1-A.-Lenti-Key-Concepts-Concerns-and-Fears-of-a-Founder-Don-Bosco-in-his-Declining-Years%281995%29


1-A.-Lenti-Key-Concepts-Concerns-and-Fears-of-a-Founder-Don-Bosco-in-his-Declining-Years%281995%29



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Key-Concepts, Concerns and Fears of a
Founder-Don Bosco in his Declining Years
Arthur Lenti
Introduction
M Yarticle on Don Bosco's last years, which saw the light of day in this
J oumal,I was based on chronicles and memoirs held in the Central
Salesian Archive.2 Besides these chronicles and memoirs, there are
other important documents to be found in the archive relating to Don Bosco's
last years. I am referring chiefl y and specificall y to the minutes of the meetings
of the general council of the Salesian Society (called "superior chapter" in those
days), and to the minutes of the general chapters held during the 1880s under
Don Bosco's chairmanship. These official documents contain abundant reports of
Don Bosco's words on a great variety of topics. They are, therefore, among the
best sources available to us for an understanding of his thought regarding the life
of the Socie ty.
Obviously this ric h material could not escape the attention of the
biographers. Both Giovanni Battista Lemoyne in Documenti and Eugenio Ceria
in the last volumes of the Biographical Memoirs have made extensive, if
selective, use of this materiaJ.3 But Don Bosco's words have only seldom been
quoted in full as reported in the documents; and even whe n they are quoted
1 A. Lenti, "Don Bosco's Last Years, His Last Illness and Saintly Death from
Eyewitness Accounts," Journal of Salesian Studies V:2 (1994) pp. 23-97.
2 The Don Bosco files (Fondo Don Bosco) of the Central Salesian Archive in
Rome (ASC) are available on microfiches (FDBM).
The ASC is at present being reorganized and re-catalogued. In this paper I refer
to the archive by the former fil ing system as specified in the Fondo Don Bosco
manual.
3 [Giovanni Battista Lemoyne] Documenti per scrivere la storia di D. G iovanni
Bosco, dell' Oratorio di San Francesco di Sales e della Congregazione Salesiana, 45
priv ately printed volumes [no publication data], specifically Volumes XIX-XXXIX, in
ASC 110: Cronachette, FDBM 1,053-1 ,1 62.
Eugenio Ceria, Memorie Biografiche del Beato {di San] Giovanni Bosco.
Torino: Societa Editrice Intem azionale, 1932-1939, Volumes XIIl-XVIIJ. The
Biographical Memoirs of Saint John Bosco. An American Edition. Translated from
the Original Italian. Rev. Diego Borgatello, S.D.B. Editor-in-Chief. New Rochelle,
New York: Salesiana Publishers, 1983-1988, Volumes XIlI-XV. [IBM and EBMJ

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Journal of Salesian Studies
extensively, they usually do not stand out against the welter of other information
which the Biographical Memoirs provide.
More recentl y, Father Francis Desramaut has given careful attention to this
archival material in one of his Etudes on Don Bosco, and although I shall follow
a different procedure, I am beholden to him for the inspiration to look into these
important documents. 4
This then is the first task I set for myself: to read, transcribe, and translate
into readable English, always with an overriding concern for fidelity to the
original text, Don Bosco's reported words. It soon became apparent that the vast
majority of Don Bosco's utterances reported in the minutes of these official
meetings were in the form of interpositions during discussions and debates. In
them he gave utterance to key-concepts, concerns, and fears in matters of
im portance for the life of the Society. My presentation then will focus on such
utterances.
But even with this more restricted focus, it would still have been too
laborious and repetitious to quote Don Bosco's reported words in their entirety. I
have therefore looked for and quoted the essential utterance, while trying to make
its specific references clear by providing a context. Furthermore, I saw the
necessity of proceeding not chronologically but topically, while at the same time
observing within the topic some logical and chronological order. I have
moreover refrained from quoting the text in its original Italian, except for
occasional words, and phrases which seemed to be required for comparison.
Before specifying in outline the contents of this presentation, it will be
useful to look at the archival documents under consideration, which, as indicated
above, consist chiefly of minutes of the meetings of the superior chapter5 and of
the sessions of the second, third, and fourth general chapters.
4 Francis Desramaut, "Etudes VII," in Cahiers Salesiens 20-21 (Apr.-Oct.
1989), pp. 195-235.
5 "Superior chapter" was the name given to the group of co uncilors which,
under Don Bosco, made up the central government of the Society. In 1966 the name
of the enlarged group was changed to superior council; and in 1984 the central
government was reorganized and the name was changed to general council. In Don
Bosco's times, the superior chapter was composed of the fo llow ing members: the
rector major (Don Bosco), the prefect-vicar (Father Michele Rua), the spiri tual
director or catchiest (Father Giovanni Cagliero, then Father Giovanni Bonetti), the
financial adm inistrator (Father Antonio Sala), and two or three additional councilors.

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Key Concepts
3
Part I. Review and Description of the Documents
I. The Minutes of the Superior Chapter from 1875 to 18886
WiLh the exception of a couple of entries by unidentified scribes, the minutes of
meetings of the superior chapter (from 1875 on) preserved in ASC (FDBM) are
the work of Father Giulio Barberis and of Father Giovanni Battista Lemoyne.
For each entry, both Barberis and Lemoyne (the latter more consistently)
note the date, place and time of the meeting, ex-officio participants, Don Bosco
or, in his absence, Father Rua presiding, and other invited participants. There
follows the report of the disc ussion, which may run to many pages, or just to a
couple of lines.
The meetings were most often devoted to the study of requests for Salesian
foundations, and it is interesting Lo note the meticulous attention given Lo details
regarding the convention to be agreed on by the parties, demands made on
finances and personnel, and other practical matters. Often and periodically the
agenda included admission of candidates as aspirants or novices, or to vows and
holy orders. During Don Bosco's life time and for some time thereafler, all such
petitions, including those of candidates from France, Spain, and South America,
were submitted to and examined by the superior chapter. But all kinds of matters
and problems were presented to the superior chapter for discussion: offices and
tasks to be defined, the ordering of the Oratory communities, vocations, building
projects, finances, religious life and discipline, and many more. Thus Don
Bosco's interjections occur in a variety of contexts. And then there are instances
in which Don Bosco (so it appears) convened the superior chapter for the express
purpose of voicing his views or delivering directives on important matters.
Barberis is more voluble in his reports, and occasionally he also digresses
into comments which, though interesting in themselves, are not part of the acts
of the chapter. Lemoyne is more succinct; he is also more thorough in
identifying the speakers. Both secretaries appear to have been diligent in
recording the process of the meeting, though it appears that both had to make
choices, with the result that matters which they considered less important were
left unrecorded. This would explain why some matters received only a passing
mention, and why occasionall y a meeting which lasLed over an hour is reported
in a couple of lines. I would say that the two show special diligence in reporting
Don Bosco's words. The pertinent critical question here is that which has to do
with reporting as such; and Lhe question becomes more critical if the report
originated after a lapse of time or is an edition of the original noLes. In my view,
skepticism is unwarranted; both secretaries deserve equal commendaLion for their
work.
Of the two sets of minutes, Father Barberis ' is the earlier, and it will be the
first to be considered.
6 Almost all minutes of the superior chapter are located in ASC 0592 Consiglio
Superiore: Verbali, FDBM 1873 D9 - 1883 E3.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
1. Father Giulio Barberis' Minutes of Meetings of the
Superior Chapter7
Barberis' minutes span the years 1875-1883, with considerable lacunae. While
chiefly contained in three note books, some are found also in other locations.
(1) Most of Barberis' minutes of meetings of the superior chapter have
come down to us, as mentioned above, in three note books of medium size. The
reports date from December 10, 1875 to June 9, 1879.
Note Book I covers the period from December 10, 1875 to August 17,
1877.8 Note Book ff, from May 15, 1878 to February 8, 1879.9 In this note
book are also included the minutes of the "General Conference" held at Alassio
on February 6-8, 1879.10 Note Book ff/ deals with the shorter span from April
29 to June 9, 1879.11
As noted above, there are considerable periods of time for which the ASC
(FDBM) preserve no record of superior chapter meetings.
The text of these minutes is all in Barberis' neat hand, and appears to be a
good copy, a transcription presumably made from the original notes taken at the
meetings, with only occasional marginal and interlinear additions, and some
corrections in the same hand.
(2) Note Book III (ending with the meeting of June 9, 1879) is followed by
a series of sheets in smaller formal. These sheets contain two reports in
Barberis's hand of meetings of the superior chapter dated August 14 and
November 7, 1875. 12 In spite of occasional corrections, these reports appear to
be good copy transcriptions either from original notes or from memory. The first
report deals chiefly with the projected Work of Mary Help of Christians and
7 Father Giulio Barberis was born at Malhi (furin) in 1847. Befriended by Don
Bosco upon entering the Oratory in 1861, he made his first vows as a Salesian in
1865, and was ordained a priest in 1870. After obtaining the doctorate in theology
from the University of Turin in 1873, he was appointed novice master by Don Bosco
and served in that capacity for twenty-five years, during and after which he also acted
as director of formation for the whole Congregation. After Don Bosco 's death he
served as a member of the superior chapter and subsequently as provincial of the
central province, which comprised various formation houses. In 1910 he was elected
spiritual director of the Congregation, a post he held until his death in 1927. A gentle
and saintly priest, engaged with life-long commitment in the formation of
generations of Salesians, he was also a respected writer. And not least among h is
merits must be reckoned that from mid-1870s on he was active as a chronicler and as
secretary of both superior chapter and general chapters. [Eugenio Ceria, Profili dei
Capitolari salesiani morti dall'anno 1865 al 1950 . Colle Don Bosco (Asti): Libreria
Dottrina Cristiana, pp. 305-324]
8 ASC 0592, FDBM 1875 BlO - 1876 El2.
9 FDBM 1877 Al - 1878 D8.
JO FDBM 1878 C7-D8.
11 FDBM 1878 D9 - 1879 C2.
12 FDBM 1879 C3-Dll.

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Key Concepts
5
requests for new foundations; the second one, on the other hand, describes at
some le ngth the arrangements made for the departure of the missionaries to
South America.
(3) In another location of ASC (FDBM) we find a shorter set of minutes by
Barberis. They are found in a note book containing the rough copy of Barberis'
own minutes of the Second General Chapter (1880, to be described la ter). These
minutes consist of short reports of meetings of the superior chapter held as a
follow-up to the Second General Chapter. The purpose of these meetings was to
complete and finalize the general chapter' s work as mandated.
These minutes consist of 14 entries briefly describing the work of the
superior chapter in meetings held between September 29, 1880 and January 3,
1881. 13
(4 ) There are no further minutes of meetings of the superior chapter to be
found in ASC (FDBM) between January 3, 188 1 and September 14, 1883, a
lacuna of nearly three years.
But with the date of September 4, 1883. we have a 14-line report, again by
Barberis, of a meeting of the superior chapter.14 This is followed by two other
reports in an unknown hand, dated October 2, 1884 and September 17, 1885
respectively, which fo r chronological reasons will be listed with the Lemoyne
minutes. These three reports are located immediately before the book of
Lemoyne's minutes (to be described below), in which the first entry is datOO
December 14, 1883.
A repertory-catalogue of Barberis's minutes of the meetings of the superior
chapter in c hronological order is given below (Appendix I). The table records date
and time, and chairman (if suc h information is available), followed by pages in
book or collection, and by location in FDBM. For the period of Barberis'
secretarial activity the chairman was usually Don Bosco himself. Apparently, for
this period, in Don Bosco's absence no meetings were held. On the contrary, for
the Lemoyne period (1884-1888) usually Father Rua presided in Don Bosco's
absence.
13 ASC 04 Capitoli Generali presieduti da Don Bosco, FDBM 1856 C7-Dl.
14 ASC 0592 Consiglio Superiore: Varbali, FDBM 1879 El2.

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Journal of Saleslan Studies
2. Father Giovanni Battista Lemoyne's Minutes of the
Meetings of the Superior ChapterIS
The Lemoyne minutes of the meetings of the superior chapter in ASC (FDBM)
follow Barberis' three note books and the three additional reports discussed
above. They span the period from December 14, 1883 to February 28, 1888.16
The reports are written in one large note book or ledger of 110 numbered
sheets (220 pages). The printed enumeration is by sheet, not by page. Thus sheet
1 will be treated as pp. la and lb.
The handwriting is vintage Lemoyne: neat in appearance, but small ald
tight, with characteristic cursive ligatures, and always hard to read. The difficulty
is heightened by the peculiar style and at many places jotting quality of the text;
for, in spite of the relatively small number of erasures and corrections, the
reports appear to be first drafts written by the secretary as the disc ussions
proceeded. The minutes get progressively less detailed and hard to read as one
reaches the year 1887-1888.
At the beginning of each report Lemoyne consistently notes the date ald
the place of the meeting, specifies the chairman (Don Bosco, Father Rua, Father
Durando), and lists the participants. He ends with a note of place and date, ald
with his signature: "Sac. Le moyne G. B., Segr."
Each year ([1883-)1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888), constitutes a series with
a separate Roman enumeration. But all references to text will be made on the
basis of the running pagination of the ledger.
As in Barberis' case, a repertory-catalogue of Lemoyne's minutes is given below
(Appendix II). In the interest of one continuous chronological sequence, the two
IS Giovanni Battista Lemoyne was born in Genoa in 1839, entered the
archdiocesan seminary in that city, and was ordained in 1862. Looking to enter some
religious order, in 1864 he met Don Bosco and j oined him at the Oratory. After
making perpetual vows in 1865, he was appointed director of the Salesian school at
Lanzo, and in 1877, local director of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians at
Momese and at Nizza. In 1883 Don Bosco called him back to Turin as editor of the
Salesian Bulletin and as secretary of the superior chapter. Already a prolific writer in
many fields and active as a chronicler for a number of years, he now made it his life's
goal to collect the material which had accumulated in Salesian tradition for a history
of Don Bosco and the Salesian Congregation. His close relationship with Don Bosco
during the latter's last years enabled him to begin to put this project into execution.
He started to assemble the Documenti in 1885, which eventually ran to 45 volumes
and which became the basis for the Biographical Memoirs [Cf. Note 3, above]. After
Don Rosco's death in 1888, Father Lemoyne was charged officially with the work of
the Biographical Memoirs and completed the first nine volumes before his death in
1916. But we also owe him a debt of gratitude for his work as secretary. [E. Ceria,
Profili, cit., pp. 382-400; A Lenti, "Don Rosco's 'Boswell': John Baptist
Lemoyne-the Man and His Work," Journal of Salesian Studies 1:2 (1990) pp. 1-46.]
16 ASC 0592 Consiglio Superiore: Verbali, FDBM 1880 Bl - 1883 E3.

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Key Concepts
7
above-mentioned reports not authored by Lemoyne will also be inserted at the
proper place.
II. Minutes of the Alassio General Conference and of
General Chapters II, III, and IV
1. Minutes of the Alassio General Conference
From 1865 to 1877, Don Bosco convened general conferences on a yearly basis,
to which he summoned, besides his council, the directors of the houses and other
re confreres. The conferences were nonnally held around the feast of St. Francis
Sales (January 29 in those days) or on the earliest possible date after the feast:
hence their designation, "Conferences of St. Francis de Sales." But in 1873,
1874 and 1875, conferences were also held in Autumn in connection with the
spiritual retreats; and in 1875, one was held also in ApriI.17
As instruments of government of the Society, these conferences were the
unofficial forerunners of the general chapters. As in the case of general c hapters,
their deliberations had the force of regulations. One would expect these
conferences to have been discontinued with the approbation of the Constitutions
which provided for general chapters to be held every three years. As it is, they
were only gradually phased out and continued to be held in 1875 and 1876, and
one was held in February 1877, six months before the first general c hapter. None
was held in 1878; but, one year before the second general chapter, the final one
was convened at Alassio on September 6-8, 1879.
As noted above,18 the minutes of the sessions of the Alassio conference are
found at the end of Barberis' second note book. He writes, by way of
explanation:
Since Don Bosco was in Marseilles, France, the customary Conferences of
St. Francis de Sales could not be held in Turin. But since by February 6 he
was to be at the Salesian school of Alassio, arrangements were made to
hold the conferences there. To this end he summoned the superior chapter
from Turin, and likewise the directors of Salesian houses in Liguria.19
Barberis gives the participants as 14 in number,20 and he goes on to record four
sessions. These sessions, with pertinent data, are listed in a table given below
(Appendix Ill).
17 Minutes of the sessions of these conferences (from 1868 on) arc located in
ASC 04 Conferenze Generali, FDBM 1869 E6 -1873 08. Succinct or extensive
reports are given in the Biographical Memoirs (EBM, Volumes 8-13).
18 Cf. note 9 and related text, above.
19 Note Book II, p. 60. FDBM 1878 Al
20 Ibid.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
2. Minutes of General Chapter 1121
The Second General Chapter met at Lanzo on September 3-15, 1880, for 13
days, as may be gathered from the extant minutes. In the letter of convocation
dated June 27, 1880,22 Don Bosco summoned to the chapter all directors of
Salesian houses, and one perpetually professed confrere from each house elected
21 The materials of the First General Chapter will not be used in this paper.
General Chapter I was held at Lanzo, from September 5 to October 5, 1877; but, due to
two extended recesses, its working time was of only 13 days. Members in attendance
were 23, all directors and prefects. (In reality only a few prefects attended, and only
for occasional sessions.) The chief purpose of the chapter was to produce something
like a set of regulations to serve as a practical guide for the observance of the
constitutions . In particular, it was to set up structures for study and fonnation. This in
tum meant raising the standards in philosophical and theological studies for
candidates to the priesthood, encouraging the teacher certification of Salesians
working in schools, developing the studies program in Salesian schools;
strengthening the ascetic aspects of the novitiate as separate from the life of the
professed; etc. But the minutes show that the discussion meandered far afield through
numerous other topics of a practical nature, sometimes digressing into veritable
minutiae. For example, on the subject of thrift in the management of the kitchen,
Don Bosco spoke on the need of serv ing freshly brewed coffee rather than stale
coffee, which might then go to waste. [Cf. Session 13, September 13, 1877 PM,
Transcribed Minutes, p. 223-224, ASC 04 Capi toli Generali, FDBM 1851 Cl -2]
Obviously, throughout this chapter Don Bosco had occasion to voice many of
the concerns which he expounded in later chapters and council meetings. After all, the
chapter was held as the conflict with Archbishop Lorenzo Gastaldi was reaching its
climax; Gastaldi's demands for a more professional approach to studies and formation
in the Salcsian Society must have carried some weight. But generally speaking Don
Bosco 's concerns were more emphatically voiced in the later chapters, and in the
more intimate circle of his council.
The archival records of General Chapter I are located in ASC 04 Capitoli
Generali, FDBM 183 1 ClO - 18S3 AS. In particular the original minutes in three note
books by Father Giulio Barberis are in FDBM 1842 B4 - 1848 BS. The transcribed
and edited minutes (in other hands) are in FDBM 1848 B6 - 18S3 A5.
The printed convocation and the published deliberations are entitled
respectively: Capilolo Generale de/la Congregazione Salesiana da convocarsi in
Lanzo nel prossimo sellembre, 1877. Torino: Tipografia Salesiana, 1877, and
Deliberazioni de/ Capitolo Generale de/la Pia Societa Salesiana lenulo in Lanzo
Torinese nel settembre 1877. Torino: Tipografia e librcria salesiana, 1878. Both are
also reproduced in Opere Edite XXVIIJ, pp. 313-334, and XXIX, pp. 377-472. Cf. also
the valuable study by M. Verhulst, "Note storiche sul Capitolo Gencrale 12 della
Societa Salesiana (1877)," Salesianum 43 (1981) 849-882 (Quaderni de/ Salesianum
5. Roma: LAS, 1982), and E. Ceria's extensive account in the Biographical Memoirs.
[EBM xm. pp. 177-219)
22 E. Ccria, Epislolario, Vol. IJT, pp. S93-594.

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Key Concepts
9
by the perpetually professed of that house. This chapter was to elect all the
members of the superior chapter (except the Rector Major), an operation for
which additional voting members were required by the constitutions. Not
counting the additional electors, the chapter members in attendance numbered 27.
By mandate of the chapter, Don Bosco and his council finalized and
published the deliberations, which appeared in print some two years later.23 But
by letter dated December 8, 1880, Don Bosco brought eight important points to
the attention of the confreres.24
Ceria is of the opinion that the second general chapter was not too serious
an exercise, and he cites the testimony of Father Angelo Maria Rocca, at the
time of writing the sole surviving member of that chapter.25 However, such is
not the impression which emerges from the minutes that have come down to us.
23 Deliberazioni del secondo Capitolo Generate della Pia Societa Salesiana
tenuto in Lanzo Torinese nel settembre 1880. Torino: Tipografia Salesiana, 18 82
[Opere Edite XXXIIl, 1-96; in ASC 04, FDBM 1855 A8-E8 (printed copy); FDBM
1854 A7 - 1855 A3 (Ms. with Don Bosco's corrections).
24 Lettere Circolari di Don Bosco. Torino: Tip. Sales., 1896, pp. 13-15. Don
Bosco's holograph and a copy corrected by him are in ASC 131.03 Circolari ai
Salesiani, FDBM 1367 D9-11 and D12-E6, respectively.
25 Ceria bases his judgment of a letter by Father Rocca which is worth quoting:
Cuorgne, May 16,1932.
Dear Father Ceria,
It is with great pleasure that I am able to reply to your welcome note of the
15th. I shall try Lo set down, after so many years, what linle I can recollect from the
General Chapter of 1880. [...] Your perception that this chapter was conducted
somewhat informally (alla buona), by comparison with the seriousness of the first, is
absolutely correct. It was really informal. Many of us directors were too young and
inexperienced to be able LO give opinions and make judgments on mauers about
which we were not very knowledgeable. Consequently, we almost always just sat in
silence, not daring Lo speak on anything that was being discussed. I had the feeling
that even the older directors were either ill prepared or tired, for they sat through it as
if bored.
I remember that on September 8, Feast of Mary' s Nativity (still a holy day of
obligation at the time) and on the Sunday either preceding or following, quite a few
priests went down to Turin for Masses. Our Blessed [Founder] was much displeased by
such absences, and later he gently expressed his disappointment, for the work of the
chapter had made no progress on those days.
In your note you speculate about prolonged absences by our Blessed [Founder]
from the chapter. I have no recollection that such was the case. I th ink that once,
perhaps twice, he fai led Lo allend a session, because some distinguished person had
come to call at the very time. What amazes me is that this head of mine has preserved
no recollection at all of Reverend Father Rua's presence. Yet I am sure that he was an
active participant in any discussion on the floor.
In my estimation, the lack of interest and of the kind of indifference that marked
the chapter sessions and discussions were due principally to one person: Father
Barberis. Granted, the poor man acted and spoke with the good of the Congregation
and the success of the chapter in view; but he did this in a way that turned people off.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
Ceria states that the minutes of the Second General Chapter "were either
never formally drawn up or were lost."26 But the minutes (such as they are) are
extant.
The minutes of the Second General Chapter were authored, separately and
concurrently, by Father Giulio Barberis and by Father Giovanni Marenco, the
two secretaries elected by the chapter.27
Written in similar medium-size note books, these records appear in ASC
and in FDBM as follows:
(1) Father Barberis' rough draft of the minutes, consisting of sparse notes
of uneven length, cover proceedings from September 3 up to September 11 only,
and are, therefore, incomplete.
He wanted the floor all the time; he insisted till his views prevailed; he found fault
with whatever other people proposed; all the time he broke in while others were
speaking; he interrupted Don Bosco himself. Finally Don Bosco, annoyed by such a
boorish way of acting, took Father Barberis to task with a few well chosen words in
idiomatic Piedmontese. Everybody laughed, and I believe he scored.
But the chapter was already drawing to a close. A number of proposals never
even reached the floor. Other matters had been hastily dealt with, and no real
conclus ion was reached. We ended up (and everyone agreed) by handing everything
over to the superior chapter. Our Blessed [Founder] was very happy about that. I think
that the decisions of this chapter were never published separately, but were published
only later together with those of other chapters. [They were published, but with some
delay, cf. note 23 and related text, above.] I remember that, when the motion to hand
over all chapter matters to the superior chapter was made, some members were not too
happy about it. But the debate ended peaceably and with perfect charity. [...]
Sincerely yours [...]
PS: One more thing. While Father Barberis had the floor, some of the younger
members (myself included, I must confess) were carrying on, talking about irrelevant
things, cracking jokes and having a good time. It got to a point when we had to be
called to order and back to duty, I cannot recall by whom. [Rocca's holograph is in
ASC 04 Capitoli generali, FDBM 1859 Al2-B3]
Fr. Angelo Maria Rocca (1853-1943) entered the Oratory in 1875 and was
ordained the following year. From 1877 to 1901 he served as director in several
Salesian houses. Struck by illness, he retired to Cuorgne, from where he wrote the
letter. At the time of his attendance at General Chapter II (1880) he was 27 years old
and director of the seminary at Magliano Sabino, near Rome.
26 EBM XIV, p. 408 and Annali I, p. 465.
27 Giovanni Marenco (1853-1921) was born at Ovada (Alessandria) and entered
the diocesan seminary. He joined the Salesians in 1873 while in his third year of
theology, made his profession the following year, and was ordained in 1875. After
serving as director in various Salesian houses, in 1890 he was appointed provincial
of the Ligurian prov ince, and in 1892 the rector major's delegate to the Salesian
Sisters. In 1899 Father Rua name him procurator general of the Salesian Society, in
which capacity he served until, in 1909, he was made bishop of Massa-Carrara by
Pope Benedict XV. In 1917 he was sent as intemuncio of the Holy Sec to Central
America, where he served with distinction until in 1921 illness forced him into
retirement. He died the same year.

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Key Concepts
11
A report on the opening session of September 3 (evening) is in di fferent
hands with only a few additions by Barberis. It notes the time of arrival of the
chapter members and goes on to describe the formalities of the opening session.
There follow 14 other entries in Barberis' hand, beginning with the important
Session 2 (September 4 AM) in which, after elections, Don Bosco delivered a
keynote speech on topics of importance.
These minutes take up 19 pages of one note book.28
(2) Father Marenco's minutes appear to be a good copy with a number of
insertions and corrections (including one by Barberis). Marenco's record begins
with the evening session of Septe mber 5, which he numbers as Session 1
instead of Session 4. Following this, with faulty enumeration and with some
intervening lacunae, the minutes record the proceedings to the end of the chapter
(Septe mber 15). Marenco's reports fill 23 pages of one note book, but are even
less detailed than Barberis'.29
(3) Father Barberis' finished, edited minutes are based on his own rough
draft, but also make use of Marenco's work. They record the proceedings of the
chapter from its inception on the evening of September 3 to its conclusion on
the evening of September 15, with some uncertainty toward the end. They fill
two note books, for a total o f 130 unnumbered pages of text.30 Note Book I
contains 87 pages of text;31 Note Book II, 43 pages.12
It should be noted that Barberis devotes the first fo ur pages of Note Book II
to "What's been happening," (un po' di cronaca), which docs not deal with
chapter proceedings;:f3 and that the last nine pages of Note Book Il contain three
drafts of the cloture document, in a different hand than Barberis'. The second of
these bears the authentic signatures of the 25 chapter members , with the names
of the two secretaries added in the same hand.34
A comparison between Barberis' finished copy and both his own rough
draft and Marenco's report raises critical questions, obviously. The topics and the
discussions have been fleshed out and expanded perhaps from memory. But there
is little in the finished work that is not represented in some way in its sources.
We may, therefore, confidently regard the finished work as reflecting the
proceedings of the chapter. Barberis seems to have been especially diligent in
reporting Don Bosco's words. Don Bosco's long speech in Session 2 might be
taken as a test case. Every significant point treated in the finished copy has its
counterpart in the roug h draft.
It appears, therefore, tha t Barberis' finished report best represents the
proceeding of the Second General Chapter.
28 ASC 04 Capitoli Generali presieduti da Don Bosco, FDBM 1856 All -C6.
29 FDBM 1856 D2 - 1857 Al.
30 FDBM 1857 B7 - 1859 A9.
31FDBM1857 B7 - 1858 06.
32 FDBM 1858 07 - 1859 A9.
33 FDBM 1858 07-1 0.
34 FDBM 1859 Al -9. (fhe signatures appear on A5-6.)

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Journal of Salesian Studies
The sequence of the sessions of General Chapter II, as recorded in Barberis'
and Marenco's minutes, is given below (Appendix IV).
3. Minutes of General Chapter III
The Third General Chapter met at Valsalice from the evening of September 2 to
the evening of September 7, 1883, for a total of 6 days.
Don Bosco's letter of convocation bears the date June 20, 1883.35 As may
be gathered from the lists given at the beginning of the minutes and in the
cloture document, the members in attendance numbered 35.36
In his leuer of convocation, Don Bosco asked directors to call a house
council meeting and collect proposals from the confreres to be sent to Father
Giovanni Bonetti, chapter moderator.37 In the same letter, he enclosed the topics
or schemata to be assigned to commissions and then presented and discussed in
general sessions.38
Chiefly due to lack of time, the chapter did not complete its work, but
passed a motion to entrust the material to Don Bosco and his council for further
elaboration. However, the final elaboration was remanded to the next general
chapter. The acts (deli berations) of General Chapter III were never separately
published.
Minutes of the sessions were taken by Father Giovanni Marenco and Father
Giulio Barberis, the two elected secretaries.
(1) Marenco's report, apparently a good copy albeit with frequent
correctio ns, is transcribed in a fairly large note book with unnumbered pages.39
Twenty-one pages of text in Marenco's hand are followed by two drafts of the
35 ASC 04 Capitoli Generali, FDBM 1859 B4 (printed copy); Ceria, Epistolario
IV, p. 221-222.
36 FDBM 1864 B4-6.
37 Many such proposals are preserved in ASC, some of them quite elaborate and
running lo many pages, FDBM 1859 Cl - 1862 A12.
38 The topics are listed as follows: (1) Regulations for Spiritual Retreats; (2)
Regulations and Course of Studies for the Novices; (3) Regulations for Salesian
Parishes; (4) Education of Salesian Brothers; (5) Direction to be Imparted to the
"Working Component" in Salesian houses, and Means lo Foster the Salesian
Vocation among the Working Boys; (6) Norms for the Dismissal of Members; (7)
Establishing and Developing Festive Oratories in Salcsian Houses; (8) Revision and
Modification of the Regulations for the Houses.
Drafts of the work of the commissions on these topics are located in FDBM
1862 Cl - 1863 E6. Their length and detail reveal the seriousness with which General
m Chapter did its work. This may have been due in part LO moderator Bonetti 's fiery
and driving temperament. A curious note in Marenco 's hand reads: "Father Bonetti,
exercising the special authority vested in him, directs that all late comers lo the
sessions will forfeit dessert, which will then be apportioned to others." [FDBM 18 64
Cl]
39 FDBM 1863 E7 - 1864 B9 .

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13
cloture document in different hands, the first of which bears the authentic
signatures of the 35 Chapter members .40
After title page and a list of the participants, the note book begins with the
session of September 3 AM; it, however, makes reference to a previous session
not recorded in the note book. Three pages of notes on the opening session, in
Marenco's hand, are located immediately after the cloture document mentioned
above. They bear the title, "Notes for the General Chapter held at Valsalice in
September 1883."41 From this report we learn that the chapter began on Sunday,
September 2, not (as Ceria states) on September 1. Otherwise Ceria gives as
good an account of the chapter as the minutes allow.42 The trouble is that the
minutes are generally too scanty for any real understanding of the process of the
chapter.
(2) A set of notes in Barberis' neat hand contain short summary reports on
the various sessions of General Chapter III.43 The longest of these summaries,
reporting the closing words of Don Bosco at the last session, runs to about one
fairly large page and a half. The others consist of but a few lines, and in terms of
our understanding of the chapter's proceedings add very little to Marenco's
skimpy reports.
Barberis' minutes are, like Marenco's, a transcription of the original notes
entered in a fairly large note book. When giving references, I will overlook the
enumeration by the sheet, and count the pages . The note book, like Marenco's,
begins with Monday, September 3, 9 AM {hence with Session 2). But in a
footnote Barberis adds that there had been an opening session the e vening before,
Sunday, September 2.44
The sequence of the sessions of General Chapter III is given below
{Appendix V).
4. Minutes of General Chapter IV
The Fourth General Chapter was held at Valsalice from the e vening of
September I to the morning of September 7, 1886, for a total of 6 days.
Members in attendance numbered 37 (from South America, only Father Luigi
Lasagna attended). The calligraphic, lithographed le tter of convocation is dared
May 3 1, 1886, and bears Don Bosco's (authentic?) s ignature.45 Since the six-
year te nn of the members of the superior chapter was coming to an end, and
elections would be held, the Jetter directs that in accordance wi th the
constitutions "every director shall have with him a perpetually professed member
40 FDBM 1864 B4-6 and 7-9.
41FDBM1864 Bl0-12.
42 IBM XVI, p. 411 -418.
43 FDBM 1864 C10-D8.
44 FDBM 1864 ClO.
45 FDBM 1884 Dl 1-12; Lettere Circo/ari di Don Bosco e di Don Rua (1886) ,
pp. 33-35.

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Journal of Saleslan Studies
elected by the confreres of his house." Thus, with the additional confreres present
for the elections, the membership added up to a total of 7Q.46
The chapter's agenda, printed and sent out separately, included topics
remanded from General Chapter III, as well as new topics.47 Commissions on
each theme were appointed, for the first time beforehand, and their work was
presented and discussed at the chapter.48 After the chapter, by circular le tter daJed
November 21, 1886, Don Bosco presented the newly elected council to the
confreres.49 The deliberations of General Chapter IV (including those of General
Chapter III) were later edited and published in booklet form with the date of July
2, 1887.50
A detailed account of the work of the Fourth General C hapte r is given by
Ccria in the Biographical Memoirs.51
As may be seen from the authentic signatures appended to the cloture document
at the chapter's last session,52 Father Giovanni Battista Lemoyne and Father
Giovanni Marenco served as secretaries and were responsible for the minutes.
These reports are entered in a large note book and consist of 21 pages of text.53
These minutes are apparently a tra nscription in good copy of earlier notes, which
are not to be fou nd in FDBM. With the exception of the reports of Sessions 6,
7, and 8, whic h are in Lemoyne's hand,54 the minutes are in Marenco's hand and
are signed by him. The text of the cloture document is in calligraphy and bears
46 Tue list of electors given in FDBM 1864 E6-9 contains 70 names. But the
election minutes note that 69 were actually present and voting [FDBM 1865 A3].
47 FDBM 1864 El-5. The topics are listed as follows (1) Regulations for the
Parishes (= Topic 3 of GC III); (2) Lay Brothers' and Working Boys' Programs (=
Topic 5 of GC lll); (3) How to Implement Pius JX's Decree Reg ulari Discip linae
(admission to Novitiate and to Profession); (4) Criteria for Admitting Candidates to
Holy Orders; (5) Establishing Studentates in the Various Provinces; (6) Exemption
from Military Service; (7) Changes to Be Made in the General Directory of the
Society; [(8)] Proposals by Confreres.
A number of such proposals are found in FDBM 1865 A8 -D6.
48 Working drafts of the commissions may be seen in FDBM 1865 D7 - 1867
D8 .
49 The call igraphic, lithographed letter, with Don Bosco's (authentic?)
signature is in FDBM 1868 A7-9.
50 [G. Bosco] Deliberazioni del terzo e de/ quarto Capitolo Generate della Pia
Societa Saiesiana tenuti in Va/salice nel sellembre 1883-86. S. Benigno Canavese:
Tip. Salesiana, 1887, in FDBM 1868 AlO-Dl. Cf. Opere Edite X:XXVI, pp. 253-280.
511nM xvm. PP· 174-191.
52 FDBM 1868 A6.
53 ASC 04: Cap. Gen. pres. da Don Bosco, FDBM 1867 D9 - 1868 A6. The
report bears the title, Relazione de/ 4q Capitolo generate della Pia Societa Salesiana,
tenutosi nel Collegio Va/sa/ice Dai Jq Settembre al seue del mese medesimo, Anno
1 886.
54 Note Book, p. 8- 10, FDBM 1867 E4-7.

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15
the auLhentic sig.natures of Lhe 37 true Chapter me mbers, including those of the
two secretaries. 5
A report on the proceedings of the elections, partly by Lemoyne and partly
by Marenco, is contained in a few detached sheets placed earlier in the file.56
Again, the sequence of the sessions is given below (Appendix VI).
Part II. Don Bosco's Ideas and Concerns on Salient
Issues
In the foregoing section, I have described the archival material on which this
inquiry is based, placing in appendices the detailed catalogues of meetings and
sessions, and related reports. It is now time to focus on some of the ideas and
concerns which Don Bosco voiced in suc h forums. We are actually dealing with
clusters of interrelated ideas which cannot be neatly separated. We are dealing
wiLh "fields" of concern. The following appear to be truly salient and important
(1) Ideal and practice in admitting candidates to postulancy, novitiate, and
profession, and holy orders. (2) The pressing need of Salesian vocations,
especially Salesian priestly vocations, and in that connection, the problem of the
school at the Oratory. (3) Religious life and observance, and the Salesian spirit.
(4) The overarching question of morals, and in this connection, the concern over
objectionable books and readings, and the question of contacts with women and
outsiders. (5) The Cooperators and the Salesian Bulletin, and a number of
important but less basic issues.
These, among oLhers, were the questions which Don Bosco and his men
had to address in their meetings, and they did so with utmost seriousness. Many
and daunting were the problems with which the young Society had to grapple
and for which soluLions musl be found. In the course of suc h discussions Don
Bosco voiced his views or handed down norms, not always unconLested, to be
sure, but generally prevailing. For, in spite of the great freedom wiLh which
opinions were given, whether in council meetings or in general chapter sessions,
the debate and the vote were never truly parliamentary. Don Bosco was the father
to whom everyone finally yielded in filial deference.
This essay will be concerned almost exclusively with the first point,
admission of candidates and related issues. But because of the interconnectedness
of the fields of concern, especially with regard to morals, and because of the
need of providing intellig ible contexts, it was inevitable that complementary
material should be used. A second installment is to follow.
I. Admission of Candidates to the Salesian Society
Even during the founde r's life time, the membership of the Salesian Society grew
by leaps and bounds. By the time of General C hapter I (1877), the Salesians
55 Note Book, p. 20-22, FDBM 1868 A4-6.
56 FDBM 1865 A3-7.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
numbered 241; by 1880 the number had grown to 405; by 1883, to 520; by
1886, to 636. At Don Bosco's death in January 1888, the professed Salesians
numbered 863, and the novices, 276. Such rapid growth was not without its
problems. When the Salesian constitutions were up for approbation, some of
Archbishop Lorenzo Gastaldi's objections related to this very matter: the manner
of recruiting, criteria for admission, the lack of a proper novitiate, the weakness
of the formation and studies programs. Nor did he relent after the approbation of
the constitutions, an attitude which Don Bosco and the Salesians construed as
unreasoning and persecutory.57 For a number of years Don Bosco availed himself
of concessions granted to him in a private manner (vivae vocis oraculo) by Pope
Pius IX. But by and by he sought to enforce more stringent criteria. In 1886,
speaking of this very thing, he recalls:
When the approbation of the constitutions was being negotiated with the
active involvement of His Holiness Pope Pius IX and of the secretary of
the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars, the separation of novices from
the rest of the students, and of both from the professed confreres, was a
lively issue. I said: "All of my houses are full of all kinds of people,
novices and everybody together. I have no other kind." The pope then
replied: "Go ahead, and do the best you can." However, as far as possible
we should put this separation into effect, for it is commendable and
practical, in fact necessary.58
1. Admission of Candidates to the Novitiate
These words were spoken in 1886. But admission of candidates to the novitiate
("second trial" or "practice of the rule") was a regular item on the agenda of the
superior chapter through the years.
Besides the "routine" admissions of young men who had gone through the
normal channels of the Salesian school (junior seminary), we find reports of
applications for admission which were not so routine. They serve in part to
illuminate the problem. A few examples will suffice.
We have the case of two diocesan priests from the seminary of Magliano
Sabino (partly staffed by Salesians) who asked to join and wished to come to
Turin immediately. Don Bosco thought that they should instead remain in place,
so as not to irk the authorities, but that they should be regarded as novices
(ascrittt) under the guidance of the Salesian director, Father Giuseppe Daghero.
Later, during the summ er holidays, they might come to Turin, finish their
novitiate, and make their profession at the Lanzo spiritual retreat.59
57 Cf. A Lenti, "The Bosco-Gastaldi Conflict (1872-1882)" [Part I and Part II],
Journal of Salesian Studies IV:2 (1993), pp. 1-83, and V:1 (1994) pp. 35-131
58 General Chapter IV, Session 3. September 2, 1886, Marenco Minutes, p. 5,
FDBM 1867 El.
59 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, February 16, 1877, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book I, p. 60, FDBM 1876 BlO.

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17
Another priest, by the name of Peretto, who was an alumnus of the
Oratory school and had gone on to join the Oratorians, wanted now to become a
Salesian. Don Bosco remarked:
If he were overtly to manifes t this intention to his superiors, a fracas would
result. So we have agreed that he should leave his community quietly
through a ruse. He would ask his superior for permission to travel to Rome
in order to speak to the Holy Father. Once in Rome, he would j oin Father
Scappini, director of the Conceptionists,60 where an additional priest is
needed. There he would make his novitiate under Father Scappini' s
guidance, after which he would make his profession at Lanzo. Our need for
priests is so great that he truly comes as a godsend. His talents and proven
saintliness is such that he can be assigned anywhere. Even though he
professed as an Oratorian, he always belonged to us in mind and heart.61
In the same meeting four seminarians were admitted as novices who, like not a
few others, had been in diocesan seminaries. One of these was a young adult
named Coccero, an alumnus of the Oratory. He had entered the diocesan seminary
in Turin, but had left in his fourth year of theology. The report continues:
He has been with us for over three months, and his conduct has been
consistently satisfactory. He now asks to don the clerical habit again, as a
Salesian. It so happens that our school at Alassio needs just such a mature
individual as an assistant to the financial administrator. Since there is no
one else available, we will make him happy, admit him as a novice, g ive
him the clerical habit, and send him to that post in Alassio.62
Archbishop Gastaldi viewed Don Bosco's practice of giving the clerical habit to
former diocesan seminarians, who had either left of their own volition or mt
been dismissed, with particular chagrin. He thought it inevitable that some of
them, after obtaining ordination under easy terms, would drift back into the
diocese as misfits. Don Bosco, on the other hand, on the basis of his experience
with the Work of Mary Help of Christians, was eager Lo give such young adults,
whether former seminarians or not, a chance. He willingly considered the
application of adult laymen who showed promise. This was the case of Mr.
60 The Brothers Hospitalers of the Immaculate Conception were a small
congregation of brothers who served in hospitals in and around Rome. Don Bosco
had been asked by Pius IX to help that floundering community, and had personally
supervised the initial reforms. He had then appointed Father Giuseppe Scappini as
director. For the troubled and troublesome affair, cf. EBM XO, pp. 359-367 and XIII,
pp. 28-44.
61 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, February 16, 1877, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book I, p. 61, FDBM 1876 BI I.
62 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, February 16, 1877, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book I, pp. 61-62, FDBM 1876 Bll-12.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
Angelo Piccono, a 29-year old widower with a small daughter, a career
policeman and a student at the university. He was admitted to the novitiate in
May 1877 and was told by Don Bosco to continue allending the university.63 He
made his profession a year later: "He was admitted Lo perpetual vows, and will
soon be ordained."64 He was in fact ordained in November 1878, and later
distinguished himself as a missionary in South America and Mexico.
Don Bosco voiced his conviction about the validity of the practice of
admitting adults, when the application of a certain Mr. Ba tto lla, a career seaman
awaiting promotion to captain, was discussed. It was felt that he had not yet
proved himself (none ancora soggetto provato). Don Bosco added:
I would very much like it if, when one of these young adults comes to us
determined to stay, some one were to take him under his care and look after
him. In no tim e such an individual would be ready for work [as a Salesian].
A boy, on the other hand, requires many years of training, and success is
never certain no matter how good he may be. All kinds of incidents may
occur to lead him astray. Not so with adults. If they are looked after and
inspired with good ideals, in a few months they can be sent out into the
field.65
Granted the validity of the Sons of Mary principle, the minutes show that the
need of adopting stricter criteria in admitting candidates was felt as urgent,
especiall y with respect to young adults who came from diocesan seminaries. The
records also show that the council members were more concerned perhaps about
the gravity of the situation than Don Bosco himself. This perception clearly
emerges from the minutes of a meeting held in late 1878. Its primary purpose
was the admission of candidates, among whom were some former diocesan
seminarians who had come to live at the Oratory as postulants. The application
of a young adult named Viandolato was quickly set aside. His performance Im
apparently been satisfactory, but certain incidents in his past life (left
unspecified, but apparently known to the council) advised prudence. Father
Cagliero was especially adamant:
The Congregation is not for those who need Lo do penance for their sins.
There are contemplative orders for this purpose. The Congregation is for
those who are [morally] equipped Lo go out into the world and work for the
salvation of souls.66
63 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, May 6, 1877, Barberis Minutes, Note Book
I, p. 78, FDBM 1876 0 4.
64 Meeting of lhe Superior Chapter, May 15, 1878, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book II, p. 8, FDBM 1877 A9.
65 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, May 6, 1877, Barberis Minutes, Note Book
I, p. 79, FDBM 1876 05.
66 Meeting of lhe Superior Chapter, November 4, I 878, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book II, p. 26, FDBM 1877 C3.

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19
The applications of two o ther candidates, Martino Quaranta and Gio Baravalle,
were then discussed and set aside, si nce very little was known about them. Father
Cagliero was asked to investigate. Barberis notes:
Up until now the rule was to admit candidates freely, provided they
presented the most basic papers. Confidential information was sought later,
if at all. Now, however, the policy agreed upon is not to admit any
candidate who does not submit the required testimonials.67
At the same meeting "a long and painful discussion" ensued about the need of
expelling certain undesirable candidates. Barberis writes:
Never has such a drastic measure been taken, not since the Congregation
has been in existence. Up till now things were done informally (al/a
buona). We took in and supported diocesan seminarians whose vocation
was dubious at best, and whose conduct very poor. Stricter standards in
admitting novices are now being enforced in our school at Lanzo. But we
have in the house a number of seminarians who, though not necessarily
bad, lack priestly spirit. We should get rid of them (cacciarli via) sooner
than allow them to undermine relig ious observance. Since opinion was
divided over the matter, the motion to dismiss was put to secret ballot. Of
the fi ve seminarians in question, four were deemed unsuitable, and the
decision was to send them home.68
Barberis reports on a meeting, apparently rather stormy, in which three of four
candidates asking for admission to the novitiate were rejected. The fourth one, a
seminarian from the diocese of Frosinone named Anacleto Ceccarelli, was
The "principle" so emphatically stated by Cagliero, that the society was not to
be a haven for repentant sinners, must have originated with Don Bosco himself. He is
in fact reported to have spoken clearly on the subject: " In admitting candidates we
ought always to be guided by this principle and norm, namely, that our Congregation
is no place where one may come for conversion and moral reformation. A person who
has been the victim of bad habits and vice and wishes to reform and do penance should
apply to one or the other of the many religious orders which were established for that
very purpose. We do not admit such persons, for our Society was established with the
specific aim of being a help to others through a life of eminently active service. [...]
If such persons were admitted in view of their present good disposition, they may do
well for as long as their original fervor lasts. But sooner or later, when faced with the
dangerous situations of the priestly ministry or of our own special apostolate, they
would backslide into their former ways." [General Chapter TI, Session 11 , September
10, 1880, Barberis Minutes, Note Book II, p. 6. FDBM 1858 Dl 2.]
67 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, November 4, 1878, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book II, pp. 26-27, FDBM 1877 C3-4.
68 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, November 4, 1878, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book II, pp. 27-28, FDBM 1877 C4-5.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
admitted only because Don Bosco intervened in his behalf. Barberis, who is
prone to add comments of his own to the minutes, writes with palpable
bitterness:
Was such a drastic measure justified? I call it drastic because up until now
things were done w ith greater leniency. The reason for such leniency may
have been that we have no separate premises for such individuals, and they
share everything in common with the novices: study hall, din ing room,
dormitory, recreation, chapel, etc. But o ur concern is grave. We have
people in the Congregation who leave much to be desired and end up by
causing trouble. Furthermore, we have people in the novitiate who lack
religious spirit, and yet we can' t dismiss them. This is especially true of
these older seminarians. We should therefore be less compliant in allowing
them into the house as boarders. However, we are stymied on two fronts:
(1) It is Don Bosco's wish that in this matter we continue to be guided by
St. Paul's advice, "Omnia probate; quod bonum est tenete."69 This means
allowing a lot of people in. (2) Before accepting prospective candidates we
do indeed require papers and we do seek confidential information. But,
apparently, when there is question of a really good prospect, seminary
rectors withhold their testimonials, while they readily give papers of
commendation in the case of less desirable candidates. And we are stuck
with the chaff. Father Cagliero, who has been in charge of admissions for a
few months now, is very upset and has been fig hting Don Bosco over the
issue. [...] He has in fact already asked Don Bosco to take him o ff this job.
As for myself, I am frustrated and angry at what goes on. We do not pass
our undesirables on to others; we do not write testimonials for them. Why
should o thers take advantage of us? The individuals we discussed were
brought in on orders from Don Bosco. I had to write to them and tell them
to come. Now, however, as far as it lies in my power I won' t have them
joining the others. The matter is serious. The Congregation has been
making a name for itself, and applications to j oin are numerous and from
all parts. But the man6' applicants are in the main individuals who are
maladjusted elsewhere.7
The situation was aggravated by the specific character of the Sales ian novitiate,
made as it was in non-tradi tional manner and environ ment. ll is almost a truism
that Don Rosco's idea of the Salesian novitiate was completely at variance with
traditional canonical practice and with Archbishop Gastaldi's demands. The
Salesian constitutions were criticized for not establishing appropriate structures
for religious and priestly formation, a criticism which reflected perhaps a
perceived lack o f such formation in the group. The lack of constitutional
69 Latin Vulgate, l Thess 5:21 ; RSV: "Do not despise prophesying but tes t
everything; hold fast what is good."
70 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, December 27, 1878, Barberis Minutes,
Note Book II pp. 57-59, FDBM 1877 El0-1 2.

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Key Concepts
21
provisions for the novitiate came particularly under fire. It is often said that Don
Bosco was for an "open," as opposed to a "closed," novitiate. But, he was not
really thinking in those terms. Novitiate meant only one thing: the spiritual and
ascetic internship preparatory to being initiated to the mission work of a
congregation. If the Society, as he originally envisioned it, was to be an
association bonded by private resolve and a promise to work for youth, then it is
probably fairer to say that he was not thinking of a "novitiate" at all. He avoided
using the term " novitiate," and not merely for political reasons. He spoke instead
of "a first and second trial" and of " being adrniued to the practice of the rule."71
That is why the earlier drafts of the constitutions had a chapter on admission of
candidates, but none on the novitiate. It appears therefore that even as, bowing to
a higher will, he was accepting the traditional model for the congregation, he
still insisted on carrying forward concepts from the earlier model that were
important to him. One of these was that his candidates were to be initiated into
the group that practiced a rule for the work of charity by practicing that rule for
the work of charity. This initia tion was not necessarily bound to a separate
house, nor limited to a specific span of time. This seemed especially important
since the group as a whole was oriented toward the young and the poor. This
concept goes beyond, in fact bypasses, the concept of an "open" novitiate. After
the form of the Society was modified, Don Bosco still defended this type of
initiation, now perforce called "novitiate." He continued Lo favor the way of
training candidates in an actual working situation, a way which had all along
proved valid by its excellent results (so he claimed). Pius IX seems to have been
in agreement on this point. The novitiate which was finally approved in the
Salesian constitutions by the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars was the
traditional novitiate of Tridentine congregations. But, availing himself of the
special privilege obtained from Pius IX through private oral communication
(vivae vocis oraculo), Don Bosco continued for some time to admit candidates to
" the practice of the rule" and not to a traditional novitiate.
As late as General Chapter III (1883), when a house of novitiate had already
been established at San Benigno, Don Bosco made this very point. The account
reads:
Don Bosco explains the spirit of the rule with regard to the novitiate:
"Pope Pius IX told me on several occasions that in our Salesian formation
we must aim at enabling our novices (ascrittt) to become good priests as
they ought to be in the world, [supra-linear addition reads:] such as a priest
ought to be among the people. Therefore appropriate c haritable activities
conducive Lo this end are required, and the novices ought to be faithful in
performing their appointed tasks so that their aptitude may be made known.
71 As late as 1886, Don Bosco still insisted on this point: "We should keep the
names and terms which have been in use among us, such as "enrolled" (ascritti) and
trial year (anno di prova), and we should avoid the terms "novices, novitiate," the use
of which is neither necessary nor useful." [General Chapter IV, Session 3, Septe mber
2, 1886, Marenco Minutes, p. 5, FDBM 1867 El.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
Care must be taken, however, not to let such activity interfere with their
religious exercises.72
Don Bosco restated this point on a number of occasions. In 1885, at a meeting
in which novices were being admitted, he asked if all the formalities had been
complied with, especially in the matter of testimonials. Then he added:
When the constitutions were being examined in Rome, the authorities there
demanded that the novices (ascrilll) should spend a whole year exclusively
engaged in the study of the rule and in religious exercises. The Roman
Congregation [of Bishops and Regulars] would not yield on this point. I
placed the matter before His Holiness, and Pius IX told me: "[...] Just go
ahead! The devil has greater fear of a house in which everyone is busy
working than of one in which the people are engaged solely in prayer. In
such a house, all too often there is idleness. There are other religious
congregations which put the novices to work during the novitiate (prova).
Then why should such strong objections be raised only in Don Bosco's
case?" However, [Don Bosco continued,] while an aspirant may be occepted
sight unseen (unless, of course, we are dealing with a known scoundrel)
novices should be admitted only after all formalities prescribed by the
Church have been complied with. And in our case there is a further
consideration, the question of morals. [...] If doubts arise on this score, we
should wait and extend the trial period. We should be very cautious.73
According to Don Bosco, Pope Leo XIII agreed with Pius IX. The minutes of
General Chapter III report comments by Don Bosco on the name and practice of
the Salesian novitiate, and add:
In his first audience with the holy father, Pope Leo XIII, Don Bosco ~
a report on the concessions granted to him by Pius IX. The pope assured
him that [for the moment] he did not intend to change anything that ha:l
been established by his predecessor. If changes should be required in the
future, he would take care of the matter.74
72 General Chapter ill, Session 2, September 3, 1883, Marenco Minutes, p. 4,
FDBM 1863 ElO.
73 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, October 26, 1885, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
85a, FDBM 1883 Al.
On another occasion, with regard to the adm ission of aspirants, "Don Bosco
cautioned everyone in strict confidence, not to admit under any circumstances any one
as an aspirant to the priesthood who may be known or suspected to have visited a
whorehouse." [General Chapter ill, Session 9, September 6, 1883, Marenco Minutes
p. 15, FDBM 1864 A9.]
74 General Chapter m, Session 9, September 6, 1883, Marenco Minutes, pp.
14-15, FDBM 1864 A8-9.

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On the subject of morals Don Bosco again and again advises utmost caution.
When the application to the novitiate of one Emmanuele Gallo, a diocesan
seminarian, was being discussed in council, the minutes report
Don Bosco makes the point that as a rule we ought never to yield when
morals are in doubt. In such cases, it is better to reject the petition outright
than to bring into the house a person of doubtful morality. We mig ht
overlook light-mindedness, lack of education, poor performance in studies,
but never doubts regarding morals. This is of the essence.75
In admitting a young man as a novice (ascriuo), especially as a
clerical novice, we should take him aside and inquire in strictest confidence
into his moral conduct. We might begin by saying to him, "I'd like to ask
you a question, do you mind?" He will reply, "No, not at all." "Tell me,
then, how has your moral conduct been this past year? Did you fail in
thought or in action? How long has it been since you last failed? How long
have you had this bad habit?..." If the boy has yet to overcome the too
habit, he ought to be advised against going ahead, unless he gives clear
evidence of a vocation and of a firm purpose of using all necessary means
to succeed. [...] When examining a young man on his vocation, we should
never omit to question him about this ma tter.76
Speaking of examining candidates, as time went by, Don Bosco began to insis t
on compliance with what was prescribed by canon law and recent papal decrees,
Pius IX's Regulari Disciplinae and Romani Ponlificis in partic ular. Thus,
admitting candidates in 1884, he announced:
We have been admitting people on an informal basis (bonariamenle), in
accordance with the concessions made to us by Pius IX, but this will be
the last time we do so. Beginning with January of the coming year, 1885,
all admissions will be made in accordance wi th the most holy norms
promulgated by Pius IX in his decrees. This includes setting up examining
boards as directed.77
The examining commissions were to be set up both locally and centrally, and
Father G iulio Barberi s, the master of novices, was to develop this program and
75 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, August 30, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
24b, FDBM 1880 El2.
76 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, August 24, 1885, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
65b, FDBM 1882 BlO. As may be deduced fro m the sources, the words "morality,"
"morals" (moralita) and their opposite (immoralita) in Don Bosco's usage cover the
whole field of sexual behavior and experience. In the case of the young men in
question, the word usually refers to youthful sexual experiences such as sexual
curiosity, thoughts , masturbatory actions, etc.
77 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, October 3, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, pp.
43a-b, FDBM 1881 Cll-12.

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Journal of Saleslan Studies
report to the councii.78 At the Fourth General Chapter, Don Bosco urges
compliance with the decrees and explained:
Pius IX's decrees have the purpose of providing general guidelines for
evaluating candidates for the novitiate. But more importantly they are
intended to place at the disposal of relig ious congregations a means of
eliminating unworthy individuals from religious life. That is probably the
reason why these ordinances concern Italy only. Such is the spirit of the
decrees.79
The texts cited thus far refer largely to clerical novices, hardly ever, at least
explicitly, to Jay novices and brothers. We know, of course, that in the 1870s
and 1880s, the recruiting and fonnation of lay vocations was one of Don Bosco's
major concerns. But, as far as can be gathered from the minutes we have been
perusing, very little appears to have been said about lay novices in council
meetings. It was to be the task, and one of the major achievements, of General
Chapters III and IV (1883 and 1886) to have ad~ specifically the problems
of Jay vocations and of the formation of the brother. The extent and importance
of this work may be gauged from the published joint deliberations of these
chapters.80 Here a few quotes from minutes will suffice.
Speaking about his, and Pius IX's idea of what the Salesian novitiate
should be like for priestly candidates, Don Bosco also has a comment on the
novitiate program for lay brothers.
As for the lay brothers, what has been the practice up to now should
continue to be the basis of their novitiate program. The main idea is to
make them into good Christians. If a [lay] novice observes the Salesian
constitutions and the regulations of the house, it is enough. What's called
for above all is that there be some one who is seriously concerned about
them: who will look after them and provide them with help and guidance.81
78 Barberis reported at the Meetings of the Superior Chapter, February 23 and
24, 1885, Lemoyne Minutes, p. 54b, FDBM 1881 E12 and pp. 55a-b, FDBM 1882
Al -2.
79 General Chapter TV, Session 8, September 5, 1886, Lemoyne Minutes, p. 10,
FDBM 18867 E6.
80 Cf. note 50 and related text, above . For an exhaustive English-language
treatment of the development and interpretation of the Salesian lay vocation, and for
all pertinent documents from Don Bosco' s times, cf. John Rasor, The Spiritual
Identity of the Salesian Brother in the Light of Official Salesian DocumenJs. Thesis
submitted to the Department of Theology, Salesian Pontifical University (Rome,
1995), pp. 7-56.
81 General Chapter TII, Session 2, September 3, 1883, Marenco Minutes, p. 4,
FDBM 1863 ElO.

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25
At the same General Chapter III,
the question was raised whether a separate novitiate for working novices
(ascritti artigiam) should be established. Don Bosco wants to strengthen
their position by separating them from the rest of the working boys'
community. Most chapter members concur on the necessity of a separate
novitiate, but no final decision is reached. Some kind of program , however,
will be established at San Benigno.82
While a novitiate house had been established at San Benigno for priestly
candidates in 1879, the lay novices (mostly working lads) continued to make
their novitiate while employed in the workshops at Valdocco together with the
rest of the workers ("artisans"). By October 1883, a contingent of lay novices
gathered at San Benigno in separate premises and in an appropriate working
situation. It is on that occasion that Don Bosco delivered his famous inaugural
address on the theme, "Fear not, little flock."83 By the unusual (and, for some,
shocking) use of such phrases as " masters not servants," Don Bosco, besides
aiming at boosting the spirits of a "downtrodden" group, clearly wished to
emphasize the leadership role of Salesian brothers in certain areas of the
Society's apostolate, such as the workshops. He also wished to rectify certain
false ideas circulating in the Society about the inferior vocational status of the
brother. The question was the subject of a heated debate at General Chapter XII
( 1922). 84
The Salesian brother's road toward self-identity was long and arduous. In
the founding era, this was partly due to the diverse social conditions and ages of
some of those early candidates. In 1884 the case of one Vincenzo Giacomuzzi, a
53-year old domestic at the Salesian school of Lanzo, came up for discussion at a
council meeting. Father Barberis moved to deny him admission on grounds that
he had caused a lot of trouble as a Brother of St. John of God and had to leave
that community. The minutes continue:
Father Rua proposes the establishment of two distinct categories of lay
brothers (due classi di coadiuton) in the Society. He thinks it demeaning
for a lawyer, a physician, and the like, to have to associate with uncouth,
uneducated individuals (meschino qualunque). Don Bosco immediately
rejects the idea of dividing the lay brothers into two categories. He urges
instead that greater caution be exercised in the case of individuals who may
be good fellows, but lack education (rozzi) and perhaps even common sense
(di cervello ottuso). These are people who, given the opportunity, will
think nothing of making the rounds of the pubs , with not a care in the
82 General Chapter III, Session 9, September 6, 1883, Marenco Minutes, p. 15,
FDBM 1864 A9.
83 Address of October 19, 1883 . The text is given in IBM XVI, 312-313. Cf. J.
Rasor, Spiritual Identity, pp. 21 -25.
84 J. Rasor, Spiritual Identity, p. 135.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
world. Such individuals might be accepted as domestics (servitori), never as
brothers (coadiuton). They should never be admitted to the novitiate, let
alone to profession. Father Rua inquires whether it might be helpful to
institute tertiaries [as distinct from brothers) in the Franciscan manner, or
at least to use the name. Don Bosco replies that for the moment there is no
neect.85
Father Rua spoke again on the subject at a meeting which he himself chaired in
Don Bosco's absence. The report reads:
Father Rua makes a case (dimostra la necessita) for a two-year novitiate for
brothers, before they are admitted to profession. His reasons are, first that
we need to get to know this sort of people (questa sorta di persone)
thoroughly; and secondly, that they need to acquire deeper knowledge of the
obligations they Lake on by the profession of vows. An exception might be
made in special cases. Father Cagliero [concurs but] is against making any
sort of exception. Father Rua notes that a two-year novitiate for brothers is
not a provision made in the constitutions, but [has to be presented as] a
practice enacted by the superior chapter out of necessity. [...] Father [Paolo]
Albera then presents the applications of two lay novices, [Andrea] Pelazza
and Sabaino speaking in their favor. They are about to complete their one-
year novitiate. The superior chapter decides to prolong their novitiate for a
second year, in accordance with the new practice.86
Data on the success rate of novices, whether young or adult, clerical or lay, are
not available to me. Don Bosco expressed qualified satisfaction at a meeting in
which the case of two novices who had left came up for discussion. One of them
had been dismissed; the other one, in connivance with his family, had departed
"deceitfully." Both had retained the Salesian clerical habit unlawfully and were
applying to a diocesan seminary. Father Rua was asked to deal with the matter.
Don Bosco then remarked:
Such cases of desertion from the novitiate, though few, are very much to
be regretted. But I had rather that such defections Lake place in the novitiate
than later, as we have had to lament this past year. It is inevitable that
some should leave the novitiate but, God be thanked, our losses are few.
The Jesuits are happy with a success rate of one-third for the novitiate. And
as for the Dominicans, [last year] out of eighteen novices no one was
admitted to profession.87
85 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, September 6, 18 84, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
27b, FDBM 1881 A6.
86 Meeting of the superior Chapter, October 2, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
40a, FDBM 1881 C7.
87 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, August 17, 1877, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book I, pp. 96-97, FDBM 1876 El0-11.

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27
In spite of such guarded optimism, Don Bosco had some misgivings about the
product, and (as will be seen below) the council on a number of occasions octecl
to dismiss confreres who lacked the Salesian spirit. At a meeting in which
admission of novices to vows was being discussed, Don Bosco remarked that not
a few applicants, though not wanting in matters of good morals and other basic
prerequisites, they nevertheless lacked motivation, they talked back impudently,
they gave bad example. The report continues:
Don Bosco said: "We should perhaps ask Father [Secondo] Franco [S.J.]
and find out how they handle the matter [in the Society of Jesus]."
However, at this meeting we were rather lenient, and the majority of
applicants were admitted to profession. Someone thought that they should
only be admitted to triennial vows. "That's worse," [Don Bosco] replied.
"They would look upon themselves as being neither fish nor fowl (ne a
piedi ne a cavallo), and their motivation would be further eroded. No, the
way to strengthen their resolve is to admit them at once to perpetual
vows."88
2. Admission of Candidates to Religious Profession
Admission of candidates to vows was obviously as frequent an item on the
agenda of the superior chapter as admission to the novitiate.
With reference to the question of triennial vows (referred to above), Don
Bosco's view, voiced on a number of occasions, not only challenged traditional
practice but also ran athwart of the constitutions which he himself had written.89
In the General Conference held in 1875 during the second spiritual retreat at
Lanzo, the session of September 23 was devoted to admissions. Ceria notes Don
Bosco's known pos ition in the matter: "As far as I am concerned, I can hardly
see any difference between perpetual and triennial vows since I may dispense also
from perpetual vows if one is no longer suitable for the Congregation.9° In the
General Conference of 1879, he made an even clearer statement on the subject.
Barberis reports:
When the admission of some who were applying for triennial vows came
up for discussion, Don Bosco took the opportunity of reiterating his
viewpoint: "Triennial vows hold too tempting a prospect for young men,
88 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, December 2, 1878, Barberi s Minutes, Note
Book II, p. 39, FDBM 1877 D4.
89 The early constitutions, from the first draft of 1858 to the last (approved)
text of 1874, provide for at least two terms of triennial vows. Cf. Francesco Motto,
Giovanni Bosco, Coslituzioni {...]. Tesli crilici / ...] (Roma: LAS, 1982), pp. 172-
173 (chapter on admissions, art. 4 [5 or 7]).
90 EBM XI, pp. 222-223, with Ceria's comments. The minutes of thi s
conference are not available to me.

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Journal of Saleslan Studies
and many eventually give in. If, on the other hand, they lake their perpetual
vows, their minds are at rest with no further thoughts [of leaving]. I sett.led
for triennial vows, because I had a different idea of the Congregation, for I
meant lO establish something a lot different than what was finally
approved. We were forced into that mold, and that's the end of it (ci
costrinsero a far cosi, e cosi sia). But, as mauers stand, triennial vows
leave one LOO open to temptation. If a candidate has the required qualities
and disposition, he should lake perpetual, not triennial vows.91
Ceria quotes what appears to be Don Bosco's final disposition of the matter in a
Good Night of September 5, 1879:
I must inform you that this is the last time that vows will be taken for
three years. From now on, anyone laking vows must lake them in
perpetuity. Experience has shown that triennial vows are too serious a
temptation for some to cope with."92
At the Second General Chapter, Don Bosco commented on a situation created by
triennial vows. A Salesian seminarian named Galvagno had just passed away.
Don Bosco (with somewhat dubious theology) urged the directors to notify the
confreres of the circumstances of this death, so that they mig ht draw a lesson. As
reported, Don Bosco said:
He was a good person, but was extraordinarily attached lo his mother, who
was very poor. She expected her son lo help her financially and therefore
she was opposed lo his continuing in the Congregation. The son, weak as
he was and wanting to help the mother, had not had the courage to take
perpetual vows, and at the expiration of his trienni al vows did not apply for
renewal. But lhe Lord [...] by this death wished to give us all a lesson: that
he who provides food for the birds of lhe air and the beasts of the field does
not abandon those who leave everything behind, family included, in mler
to follow him; and that, on the contrary, he frustrates the hopes of those
who rely on people and things rather than on him. In this case, the son was
punished by dying without vows; and the mother was punished by being
deprived of the son on whom she had pinned her hopes.9
9! Alassio General Conference, Session 2, February 7, 1879, Barberis Report
with Minutes of the Superior Chapter, Note Book Tl, pp. 76-77, FDBM 1878 B5-6.
Cf. Ceria's extended comment in EBM XIV, pp. 29-30.
92 EBM XIV, pp. 275-276. Ceria adds, however, that Don Bosco did not enforce
his own ordinance strictly, and triennial vows continued to be made. The archival
document is not available to me.
93 General Chapter IT, Session 7, September 7, 1880, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book I, pp. 60-61, FDBM 1858 B8-9.

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29
Whether admissions were to perpetual or to triennial vows, the discussion
frequently issued in characteristic or unusual comments and decisions by Don
Bosco. In the missionary band leaving for South America in 1878 were two
newly professed, admitted to vows before completing their year of novitiate. The
report reads:
Among those who are leaving [for the missions] there is the Salesian
seminarian Calcagno who was admitted to profession even though he still
needed five months Lo complete his novitiate. He is an alumnus of ours and
has the best testimonials from various places where he has lived, especially
from the Carmelites whose novice he was for nearly a year. [...] The young
brother Grosso has also been admitted to vows. He came to us three years
ago, but has been a novice for only three months. It is a problem; but
down there they need someone to head the bookbinding shop. He couldn't
be sent off without vows. He is a good young man. Let him go, and may
the Lord be with him.94
At a meeting held at the beginning of 1884, quite a number of novices were
admitted to vows, mostly perpetual. Some, however, were not. This was the
case of one Attilio Soffientini.
The house chapter of the novitiate house of San Benigno has withheld its
vote. He has been habitually disobedient, doing only what he liked. He is
conceited. His real interest is for his family, not for the Congregation.
When he went home to see his sister who was ill, he took a number of
days off without permission and without any reason. He is, however, very
talented, and Father Durando says that he has received fairly favorable
reports from Randazw [Sicily], where he is presently located. [...] The
superior chapter decides to put him off on pretext of having interrupted his
novitiate by spending one month with his fam ily. His profession is
postponed Lill the Autumn spiritual retreats so that he may complete his
novitiate. This is just a pretext, because, according to canon law the
novitiate is interrupted when one is absent with the intention of leaving the
Congregation , even if it be for only one hour.95
In the same meeting Father Cagliero moved that a policy be adopted of asking
novices seeking admission to vows if they have consulted their confessor and
obtained permission, a policy to be adopted, with greater reason, for those
seeking ordination. He cited recent theological opinion in support.96 The same
94 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, December 2, 1878, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book Il, p. 41, FDBM 1877 0'6.
95 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, January 15, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, pp.
3a-b, FDBM 1880 B5-6.
96 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, January 15, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
3b, FDBM 1880 B6.

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Journal of Saleslan Studies
question had come up at General Chapter II, and the provision had been written
into a commission's working paper. Don Bosco, expressing his qualified dissent,
asked that the provision be removed:
Such an inquiry might be recommended as a good thing in itself, but it
should not be laid down as a policy. First of all, some people might put a
bad construction on it; and secondly, if one wishes to deceive he can do so
with impunity because the confessor may not be queried in any case.97
The applications of some elderly lay persons were discussed at a meeting late in
1884. Two of them, 51 and 55 years o ld respectively, were presented and
rejected. Then came the tum of a 72-year old man, named Cattaneo.
He [Cattaneo] is applying for vows. He has the positive vote of the house
chapter. Father Cagliero demands to know by what title a 72-year old
person may be received into the Congregation. Don Bosco replies that this
is an exception. Father Cagliero objects that there are exceptions lllOOe
every day, and that this one only strengthens the principle that the young
must maintain the old. He thinks that in this matter we should be guided
by common sense. [...] Don Bosco answers that a note might be OOckd that
such persons were admitted by way of exception. If they were priests their
age would not be such a great difficulty. Father Cagliero insists that even
as priests these older people would be out of place among us. Father Rua
looks up the catalogue and discovers that Cattaneo has never been a novice,
nor even an aspirant. Don Bosco then suggests that the three be told that
they can share in all the spiritual advantages of Salesians by enrolling as
Salesian cooperators.98
3. Admission of Candidates to Holy Orders
Time and again Don Bosco's position is fo und to be at variance with that of his
council even in matters of substance. A lively discussion took place at a meeting
regarding three Salesian seminarians who were applying for holy orders. Their
names were Novelli, Giachino and Palmieri.
Father Cagliero reports that the vote of their house chapters is negative.
Don Bosco, however, notes that Novelli has assured him that he wants to
be a priest and that he has no intention of leaving the Congregation. He
has been very much disheartened by the fact that in his community he has
been shown no consideration. In his discouragement, he has lost confidence
in his director and, neglecting the manifestation, approached him only
97 General Chapter IT, Session 11, September 10, 1880, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book IT, p. 5, FDBM 1858 Dll.
98 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, September 12, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, p .
3 lb, FDBM 1881 B2.

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31
when absolutely necessary. However, he has gone to confession every ten
or eleven days, and to communion regularly. As for moral conduct, there
are no charges against him. Besides, he is certified as a teacher for the third
and fourth year of primary school. Father Cagliero adds that his director,
Father Bertello, has complained about his disobedience and lack of
discipline; but that Father Isnardi thinks him better than either Giachino or
Palmieri. Then one should remember that Novelli is a reject (rifiuto) of the
seminary of Brescia, and Palmieri of that of Rome. [...] Don Bosco thinks
he should be transferred to another house, but Father Durando says that he
has been transferred three times already. Don Bosco responds that if Father
Bertello had reported even the slightest failing in the matter of moral
conduct, he would immediately dismiss Novelli from the Congregation. He
seems, however, to be in the clear on that score. And moreover he has a
teacher's certification. Any Congregation would be glad to have him.
Father Cagliero quips: "They can have him as a gift." Father Rua remarks
that Novelli's health is poor. Don Bosco brings the discussion to a close:
"for the present, let's not commit ourselves. Let's wait and see if he can
carry on with his teaching. If his health deteriorates to the point that he is
unable to continue, then we will tell him that we can no longer retain him
and that he must look elsewhere."99
The application of another priestly candidate drew a lively discussion and raised
the issue of dismissal from the Society.
Father Barberis reports that [the Salesian seminarian] Testoris requests
ordination, so that on his twenty-fifth birthday he may be exempt from
military service in accordance with French law. He was ill and unable to do
any work up until recenlly when he got well after receiving Don Bosco's
blessing. Now he can work and no longer needs a special fare at table.
Father Cagliero remarks that in such cases both illness and cure are
problematic. Once ordained he will conveniently suffer a relapse. The real
question we must face is: Is it better for all concerned that he be a priest or
that he be a soldier? Father Barberis reports that Father Paglia praises
Testoris as a scholar. Father Cagliero asks why then Father Ronchail
always voted against him. Father Barberis replies that it was because of his
illness. Father Bonetti says that Testoris was sent away from the Oratory
on account of moral lapses (immoralita). At this point Father Rua poses
the question, whether perpetually professed confreres may be denied
ordination solely on grounds of ill health. Don Bosco poses a s lightly
different question, which deserves careful attention: Is the Congregation
bound to retain a perpetually professed Salesian, not yet ordained, who
because of illness has not been, nor wil l any longer be, active in the work
99 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, September 12, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
32a, FDBM 1881 B3.

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of the Society? Father Lazzero's opinion is that the Congregation may, but
is not bound to, retain such an individual. Father Sala thinks that the
Congregation is bound if the perpetually professed is a lay brother, but it is
not bound to retain a clerical student as such. Don Bosco adds: "I would
liken the vow to a contract. If one who has made perpetual vows can leave
the Congregation, and the Congregation may not force him to stay if he
insists on leaving, why can't the Society dismiss such a one when for
whatever reason he has become a burden?" [...] Don Bosco closes the
discussion on Testoris' case: "He should be told that a few weeks of good
health do not qualify him for ordination, which must therefore be put off.
But he should also be told not to come to Italy. If he wants to escape
military service let him figure out a way. Such individuals can put us in
jeopardy." In conclusion Don Bosco states an important principle: "If one
is not ready for profession by the appointed time, he should be dismissed.
Likewise, if one is denied ordination he should no longer be regarded as
belonging to the Society and should therefore be formally dismissed."
Testoris' application is rejected. 100
The issue of ordaining candidates before completion of regular theological studies
was the subject of lively debates. Don Bosco's view in the maLter contrasted
sharply with that of his council. In the face of hundreds of requests for schools
pouring in from various parts of Italy, Europe and the world, the scarcity of
personnel was felt as a painful reality.IOI It seems that during the last decade of
his life, Don Bosco was clearly envisioning the worldwide expansion of the
Salesian work and was overwhelmed by the urgency of the task.
Don Bosco stresses the extraordinary need for priests in Salesian houses
present and future. Priests are needed to supply the lack of Masses in
churches and chapels, as well as in our own houses. A priest also wields
greater authority, etc. What we need to do is to take a good look at all our
clerical students, and present them for ordination if they fulfill the age
requirement and are morally qualified. Don Bosco has been propounding
this idea for some time now and with great persistence, but he has come up
against stiff opposition. For there are those who think that no one should
be ordained before completing his theological studies. There are already too
many priests in the Congregation who find themselves at a disadvantage in
100 Meeling of the Superior Chapter, April 5, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, p. lOa,
FDBM 1880 C7.
IOI As already indicated, in meeting after meeting much time was devoted to the
examination and discussion of requests and proposals for foundations. Their numbers
are truly amazing. In the period we are considering it seems that the whole world was
becoming aware of the Salesian Society and its work. IL may be of interest to the
reader that in 1884 there were requests for foundations of the Salesians and sisters
from St. Petersburg and Odessa. [Meeting of the Superior Chapter, February 28, 1884,
Lemoyne Minutes, p. 8a, FDBM 1880 C3.]

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Key Concepts
33
this regard, and would cut a poor figure in any circle. In fact, the superiors
don 't dare assign some of them to certain houses or even to positions of
little responsibility for fear that they will make fools of themselves. Don
Bosco urges that they just be made to continue their studies after
ordination. But members of the chapter believe that it is impossible to
obtain this on a regular basis. There may be some who have the desire and
will make time for study; but most others will prefer to busy themselves
with whatever they have to do, and leave all study aside. Don Bosco,
however, stands firm . 'We should push forward with this program aid
promote good candidates to ordination, even if they have not completed
their theological studies. We should see to it that they continue their
studies after ordination." 102
At the Second General Chapter from the commission's report on philosophical
studies the discussion drifted on to the subject of studies in general, and of
priestly studies in particular.
It was remarked the we have priests who have completed only a small part
of their theological studies. Such priests can cause much embarrassment for
the Congregation. Father Cagliero was particularly articulate in demanding
that no one should be ordained before completing the full four years of
theo logy. But Don Bosco spoke against this idea at length and in strongest
terms: " If there are priests who still haven't completed their theological
curriculum, let some one help them along, tutor them, correct their
homework. If they haven' t studied all their treatises and taken
examinations, the thing to do, as I have so often urged, is to send them to
school after ordination and to allow them some leisure for the study of
theology. But we must not establish as a norm what no other religious
order accepts as a norm. In all congregations priests are ordained before
completing their theological studies when it seems opportune to do so.
Bishops also follow this practice which is dictated by the great need of
priests in these times of ours." Don Bosco went on to state that all the
objections which have so insistently been raised against this view are based
on a misunderstanding, that is, on a confusion between what should be held
in principle and what should be done in practice: "That the major superior,
whenever he deems it opportune, should have a margin of freedom to
promote to orders candidates who have not completed their treatises and
taken their examinations, is a matter of principle. The practice must then
be ordered as necessity and prudence demands. As I have already explained,
these priests should be made to continue their studies and, when necessary,
the ministry of some backward individuals should be restricted. The reasons
which move me to accelerate the process are as follo ws: (1) More effective
102 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, May 15, 1878, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book II, pp. 9-10, FDBM 1877 Al0-11.

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Journal of Salesian Studies
means of perfection are placed at the disposal of the individual. (2) Greater
glory is given to God, and more graces are obtained for the Church as a
whole and for the Congregation. (3) Greater good is achieved in our houses,
since a priest has more influence over the youngsters. [Added:] Further,
directors and principal staff members have greater liberty with no Mass
commitments. Also, the people at large are better served. [(4)] We are poor,
and Mass stipends help."103
On another later occasion, Don Bosco made the same points with equal force,
stipulating, however, that no one should be ordained if he has not mastered, md
passed examinations in the treatises on Holy Orders and on the Eucharist.104
Don Bosco's concern and anxiety over other aspects of the formation of
candidates for ordjnation, especially over their moral conduct, are voiced on many
occasions. In his last years time and again he urged vigilance:
"Candidates to holy orders should be watched and examined before the
subdiaconate. They should be questioned: Have you been diligent in your
studies, or have you wasted your time? And how about your moral
conduct? In other words, sufficiency in theological studies and good morals
must go hand in hand."105
"Before allowing some one on to major orders, the superior has a grave
duty to ascertain if the canrudate is prepared. He should have a talk with
him in strict confidence, question him and give him appropriate advice.
Questions such as the following might be asked: In God's sight, do you
think you are ready for orders? As to moral conduct, how have you fared?
Did you fail through voluntary actions? If the answer is in the affirmative,
one should inquire whether it was by force of habit or simply through
unusual circumstances. [.. .] Orrunation might have to be postponed, in
which case one must make it clear that both superior and subject are
equally bound in conscience."106
103 General Chapter II, Session 4, September 5, 1880, Barberis Minutes, Note
Book I, pp. 34-35, FDBM 1857 E6-7.
104 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, September 18, 1885, Lemoyne Minutes,
p. 79a, FDBM 1882 El; and November 14, 1887, Lemoyne Minutes, p. 108a, FDBM
1883 Dl 1. This is the second to the last meeting chaired by Don Bosco.
105 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, September 18, 1885, Lemoyne Minutes,
p. 79a, FDBM 1882 El.
!06 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, September 9, 1885, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
72a, FDBM 1882 Cll. Don Bosco spoke in much the same terms but in greater detail
the Meeting of the Superior Chapter, November 29, 1885, Lemoyne Minutes, p. 88a,
FDBM 1883 A7.

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35
Part III. Attendant Problems
On reading the minutes and other documents of the period, one has the distinct
impression that not all was well with the formation process leading to vows and
to ordination, and that defections and lapses had to be lamented all too frequently.
Thus we read about a certain Augusto Bianciardi who had decamped and was
threatening Don Bosco.
Father Augusto Bianciardi, after making a mess of things everywhere, is
now a fugitive from the house of Magliano [Sabino], his last assignment.
He first applied for incardination in Florence, but the archbishop refused to
accept him. Then he wrote an abusive letter to Don Bosco threatening to
reveal discrediting facts he claimed to know about the Congregation. Don
Bosco let him know that he was not going to get any satisfaction unless he
displayed normal civility. Bianciardi then wrote a letter to the Congregation
of Bishops and Regulars leveling trumped-up accusations of all sorts
against the Society. Without apparent embarrassment, he brazenly declared
to have taken religious vows and received holy orders deceitfully under false
pretenses. He had no reply from Rome. He followed this up with a request
made to Don Bosco through Monsignor Martini to be duly released from
vows and orders. Don Bosco's reply to this was that there was nothing he
could do now that the case was before the Roman Congregation. Today
another threatening letter was received. The Congregation of Bishops and
Regulars has now made inquiries with [our procurator in Rome] Father
Dalmazzo, wanting to know the details of the affair and who had been the
ordaining bishop. Don Bosco is planning to write to the Roman
Congregation to point out that one who has lied at profession and at
ordination deserves no credence. In conclusion, Don Bosco urges that
ex treme vigilance and caution be exercised in the matter of ordinations. 107
At a later meeting, Don Bosco had to lament numerous defections and widespread
lack of the Salesian spirit, He said:
Many confreres show a total lack of the Salesian spirit. Every year we have
to lament defections of priests, after so much time and effort spent in their
education. No sooner ordained than they apply for dispensation, without
allowing any time for their formation. Of course, quite a few priests were
ordained [prematurely] in moments of urgent necessity. But from now on
we must proceed with much greater caution before promoting candidates to
orders and we must demand that they spend at least one year in the house of
studies before ordination. Then, sadly, concern for family interests and the
107 Meeting of the Superior Chapter, January 16, 1884, Lemoyne Minutes, p.
4b, FDBM 1889 B8.

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36
Journal of Saleslan Studies
families themselves conspire to take confreres away from the Society. We
must strengthen our positions.108
At the Third General Chapter Don Bosco repeatedly voiced his fears and concern
over another delicate and painful situation, the moral conduct of confreres. Even
before the chapter began its work, he moved that a commission be established to
study the &foblem and suggest means to promote good morals among the
confreres.1 A little later he declared: "The Congregation is in need of a
thorough cleansing (ha bisogno di essere purgata)." He went on to discuss areas
where reforms were needed:
"In the first place, no woman should be living with us in the house (venga
a dormire in casa). The laundry, too, [where women are employed] should
have no communication with the rest of the house. Secondly, what has
been laid down [by General Chapter II] regarding separate living and
working quarters for our sisters must be implemented without delay. This
is of the utmost importance and must be given immediate and serious
attention." [...] Don Bosco then relates that the Congregation of Bishops
and Regulars, acting on reports received, had planned an apostolic visitation
[of Salesian institutions] and would have acted according ly, if the Holy
Father had not intervened. This would have been a disgraceful blot on our
good name. The Roman Congregation had received a report of immoral
behavior [cosa lubrica], believable in itself [interlinear addition: but false,
to be sure]: A Salesian who was in the habit of visiting the sisters'
working rooms struck up a friendship with one of them, and together they
plotted to elope. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, their scheme
was foiled. It was Cardinal [lnnocenzo] Ferrieri who received the report and
spoke to the Holy Father about a possible visitation.110
Actually the contemplated investigation of Salesian institutions referred to above
was motivated by more serious episodes of moral misconduct that had occurred
during the three previous years. I I I It was to be expected that with so many
young, sometimes hastily fonned and ordained, Salesians scauered in numerous
schools, regrettable incidents should occur. The anticlerical press in leftist-liberal
108 Meeting of Lhe Superior Chapter, November 5, 1885 , Lemoyne Minutes, p.
87a, FDBM 1883 AS.
109 General Chapter ID, Session 2, September 3, 1883, Marenco Minutes, p. 3,
FDBM 1863, E9. The appointed commission included Fathers Michele Rua, Giuseppe
Bertello, Antonio Notario, Domenico Belmonte, Giacomo Costamagna. The
commission's report is not to be found in the files of General Chapter Ill in FDBM.
I IO General Chapter ill, Session 5, September 4, 1883, Marenco Minutes, pp .
8-9, FDBM 1864 A2-3.
111 In summarizing these events, while using the published common sources, I
am guided by Francis Desrarnaut, "Etudes VII," in Cahiers Sa/esiens 20-21 (Apr. -Oct.
1989), pp. 215 -218.

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Key Concepts
37
Italy was quick to give such incidents lurid publicity. Some, however, could be
kept from the public, as was the case, in 1880 of Father Davide Pirro and in
1883 of Father Alexander Porani, both in Nice. They had the good grace of
quickly disappearing from the scene.112 Bul whether secret or public, such moral
lapses were a grave concern and a severe trial for Don Bosco.
The incident which occurred at Laigueglia (Liguria) in 1881 was gotten
hold of by the press. The Salesian seminarian Venanzio Bertolo, stationed at the
Salesian school of Alassio, where Father Francesco Cerruti was director, went
every day with Father Matteo Torazza from the same community to the little
town of Laigueglia. After spending the day Leaching, both would return to
Alassio in the evening. The incident in which Bertolo was involved, one of child
molestation, was first given publicity by the liberal daily of Milan, fl Secolo.
This sheet reported that it was a Salesian priest of Alassio who had been guilty
of the crime. The Catholic daily of Milan, L' Osservatore Cattolico, was quick to
make inquiries and to publish the correct version: it was not a priest, nor was the
school of Alassio involved. But it was bad enough. Don Bosco, who was
returning from France and passing through the area at the Lime was very much
disturbed by the events. The furor died down more quickly than expecled.113
The Cremona episode of February-March 1882 was much more serious in
its repercussions. The person in question was Father Ermenegildo Musso, a 27-
year old Salesian priest, a primary school teacher al SL Lawrence Oratory and
School in Cremona (Lombardy). He was accused of some strange, "sadistic" acts:
while on a walk he had shoved some nettles under the shirt of one of the boys;
and on another occasion at the school he had undressed a lad and poured hot wax
from a candle on his back. One of the parents, after complaining to the director
and being rebuffed, went lo the police. An investigation began, and in spite of
the fact that the parent in question wished to withdraw the accusation, justice
was quick to take its course. Father Musso, who had meanwhile made good his
escape lo France, received a jail sentence of three months, and the school was
shut down by order of the prefect of police. News of the affair spread beyond
Cremona. Anticlerical newspapers in major cities, under such headlines as "The
l1 2 On Father Davide Pirro, the postscript in a letter of Don Bosco to Father
Giuseppe Bologna reads: "I am writing to Father Pirro to reprimand him fo r betraying
himself, the Congregation and the Church. I am cautioning him over the pit he has
dug for himself that he may take stock, etc. He will discuss the matter with you."
[Letter of May 13, 1880, Ceria, Epistolario UJ, p. 588. Cf. also IBM XIV, p. 498 and
EBM XIV, p. 388.] Ceria notes: Father Pirro was from Naples and had already decided
to leave the Congregation.
The Biographical Memoirs make mention of Father Alessandro Por[r]ani in
other connections, but have nothing regarding this matter. For information cf.
a Francis Desramaut, Don-Bosco Nice (Paris, 1980), p. 367, note 74, which is not
available to me.
l !3 A summary account is given in IBM XV, p. 139 and EBM XV, pp. 110-111 ,
where Ceria omits the name and speaks simply of "a teacher." But Bertolo was
apparently a Salesian seminarian, according to F. Desramaut, "Etudcs YU," in
Cahiers Salesiens 20-21 (1989), p. 216.

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38
Journal of Salesian Studies
Cesspool," printed some very nasty things about Father Musso, Don Bosco, the
SaJesians and their schools, with explicit accusations of immoraJity.114
Ceria prefers to think that these were the acts of a crazy religious fanatic
imposing "penances," and that morals were not in question.115 But not only did
such accusations of "moral turpitude" nearly provoke an investigation of all
Salesian schools by the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars (Cardinal
Ferrieri), but they also had an adverse effect on the settlement of the Bosco-
Gastaldi conflict that was to take place by order of Leo XIII some two months
later (June 1882). The Pope himself expressed his grief and disappointment that
Salesians should be accused of "most immoral conduct (de re turpissima)."116
Such unsavory incidents lay behind Don Bosco's concern at General
Chapter III. Toward the end of the Chapter, Marenco reports Don Bosco's urgent
warning:
"Up until recently we could be proud of our record (.portar alta la fronte) in
the matter of morals. Now we have been damaged, though perhaps not
seriously, by the bad conduct of a few careless Salesians. Our good name is
on the mend, but directors should be extremely vigilant, because they are
responsible before society for their confreres' conduct. [...]"
"Tell the confreres that by failure in moral conduct they compromise
the house and the Congregation before God and society: before God we
jeopardize our soul; before society we forfeit our good name."117
In his sketchy notes Barberis reports Don Bosco warning in even stronger terms:
"Let us be vigilant [in this matter of morals], because when moral lapses
occur among us we gravely compromise not only ourselves but aJso our
boys, our house, and the whole Congregation. We are thereby liable to the
114 Desramaut names some of these newspapers and quotes excerpts: the
Cronaca dei Tribunali and the Gazzelta de/ Popolo of Turin, the Epoca of Genoa, the
Messaggero of Rome. Epoca wrote: "One is seized by vertigo when faced with such a
monstrous abyss of ev il and shame." and Cronaca dei Tribunali: "Even the justice
system is in shock, as it prosecutes these assassins of adolescents working under the
cloak of a religious habit. [...] We respect Don Bosco. [...] But his name should not
be invoked lo protect these criminals, nor the banner of his chari ty used lo cloak over
such unheard-of moral turpitude." [Etudes VII, in Cahiers Salesiens 20-21 (1989), pp.
2 17-218)
11 5 Ceria's account is given in IBM XV, pp. 576-578 and 579, EBM XV, pp.
479-481. IBM XV, pp. 813-815 (Appendix 85) gives Attorney Villa's brief to the
Appeals Court of Brescia on behalf of Father Musso (omitted in EBM).
116 Letter of Procurator General, Father Dalmazzo, to Don Bosco, Rome, May
15, 1882, summarized in IBM XV, p 578 and less full y in EBM XV, p. 481.
117 General Chapter III, Session 11 , September 7, 1883, Marenco Minutes, pp.
18- 19, FDBM 1864 Bl.

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Key Concepts
39
penalties under the Jaw, not to mention God's eternal punishment. Woe,
woe, woe to him who gives scandal in this mauer."118
At a meeting following up on General Chapter III, the superior chapter acted, for
the fust time, to dismiss a group of confreres for their bad spirit.
We turned our attention to a very weighty matter that for a long time has
been on the superiors' mind. We are faced with the problem of cleansing
(purgare) the Congregation by eliminating a number of its members who
do not live by its spirit and have become a bad example and a drag on the
others. A list of such undesirables who seemed past recovery has been
drawn up beforehand. After yielding on many of them, we finally marked
eight for dismissal. Two additional confreres were likewise marked, but
they will not be notified since they are up for military service in the near
future, and they will be let go that way. This is the first time that we oct.ed
to dismiss people in a group, and it was an emotional experience. Every
one, however, agreed that the measure was called for. 119
Preliminary Conclusion
I believe that the foregoing passages, translated directly for the original reports,
suffice for a description of the problems connected with the building up of the
Salesian "labor force" and with its deployment in the various fields of the
Society's work. The Congregation's tremendous growlh and expansion in the
founding era were not without pain and uncertainties. Ideals had to be tempered
in the face of the harsh reality of practical need, but they were never lost sight
of. One sees a continuous striving toward establishing those policies and that
modus operandi which seemed most conducive to the furtherance of the Salesian
mission. Contrasting views never degenerated into personal pique, and free and
lively dialogue never deviated from the common purpose which was ever held in
view.
Don Bosco , who presided at most of the meetings even in the last days of
his physical dissolution, was at once the g uiding spirit, the catalyst, and the
cohesive force in the joint effort at finding the right solutions. Fraternal charity,
unity and oneness in heart and soul, fatherly encouragement on the one hand and
filial deference on the other, these unique qualities of the Salesian spirit, are what
make these texts not only instructive but altogether inspiring.
[to be continued)
ll8 General Chapter ill, Session 11, September 7, 1883, Barberis Minutes p.
10, FDBM 1864 D7.
11 9 Meeting of the Superior chapter, September 14, 1883, Barberis Minutes.
loose sheet, FDBM 1879 El2.

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40
Journal of Salesian Studies
Appendix I
Bar beris' M inutes of the Sup erior Cha pter, 1875-1883
[i] Two ReporLS by Barberis in Sheets Following Note Book III
date & t ime
[m o./d av/yrl
8/14/1875
11/7/1875
chai rman
DB
DB
pa~e
p. 1-7
p. 8-2 1
FD BM
1879 C3-9
1879 ClO-Dll
[ii] Barberis' Principal Collection of Minutes of Meetings of the Superior
Chapter (Note Books I, II & III)
date & time
[m o./dav/v rl
12/10/1875 PM
1/27/1876 PM
6/18/1876 PM
11/5/1876 PM
11/27/1876 PM
12/17/1876 PM
2/16/ 1877 PM
5/3/1877 PM
5/6/1877 PM
5/11/1877 PM
5/21/1877 PM
8/17/1877 PM
5/15/1878 PM
5/16/1878 PM
Jul&Aug, 1876
10/1/1878
11 /4/1878
12/1/1878 PM
12/2/ 1878 PM
12/12/1878
12/27/1878 PM
4/15&16/1879
4/29/1879 PM
5/7/1879 PM
5/ 8/1879
5/16/1 879
c h a irm a n book & pal!e
F D HM
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
[DB]
DB]
fDBl
[DB]
[DB]
[DB]
[DB]
DB
DB
[DB]
[DB]
I, 1-10
1, 11-13
I, 13-22
I, 23-32
I, 33-40 [B's add.
comments]
I, 40-50
I, 51 -59
I, 59-69
I. 70-74
I, 75-83
I, 83-89
I, 89-93
I, 93-98
rr. 1-11
II, 11 -19
II, 19-21 [summ. of
2 meetings]
II, 22-25
JI, 25-28
II, 29-35
II, 36-41
n. 42-47
II, 48-59
II, 87-89 [rep. Lo
Barberis]
III, 1-8
rrr. 8-15
HI, 14-19
m. 19-24
1875 B l 1-C8
1875 C9-ll
1875 Cl 1-D8
1875 D9-E6
1875 E7 - 876.A2
1876 A2-12
1876 Bl-9.
1876 B9-C7
1876 C8-12
1876 Dl-9
1876 D9-E3
1876 E3-7
1876 E7-12
1877 A2-12
1877 A12-B8.
1877 B8-10
1877 B 11 -C2
1877 C2-5
1877 C6-12
1877 Dl -6
1877 D7-12
1877 El-12
1878 C4-6
1878 D10-E5
1878 E5-l 1
1878 Ell - 1879 A4
1879 A4-9

5 Pages 41-50

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Key Concepts
5/19/1879
5/29/1879 PM
6/9/1879 PM
[DB]
[reported to
B.]
[DB]
fDB l
Ill, 25-26
rn. 27-30
m. 30-41
41
1879 Al0-11
1879 A12-B3
1879 B3-C2
[iii] Minutes of the Meetings of the Superior Chapter [after GC II] from Note
Book of Barberis' Minutes of GC II (Rough Copy)
date & time
[m o./d a y/y r]
9/29/1880 flstl
9/29/1880 [2nd]
11/30/1880 AM
11/30/1880 PM
12/1/1880 [A M)
12/1/1880 fPMl
12/2/1880 AM
12/2/1880 PM
12/31880 AM
12/4/1880
12/9/1880
12/20/1880
1 2 / 2 9 /188 0
1/3 1881
cha ir ma n
fDB l
[DB]
[DB]
[DB]
[DB]
[DB)
fDB]
[DB]
[DB]
[DB]
[DB]
[DB)
fDBl
[DB]
page
p. 20
P. 20-21
p. 21
p. 21
p. 22
p. 22-23
P. 23
p. 23
p. 24
p. 24
p. 24
p. 24
p. 24
p. 24-25
FDBM
1856 C7
1856 C7-8
1856 C8
1856 C8
1856 C9
1856 C9-10
1856 ClO
1856 ClO
1856 CJ 1
1856 Cll
1856 Cll
1856 Cll
1856 Cll
1856 Cl 1-12
[iv] Barberis' Last report
date & t ime
[m o ./d ay/y r]
9/14/1883
c h air man
fDBl
p age
1 P.
FDBM
1879 Cl 2
********************
Append ix II
Lemoyne's M inutes of Meetings of t he Superior Chap ter , 1883-
1888
d ate & t ime
[mo.Ida I r]
1883- 188 4
12/14/1883 PM
12/28/1883 PM
1/ 15/1884 PM
1/16/1884 PM
cha ir ma n
DB
DB
DB
DB
ae
oo. la-b
oo. 2a-b
oo. 3a-b
oo. 4a-5a
FDBM
1880 Bl -2.
1880 B3-4
1880 B5-6
1880 B7-9

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42
1/22/1884 PM
DB
2/21/1884 PM
DB
2/28 1884 PM
DB
3/16/1884 PM
Rua
4/5/1884 PM
DB
5/5/1884
Rua
5/19/1884 PM
DB
6/2/1884 PM
DB
6/5/1884 PM
DB
6/27/1884 PM
DB
6/30/1884 PM
DB
7/4/1884 PM
DB
7/7/1884
DB
7/19/1884 PM
DB
8/26/1884 PM
Rua
8/29/1884 AM
DB
8/29/1884 PM
Rua
8/29/1884 PM
DB
8/30/1884 PM
DB
9/4/1884 AM
DB
9/6/1884 AM
DB
9/11/1884 PM
DB
9/12/1884 AM
DB
9/12/1884 PM
DB
9/18/1884 PM
Rua
9/19/1884 AM
Rua
9/19/1884 PM
Rua
9/20/1884 AM
Rua
9/20/1884 PM
Rua
9/21/1884 AM
Rua
9/21/1884 PM
Rua
9/29/1884 PM
Rua
9/30/1884 PM
Rua
10/2/1884 PM
Rua
10/3/1884 AM
Rua
10/3/1884 PM
DB
10/24/1884 PM
DB
10/28/1884 PM
DB
11/1 3/1884 PM
DB
12/1/1884 PM
DB
12/5/1884 PM
DB
12/9/1884 PM
DB
12/27/1884
DB
1885
1/9/1885 PM
DB
Journal of Saleslan Studies
pp. 5b-6a
pp. 6b-7b
PO. 8a-b
pp. 9a-b
oo. 10a-b
p. 11a
p. 11 b-12a
p. 12b
p. 13a-14a
p. 14b-15a
o. 15b-16a
p. 16b-17b
p, 18a-b
o. 19a
p . 19b-20a
P. 20b-21a
p. 2lb-22b
o. 23a-b
o. 24a-25a
p. 25b-26b
p. 27a-28a
p . 28b-30a
p. 30b-3la
p. 3 l b-34a
o. 34b
p. 35a
o. 35b-36a
p. 36b
p, 37a
p. 37b
o. 38a
P. 38b
p. 39a
P. 39b-40b
p. 4la-b
P. 42a-b
p. 43a-44a
p. 44b-46a
P. 46b-47a
p. 47b-48a
p. 48b-49b
o. 50a-51 b
o. 52a-53b
1880 810-11
1880 B 12-C2
1880 C3-4
1880 C5-6
1880 C7-8
1880 C9
1880 Cl 0-11
1880 Cl2
1880 Dl -3
1880 04-5
1880 D6-7
1880 D8-10
1880 Dll-12
1880 El
1880 E2-3
1880 E4-5
1880 E6-8
1880 E9-10
1880 Ell-188 1Al
1881 A2-4
1881 A5-7
1881 A8-l l
1881 A12-B l
1881 B2-7
1881 88
1881 89
1881 810-1 1
1881 B12
1881 Cl
1881 C2
1881 C3
1881 C4
1881 cs
1881 C6-8
188 1 C9-10
1881 Cll -12
1881 Dl -3
1881 D4-7
1881 D8-9
188 1 DI 0-11
1881 D12-E2
1881 E3-6
1881 E7-10
p. 54a
1881 El 1

5.3 Page 43

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Key Concepts
2/23/1885 PM
DB
2/24/1885 PM
DB
3/20/1885 PM
DB
5/29/1885 PM
DB
6/5/1885 PM
DB
6/8/1885 PM
DB
6/12/1885 PM
DB
6/22/1885 PM
DB
7/10/1885 PM
DB
7/13/1885 PM
DB
8/24/1885 AM
Rua
8/24/1885 PM
DB
8/25/1885 AM
Rua
8/25/1885 PM
DB
9/1/1885 AM
Rua
9/1/1885 PM
Rua
9/2/1885 AM
Rua
9/2/1885 PM
Rua
9/3/1885 AM
Rua
9/3/1885 PM
Rua
9/4/1885 AM
Rua
9/4/1885 PM
Rua
9/9/1885 AM
DB
9/9/1885 PM
DB
9/10/1885 AM
DB
9/10/1885 [PM]
DB
9/16/1885 AM
DB
9/16/1885 PM
DB
9/1 7/1885 AM
DB
9/17/1885 PM
DB
9/18/1885 AM
DB
9/18/1885 PM
DB
9/22/1885 AM
DB
/922/1885 PM
DB
9/24/1885 AM
DB
9/25/1885 AM
DB
9/25/1885 PM
DB
10/1/1885 PM
DB
10/2/1885 AM
DB
10/2/1885 PM
DB
10/26/1885 PM
DB
11/2/1885 PM
DB
11/5/1885 PM
DB
11/16/1885 PM
DB
11/29/1885 PM
DB
p, 54b
p. 55a-b
p. 56a-b
p. 57a-58a
p. 58b-59b
o. 60a
p. 60b-61a
p. 6lb-62a
o. 62b-63a
p. 63b-64a
p. 64b-65a
p. 65b-66a
p. 66b
p . 67a-b
p. 68a
p. 68b
p. 69a
p. 69b
p. 70a
p. 70b
p. 71a
p. 71b
p. 72a
p. 72a
o. 73a
p. 73b
p. 74a-75b
p. 76a
p. 76b
o. 77a-b
p. 78a-b
p. 79a
p. 79b-81 a
p. 81b-82a
p. 82b-83a
p, 83b
p. 83b
o. 84a
p. 84b
p. 84b
p. 85a-b
p. 86a-b
p . 87a
p. 87b
p. 88a
43
1881 E12
1882 Al-2
1882 A3-4
1882 A5-7
1882 A8 -10
1882 Al 1
1882 Al2-Bl
1882 B2-3
1882 B4-5
1882 B6-7
1882 B8-9
1882 Bl0-11
1882 B12
1882 Cl -2
1882 C3
1882 C4
1883 C5
1882 C6
1882 C7
1882 C8
1882 C9
1882 c 10
1882 Cl 1
1882 Cl2
1882 Dl
1882 D2
1882 D3-6
1882 D7
1882 D8
1882 D 9-10
1882 DI 1-12
1882 El
1882 E2-5
1882 E6 -7
1882 E8-9
1882 ElO
1882 ElO
1882 El 1
1882 El 2
1882 El 2
1883 Al -2
1883 A3-4
1883 A5
1883 A6
1883 A7

5.4 Page 44

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44
Journal of Salesian Studies
12/1/1885 PM
DB
12/14/1885 PM
DB
1886
2/12/1886 PM
DB
5/26/1886 PM
DB
6/11 /1886 PM
DB
6/25/1886 PM
DB
7/2/1886 PM
DB
Aug.-Oct., not r ec. (prep. for CG IV) -
10/20/1886 PM
DB
11 /2/1886 PM
DB
11/19/1886 PM
DB
12/20/1886 PM
DB
18 87
2/14/1887 PM
DB
3/14/1887 PM
DB
3/28/1887 PM
DB
4/19/1887 PM
DB
5/25/1887 PM
DB
6/10/1887 PM
Rua
6/27/1887 PM
DB
7/4/1887 PM
Rua
7/6/1887 PM
Rua
8/18/1887 AM
Rua
8/18/1887 PM
Rua
8/22/1887 AM
Rua
8/22/1887 PM
Rua
8/23/1887 AM
Rua
8/23/1887 AM
Rua
8/29/1887 PM
Rua
8/30/1887 AM
Rua
8/30/1887 PM
Rua
9/12/1887 AM
Rua
9/12/1887 PM
DB
9/13/1887 AM
DB
9/13/1887 PM
Rua
9/14/1887 AM
Rua
9/14/1887 PM
Rua
9/15/1887 AM
Rua
9/15/1887 PM
Rua
9/16/1887 PM
Rua
9/17/1887 AM
Rua
9/22/1887 AM
Rua
9/22/1887 PM
Rua
9/24/1887 AM
Durando
p. 90b
p. 91 a-b
p. 92a
p. 92b
p. 93a-b
cf. p. 93b - 1883 86
p. 93b
p. 94a
p. 94b
o. 95a
p. 95b-96b
p. 97a
p. 97b
p. 98a
o. 98a-b
p. 99a-b
p. lOOa
p. lOOa
p . lOOb
p. IOOb
p. 101 a
p. !Ol a
p. 101 a
p. 101 b
p. IOlb
p. 102a
p. 102a
p. 102b
p. 102b
p. 102b
p. 103a
p. I03a
p. 103a
p. !03b
p. 103b
p. 103b
p. 103b
p. 104a
p. 104a
o. 104a
p. 104b
1883 A8-10
1883 A 11
1883 A12
1883 Bl -2
1883 83
1883 84
1883 B5-6
1883 B6
1883 87
1883 88.
1883 89
1883 Bl 0-12
1883 C l
1883 C2
1883 C3
1883 C3-4
1883 C5-6
1883 C7
1883 C7
1883 C8
1883 C8
1883 C9
1883 C9
1883 C9
1883 ClO
1883 ClO
1883 Cll
1883 Cll
1883 Cl 2
1883 C12
1883 Cl2
1883 Dl
1883 Dl
1883 DI
1883 D2
1883 02
1883 D2
1883 D2
1883 D3
1883 D3
1883 D3
1883 D4

5.5 Page 45

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Key Concepts
9/28/1887 PM
9/29/1887 AM
9/29/1887 PM
9/30/1887 AM
9/30/1887 PM
10/10/1887 PM
10/28/1887 PM
11/14/1887 PM
11/30/1887 PM
12/21/1887 PM
12/30/1887 PM
1888
1/26/1888 PM
1/31/1888 10 PM
2/7/1888 PM
2/24/1888 PM
2/28/1888 PM
Rua
Rua
Rua
Rua
Rua
DB
DB
DB
DB (last
time)
Rua
Rua
Rua
Rua
Rua
Rua
Rua
p, 104b
p, 104b
p. 105a-b
p, 105b
p. 106a
p, 106b-107b
p, 107b
p. I 08a
p. 108a
p, 108b
p, 109a
p, 109b
p. 109b
p. 109b-11Oa
p. 1IOa
p. 1lOa
45
1883 D4
1883 D4
1883 D5-6
1883 D6
1883 D7
1883 D8-10
1883 010
1883 Dl l
1883 Dll
1883 D12
1883 El
1883 E2
1883 E2
1883 E2-3
1883 E3
1883 E3
********************
Appendix III.
Repertory-Catalogue of th e Sessions of the General Conference
Held at Alassio, February 6-8, 1879.
sess i on
1
2
3
4
da te & time c h airm a n book & page
mo./ d av/yr
2/6/1879 PM
DB
II, p. 60-69
[2n/1879 AM: private interviews]
2n/1879 PM
DB
TI. p. 70-77
2/8/1879 AM
DB
II, p. 77-82
2/8/1879 PM
DB
II, p. 83-86
FDBM
1878 A1-10
1878 Al l-B6
1878 B6-ll
1878 B l 2-C3
********************
Appendix IV
Reper tory-Cata logue of t he Sessions of Gener al Chapter II as
G iven in Bar beris' and in Marenco's M inutes
[i] Barberis' Original Draft
sessio n d ate/ti me cha irma n page
1 opening 9/3/1880 eve
DB
p. 1-4
2
9/4/1880 AM
DB
p. 5-9
3
9/4/1880 PM
DB
p, 10-11
r9/5/1880 AM Sun - superior chap.- Barb. absent] - P. 11 -
[9/5/1880 PM Sun - superior chap.- Barb. absentl - p. 11 -
FDBM
1856 Al2-B3
1856 B4-9
1856 B9-10
1856B10
1856 BlO

5.6 Page 46

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46
Journal of Saleslan Studies
4
9/S/1880 eve
DB
p. 11-12
s
9/6/1880 AM
DB
p. 12-13
6
9/6/1880 PM
DB
p. 13-14
7
9/7/1880 AM
DB
p. 14-1 S
8
9/7/1880 PM
DB
p. l S
(9/8/1880: nothin2 recorded)
9
9/9/1880 AM
DB
p. 16
[9/9/1880 PM: nothin2 recorded]
10
9/10/1880 AM
DB
p. 17
11
9/10/1880 PM
DB
p. 18
12
9/11 /1880 AM
DB
p. 18
13
9/11/1880
DB
p. 19
[nothing further recorded on General Chapter II)
18S6 Bl0-11
18S6 Bll-12
18S6 B12-Cl
18S6 Cl-2
18S6 C2
18S6 C3
18S6 C4
18S6 cs
18S6 cs
18S6 C6
[ii] Marenco's Minutes
1 (4 reallvl 9/S/1880 PM
DB
P. 1-4
18S6 03-6
2
9/6/1880 AM
DB
p. 4-S
18S6 D6-7
3
9/6/1880 PM
DB
p, 6-7
18S6 08-9
4
9/7/1880
DB
p. 8
s
9/7/1880 PM
DB
p. 9
18S6 010
18S6 Oil
(9/8/1880: nothin2 recorded]
6
9/9/1880 AM
DB
p. 1--12
18S6 012 - E2
7
9/9/1880 PM
DB
p. 12-14
18S6 E2-4
[9/10/1880 AM: nothing recorded - Marenco absent, note o. 14, 18S6 E4)
9
9/10/1880 PM
DB
p. I S-16
18S6 ES-6
I0
9/11/1880 AM
DB
p. 17
18S6 E7
11
9/11/1880
DB
p. 17-19
1856 E7-9
[2ao: for 9/11, 12,13: nothing recorded]
12
9/14/1880 AM
DB
p. 19-20
18S6 E9-10
13
9/14/1880 PM
DB
p. 20-21
1856 EI0-11
[9/15/1880 AM : nothin2 recorded]
14 closin2 9/15/1880 PM
DB
o. 22-23 1856 E12 - 18S7A I
[iii] Barberis' Transcribed and Edited Minutes of General Chapter II
sessio n
1
2
3
4
5
6
Note Book I
date/AM/PM cha irm a n
p age
9/3/1880 PM
DB
p. 1-9
9/4/1880 AM
DB
o . 10-25
9/4/1880 PM I DB
p. 26-32
(9/4/1880 AM: private interviews]
9/5/1880 PM
DB
p. 33-38
9/61880 AM
DB
p. 38-48
9/6/1880 PM
DB
p. 49-54
FDBM
1857 B8-C4
1857 C5-D8
1857 D9-E3
18S7 E4-9
1857 E9-1858 A7
1858 A8-Bl

5.7 Page 47

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Key Concepts
47
7
9m880 AM
DB
P . 55-61
1858 B2-8
8
9/7/1880 PM
DB
p. 62-68
1858 B9-C3
fB . notes: 9n session cut short; no sessions held 9/8, Nativ. BVM: p. 68, 1858 C31
9
9/9/1880 AM
DB
p . 69-77
1858 C4-12
10
9/9/1880 PM
DB
p . 78-83
1858 Dl-6
Note Book II
11
9/10/1880 AM
DB
p. 88-90
1858 Dl 1-El
12
9/10/1880 PM
DB
p . 91-95
1858 E2-6
13ab
9/11/1880
DB
p. 96-97
1858 E7-8
AM&PM
14
9/12/1880 fAM l
DB
o. 98-100
1858 E9- l l
[9/12&14/1880: nothing recorded]
15 & last 9/15/1880 PM
DB
p. 101-102 1858 E12 - 1859
Al
Signed cloture document: p. 105-107 - 1859 A4-6
********************
Appendix V
Repertory-Catalogue of the Sessions of General Chapter III
Accord ing to Mar enco's a nd Barberis' Min utes
[i] Marenco's Minutes of General Chapter III
sessio n
1 ooenin11
2
3
4
d ate/AM/P M
9/2/1883 PM
9/3/1883 AM
9/3/1883 PM
9/4/1883
AM 12 0
c hairm an
DB
DB
DB
DB
page in
note bookk
3 nn.
p. 3-4
p. 4-5
p. 6-8
5
9/4/1883 PM
DB
o. 8- 10
6
9/5/1883 AM
Rua/DB
p. 10
7
9/5/1883 PM
DB
p. 11
8
9/6/1883 AM
Rua/DB
p. 11-12
9
9/6/1883 PM
DB
10
9/7/1883 AM
DB
11 closing 9n/1883 PM
DB
Si11ned cloture document: p. 22-24 -
p . 13-16
p. 16-17
o. 18-21
1864 B4-6
FDBM
1864 Bl0-12
1863 E9-10
1863 E10- 11
1863 E12 - 1864
A2
1864 A2-4
1864 A4
1864 A5
1864 A5-6
1864 A7-10
1864 Al0-1 1
1864 A12-B3
120 The report is mostly concerned with the narration by Don Bosco of the
Second Missionary Dream [p. 6-7, FDBM 1863 E12 - 1864 A1]. Cf. A. Lenti, "Don
Bosco's Missionary Dreams [...],"Journal of Salesian Studies Tll:2 (1992) pp. 64-68.

5.8 Page 48

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48
Journal of Salesian Studies
[ii] Barberis' Minutes of General Chapter III
session
fl ooenin2l
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
date/AM/PM
9/3/1883 AM
9/3/1883 PM
9/4/1883 AM
9/4/1883 PM
9/5/1883 AM
9/4/1883 PM
9/6/1883 AM
9/6/1883 PM
9/7/1883 AM
9/7/1883 AM
cha irma n
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
DB
[Rua]/DB
DB
page in
note book
p. 1
p. 2
p. 3
p. 4
p. 5
06
p. 7
p. 8
p. 9
p. 10-11
FDBM
1864 ClO
1864 Cl 1
1864 C12
1864 Dl
1864 02121
1864 D3
1864 D4
1864 D5
1864 D6
1864 D7-8
********************
Appendix VI
Repertory-Catalogue of Sessions of Gener al Cha pter IV,
Ma renco-Lemoyne Mi nutes
sessio n
*Lemoyne
1 ooenin2
2
3
4
5
6*
7*
8*
9
10
11 closing
date/AM/PM chairman page in
note book
FDBM
9/1/1886 PM
DB-Rua
p. 2
1867 DlO
9/2/1886 AM
DB-Rua
p. 3
1867 Dl 1
sheets
1865 A3-7
9/2/1886 PM
DB-Rua
p. 4-5
1867 0 12-El
9/3/1886 AM
DB-Rua
P. 6-7
1867 E2-3
9/3/1886 PM
DB- Ru a
p . 7-8
1867 E3-4
9/4/1886 AM DB?-Rua
p. 8-9
1867 E4-5
9/4/1886 PM
DB?-Rua
p. 9
1867 E5
9/4/1886 PM : nothing recorded
9/5/1886 PM
DB-Rua
p. 9- 10
1867 E5-6
9/6/1886 AM DB/Rua/DB p. 10-12
1867 E6-8
9/6/1886 PM
DB-Rua
p. 13-16
1867 E9-12
9/7/1886 AM
DB-Rua
p. 16-19
1867 E12 -1868
A3
Si1med cloture document: p. 20-22 - 1868 A4-6
121 Barberis (but not Marenco) notes and explains the presence of some lay
brothers: "[Pietro] Barale, [Giuseppe] Buzzelli. [Giuseppe] Rossi, [Andrea] Pelazza,
and [Antonio] Pavia were invited because the topic concerning lay brothers and
working boys was up for discussion." Actually Topics IV and V on the brothers and
working boys were discussed the following day in Sessions 8 and 9.