor, the director of Youth Center, pastor in several
missionary parishes. He was always avatlable to the wishes of superiors;
well known for the social activities of his poor people. He was cheerful
and wellJiked; ready to help orhers.
F*r.CPloantarikcikltyD, oIrneolaonadn, {20-1900; t Clonakilty, Ireland, 7-16-1978; 78 yrs; 41
prof.; )4 priest; 7 yrs. rector.
He was a government inspector of agriculture before being called by
God to enter the Salesian Congregation. He was ordained at the age of
44. He immediately took charge of our properties in England and lreland.
In this field he showed competence and ability. His poor health forced him
to the peacefulness of the aspirantate. In this atmosphere by his spiritual
direction of boys and confreres he revealed his spirituality and rare gift of
discetnments of the spirit.
f *FrL. ivTebropronoals,
Dulleban
England,
ll-20-1902;
London, Battersea, England, 6-26-L978, 75
yrs.; 58 prof.; 45 priest.
He was a gifted and energetic teacher. During \\7orld IJTar II he
was chaplain of Royal Air Force, then pastor for several years ar Battersea.
He had a gteat sense of practical know-how; well liked for his indusuious-
ness and understanding. Devote to the Church, to the pope, he labored
zealously with salesian and ecclesial devotion.

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6)
f B* isRboospsigSliotenpeb, eGn eFneorvraa,nd9o-20-1895; Genoa-Quarto, Italy, G20-1978; 82 yrs.;
65 prof.; 55 yrs. priest; First bishop of Krishnagar, India; )4 yrs' bishop of
Shillong, Northeast India; 9 yrs. Archbishop, Titular of Troina.
He lived eight years in Genoa-Quarto (area) but his heart was in
India where he had labored since 1923. In that yeat he had headed the
first novices destined for the new mission of Assam. For a few years he
was the active and prudent Master of Novices and rector of Salesian in
formation. h 1934 he was chosen bishop of Krishnaga4 a year after
bishop of Shillong where for 30 years he devoted himself to pastoral work.
The good and patient pastor visited the communities of his field. He
visited his missionary confreres, always solicitous and concerned for native
vocations. Today the florishing christian life of Assam, the growth of
native vocations, the Congregation of "Sisters of Mary Help of Christians"
founded by him, the erection of six diocese with Shillong as the provin-
cial see, bear witness to the zeal of this great bishop. The blessings of
God have rewarded his faith, his sacrifices and self-dedication to the wel-
fare of souls.
t *FrT. eEmdpwleamrdoreG,reIyreland, 8-25-1890; Cape Town, 54L978; 88 yrs; 68 prof.;
60 yrs. priest.
He lived in the greater part of his life in Gape Town. His apostolic
work centered on alumni and cooperators; his dynamism and cheerfulness
were remarkable. He bore his heavy cross of suffering during his last yeats
with deep piety and faith, and his habirual smile.
Fr. Daniel McKeown
" f Glasgow, Scotland, 7-ll-1903; London, Battersea, England, 6-25-1978; 74 yrs.;
49 prot.; 41 priest.
He lived the greater part of his salesian life at our school of Battersea.
He was well tiked for his dedication to the education of the young; sought
out as a preacher and confessor. He was staightfoward, well-balanced
and faithful to his duties. God called him during a last heart attack.

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64-
Bro. Xauier Singaraj
f *' Kadambady, Tamil-India, 2-LGl922; Chetpet, lndia, 4-L5-1978; 56 yrs.;
3) prol.
He worked in various houses of the Madras province as a "factotum."
He was always cheerful in his vocation, available and deeply humble. He
nourished a filial and deep devotion to the Virgin Mary. His sudden death
which deepely moved all the confreres, showed the esteem in which he
was held by the confreres.
Fr. Alpboruse Straub
f "" Kitzinger, Gerrnany, 11-10-1904; Rosemead, California, IJSA, 2-2)-1978; 74
yrs.; 52 prof.; 42 priest.
He entered the Congregation in his twenties. He left for California in
1927 with the first group of confreres to begin the San Francisco province.
He was ordained in Turin. His apostolic labors were dedicated to the parish
apostolate where his gift for languages served him in good stead. He
loved to work with the various groups of altar boys. He spent the last
years of his l,ife as a confessor in our schools. In this he was zealous
offering spiritu,al direction; he was always on call for the hearing of
confessions.

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2nd List of 1978
f 1. Coad. AHN Lodovico Toutnai (Bdero) a 83 a.
f 2. Sac. ALCIATI Marco a Neustadt (Germania) a 52 a-
l. f Sac. BALI' Giovanni Panaonhalma (Uneheria) a 85 a.
t 4. Coad. BARONE Rocco Cad:oeira do Gmpo (Brasile) a 68 a,
5. t Sac. BATTISTI Antonio l.anzn Torioese a 59 a.
5. Sac. BOLIVENS Filippo t \\gihiik (Beleio) a 79 a.
f 7. Coad. BERGMANS Alberto Remouchamps (Belgio) a 6) a-
t 8. Sac. BLANDINO Mario Campo Grande (Brasile) a76 a.
t 9. Ch. BRAMBILLA Enrico Torino a Zl a.
f 10. Coad. BRESSANI Virgilio a Trieste a 70 a.
t 11. Sac. CADONI Giuseppe Ggliari a 87 a.
t L2. Sac. CAMBO' Raimondo Barcelona (Spagra) a 85 a-
t 13. Sac. CHEMMARAPPALLIL Giorgio Vellore (India) a 55 a.
f 14. Sac. COTTA Renzo a La Paz (Bolivia) a 52 a.
t 15. Sac. CZIESCHOWITZ Franctsco Santiago (Gle) a 67 a.
f 16. Sac. DALVIT Piero Buenos Ahes (fugentina) a 78 a.
f 17. Sac. DONOVAN Patrizio Clonakilty (Itlanda) a 78 a.
f 18. Coad. DRITETII Attilio Fossano (Cuneo) a 46 a,
t 19. Sac. DLILLEHAN Tommaso Londra (Gran Btetogna) a 75 a.
t 20. Mons. FERRANDO Stefano Genova Quato a 82 a.
t 21. Sac. GAIA Renato Inma (Novara) a 49 a.
t 22. Sac. GANSEMER Michele Bonn (Gemania) a 66 a.
f 21. Sac. GARDIN Marcello Bahia Blanca (fugentna) a 85 a.
t 24. Coad. GENNERO Sebastiano M' Rosa (Aosta) a 4) a.
t 25, Cnad. GIIINTA Rosario Catania a 64 a.
t 26. C.oad. GONZALEZ Alberto Montevideo a 74 a.
t 27. Sac. GREY Edoardo Cape Town (Sud A-frica) a 88 a.
t 28. Coad. I{ASER Corado Schwandorf (Germania) a 23 a,
f 29. Sac. IGLESIAS Fernando Sant Boi de Llobregat (Spapa) a 69 a.
t 10. Sac. JOOSTEN Giuseppe Gent (Belgio) a 65 a.
f 31. Coad. KAPCZAR Giuseppe Hong Kons a 79 a.
t 32. Sac. KLINSKI Augusto Bedino (Germania) a 78 a.
t 13. Sac. KNOOP Antonio Oud-Hevedee (Belgio) a 77 a.
f 34. Coad. LIBERATO Antonino Buenos Aires (fugentina) a 98 a'
t ,5. Coad. LtX Abele St-Georges-sur-Meuse (Belgio) a 54 a.
t 16. Sac. MAREGA Mario Gorizia a 75 a.
t 37. Sac. MARGIARIA Angelo Roma a 80 a.
t 38. Sac. MARIMAN Giuseppe Oud-Heverlee (Belgio) a 76 a.
t 39. Sac. McKEO\\VN Daniele Londra (Gran Bretagna) a 74 a.
f 40. Coad,. MICCOLI Franco Paraa a 54 a.
t 41. Coad. MOLARO Silvio Chieri (Totino) a 69 a.
t 42. Sac. PALET Roberto Mar Del Plata (fugentina) a 6) a'

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43. Sac. PASA Luigi t Forlt a 78 a.
44. Sac. PAVELKA Giuseppe f Roznov p/Radhostem ,Cecoslovacchia) a 62 o.
45. Sac. PAZ Aureliano t Alta Gracia (fugenti,na) a 86 a.
46. Sac. PIIflZA Calogero t Pedara (Gtania) a 89 a.
47. Sac. RAMAEKERS Giuseppe f Helchteren (Bdeio) a 65 a.
48. Sac. RAVAILI Francesco f Catania a 65 a.
49.
50.
Sac.
Sac.
REIS Muio t Parl de
RODOLFI Giuseppe t
Minas (Brasile) a 81
Vallecrosia (Imperia)
a.
a
j7
a,
51. Sac. ROMAN Francesco t Porto Alegre (Brasile) a 4l a.
52. Sac. ROCCO Dalmiro f El Paraiso (Buenos Aires-fugentina) a 66 a.
53. Sac. SAGASTAGOITIA Cidllo f Le6n (Spagna) a 9j a.
54. Sac. SCHITAGERL Giovanni f Mtinchen (Germania) a 72 a.
55. C.oad. SINGARAJ Saverio f Chetpet (India) a 56 a.
56. Sac. SIPS Marcello f Huy (Belgio) a 67 a.
57. Sac. STRAIIB Alfonso f Rosemead (USA) a 74 a.
58.
59.
Sac.
Sac.
STRINGARI Giuseppe f
TRANIER Andrea f La
S. Paulo (Brasile)
Navarre (Francia)
a^
75
99
a.
60. Sac. VELLERE Livio f Isola Vicentina (Vicenza) a 45 a^..
61. Sac. VODE' Antonio t Torino a 74 a.
62. C,oad. VAHL Gabriele f Benediktbeuern (Germania) a 82 a.
63. Sac. ZAMIATALA Edmondo t L6d, (Polonia) a 50 a.