RMG-Catalogo-P-Albera_EN


RMG-Catalogo-P-Albera_EN



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THE WORLD THROUGH THE EYES OF
Paul Albera
(1845 – 1921)
VALDOCCO,FR PAUL ALBERA EXHIBITION
ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST CENTENARY OF DEATH
OF DON BOSCO’S SECOND SUCCESSOR
1921 – 2021

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TEMPORARY EXHIBITION
FROM 14 JANUARY 2021 TO 6 JANUARY 2022
DIGITAL AND IN-PERSON EXHIBITION
VIRTUAL TOUR:
https://donalbera.museocasadonbosco.it/virtual-tour/
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO
(Via Maria Ausiliatrice, 32 – 10152 Torino)
The exhibition retraces the life of Fr Paul Albera.
It is located in the basement of the museum,
The location of the first boys’ refectory (1854-1858).
OPENING IN PERSON 30/1/2021
BY THE RECTOR MAJOR OF THE SALESIANS
FR ANGEL FERNANDEZ ARTIME
VIDEO OF THE OCCASION:
https://vimeo.com/506450679
TEXTS AND RESEARCH:
Fr Aldo Giraudo, Fr Silvio Roggia and Paolo Vaschetto sdb
GRAPHICS:
Mattana Graca & Servizi
LAYOUT:
Marco Berrone
CURATORSHIP:
Dott.sa Stefania De Vita
Letters, original materials and photographs
from Salesian Central archives (ASC), Rome
Preface
Fr Paul Albera was one of the “original Salesians” who was able to see
Don Bosco in action. He breathed the atmosphere of Valdocco with
Fr Rua and other Salesians, and “exported it” to Mirabello.
He then witnessed the expansion of Salesian work beyond Piedmont,
first to Liguria and then France..
Eventually he held the position of Spiritual Director of the
Congregation, and finally, Rector Major of the Salesians, as the
Second successor of Don Bosco.
In this role of responsibility, (travelling by boat, carriage, horse,car…) he
visited the spirit of Don Bosco that had expanded to every corner of
the world, from the Americas to the Holy Land,and to North Europe.
He was an eyewitness to the turn of the century (19th and 20th) at
a delicate moment for his Congregation, the Church and the entire
world, culminating in one of the most dramatic watersheds in con-
temporary history, the Great War.
Let us retrace the life journey of this humble Salesian through his
eyes. We will look at the world of this “petit don Bosco”, one of Those
silent pioneers who did so much to give us the Salesian Congregation
as we know it today.
MANY THANKS TO THE SALESIAN CENTRAL ARCHIVES (ASC), THE
PHOTOGRAPHIC AND AUDIOVISUAL ARCHIVES, THE SALESIAN
HISTORICAL INSTITUTE (ISS), THE LIBRERIA ATENEO SALESIANO (LAS)
AND THE SALESIAN NEWS AGENCY (ANS) FOR THEIR KIND COOPERATION

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4  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Table of Contents
11
EARLY FORMATION
(1845 – 1862)
Paul Albera, born in the Turin province, was barely thirteen when he ar-
rived at the Oratory in Valdocco and entered the Salesian Congregation
two years later. Don Bosco’s plan for the future of his work on behalf of
poor youth was already clear: to find co-workers from among his boys,
lively ones full of energy like John Cagliero, future cardinal, and diligent,
studious ones like Fr Rua and Fr Albera.
12
MIRABELLO
(1863 – 1868)
One of Don Bosco’s dreams came true in 1863: to carry his style and
passion for education of the young beyond Valdocco. With full con-
fidence he entrusted a young priest barely 26 years old, Fr Michael
Rua, placing him at the head of a group of young clerics, among
whom Paul Albera, to run a boarding school. The bishop of Casale
entrusted them with the junior seminary at Mirabello, a work mainly
for clerical vocations but also to give society, as stated in the Rules,
genuinely prepared Christians. As well as completing his studies and
preparation for the priesthood, Young Albera was given the task of
teacher and assistant to the boys.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  5
14
VALDOCCO
(1868 – 1871)
1868 was the year when the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians was
opened. It was a moment of great joy for Don Bosco, of very great con-
solation for man who saw so many efforts crowned by unexpected suc-
cess. Fr Albera was ordained priest the same year and the first fruits
of his priesthood came from among the day students at the school at
Valdocco, a delicate task carried out with great kindness, seeing that
the educational work of the classrooms was also kept in touch with the
world outside…
16
MARASSI
(1871 – 1872)
In 1871, Fr Albera was given his first responsibility as the Rector of
A Salesian house outside Piedmont. He was a young priest and was
tasked with founding an orphanage with workshops attached near
Genoa, first in Marassi then in Sampierdarena. Don Bosco supported
the activities of the young rector with frequent visits that also aroused
enthusiasm in many benefactors. And the boys, initially regarded with
suspicion by the neighbourhood, won over everybody’s heart with
their joyful celebrations, singing and exemplary behaviour.
18
SAMPIERDARENA
(1873 – 1881)
Fr Albera showed himself to be a versatile and capable leader, and as
well as looking after the orphans, Don Bosco also entrusted him with
the course for adult vocations, older men who still had the desire to
become religious or priests. A model print shop was also Established
at Sampierdarena where the Bollettino Salesiano began A magazine
that still today makes Salesian work known and appreciated world-
wide. And it was from Sampierdarena, in 1875, That the first Salesian
missionaries embarked for America.

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20
FRANCE
(1881 – 1892)
The burden of responsibility became even greater when Don Bosco
decided, in 1881, to send Fr Paul Albera to Marseilles as the superior
of the houses in France. In this new role he showed great ability In
leadership of the Salesian works and an uncommon spirit of initia-
tive. He found four houses there, yet despite difficult years for reli-
gious, founded a further 10, also including new presences in Belgium
and Algeria. In his 10 years in France Fr Albera’s contribution to the
formation of young workers was most important, founding many
workshops also equipped thanks to a solid network of generous ben-
efactors. But they were also years when Fr Albera Bid farewell to his
spiritual father Don Bosco on 31 January 1888.
26
SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR OF THE SALESIAN
CONGREGATION (1892 – 1910)
Fr Michael Rua (1837-1910) was the First Successor of Don Bosco,
and three years later was joined by Fr Albera for a very important
task, looking after the spiritual and religious formation of Salesian
confreres. Although they were years of precarious health he began
traveling systematically through Europe and the Middle East to Get
to know the formation houses and closely follow the young confreres.
Well-educated and with a penchant for language study He was well-re-
garded as a preacher and spiritual director of many who respected his
serenity and depth. Fr Albera carried a small pocket diary in which he
wrote down almost daily spiritual thoughts notes. The severe tone he
applied in his own regard, his own weaknesses and desire to improve
offer us the chance to take a closer look at the soul of someone whose
aim was holiness and the desire to urge others to do the same.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  7
32
CANONICAL VISITATION OF SALESIAN HOUSES
IN THE AMERICAS (1900 – 1903)
The Rector Major Fr Rua, in 1900, entrusted Fr Albera with visiting the
houses in the Americas as his Representative. In a letter to Bishop
Cagliero of the delay to the programme due to major disruption in
travel by sea, lengthy delays that allowed him to spend more time with
otherwise isolated confreres (like those in Tierra del Fuego) and better
understand the spirit that guided the activity of the pioneer Salesians.
In another letter to Fr Barberis he wrote of good impressions but
while glimpsing some of the weaker points in the educative and apos-
tolic activity of the sons and daughters of Don Bosco in America, from
the outset he maintained a prudent attitude of great realism. At a time
of retreat he wrote a page in his diary that although it contained many
corrections to improve his faltering English, contained a fine spiritual
plan, full of faith and overflowing with fervent sentiments.
44
RECTOR MAJOR
(1910 – 1921)
Fr Rua died in 1910 and Fr Albera was elected as his successor.
Becoming Rector Major of the Salesians was not something he ac-
cepted easily, but the encouragement of the confreres and the Pope
(as reported in his first circular letter) were very comforting. He was
not asked to invent or reform anything. He should only continue along
the lines traced out by Don Bosco and Fr Rua and Salesian work would
surely continue to be known and apprec iated Around the world. The
first period of his time in office put him in touch with the wide-rang-
ing Salesian work in Europe. These were years of great fervour; new
houses were opened to tackle the enormous needs of the young and
provide new fields of action to many candidates asking to join the
Salesian Congregation.

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48
CANONICAL VISITATIONS
1913 was a year of outstanding visits culminating in a tour of Spain
where Fr Albera was solemnly welcomed by huge crowds and civil and
church dignitaries (we can enjoy reading how the people welcomed
him thunderously just about everywhere. 1914, however, saw some
of the countries where Salesians were enter the worldwide conflict,
and this was of enormous concern to the Rector Major. In 1915 when
Italy too, entered the war, the consequences were enormous for the
Salesians who, among other things, were forced to cancel all the cele-
brations prepared to commemorate the first centenary of Don Bosco’s
birth. In the last year of the Great War, the small church to Mary Help of
Christians at the Becchi was opened, near Don Bosco’s birthplace, as a
sign of light and hope after the drama of world conflict.
CONGRESSES
55
Despite the interruption of the War many international congress-
es were held during Fr Albera’s term of office. Congress themes saw
Salesians playing a leading role especially when they dealt with activi-
ties typical of their apostolic work, like the oratory and catechesis. More
characteristic and let’s say “family-based” were the Congresses that
brought together the Cooperators and Past Pupils, What an honour
for a past pupil in the 1911 Congress, to give a ride to the Rector Major!
57
WITH BISHOP CAGLIERO
Fr Albera also had some moments of consolation and joy during
those troubled years. It was wonderful to see him surrounded by
confreres and dear friends, such as by now Cardinal Cagliero on the
solemn day in 1918 when they celebrated 50 years of Fr Albera’s
priesthood, corresponding to the 50 years since the opening of the
Basilica of Mary Help of Christians.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  9
60
THE GREAT WAR
Fully involved in the war on all fronts, even the youngest Salesians were
enlisted, some lending service as military chaplains or as stretcher-bear-
ers, ht at the front. Fr Albera and the other Salesian superiors thought
of every way possible not to lose contact with the confreres, sending
circular and personal letters and, when they were on leave, inviting them
to take part in days of spiritual retreat. Some letters sent to Fr Albera tell
us of their experiences, from an aspiring officer on leave (who after the
War, like many other former soldiers, would become a missionary) to
an episode of lucky escape from shelling on the front. There were also
episodes of heroism such as assisting the wounded at the front under
enemy fire and the sacrifice of his life by Lieitenant Miglio, a Salesian,
to save his comrades from shelling. In 1916 Fr Albera founded the
first of many orphanages that from then on were opened in European
countries (a strategy followed by many Congregations including the
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.) Another post-war relaunching
was work giving suitable response to young people disoriented both in
human and spiritual terms as Well as in school and employment.
76
DEATH AND FUNERAL
Fr Albera died on the morning of 29 October 1921 and the funeral was
held the following day in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians. The
crowd who came to express recognition for the life of such a worthy
son of Don Bosco was huge. The tiller he had taken over from Fr Rua
was well-managed by Fr Albera and it was now left in the hands of Fr
Rinaldi, another of Don Bosco’s boys, Another witness to the great spirit
breathed in at Valdocco, thanks to the apostle of the young.

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MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  11
79
FR ALBERA’S FAREWELL MESSAGE
Let us make our own this note that Fr Albera wrote on a sheet of
paper at the beginning of 1915. It was a question that he regularly
put to himself and his Salesians: Do you want to know if you have
the spirit of Don Bosco? Fidelity to Don Bosco is very practically ex-
pressed by working on your character to smooth the edges, by prac-
tising charity to your neighbour and doing everything for love of God,
accepting all of life’s trials.
Early Formation
(1845 – 1862)
6 June 1845
Born in None, last of seven children. Two brothers became religious,
one a Friar Minor and one a Vincentian, while a sister entered The
Congregation of the Daughters of Charity.
1852 - 1857
Attended primary school in his home town.
18 October 1858
Entered secondary school at the Oratory in Valdocco, where he got
to know Michael Magone.
1 May 1860
Accepted into the Salesian Society and began study of philosophy.
14 May 1862
Profession of vows with the first group of Salesians.
1861: YOUNG PAUL ALBERA GOES
TO CONFESSION TO DON BOSCO.

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12  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Mirabello
(1863 – 1868)
September 1863
With Fr Rua and other Salesians he founds the first junior seminary
at Mirabello where he was teacher and assistant while furthering his
studies in philosophy and theology.
Setembro de 1865
Gains his secondary teaching certificate at the University of Turin.
2 de agosto 1868
Ordained priest at Casale by Bishop Pietro Maria Ferré.
REMINDER FROM
DON BOSCO:
“WHEN YOU HAVE
THE JOY OF BEING
ABLE TO SAY
YOUR FIRST MASS,
ASK GOD FOR THE
GRACE NEVER TO
BE DISCOURAGED”
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  13
JUNIOR SEMINARY OF SAN
CARLO AT MIRABELLO, TURIN
TIPOGRAFIA DELL’ORATORIO
DI S. FRANCESCO DI SALES, 1863
(AS WELL AS THE PRINTED
VERSION ALSO FR BONETTI’S
MANUSCRIPT OF THE SAME
TEXT WITH HANDWRITTEN
CORRECTIONS BY DON BOSCO)

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14  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Valdocco
(1868 – 1871)
PREFECT OF THE DAY STUDENTS
9 June 1868
Opening of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians.
“I RECALL AS IF IT WERE
TODAY THE SOLEMN
MOMENT WHEN D. BOSCO,
RADIANT WITH JOY,
HIS EYES TEARY WITH
DEEP EMOTION, WENT UP
FOR THE FIRST TIME
TO THE HIGH ALTAR
TO CELEBRATE THE HOLY
SACRIFICE OF THE MASS
BENEATH THE MERCIFUL
GAZE OF HIS GREAT HELP
OF CHRISTIANS...”
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  15
“The year of the consecration
of the Sanctuary of Mary
Help of Christians
I returned to Turin, and for
another four years, was able
to enjoy the intimacy
of Don Bosco draw from his
great heart the valuable
teachings that were all the
more effective on us the better
we saw them already
put into practice by him
in his daily behaviour.
LETTERE CIRCOLARI DI D. ALBERA, 18 OCT. 1920, P. 331

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16  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Marassi
(1871 – 1872)
Founder and Rector of the house then shifted to Sampierdarena
SALESIAN HOUSE AT MARASSI
SALESIAN HOUSE
AT SAMPIERDARENA
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  17
FR ALBERA
DON BOSCO AND FR ALBERA
AT THE CENTRE OF A PHOTO-
GRAPHIC MONTAGE ALSO
INCLUDING PEOPLE WHO
WERE ABSENT WHEN THE
PHOTO WAS TAKEN.

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18  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Sampierdarena
(1873 – 1881)
26 October 1871
Founds the orphanage at Marassi, Genoa with tailoring, shoe-mak-
ing and carpentry workshops.
November de 1872
The work is moved to Sampierdarena.
1873-1875
Extensions to buildings with new workshops (book-binding,
smiths-mechanics, printing and compositing).
July 1875
Don Bosco entrusts him with the work of Mary Help of Christians
for adult vocations.
14 November 1875
Accompanies Don Bosco on board the ship to farewell the first
Salesian missionaries heading to America.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  19
10 August 1878
The printshop prints the first edition of the Bollettino Salesiano
that would be printed at Sampierdarena until 1882.

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20  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
France
(1881 – 1892)
PROVINCIAL
October 1881
Don Bosco sent him to Marseilles as the first Provincial of the Salesian
houses in France. He found a difficult situation there (Law expelling
religious), but was not discouraged. The Salesians simply declared
that they were a “charitable society”.
In 1881 there were 4 Salesian houses in France: Nice (Salesians and
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians), Marseiiles (SDB and FMA),
Saint Cyr (SDB and FMA) and La Navarre.
Over ten years he founded 10 houses: Sainte Marguerite (1883),
Menilmontant, Paris (1883), Lille (1884), Grevigney (1888), Le
Rossignol (1889), Dinan (1890), Liegi (1891), Oran in Algeria
(1891), Ruitz (1891), Saint Pierre de Canon (1891).
1883-1887
He accompanied Don Bosco on his yearly trips through France,
witness to countless healings. Don Bosco’s respect for him was ex-
pressed in the following brief statement:
Mrs Eudossia Olive, benefactor of Salesian work, met with Don Bosco
in Marseilles and asked his advice on the choice of a spiritual director.
The saint thought for a moment then replied: “Take Fr Albera as your
director: he is a man who works miracles in the direction of souls!”
(MB XV 490-491).
1888-1891
He strengthened the network of French and Belgian Salesian
Cooperators, gaining general respect: he was known as le petit don
Bosco.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  21
“TAKE FR ALBERA AS
YOURDIRECTOR: HE
IS A MANWHO WORKS
MIRACLES IN THE
DIRECTION OF SOULS!”
(MB XV 490-491)

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22  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
LILLE
MARSEILLE
NICE
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  23
SALESIAN COMMUNITY
IN LIÈGE
VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
IN LILLE
PRINTING STUDENTS
IN LILLE

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24  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
LILLE
MARSEILLES
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  25
A BOY’S TESTIMONY REGARDING FR ALBERA:
“I was greatly edified
by the modest and humble
approach of our superiore,
his constant encouraging
smile, and his gentle,
lovable and attractive manners.
There was never a recreation
when he was not among us;
but he also came to visit us
in other places, especially in
the refectory and the chapel.
He said little, but his
presence was enough to
make us respectful.
DOMENICO GARNERI, DON PAOLO ALBERA SECONDO
SUCCESSORE DI DON BOSCO. MEMORIE BIOGRAFICHE, TORINO,
SOCIETÀ EDITRICE INTERNAZIONALE 1939, P. 80

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26  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Spiritual Director of the
Salesian Congregation
(1892 – 1910)
29 August 1891
Appointed Spiritual Director General of the Salesian Congregation
after the death of Fr Bonetti.
September 1892
Transferred to Turin. In the following years in particular he saw to
the formation of young confreres through conferences, retreats and
personal chats.
12 October 1893
With Bishop Cagliero, Rua, Barberis he left for London to be at the
consecration of the Church of the Sacred Heart. In London, per-
haps due to a train derailment, he wrote in his diary: “Need to learn
English…”
February-March 1895
Accompanied Fr Rua as a pilgrim to the Holy Land.
23-25 April 1895
Took part in the Cooperator Congress in Bologna
31 December 1895
Wrote in his diary (which from 1893 to 1899 is in French and meas-
ured 9x13cm).
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  27
DAS REGRAS OU CONSTITUIÇÕES DA SOCIEDADE DE S. FRANCISCO
DE SALES, SEGUNDO O DECRETO DE APROVAÇÃO DE 3 DE
ABRIL DE 1874, CAP. IX, DOS OUTROS SUPERIORES:
…the spiritual director will
take special care of the novices.
Together with the novice
master he will show the greatest
concern for them to know and
practise the spirit of charity
and zeal that must animate
those who wish to dedicate their
entire life to the good of souls.
It is also the duty of the spiritual
director to reverently admonish
the Rector when he sees in him
some notable negligence
in practising and seeing that
the Rules of the Congregation
are observed...

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28  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
FROM HIS PERSONAL JOURNAL:
“1895 IS CONSIGNED TO ETERNITY. FOR ME IT WAS FILLED WITH JOYS AND
SORROWS. I WAS ONCE MORE ABLE TO SEE THE HOUSE AT MARSEILLES
WHERE I LEFT MUCH OF MY HEART. FROM THERE I WENT TO THE HOLY
LAND AND WAS EDIFIED BY THE COMPANY OF FR RUA. SUCH PIETY,
SPIRIT OF SACRIFICE AND MORTIFICATION! SUCH ZEAL FOR THE SAL-
VATION OF SOULS; AND ESPECIALLY SUCH EVEN-MINDEDNESS! I SAW
BETHLEHEM, JERUSALEM, NAZARETH: SUCH WONDERFUL MEMORIES! I
WAS ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THE CONGRESS AT BOLOGNA. I HAVE AN UNFOR-
GETTABLE MEMORY OF IT… I WAS ABLE TO PREACH THE RETREAT IN FRANCE
AND ITALY, SPEND TIME WITH THE ORDINANDS AND I AM VERY MUCH SATIS-
FIED WITH THE PRECEDING YEARS. I HAVE WRITTEN SOME PAGES ON BISH-
OP LASAGNA AND HE WAS KIND ENOUGH TO APPRECIATE THEM. BUT ALSO
1895 ENDED WITHOUT ME CORRECTING MY MOST SERIOUS FAULTS. MY
PRIDE IS STILL AT A HIGH LEVEL. MY CHARACTER IS STILL DIFFICULT, EVEN
WITH FR RUA HIMSELF. MY PIETY IS ALWAYS SUPERFICIAL AND DOES NOT
HAVE GREAT INFLUENCE ON MY BEHAVIOUR, MY ACTIONS, THAT ARE STILL
VERY HUMAN AND UNWORTHY OF A RELIGIOUS. MY CHARITY IS FICKLE AND
FULL OF BIAS. I AM NOT MORTIFIED IN EYES, TASTES, OR IN WORDS...
ILLNESSES HAVE INCREASED A LOT: I COULD DIE FROM ONE MOMENT
TO THE NEXT IN THE STATE I AM IN: THIS IS NOT JUST AN IDEA, IT IS A
REALITY AND I AM AWARE OF IT. I WOULD LIKE TO GO INTO THE NEW
YEAR LIVING BETTER IN ORDER TO DIE BETTER. I RECALL HAVING DI-
RECTED SOME OF MY CONFRERES WHO OFFERED THEMSELVES THROUGH
VOWS… THEY HAVE EDIFIED ME BY THEIR ZEAL, THEIR DEVOTION. THEY HAVE
SEALED THEIR COMMITMENT WITH THEIR BLOOD, AND IN THE GUISE OF BE-
ING THEIR TEACHER AND DIRECTOR IN ALL THIS, I AM NOTHING.. MARY, MY
MOTHER, LET ME NOT HAVE THE SHAME OF ACKNOWLEDGING THAT I AM IN-
FERIOR IN VIRTUE TO MY SUBJECTS: GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOU DOMINA
MEA, NUMQUAM QUIESCAM DONEC OBTINUERO VERUM AMOREM ERGA TE”.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  29

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30  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
EXTRACT FROM HIS NOTEBOOK IN WHICH HE WROTE NOTES FOR MEDITATIONS AND CONFERENCES
ESPECIALLY FOR THE CONFRERES:
LEARNING
THE CONGREGATION IS GOING THROUGH EXTRAORDINARY DEVELOP-
MENT. THE NUMBER OF HOUSES OPENED IS ALREADY GREAT AND YET
WE CANNOT SATISFY A TENTH OF THE DEMANDS THAT COME TO US
EVERY DAY. THE SUPERIOR HAS OBLIGED US TO LIMIT NEW FOUNDATIONS.
HE HAS TOLD THOSE IN AMERICA TO STOP.
THIS DEVELOPMENT HAS CERTAINLY BEEN DUE TO THE GRACE OF GOD,
THE PRAYERS OF DON BOSCO AND OF MANY OF OUR CONFRERES OR
PUPILS WHO HAVE DIED WITH A REPUTATION FOR HOLINESS. THERE IS
A SERIOUS OBLIGATION FOR US TO CORRESPOND TO THE HOPE, THE TRUST
PLACED IN US. THIS SHOULD COMMIT US TO GROWING MORE AND MORE
IN VIRTUE AND MAKE US MORE AND MORE CAPABLE OF DOING GOOD. ONE
WAY OF SUCCEEDING IS ALSO TO CULTIVATE LEARNING. WE NEED PRESTIGE
IN ORDER TO DO GOOD AMONG OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND ALSO TO GET
THEM TO PRACTISE CHARITY AND COME TO OUR AID. IN ORDER TO PRACTI-
SE ZEAL AND TO CARRY OUT OUR MISSION TO THE YOUNG, WE MUST GAIN
AS MUCH LEARNING AS POSSIBLE…
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  31

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32  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Canonical Visitations of
Salesian houses in America
(1900 – 1903)
Como Representante de dom Rua, então Reitor-Mor, visita todas
as casas da América dos Salesianos e das FMA. A viagem dura três
anos, quer pelo número considerável de etapas entre a Terra do Fogo
e os Estados Unidos, mas também pelas condições incómodas de
transporte que com frequência o obrigavam a voltar para trás a fim de
poder dirigir-se para outra nação (a Buenos Aires voltou onze vezes!)
FR PAUL ALBERA WITH HIS
SECRETARY FR CALOGERO
GUSMANO ON THE LEFT
1900
17 August: Sails from Barcelona for America
September: Montevideo, Villa Colon, Las Piedras,
Montevideo, Buenos Aires, La Plata, Bernal
October: Buenos Aires, Moron, S. Isidro,
Uribelarrea, Buenos Aires, Bahia Blanca, Fortin
Mercedes, Patagones, Viedma, Patagones, Viedma
November: Pringles, Bahia Blanca, Buenos Aires,
Lujan, Buenos Aires
December: S . Nicolas de Los Arroyos, Rosario,
S. Nicolas de Los Arroyos, Buenos Aires, Bernal,
Buenos Aires, Montevideo
1901
January: Villa Colon, Bernal, Buenos Aires,
February: Montevideo, Punta Arenas, Dawson,
Candelaria
March: Punta Arenas, Montevideo, Mercedes
April: Paysandù, Buenos Aires, Asuncion
May: Cuiabà
June: Corumbà, Villa Conception, Asuncion
July: Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Sao Paolo,
Lorena, Guaratinguetà, Juiz de Fora, Ouro Preto,
Cachoeira do Campo, Araras.
August: Guaratinguetà, Lorena, Niteroi, Ponte
Nova, Niteroi, Sao Paolo
September: Ipiranga, Campinas, Lorena, Niteroi,
Bahia
October: Pernambuco
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  33

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34  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
November: Niteroi, Flores, Montevideo, Buenos
Aires, Mendoza
December: Rodeo del Medio, Santiago, Melipilla,
Santiago, Talca, Concepcion, Valparaiso, La Serena,
Andacollo
1902
January: Santiago, Macul, Santiago
February: Valparaiso, Iquique
March: Arequipa, La Paz
April: Lima
May: Guayaquil
June: Cuenca, Gualaquiza, Cuenca
July: Riobamba, Ambato, Quito, Sangolquì,
Guayaquil
August: Barranquilla, Honda, Bogotà
September: Contractacion
October: Bogotà, Agua de Dios, Bogotà
November: Barranquilla, Caracas, Valencia,
Caracas, Maracaibo
December: Curacao, La Guaira, Caracas,
Miraflores, Porto Rico
1903
January: Mexico City, Morelia, Puebla, Guadalupe
February: Mexico City, San Francisco
March: New York, London, Burwash, London
April: London, Paris, Turin
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  35
MEXICO CITY
FR ALBERA AND BISHOP
CAGLIERO IN BUENOS AYRES
TIERRA DEL FUEGO

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36  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
LETTER TO BISHOP CAGLIERO ON THE VISIT TO TIERRA DEL FUEGO.
MONTEVIDEO, 23RD MARCH 1901
VERY REV. AND DEAR BISHOP,
I ARRIVED ONLY YESTERDAY IN TIERRA DEL FUEGO. A MISHAP THAT OC-
CURRED BECAUSE OF THE STEAMER THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO PICK US UP
AT CANDELARIA, WAS THE REASON I HAD TO SPEND MORE TIME THAN I
THOUGHT IN THAT MISSION… IN PUNTA ARENAS…THE SALESIANS HAVE A
HOUSE THAT, ALTHOUGH MADE OF WOOD, IS COMFORTABLE AND VERY
NICE. FR BERNABÈ EXPLAINS UNCOMMON EXPERTISE IN BUILDING HOUSES
AND CHURCHES FOR THOSE INSTITUTES. THE CHURCH, BUILT OF BRICKS,
IS A JEWEL, AND IN RELATIVE TERMS DID NOT COST MUCH…
BISHOP FAGNANO… THE THINGS HE IS DOING IN THOSE MISSIONS ARE
IMPORTANT. OTHERS, WITH GREATER REFLECTION, NOT LED BY THEIR
HEART AND BY ZEAL, WOULD NOT HAVE THROWN THEMSELVES INTO
VENTURES OF THAT NATURE AND I BELIEVE THE MISSIONS WOULD NOT
EXIST. WITHOUT THE MEANS NOW BEING EMPLOYED, ONE CANNOT
KEEP THE INDIANS TOGETHER, NOR MAKE TRUE CHRISTIANS OF THEM.
ON THE OTHER HAND, NOW THE MISSIONS HAVE SOME REAL CAPITAL AND
AS SOON AS DEBTS ARE PAID, IF THERE ARE CONFRERES CAPABLE OF SACRI-
FICE AND INTELLIGENT ENOUGH TO TAKE THINGS FORWARD, WE CAN HOPE
THAT THE MISSIONS CAN LIVE ON…
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  37

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38  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
P. ALBERA, LETTER TO FR GIULIO BARBERIS DURING THEIR VISIT TO HOUSES IN AMERICA.
BUENOS AIRES, 14 SEPTEMBER 1900
MY DEAR FR BARBERIS,
IT IS TRUE THAT DEAR FR GUSMANO HAS WRITTEN TO YOU SEVERAL TIMES,
BUT JUST THE SAME I HAVE ALSO FELT THE NEED TO WRITE YOU SOME
LINES. YOU SHOWED ME SUCH DELICACY OF AFFECTION IN THE LAST
MONTHS SPENT IN TURIN AND THEN ESPECIALLY AT THE DEPARTURE, THAT
I CAN NEVER FORGET THIS, AND MORE SO DO I NEED TO THANK YOU FROM
THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.
WE ARRIVED IN AMERICA AFTER A SMOOTH VOYAGE. THE LORD HAS PRO-
TECTED US IN EVERY WAY. WE HAVE BEEN SO WELL TREATED BY EVERYONE
THAT WE COULD NOT DESIRE MORE. AND THIS IS BECAUSE WE ARE SONS
OF DON BOSCO. IF THERE WERE NO OTHER MORE SERIOUS REASONS, THIS
ALONE SHOULD MAKE US RESPECT OUR VOCATION EVEN MORE.
BOTH IN MONTEVIDEO AND HERE IN BUENOS AYRES WE HAVE SEEN EX-
TRAORDINARY THINGS. PROVIDENCE HAS MADE USE OF OUR HUMBLE
CONGREGATION TO DO INCREDIBLE THINGS. I AM THINKING ABOUT
EVERYTHING I SEE AND CAN GRASP, BUT WILL WAIT BEFORE OFFERING MY
POOR OPINION AT A LATER TIME…
I WOULD CERTAINLY LOOK RIDICULOUS IF I WERE TO PRESENT MYSELF
HERE AS A REFORMER. I BELIEVE MY TASK IS RATHER THAT OF SEEING
WITH MY OWN EYES ALL THE GOOD THAT IS BEING DONE AND ENCOUR-
AGING THEM TO CONTINUE DOING MUCH GOOD IN THE FUTURE…
YOURS AFFECTIONATELY
FR ALBERA
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  39

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40  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
PROCESSION
OF THE IMMACULATE
AT LA BOCA (1900)
WHAT IT LOOKS
LIKE TODAY
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  41
MONTEVIDEO (URUGUAY)
CAMPINAS (BRAZIL)
FR ALBERA WITH BOROROS
CHIEFS. HE IS
LA SERENA (CHILE)

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42  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
FROM FR ALBERA’S SPIRITUAL JOURNAL (FROM 1902 TO 1915 IN ENGLISH):
MAY 1902 (LIMA)
TODAY, 2ND OF MAY, I BEGAN MY RETREAT WHICH I HAVE FELT GREAT
NEED FOR IN THIS LIFE AS A TRAVELLER THAT I HAVE BEEN ENGAGED
IN FOR 21 MONTHS. MY MIND IS VERY DISTRACTED AND MY HEART IS VERY
DRY. I WANT TO WITHDRAW INTO MYSELF AND I WOULD LIKE TO ASK FOR
SOME REFRESHMENT FROM HEAVEN. I FEEL I HAVE THE GOOD WILL TO
MAKE THIS RETREAT FRUITFULLY; BUT I KNOW MY WEAKNESSES AND SO I
TRUST ONLY IN THE GRACE OF GOD.
1. I RESOLVE TO MAKE THIS RETREAT AS IF IT WERE THE LAST ONE OF
MY LIFE. MY AGE, THE DANGERS OF THIS JOURNEY, EVERYTHING IN-
SPIRES THIS GOOD RESOLUTION TO MAKE THIS RETREAT WELL.
2. OVER THESE DAYS I PROMISE TO PRACTISE EVER GREATER FERVOUR, AND
PIETY, AND DEEP RECOLLECTION, CAREFULLY LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF
GOD. LOQUERE, DOMINE, QUIA AUDIT SERVUS TUUS.
3.I WILL ASK THE DIVINE DOCTOR JESUS CHRIST TO LOOK AFTER AND HEAL
MY SOUL AND FROM THIS MOMENT ON I PROMISE TO REMOVE ALL THE
OBSTACLES TO GOD’S GRACE.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  43

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44  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Rector Major
(1910 – 1921)
GENERAL CHAPTER 11
16 August 1910
Elected Rector Major at the 11th General Chapter
FIRST ROW FROM THE LEFT: FR LEMOYNE, FR VESPIGNANI, FR CERRUTI,FR BERTELLO,
FR RINALDI, BISHOP COSTAMAGNA, FR ALBERA, BISHOP FAGNANO, FR BARBERIS,
FR PISCETTA, FR MUNERATI, FR GUSMANO.
FROM HIS FIRST CIRCULAR LETTER:
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  45
TURIN, 25 JANUARY 1911
MY DEAR CONFRERES,
I KNOW THAT THE FIRST CIRCULAR OF THE NEW RECTOR MAJOR HAS BEEN
AWAITED WITH SOME IMPATIENCE. FOR MY PART, I ALSO RECOGNISE THAT
SHOULD HAVE INFORMED YOU, AS SOON AS THE GENERAL CHAPTER WAS
OVER, OF THE ELECTION OF THE SUPERIORS AND OF VARIOUS OTHER IM-
PORTANT THINGS REGARDING OUR PIOUS SOCIETY...
1. ... AS A BROTHER AND FRIEND. BUT YOU ARE SO GOOD AND INDULGENT
IN MY REGARD, FORGIVE ME IF I AM FULFILLING THIS DUTY OF MINE WITH
CONSIDERABLE DELAY. I HOPE THAT YOU WILL NOT ATTRIBUTE IT TO NEG-
LIGENCE OR LACK OF GOOD WILL, BUT WILL CONSIDER IT ONLY AS THE EF-
FECT OF THAT PAINFUL TREPIDATION THAT SURPRISED ME ON SEEING MY-
SELF BURDENED WITH THE HUGE WEIGHT OF GOVERNING THE ENTIRE
SALESIAN CONGREGATION. YOU WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT, I HAVE NO
DOUBT, THE SERIOUS AND ENDLESS THINGS I HAVE HAD TO UNDERGO DUE
TO MY ELECTION, WHICH DID NOT ALLOW ME TO COLLECT MY THOUGHTS
EVEN FOR A SHORT TIME…
2. THE MEMORY OF FR RUA. BUT HOW COULD I WRITE TO MY DEAR CON-
FRERES WITHOUT REMEMBERING THE ONE WHO FOR SO MANY YEARS
WAS OUR TEACHER AND GUIDE, THROUGH EXAMPLE, WORD AND WHAT HE
WROTE ALONG THE PATH OF VIRTUE? HOW COULD I BEGIN THIS CIRCULAR
OF MINE WITHOUT PAYING A TRIBUTE OF ADMIRATION AND PROFOUND
VENERATION TO THE INCOMPARABLE RECTOR MAJOR WHOM DEATH HAS
TAKEN FROM US? I AM WRITING THESE PAGES IN THE VERY SAME HUMBLE
ROOM THAT FOR MORE THAN TWENTY-TWO YEARS WAS WITNESS TO HIS
HEROIC VIRTUES. HERE, EVERYTHING SPEAKS TO ME ABOUT HIM.

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46  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
… AT THE MORNING SESSION ON 16 AUGUST THIS POOR CORRESPONDENT
WAS ELECTED RECTOR MAJOR. IT IS POINTLESS ME ATTEMPTING TO DE-
SCRIBE THE EMOTION FLOODING MY SOULS AT THAT MOMENT IN WHICH I
SAW MYSELF, SO UNWORTHY, RAISED TO SUCH A SUBLIME AND FORMIDA-
BLE OFFICE. I SEEMED TO BE SQUASHED BENEATH SUCH A GREAT RESPONSI-
BILITY… AS SOON AS I WAS ALLOWED I RAN TO THROW MYSELF AT THE FEET
OF OUR VEN. FATHER, COMPLAINING STRONGLY TO HIM FOR HAVING LET
THE TILLER OF THE SALESIAN SHIP FALL INTO SUCH MISERABLE HANDS...
… ENCOURAGED BY SUCH KINDNESS I DARED TO ASK HIM FOR SOME PRAC-
TICAL RULES FOR GUIDING OUR PIOUS SOCIETY, AND OUR PAPA, WITH A
KINDLY SMILE ON HIS LIPS REPLIED: AND YOU ARE ASKING ME? ALL YOU
HAVE TO DO IS FOLLOW IN FR RUA’S FOOTSTEPS. HE WAS A SAINT. DO
AS HE WOULD HAVE DONE IN EVERY CASE. DO NOT DEVIATE FROM THE
CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS INTRODUCED BY DON BOSCO AND FR RUA.
JUST THE SAME I WILL ADD A WORD: — REMIND YOUR SUBJECTS THAT
THE ONE WHO WE ARE SERVING, DOMINUS EST. LET THEM KEEP FIXED IN
THEIR MIND THE THOUGHT OF GOD’S PRESENCE, LET THEM BE GUIDED IN
EVERYTHING BY THE SPIRIT OF FAITH, AND LET THEM FERVENTLY FULFIL
THEIR PRACTICES OF PIETY AND OFFER THEIR WORK AND SACRIFICES TO
GOD. MAY GOD ALWAYS BE IN THEIR MINDS AND HEARTS.

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48  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Canonical Visitations
1911
Milan, Genoa, Este, Trieste, Gorizia, Mogliano Veneto, Schio, Spain
(Barcelona), Austro-Hungarian Empire (Oswiecim, Daszawa, Przemysl,
Krakow, Vienna, Radna, Ljubljiana).
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  49
1912
France (Paris, Guernesey), England (London, Burwash, Farnborough),
Belgium (Tournai, Melles, Antoing , Brussels , Grand Bigard, St Denis
Westem, Liegi, Hechtel, Verviers, Aynaille), Bologna, Faenza, Lugo,
Ravenna, Ferrara, Modena, Parma, Borgo S. Donnino, Florence, Pisa,
Collesalvetti, Livorno, Spezia.
London (with gymnastics, theatre and tennis displays).
MILAN
VIENNA ON THE LEFT FR PIETRO
RICALDONE, WHO WOULD THEN
BE THE 4TH SUCCESSOR OF DON
BOSCO, AND AUGUST HLOND,
FUTURE PRIMATE OF POLAND AND
CARDINAL, DECLARED VENERABLE
IN 2018 BY POPE FRANCIS
“IOLANTHE” COMIC OPERA
IN TWO ACTS BY GILBERT
AND SULLIVAN

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50  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  51
1913
Sampierdarena, Varazze, Savona, Alassio, Torrione di Bordighera,
Spain (Matarò, Barcelona, Ciudadela, Campello, Valencia, Cordoba,
Montilla, Malaga, Ronda, Ecija, Utrera, Seville, Cadice, San José del
Valle, Carmona, Madrid, Carabanchel Alto, Salamanca, Bejar, Orense,
Santander, Vigo, Bilbao, Huesca, Gerona), Rome, Frascati, Genzano,
Macerata, Gualdo Tadino, Trevi, Caserta, Naples, Castellamare di
Stabia, Milan.
SALESIAN SCHOOL
OF LONDON,1912
HUESCA (SPAIN)
VIGO (FROM B.S. AUGUST 1913)

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52  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
“AT 5 ARRIVAL IN VIGO, WELCOMED TRIUMPHANTLY: A MULTITUDE OF GEN-
TLEMEN AND AUTHORITIES, AMONG WHOM THE MILITARY GOVERNOR GEN-
ERAL AND COMMANDER OF THE NAVAL DISTRICT, AWAITED FR ALBERA IN-
SIDE THE STATION WHILE OUTSIDE WAS A HUGE CROWD OF PEOPLE WHILE
FROM THE WINDOWS AND BALCONIES OF HOMES THEY WAVED HATS AND
HANDKERCHIEFS TO GREET THE SUPERIOR GENERAL OF THE SALESIANS.
FR ALBERA, MOUNTED ON A CARRIAGE FROM CITY HALL WITH THE MAY-
OR AND MILITARY GOVERNOR, ESCORTED BY OUR GYMNASTS ON BICY-
CLES AND FOLLOWED BY A LONG LINE OF AUTOMOBILES AND CARRIAGES
HEADED FOR THE SALESIAN HOUSE, WHERE THE YOUTH ARRANGED IN THE
LARGE COURTYARD WAVING FLAGS APPLAUDED ENTHUSIASTICALLY”
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  53
1914
Palermo, Marsala, Messina, Alì, Catania, Pedara, Bronte, Taormina,
Randazzo, Malta, Modica, Caltagirone.
“AT THE STATION AT PASSOPISCIARO, WAITING
FOR HIM WERE CAV. AVV. GUALTIERO FISAULI,
PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENTARIAN, BARON GREGORIO
FISAULI, PRESIDENT OF THE CONGREGATION OF
CHARITY, CAV. GIUSEPPE VAGLIASINDI, PRESIDENT
OF THE KINDERGARTEN, AND OTHER DIGNITARIES
FROM RANDAZZO WHO BOARDED THE TRAIN WITH US.
WHEN THIS CAME INTO THE STATION THE CITY BAND
STRUCK UP A MARCH AND BETWEEN SALVOS OF FIRECRACKERS
AND THE WAVING OF FLAGS AND WHITE HANDKERCHIEFS,
A THUNDEROUS OUTBREAK OF CHEERS SPRANG FROM
ALL THE HEARTS OF THE IMMENSE CROWD THAT HAD
TAKEN UP ALL OF THE SQUARE AND SURROUNDINGS
OF THE STATION, IMPATIENT TO OFFER A WELCOME
TO THE SUCCESSOR OF DON BOSCO.”
RANDAZZO
(FROM B.S. JUNE 1914)

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54  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
1915
Lanzo Torinese, Castelnuovo d’Asti, Vercelli, Novara, Foglizzo Canavese,
Lombriasco, Biella, Perosa Argentina, Trino Vercellese, Alessandria,
Martinetto (Turin), Maroggia, Lugano, Milan, Mogliano, Venezia.
During the years of the Great War Fr Albera suspended his ca-
nonical visitations.
Laying the first stone of the votive sanctuary to Mary Help of Christians,
in Becchi (pictured, laying of the first stone).
1918
Opening of the votive church in honour of Mary Help of Christians at
The Becchi, Castelnuovo d’Asti.
1919
Milan, Rome, Florence, Sampierdarena, Pinerolo.
1920
Naples, Milan, Verona, Novara, Rome.
1921
Frascati, France (Nice, Navarra, Marseilles, Montpellier, Roman,
Lyons, Chateau d’Aix), Morges (Switzerland), Parma, Modena, Milan,
Castelnuovo d’Asti.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  55
Congresses
The Congresses experienced a favourable time between 1888 and
1915 and Fr Albera was among the most active promoters, both as
Spiritual Director of the Congregation and as Rector Major. These
meetings had the aim of deepening Thinking and encouraging prac-
tical action on crucial topics such as the Oratory and catechesis
or strengthening membership of the Cooperators and Past Pupils
associations.
17-18 MAY 1911
5th Congress “festive oratories and religion classes”
5TH CONGRESS – 17-18 MAY 1911
“FESTIVE ORATORIES AND RELIGION CLASSES”
CONGRESS RESOLUTIONS:
I.
Internal organisation and formation of staff
II. Spirit, practices of piety and religious ceremonies
III. Teaching catechism – competitions, sermons
IV. Sport, music and drama
V.
Social education – Savings and welfare
VI. Girls oratories
VII. Religion classes

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56  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
8-10 SEPTEMBER 1911
First International Past Pupils Congress
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  57
With Mons. Cagliero
Ties with Bishop. Cagliero, first Salesian bishop and cardinal,
Missionary to South America, were always strong and cordial.
FR ALBERA, DURING
THE CONGRESS, IN A RENAULT
TYPE CC (THIS VEHICLE
WAS BRAND NEW, BEING
A MODEL PRODUCED
BETWEEN 1911 AND 1914).
23-25 NOVEMBER 1911
First Congress of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians.
14-15 MARCH 1914
Congress of Cooperator Decurions (group leaders).
20-23 MAY 1920
8th International Congress of Salesian Cooperators, Second
International Congress of Past Pupils and Second International
Congress of Past Pupils of the FMA.
The three Congresses held at the same time during the
Celebrations for the opening of the Past Pupils monument to
Don Bosco in Piazza Maria Ausiliatrice.
BISHOP CAGLIERO, FR RICALDONE DURING CELEBRATIONS FOR FR ALBERA’S PRIESTLY GOLDEN
JUBILEE (1918) AS WELL, A LARGE GROUP OF SALESIANS AND OTHER RELIGIOUS TOOK PART, ALONG WITH
MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY, 13 BISHOPS AND THE CONSULS OF ARGENTINA, BRAZIL AND COLOMBIA.

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58  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  59
FROM FR ALBERA’S SPIRITUAL JOURNAL (DECEMBER 1915)
“I am about to leave for Rome.
I will go to meet Cardinal
Cagliero who will receive
his Cardinal’s hat on the 6th
of this month. At the moment
he is at sea; I tremble at the
thought of the dangers he
faces during this voyage.
Virgin Mary save your son.
POSTER FOR THE 5O YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD OF FR ALBERA (1918)

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60  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
The Great War
Some 1500 confreres and novices (almost half the total number) took
Part in the armed conflict from 1914, since they were Salesians be-
longing to the different countries at war among themselves. At
the end of the war, there were 144 Salesians with officer rank; 55 military
chaplains; 44 awarded or decorated; 66 wounded; 70 died.
“An overwhelming number of dear confreres, among whom many young
priests, find themselves in the tough necessity of giving up the religious
habit to put on military uniforms; they have had to leave aside their be-
loved studies to wield sword and rifle; they were wrenched from their
peaceful boarding and vocational schools to then go and live in barracks
and trenches, or, as nurses, were looking after the sick and the wounded.
We have quite a number also at the front, where some have already
lost their lives, while others have returne1d horribly wounded.” 1
Fr Albera sent 32 circular letters to Salesian soldiers between 19 March
1916 and 24 December 1918.
“In the holy and fruitful battles of teaching you were untiring, so that
while you gathered for yourselves a grand harvest of merits and heavenly
blessings, you gave your country the first fruits of your intellectual and
moral energies. Now your country is also asking you for your physical
energies, and you have responded with ardour, and your customary joy
you are ready for any sacrifice… May the goodness and gentleness of
your soul shine through all your actions. This must be your habit-
ual nature, this is what you have been trained for, this is what you
must persevere in, this must be the sign that makes you known as
sons of Don Bosco… Always Be ready for any service to your comrades,
be the first to help them in all their needs; may they all see shining in your
heart a burning flame of charity that makes you tireless for every good
work. Opportunities will not be lacking, and you will not let them pass you
by. Seize them all; you will ensure the blessings of heaven, the love of your
brothers, you will be luminous beacons of good2 example…” 2
Fr Albera organised retreats for military confreres on leave.
1 FR ALBERA, CIRCULARS
TO SALESIANS, 182.
2 PE. GARNERI, VITA DI PAOLO
ALBERA, 325-326. LETTERA
DEL 19 MARZO 1916.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  61
GROUP AND RETOUCHED
PHOTO OF THE RETREAT HELD
ON 12 AND 13 OCTOBER 1916.
ON THE BACK OF THE PHOTO,
NAMES OF PARTICIPANTS.

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62  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
We have preserved 3390 letters and military postcards addressed
to Fr Paul Albera or other members of the Superior Chapters from
791 Salesian soldiers.
Fr Albera and the other superiors kept in constant contact by personal
letters with these soldiers on the front.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  63
LETTER FROM CLERIC STEPHEN FERRANDO (LATER MISSIONARY IN INDIA, BISHOP OF KRISHNAGAR
THEN SHILLONG. FOUNDER OF THE MISSIONARY SISTERS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS. HE DIED
IN 1978, AND BY DECREE ON 3 MARCH 2016 POPE FRANCIS DECLARED HIM VENERABLE).
WAR ZONE, 28-7-17
VERY REV. FR ALBERA,
SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH I AM AN ASPIRING OFFICER IN AN
INFANTRY REGIMENT. I HAVE NOT YET LIVED LIFE ON THE FRONT LINE AND
AM CURRENTLY ON LEAVE FOR A TIME, GRANTED TO US TO RESTORE THE
SOUL FOR FUTURE ENDEAVOURS. TODAY I HAVE FINISHED READING YOUR
MOST RECENT CIRCULAR LETTER AND I FOUND IT ESPECIALLY APPROPRIA-
TE FOR MY NEW CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE HUMAN RESPECT IS PRESENTED
WITH SO MANY SUBTLE AND SPECIOUS ARGUMENT TO INTIMIDATE AN DIS-
TRACT THE SOUL FROM OPENLY PROFESSING OUR FAITH...
I HOPE THAT THE EXAMPLE OF SO MANY CONFRERES WHO PRECEDED ME
IN THIS WAY OF LIFE AND WHO SHONE BY THEIR RELIGIOUS AND MILITARY
VIRTUES WILL BE OF VALUABLE HELP TO ME AND WILL REMIND ME OF THE
OTHER MILITIA I BELONG TO.
AS I HAVE MENTIONED ABOVE, PERHAPS NEW CHALLENGES AWAIT MY RE-
GIMENT AND I THEREFORE COMMEND MYSELF TO YOUR PRAYERS THAT THE
HELP OF CHRISTIANS MAY HELP ME ND THAT I MAY FULFIL THE LORD’S WILL.
CL. STEPHEN FERRANDO

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64  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
SALESIAN NOVERA REPORTS A LUCKY EXPERIENCE AT THE FRONT:
“I RECEIVED YOUR BEAUTIFUL LETTER, WITH THE MAXIMS AND POINTS YOU
WROTE, AND WHAT IS MORE, THE MEDAL AND RELIC OF OUR DEAR FOUN-
DER, VENERABLE DON BOSCO, A SAINT DEAR TO ME. I CARRY THIS ALWAYS
CLOSE TO MY HEART SO THAT HE MAY ALWAYS HELP ME IN ALL MY SPIRI-
TUAL AND TEMPORAL NEEDS. AND I HAVE EXPERIENCED HIS PROTECTION.
I WAS SAVED AND REALLY BY A MIRACLE. ON THE 22ND OF LAST MONTH, I
WAS IN THE TRENCHES AT THE FRONT ON SENTRY DUTY, NEAR A MOUNTAIN
ARTILLERY PIECE AT WORK, IN ORDER TO SILENCE IT THE ENEMY SCORED 8
OUT OF 152 HITS, ALL AROUND THE ARTILLERY PIECE. ONE SHELL FELL SIX
METRES FROM ME. IMAGINE HOW IT THREW MANY ROCKS INTO THE AIR
AT A GREAT HEIGHT, ONE HUGE ONE TWO FISTS WIDE CAME DOWN RIGHT
ON MY HELMET IN THE MIDDLE OF MY HEAD AND SPLIT THE IRON HELMET,
BUT WITHOUT ME FEELING THE LEAST PAIN. I WAS SAFE AND SOUND. AND
THEN HOW MANY OTHER TIMES HAVE I EXPERIENCED THE PROTECTION OF
DON BOSCO.” 3
3 ASC, B0440146, NOVERA-ALBERA, 14.12.1917; HIS RECORDS WERE NOT FOUND.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  65

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66  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
CLERIC BOSIO TELLS OF HIS TASK AS A STRETCHER-BEARER:
“WITH RESSICO AND RAMEZZANA I AM IN AN ADVANCED POSITION UN-
DER ENEMY FIRE, WHERE EVERY DAY WE EXPERIENCE THE SPECIAL PRO-
TECTION OF OUR MOTHER MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS. THE HARDSHIPS,
THE SERIOUS SACRIFICES THIS LIFE IMPOSES ON ME, WHILE GIVING ME
THE OPPORTUNITY TO ACQUIRE SOME MERITS FOR HEAVEN, PRESENT ME
WITH VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE THAT I HAVE NOT KNOWN UNTIL NOW,
OFFER ME AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL BE VERY USEFUL FOR ME IN OUR
SALESIAN LIFE. MANY OF OUR COMPANIONS IN THE THIRD SECTION HAVE
ALREADY BEEN VERY SERIOUSLY WOUNDED IN DIFFICULT MOMENTS WHILE
CARRYING THE WOUNDED, WE INSTEAD ARE STILL UNHARMED.” 4
4 ASC, B0400589, BOSIO-MANASSERO, 17.11.1915, LATER DELIVERED TO FR ALBERA.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  67

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68  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
SALESIAN MIGLIO, A LIEUTENANT, LOST HIS LIFE HEROICALLY SAVING IS COMRADES THIS IS
GRATEFULLY TESTIFIED TO BY ONE OF THE SOLDIERS:
“IF I AM STILL ALIVE I OWE IT TO HIM […] WE WERE IN THE TRENCHES AT
1050 METRES. DURING THE FURIOUS BOMBARDMENT LAST NIGHT, LIEUTE-
NANT MIGLIO GOT AS MANY SOLDIERS AS HE COULD INTO HIS “SHELTER”.
I HAD REMAINED AT THE ENTRANCE, AND HE SHOUTED “MOVE IN, MOVE
IN THERE IS STILL ROOM. AND HE REPEATEDLY INVITED THE SOLDIERS TO
BUNCH TOGETHER MORE TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE OTHERS.
HE REMAINED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE TRENCH WHEN A SHELL FELL CLO-
SE TO THE SHELTER AND EXPLODED WITH A HUGE BANG. THE SHELTER
CAME APART AND WE WERE BURIED. WHEN WE DUG OURSELVES OUT WE
CAME TO KNOW THAT THE LIEUTENANT AND SOME SOLDIERS WERE BLOWN
TO PIECES FAR FROM WHERE THE SHELL FELL. HE COULD HAVE ALSO FOU-
ND REFUGE AND WOULD HAVE BEEN SAVED, HE WANTED TO LEAVE ALL THE
PLACES TO HIS SOLDIERS.” 5
5 E. VALENTINI, RICORDO DI UN EROE, 47.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  69
Attention to young people most in need was foremost in Fr Albera’s
thoughts. The Salesians not engaged at the front were asked to re-
double their efforts to cover the work of confreres at war and not
even one house would be closed during the war, to ensure the best
assistance to the young. With the war still in progress and given
the scarcity of personnel he did not hesitate to open orphanages
and offer help to everyone, on both sides of the conflict (and the
same policy would be adopted by the Daughters of Mary Help of
Christians). Particular emphasis was given, in 1916, to the opening of
the orphanage at Pinerolo-Monte Oliveto:

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70  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  71
FROM FR PAUL ALBERA’S LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER SALANDRA:
“EXCELLENCY,
WHENEVER OUR COUNTRY WAS STRUCK BY SOME MISFORTUNE, THE VEN.
FR JOHN BOSCO AND THEN HIS WORTHY SUCCESSOR, THE VERY REV.
FR MICHAEL RUA WILLINGLY LENT THEIR WORK FOR THE RELIEF OF PUBLIC
NEEDS… NOW, SEEING THAT THE NUMBER OF POOR ORPHANED AND DES-
TITUTE CHILDREN IS INCREASING EVERY DAY, I BELIEVE THAT THE MOMENT
HAS COME TO OFFER THE COUNTRY, IN THE PERSON OF SO MANY POOR
CHILDREN, SOME MORE IMMEDIATE AND EFFECTIVE HELP... I HAVE DECI-
DED TO OPEN A SPECIAL INSTITUTE FOR YOUNGSTERS BETWEEN EIGHT
AND TWELVE YEARS OF AGE WHO ARE ABANDONED OR WHO HAVE LOST
THEIR MOTHER AND THEIR FATHER IS UNDER ARMS, OR BECAUSE THEY
HAVE LOST THEIR FATHER IN THE WAR. TO THIS END I HAVE DESTINED A
LARGE BUILDING LOCATED ON A NICE HILLSIDE,CALLED MONTE OLIVETO,
NEAR PINEROLO… IN INVOLVING YOUR EXCELLENCY IN THIS INITIATIVE OF
MINE, I FIRMLY TRUST THAT YOU WILL LEND ALL THE SUPPORT OF YOUR
AUTHORITY TO THIS WORK, WHOSE AIM IS THE EDUCATION AND INSTRUC-
TION OF YOUNG PEOPLE TO PREPARE THEM TO BE UPRIGHT AND HARD-
WORKING CITIZENS. THIS IS ENTIRELY ON FAVOUR OF THE HIGHEST INTE-
RESTS OF OUR COUNTRY.”
BOLLETTINO SALESIANO, 4 (MAY 1916), 131

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72  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
The Salesian Congregation also opened orphanages in other parts
of Europe. It was Fr Albera’s personal commitment to guarantee an
Opportunity for a holiday in Italy for 100 Austrian children in 1920.
FROM AN ORPHAN’S LETTER TO HIS MOTHER:
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  73
DEAR MUM, HERE WE ARE WELL, WE EAT WELL, PLAY, GO FOR WALKS AND
WE ARE HAPPY. SO DON’T CRY LIKE WHEN I WAS AT HOME, WHEN EVERY
EVENING YOU CRIED THINKING OF OUR FATHER WHO DIED IN THE WAR.
WHEN I HAVE GROWN UP I WANT TO MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER THAN WHEN
DAD WAS THERE. TAKE COURAGE.I AM BETTER THAN I WAS AT HOME. THEY
HAVE GIVEN US ALL A NICE PAINTED IRON BEDSTEAD, A BASIN, A PIECE OF
SOAP AND A BEDSIDE TABLE... BYE, AND BE HAPPY. EVERY MORNING AT
MASS AND COMMUNION I PRAY FOR YOU AND FOR DAD. THE SUPERIORS
ARE GOOD AND THEY LIKE ME. GOODBYE, AND A THOUSAND KISSES. AF-
FECTIONATELY, YOUR PINOT.
GROUP PHOTOGRAPH
OF VIENNESE CHILDREN”
IN FRONT OF DON BOSCO’S
ROOMS

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74  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Another work very close to Fr Albera’s heart was the oratory. In the
years immediately following the end of the War they arose almost
everywhere, including in contexts with very complex social problems.
In Turin alone two oratories came into existence in those years, San
Paolo and Monterosa.
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  75
SAN PAOLO WAS THE FIRST, AT THE END OF 1918, TO ALREADY BE FULLY BULT:
“ON DECEMBER 8, WHAT HAD BEEN A SHED WITH HAYSTACKS , NOW A CHA-
PEL ADORNED MORE IN FAITH AND HOPE THAN IN PAINTINGS AND DECO-
RATIONS, WELCOMED A MULTITUDE OF CHILDREN, MORE THAN 300, OR-
DINARY FOLK, FRIENDS, THE ORIGINAL BENEFACTORS… FR PAUL ALBERA,
WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES CELEBRATED MASS, DISTRIBUTED COMMUNION
TO THE CHILDREN… HE SPOKE WITH THE GENTLENESS THAT HAS MADE
HIM UNFORGETTABLE TO THOSE WHO KNEW HIM; AND HE SPENT TIME
WITH THEM AFTERWARDS, MAKING THEM HAPPY WITH SOME LITTLE GIFTS.
MR GASTALDO ADDRESSED WORDS OF THANKS TO HIM ON EVERYONE’S
BEHALF AND HE REPLIED FROM A BALCONY. ORDINARY FOLK, MUMS AND
DADS, UNDERSTOOD THAT TO APPROACH THIS PRIEST MEANT COMING
INTO CONTACT WITH KINDNESS. AND THEY WERE WON OVER.”
FROM THE ADOLESCENTE, N. 11, NOVEMBER 1925,
P. 30 AND 66. AUTHOR IS FR ALBERTO CAVIGLIA

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76  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Death and funeral rites
29 DE OUTUBRO DE 1921
“Towards 2.30 pm the body was brought to the parish church of the
Sanctuary, dressed in cotta and stole, with a crucifix and rosary in His
hands.”
Funeral on 30 October
“throughout the morning, from 5 until 2,30 when the coffin was closed,
the Body was still greeted with prayers and signs of the most tender
Affection by thousands and thousands of citizens…” (Il Momento).
Funeral in the afternoon. Imposing parade through the streets of
Turin starting at 3 pm, for two and a half hours of parade”.
Domenico GARNERI, Don Paolo Albera secondo successore di don
Bosco. Memorie biografiche, Torino, Società Editrice Internazionale 1939,
p. 419-420
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  77

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78  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
Farewell Note
From Fr Albera
ANO 1915
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  79
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE THE SPIRIT OF VEN. DON BOSCO?
EXAMINE YOURSELF WELL:
1.°
WHETHER YOUR CHARACTER IS
CONSTANTLY BALANCED AND
CHEERFUL IN A HOLY WAY
2.º
WHETHER YOU CHARITY TO YOUR
NEIGHBOUR IS TRULY
KIND AND PATIENT
3.º
WHETHER YOU LIE AS SOMEONE ALWAYS
READY FOR SACRIFICE
I HOPE THAT YOUR CONSCIENCE ALLOWS YOU TO ANSWER IN THE
AFFIRMATIVE TO THIS QUESTION.
1ST JANUARY 1915
FR. ALBERA

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80  PAUL ALBERA – THE WORLD THROUGH HIS EYES
MUSEO CASA DON BOSCO – VALDOCCO  81

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