Acts_1977_285.ASC :: RM Letters

arunpdhyiInt-s,tcruommaseesinftaamsliaznnao'isosnsueroxpufriassleedxitmh-aetnsfioniorntihnwissetarsentcihfelii,sntgohnraolynudgdhiombpesonerssnsiooivnge.-

atmosphere chastity has become a discredited and ridiculed virtue.

Hathoseiwgnaetvoteefrn,tthiIoewnvoiocutflodrtyhliikosefsttehoxe-acRdrdiaszeimynmcCuehldtruiiasrttee-lyoftdhooauetsrsthc,iosfnogtirnreucaeet rvttoairitnautewffa-ilcdt

manifestations that we see today belie a regretful longing for this

lost good.

Despite all the fuss against priesdy celibary and consecrated

virginiry in recent times, the clearcut stand taken by the Vatican

Council and by Pope Paul VI in some important documents of

his magisterium, indicates how highly the Church in the twentieth

century esteems the virtue of chastity. The Pope's teaching here

is very fitm, and it is because of his firmness that many of

tshhoosweAw-shsootonhsahvoeefadDstboaanyceBkdotsoacwob,aaysweae.rearbeefguinllnyinigde-nti{iaesdrewcietnht

inquiries

the Holy

Father, we wholeheartedly embrace his teachings. But it seems

to me that we should not stop at that. In this age of moral

permissivity, loity and confusion the Church, in my opinion,

has a right to demand of us the special witnessing of Salesian

chastity in order to present it to the world for imitation.

\\Thether we are fully aware of it or not, the destinataries

of our mission cannot be deprived of the chatism of Salesian

chastity. Salesians chastity is not a tiny dim star lost in the

firmament of the Church; it is rather a great bright Iight of which

the Church cannot be lacking.

Don Bosco's characteristic virtue

The more deeply we study Don Bosco's life, educational

method and spirituality, the more keenly do we become a\\rare

1.7 Page 7

▲back to top

-7 -

of the value of chastity in the economy of the Salesian world.

Some of his peremptory statements are known to all of us.

"Should chastity fade away, the Lord would scatter and disperse

our Congregation".r "Chastity", our holy founder used to state

unequivocally, "must be the outstanding trait of our Society,

just as poverty and obedience are respectively the hallmarks of

the Ftanciscans and of the Jesuits".2 Chastiry "must be the hinge

of all our actions".3 "Chastity is the foundation of all the other

virtues and the focal point upon which they converge".a And the

quotations could go on and on.

Some one here might say: "This is an exaggeration, a

theological emor! Chastity would thus become the first Christian

virtue!". One who would say this would in fact be twisting Don

Bosco's thought altogether. For Don Bosco was not lacking in

theological precision; he instead had a keen sense of proportion

and balance. Never did he dream of ruting chastity over other

virtues, especially the theological ones!

Let it suffice to refer to the Dream of the Mande. In it

the diamond of chastity shines undoubtedly with a particular

light: "This diamond shone with peerless brilliancy", we read

in the narrative of the dream, "and it atffacted one's attention

as a magnet attracts iron".s Yet, in this vision, chastity is

not ranked fust.

Also in his listing of the vows, Don Bosco never placed

chastity in the first place. He never hesitated to put obedience

out in front. To do so he was prompted by heavenly inspirations

and by

of the

the deep

vow of

oubned&eersntcaendainsgth-e

common to all great founders

synthesis of the other two.

-In

the very draft ot the Constitutions there is "a special sequence

MB I', 81.

BM IO, 29; MB 12,224.

MB 12, 224.

MB 12, 75.

MB 15, 18r.

1.8 Page 8

▲back to top

in the order of chapters on the three vows", remarked one of

our scholars. "In the first place he (Don Bosco) always placed

the one on obedience, and then in the traditional order those on

poverty and chastity >>.6

His thinking was exffemely clear: <<'In true obedience,' says

St. Jerome, 'lies the perfection of every virtue,'> we read in his

Introduction to tbe Constitutions. <<'All religious perfecdon,' says

St. Bonaventure, 'consists in suppressing one's own will' >>-a pat-

adoxical expression which Don Bosco immediately explains-

<< in other words, in the practice of obedience. 'The speech of the

obedient will always be heard,' says the Holy Spirit. St. Gregory

condudes that 'obedience leads to the possession of all other vir-

tues and likewise preserves them all.'>7

The logic of Salesian life is above all the logic of obedience.

Yet this logic does not prevent Don Bosco from laying a pafiianlar

emphasis on chastity, from speaking about it in terms which could

be regarded overemphatic, were they not stating a fact and a

reflection of his deep convictions. <.t How beautiful this virtue

is!

for

-dayhse..t.oOldfhaisll

sons

the

viinrtuLe9s76th-is

would

indeed

love to dwell on it

the most charming,

the most daz.zhng and, still, the most delicate! >>8 O << chastity,

how

great

virttre

you

are!

If his reason and practical disposition, enlightened by faith,

led him to emphasize the value of obedience in religious life, his

heart and sensitivity inclined him to prefer the virtue of chastity.

That luminous and transparent something enwrapping his whole

personality during his life was, as we have been told by those

6 Pietro Stella, Le Costituzioni Salesiane fino al L888 (Tbe Salesian Constitu'

tro?ts up ,o 1888) in Fedebd e Rinnooanento (Fidelity and Renewal), LAS Rome,

p. 31.

7 St. Jobn Bosco to bis Salesians in. Constitutions and Regulations (L972),

pp. 235-216.

8 MB, 12, 564

e MB, 10, LL06

1.9 Page 9

▲back to top

who lived very close to him, nothing but a refection of his

chastiry.

A characteristic of Salesian spirituality

Don Bosco's special love of chastity was bequeathed to his

sons and became a most precious heritage of his family. It is

certainly not m€aningless that Rector Majors and General Chapters

have on repeated occasions felt it their duty to deal with this

topic.

Let it suffice to call your amention to the circular letters of

Fr. Albera and Fr. Ricaldone and the deliberations of the more

recent 19th and 20th General Chapters.

I, too, in obedience to a clear &ctate of my conscience, have

felt the need to

anything to tell

discuss this

you that has

topic with you

not been said

b- y

not that I have

our two General

Chapters (those were Chapters of aggiornameruto and renewal also

with regard to chastity!), but because I wish to orhort you ro

practise what they said. At the same time I would also like to

exhort you with this brotherly reflection to treasure what the

Church said on this subject. It is very important, particularly

in this age o[. confusion, that a1], of us have clear ideas and smong

motives on this characteristic element of our educational method

and spirituality.

The continuing drain of vocations

I cannot let it go without mentioning it that one of the reasons

prompting me to discuss this

ysotiullrccoonntsinoulaintigontoanddatem-ine

topic with

defections

you is

among

the

our

cfaocntfr-eress.aFdloyr,

must add, however, that the rate of

drain, after reaching its peak in the years 1,968-1972, has since

been stea&ly declining. But, much to our chagrin, the laici-

1.10 Page 10

▲back to top

-10-

zatiot of priests is still going on at a steady-trickle rate. This is

aidtseseetperiaogsuaossnhtsh,oinwrghlaiinccdheerwaetdeio, onbfeicncaoutushreseeebacocahdnypnoroitefsjutthldyegedCe-ofencgtciroeanugsa-etisona'q7kahis2n1dwgveso1lfl

as in the body of the Church.

Thus situations are created which seriously disturb the orderly

functioning of our communities, delay the establishment of the

Kingdom of God on earth and adversely affect the weLfare of our

boys. Allow me, therefore, to exhort you to pfay even more

earnestly than ever be{ore for the gteat gift of perseverance, and

to do your level best so that, when temptation comes, we may

be found strong and ready to meet it successfully.

One of the areas in our formation in which we must commit

ourselves to do mote and better is that of chastity. I noticed

that among the various reasons adduced by priests who requested

to be reduced to the lay state there was almost always the expe-

riencing of difficulties in the observance of chastity. I do under-

stand perfecdy well that this is in most of the cases a symptom

rather than a cause; but who would dare deny that a correct

'management' of one's own chastity could have worked the indi-

vidual into a position of strength to help him withstand the on-

slaught of temptation?

Also in view of this, then, I believe that this exhortation to

consectated Salesian chastity I am addressing to you is quite

timely.

sian

In the

chastity

name

- let

Mrry

begin

-withousromMeopthreelrimainndarTyecaocnhseidreoraftioSnasle.-

2. OUR TIMES DEMAND A NEW APPROACH

First of all, following the lead of the Special General Chapter,

let us point out certain facts which in the past either were not

given their due attention or were overlooked altogether, but which

can be easily referted to that new cast of mind with which the

2 Pages 11-20

▲back to top

2.1 Page 11

▲back to top

-11 -

Church now views earthly realities and human values. "Vatican

Council II sets out for us the most recent atritude of the Church

to human values," v/€ are told in tJre Acts of the SGC. "Dealing

with the values of created things, it is easy enough to see that

they

The

are specifically

Council is clear

rienlaittesdatcocecphtaansctietyo-f

sex, love and marriage.

such values, without any

hint of pessimism or manichaeism." l0

Here we should point out three things which by their nature

are bound to affect the practice of our chastity. They are: a

more positive evaluation of sexuality, a more positive evaluation

of womanhood, and a more positive evaluation of love.rr

Let us consider each of these points briefly.

A more positive evaluation of sexuality

ln A Guide to Formation in Priestly Celibacy, a weighty

document issued by the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Educa-

tion in 1974,we read this meaningful statement: "Christian peda-

gogy, in accordance with God's revelation, has its own pfoper

perspective and evaluation of sex. Christianity sees sex as part

of God's creation, a rcahty which does nor have the body alone

as its object, but involves the entire human being, a rcalty which

has a determining role in the way a man matufes... It sees sex as

a rcahty which is actualized in personal encounter." D

As you see, the teaching of the Church is set in a positive

perspective on human sexuality. This alone should b,e a srrfficient

reason to calm down any confrere who might feel so exasperated

by the exaggerated exaltation of sex and by the lurid purveyance

of pornography in today's society that he might be tempted to

Acts ol

See id..,

tbe

56).

Special

General

Cbapter

(ASGC),

i60.

t2 Sacred Congregation for Christian Education, A Guide to Formation in

Priestly Celibacy, Vatican Polyglot 7974, 27, Hereafter referred to as: GFPC.

2.2 Page 12

▲back to top

-L2-

rcject en bloc htman sexuality (its positive aspects included) and

decide to turn his mind off completely and forever from anything

connected with sex.

As educators, we cannot but give due consideration to the

profound changes that have taken place in this field. In times

past body and soul were seen in such stark antithesis as to leave

Iittle room for a vision of mutual integration and vital interdepen-

dence. Today instead we stress the latter type of relationship.

Man not only has a body, but ls a body. This means that in

practice human nature exists only as male or female. This fact

marks

body,

and

but

affects

also all

a person's

his or her

wpohwoleersb,esinogm-uchnostoothnlayt

his or

there

her

is a

distincdy male way of imagining, thinking, feeling and acting, and

there is a distincdy female way of doing the same things.

If we now apply this to a life of consecated chastity, we

must say that there are a male way and a female way of consid-

ering, understanding and practising it. In other words, the teli-

gious who consecrates himself ot herself to God, does not cease

b.itg , man or a woman with all the consequences that follow.

He or she must, fimt of all and at all times, know and accept

himself or herseU for what he or she is and has; he or she must

reckon foutsquare with his or her inclinations, needs, desites,, etc.,

in order to be able to direct and discipline t'hem in the light of

reason and faith.

Acting otherwise means building on illusions and condemning

oneself to suffer sooner or later the reprisal of nature, for you

cannot impunely repfess or twist or fool human nature. In such

case even the most sublime religious thoughts, even lhe most

ardent prayers for puriry of life would avail nothing. Thus a

young man's training towards a sensible and serene attitude towards

women (and viceversa) becomes, in this perspective, one of the

basic requirements for the building of a mature personality.

The Church has set out important guidelines on this matter,

and all the confreres should get to know them and apply them as

2.3 Page 13

▲back to top

_7r_

needed. In the case of candidates to Salesian life, every effort

should be made in each case so that they achieve emotional ma-

tudty at the righi time and in the right manner. I7ithout such

previous maturation their choice of consecrated chastity would be

a wfong choice.

A more positive evaluatlon of womanhood

Chtistian teaching con{ers equal dignity on both man and wo-

man. It is apparent at the same time that only in our age is

woman achieving that rightful social and cultural starus she has

been denied in past centuries. The advancement of womanhood

is indeed one of the outstanding signs of our time: it is permeating

our culture on worldwide proportions. Mury countries tn fact

have already altered or are in the process of altering their con-

stitutions and laws to put women on equal footing with men with

regard to rights in education, politics, economy, and everything

else. AIso the Church is moving in the direction of giving women

greater tesponsibilities in its orgaruzation, v.g. by acknowledging

mamied women, widows, nuns as capable of performing special

spiritual and apostolic ministries. It is nor altogether meaningless

that two women saints are numbered among the Doctors of the

Church.

A result of this social evolution is the f.act of mixed groups,

which abeady drew the attention of the 19th General Chapter.

This is not only a youth-related fact. It is a thing that nowadays

affects in some way the whole structrue and functioning of social

li[e. Men and women meet daily at work, during leisure hours,

- in the performance of various tasks

ic tasks.

including, of course, apostol-

As far as we are concerned, the Special General Chapter

rccognized that "our mission brings in its wake responsibilities

that entail greater collaboration with women, religious and lay

2.4 Page 14

▲back to top

-14-

alike".B In such cases the relationship that will necessarily be

established and developed among men and women working together

will have to bear all the traits of our Salesian spirit; in other wotds,

it will have to be a relationship based on respect, esteem and

delicate concern for woman's psychology and vocation in the

Church and in the wotld.

Our Special General Chapter spoke of "serene esteem of

womanhood", of attitudes that would help us, in the light of the

Blessed among women, "to react always and everywhere as true

Salesians without hesitation and without worries of conscience".ra

Certain reactions of aggressiveness or regressiveness with re-

gard to women are, more often than not, a sign of emotional

immaturity rather rhan a sign of virtue. In any case, such reactions

would compromise not only every mutually enriching encounter

between us and women, but even the very possibility of any

cooperation.

True chastity is not an escape, even though it does entail

renunciation and vigilance, for the charism of consecrated chast-

imtyak-euple, tbuust

never

leaves

fiotrgwehtoilte!s-omedo. e"sTnreoat tcrthipeploeldoeurr

emotional

women as

motheis", was St. Paul's advice to Timothy, "and the younger

women as sisters, in all puriry".ts A fine piece of advice even

for us today.

A more positive evaluation of human love

Consecrated chastity has for some time been set side by side

with marriage. Also in this there has been a rcmarkable evolu-

tion ovet the years. We all know how mamiage and sexual love

have been reseatched into to great depths and their Christian

B ASGC,55g.

A Id., 559.

'3 L Tim.,5t 2,

2.5 Page 15

▲back to top

L5-

values have been emphasized.r6 Pope Paul VI at his \\UTednesdays

general audiences takes a great deal of pleasure pointing them out

to the newly-weds in attendance. \\[ho would today dare con-

test that the life of Christian mamiage is a true path to sancriry?

This is a path that ought to be held in esreem by the religious,

but that should not obscure their own chastity. The Council in

fact says with regard to the training of seminarians: "seminarians

should be duly aware of the duties and digniry of Christian mar-

riage, which bodies forth the love between Christ and the

Church".l7 But from the comparison with married love consecrat-

ed chastity should come out not weakened, but rather strengthened

in its motivations. For the Council adds: "Let them (i.e., the

seminarians) perceive as well the superiority of virginity consecrat-

ed to Christ, so that by a choice which is maturely thought out

and magnanimous they may attach themselves to God by a total.

gift of body and soul >>.'E

A comparison is, tl:erefore, all right, but it is to be made

for the sake of seeing and maintaining an antithesis between

married life and religious life. In this way each state of life will

hold on to its own identity: t-hat is, conjugal love in the case of

the former and consecrated chastity in rhe case of the latter.

b"Votihrgtinoitbyeapnrdommoxtetndgaes-twothedifAfecrtesnot fytehtecSomGpCletmeellnutasry-

are

ways

of sharing in the mystery of ,Christ's union with the Church,'.

Dangers and ambiguities

lWe have briefly pointed our the positive values of sexuality

in the light of the Church's reachings. We must now realistically

'o See Luruen Gentiuna,4L; Gaudiun et Spes, 4&50.

t7 Optatart Totius, 10,

t8 lbid.

2.6 Page 16

▲back to top

-16-

admit that with regard to human sexualiry there ate ambiguities

and deviations of which we must be aware and wary.

As our General Chapters have stated, chastity, "the virtue

that is supremely necessary, the gteat virtue, the angelic virtue",le

is also the virtue "most undermined today".m

told

This

Dumason-rgeerdsa,ifrfaeicmbubylitgfua.iantiredsmteoasrnetdinntgeummsipteutraaotituoiosnnstod-deamytahtnehdaCsnaopifnituutlsahregstephaaatsvete.r

determination, gfeater commitment and first of all clearer awate'

ness of the perils and pitfalls awaiting us. Here I will mention

three of them.

On a practical level

On a practical level today's religious must live a life of chaste

love in a permissive sociery, in pervasively paganized environs

which make it difficult even for married people to practice con-

jugal fidelity to their spouses. A mounting wave of eroticism and

sexual licence is engulfing our mores, our fami.lies, our free time

through practically all the mass media. Contemplatives could

remain unscathed by, and even aloof to, this raging wave; but

active-life religious, such as we are, that is, religious who must

keep in touch with the realities of the surrounding world, cannot

but feel implicated in, and bufieted by it. Beset and beleaguered

by the Evil one, we need to be safeguarded from him," we need

to be clad with the armor of God so that we can "stand up

against the Devil's evil tricks".z

t' St. Jobn Bosco to His Salesians in Constitutions and Regulations, p. 240.

N Acts ol the XIX Gened Chapter, p. 84.

" Jn 17: 15.

'Eph., 6: 77-12.

2.7 Page 17

▲back to top

- Ll -

On an intellectual level

That is not dl. Today consecated virginity as well as priestly

celibacy are for various reasons being contested also on an in-

tellectual level by people of all walks of life, even at times by

people who call themselves Christians. Chastity would make the

t ligio,rt who profess it strangets to theit fellow men; it would

detlct from their personalities; it would prevent or stifle their

normal development, and so on.' In certain places you could

almost sense the worldlings' heavy breath of sullen contempt or

ill-disguised commiseration being poured on a man or a woman

who has not made sexual experiences.

In this lascivious wotld of ours our chastity is therefore

far from being lavishly admired by everyone in every place. This

challenges us not only to speak in its defense, but to witness in

actual life that it is indeed "a droice of. a rcal' li[e, unique and

well wothy of a man who is called to it".2a

On a moral and legal level

'!7e notice, finally, that in secularized societies there is a

constantly widening gap between what is moral by Gospel standards

and what is merely permissible by civil law. This fact under-

scores the need for all of us to clarify the issues at hand and

to main our consciences in order to take the tight stand. \\7hen

one can no longer perceive the difference between legality and

morality, he runs a serious risk of considering entirely legitimate

whatevet does not run against his country's civil laws and com-

mon opinion. Divorce and abortion, for instance, are legally per-

missible in some countties; premarital sex, unnatural sex, conjugal

ts See Lumen Gentium, 46; Perfectae Caritatis, 12,

'n ASGC,563; s* 575.

2.8 Page 18

▲back to top

-18-

infidelity and even "weaknesses" in a consecrated man no longer

cause a stir in certain quarters; on the contrary, they are seen as

normal by those who derive their morality from the so-called

"public opinion".

This permissive mentality is worming its way into the poorly

ttrhaeinwedildcornesaccietinocnestoofthceerrtaeicnenCthHrisotliyanSse-e's

typical is the case of

Declaration on sone

qaestions of sexual

consciences of some

reetlbigiciosus-,

and sometimes even into the

in which the true sense of con-

secration and of its obligations has become obscured. In this way

these people, under the pretext of being modern, consent to being

worldly.

Today more than ever it is absolutely necessary for us to

exercise &scernment of spirits; in other words, we must discrimin-

ate between the true values and the fake values presented to us

by modern-day researchers and writers on sex, womanhood, love,

man-woman relationship, married life, etc. W'e must accept and

thank God for all that is true and good. rWe must reject errors,

beware of exaggerations, and keep in mind the Gospel demands

on renunciation. "Put all things ro the test; keep what is good,

and avoid every kind of evil".a

It is in this context that we today have to live our lives of

consecrated chastity. It is no doubt quite a different context

from that which was known to Don Bosco and the first genera-

tions of Salesians. \\7e could long for the happy old days; but

we cannot ignore our present-day situation. It is God's will that

we ]ive in it, ant it is also God's will that we live chastely, with

tenewed fidelity to our religious consecration and to the spirit

of our Society.

All this does not imply a lax attitude. On the contrary, as

a result of the considerations made on this historical context we

E 1 Tess. 5: 2l-22.

2.9 Page 19

▲back to top

_19_

ought to show a deeper understanding of, and a greater dedica-

tion to, our choice of Salesian chastity.

3. THE TRUE MEANING OF OUR SALESIAN CHASTITY TODAY

As I have already said, it is not my intention to expound

anew on all the meanings and dimensions of our chastity. Doc-

ument 10 of the Acts of the SGC sums them up very neatly

where it says that our chastity is evangelical and paschal, ecclesial

and eschatological.Z Here instead I would like to call your atten-

tion to some aspects which are less "classical", but, in my judge-

ment, nonetheless useful in the present circumstances.

A renunciation accepted with wide-opened eyes

teal

lAife"lifne

of consemated chastity is definitely "a choice of a

and "a deeply Christian way of loving".a "Instead

of involving the renunciation of the capacity of human'love and

its enrichment, a life of consecrated chastity places the religious

in a deepet and more vital relationship of love with God. Fat

from diminishing and frusmating a man it can fulfil him. It can

deepen in hirn a capacity for dialogue and communication".'

Now all this is very true. But we must be realistic about

it: to bring this theory, lovely as it is, down into practical life

is no easy thing! In practice, how can we achieve this great

love? How can we sublimate human love? There is not the

least shade of doubt that consecrated chastity implies a real mutila-

tion. One needs the courage to look straight into the renuncia-

"zt

See .ASGC,

Id., 56).

Const., 75.

567-571.

R ASGC,562.

2.10 Page 20

▲back to top

-20-

tion it involves. This is so &fficult a thing that people in the

Old Testament did not understand it and did not accept it. By

consecrated chastity a religious renounces the most common ex-

pressions of human love and sex and the very natural tendency

to such expressions.

I have already pointed out that in these realities human

- love and se:r there are involved values of the greatest im-

- portance for the social development of a person, and that in

consecrated c-hastity there is involved a "mutilatio11" according

- to the violent tenor of the image used by Christ "fe1 *1s

- sake of the Kingdom of heaven". But certainly the Lord gives

the consectated person othet sublime values and other wonder-

ful opportunities for maturation; nevertheless this demacts nothing

from the stark reality of this hard renunciation, harsh privation.

Now, above and beyond all the nice and edifying expressions,

the accepting of this renunciation brings with it also experiencing

it in daily life. It entails not being surprised or frightened

if and when, especially in some moments of depression or sluggish-

ness or loneliness, its heavy burden on one's flesh and heart is

really felt. Consecrated chastity is a solid chunk of one's cross,3r

and at times it may become one's sharing in Ctrrist's agony in

the Garden.r Consequently, as A Guide to Formation in Priestly

Celibacy remarks, "an inclination towards marriage and family

life, which makes their renunciation painful, ought not to be re-

garded necessarily as a contradiction to a celibate vocation. Even

if the pain is lifelong, this does not prejudice the genuineness of

the call to virginity, provided one can live exclusively for God

with full and free assent of the will. Celibacy is a call from God

that can well include the continuing sacrifice of a strong propensity

for mattiage".s

o See Mt. l9t 12.

See

,r{.SGC, 568.

Mt. 26 )7.

31 GFPC,4g.

3 Pages 21-30

▲back to top

3.1 Page 21

▲back to top

-21 -

It would seem comect to me to say that a certain number of

confreres who left their lives of consemated c-hastity in order to

get martied, have done so because they were not prepared to face

up to this painful renunciation. Then one day they became sharply

aware of it, and perhaps egged on by some wild theories, they

became little by litde convinced that they were "abnormal". In

the midst of their frusmation they lost sight of the incomparable

riches Christ promises and gives "already in the present age" to

those who leave everything to follow him.s And then a litde

&eaming about mamiage did the rest.

A conscious and courageous acceptance of renunciation will

help us to be not only faithful, but also generous in God's service.

\\7hen instead we look exclusively at the negative aspect (renuncia-

tion, that is), we unconsciously tend to look for compensations

for our own frusffations.

So it can happen that after renouncing mamied love and

physical fatherhood, we may be tempted to take back what we

have put away, and fesort to a selfish search for, for instance,

unhealthy emotional involvement with women, mushy sentirnental-

ity, excessive desire of approval, harsh or high-handed or selfish

wielding of authority, and so on. A psychologist made the remark

that also in little communities based on all the members' option

to live together there can be an ambiguously motivated seatch

fot intimacy and emotional outlets.

All of us, therefote, need to gain a clear understanding of

- - ourselves to look at ourselves with wide-open eyes! and to

be generous in our commitment. Let us not take back what we

gave the Lord!

* See Mk. LOz 28-10.

3.2 Page 22

▲back to top

-22-

Consecrated chastity sets us free - and binds us together!

The very f.act oI renouncing something implies a choice: if

I renounce certain values, it is because I prefer others. History

teaches us that voluntary celibacy appears only in advanced cultures,

where there has developed a fugh sense of personhood. By

promoting consecrated virginity, the Gospel has set us free from

the stereotype of de rigueur mariage, and at the same time it

has maintained a positive evaluation of sexuality (God created

man and woman as such, not automatically as husband and wife).

Voluntary celibacy bears witness to the fact that man is

free in the use of his inmost energies and in the choice of his

lifestyle. He thus shows his capacity to live his personal, sexual

and emotional life in a manner different from the customary.

His choice would be of little value though, were it to be prompt-

ed only by his whimsical, conceited or stoic desire to flaunt his

autonomy or unconventionality. As it was initially prompted by

love, so his choice must be continually oriented towards love.

For voluntary celibacy is freedom for the purpose of a kind of

union. It is an opening towards a kind of love bonds which have

- their own ril/armth and intimacy of a different nature, of course,

from the warmth and intimacy of the married love bonds.

A Guid,e to Forrnation in Priestly Celibacy expresses this

thought in concise and felicitous formulas: "Sexual fuIfilment

achieved in marriage is not necessary for the emotional forma-

tion of the human personality; nor will matiage in itself bring

about harmonious development of emotions. On the othet hand,

man is capable of sublimating his sexuiltty and finding fulfil-

ment in non-sexual emotional relationships".s And further on:

"A celibate is called to express his ability to love in a special

way-.Celibacy chosen "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven"

t5 GFPC,27

3.3 Page 23

▲back to top

_23_

... is falling in love. (It) is a vocation to a special kind of love".s

\\U7hat kind of love? If we look at married and family life

realistically, we see that, as some recent studies have pointed out,

the very close bonds that hold the family members together are

not free from uncettainties and con{licts that pressure them to

fly apat. It is the purpose of these bonds to promote the matura-

tion of the couple and their offspring thtough the various ex-

pressions of, and a commitment to, a true and liberating love;

but human weakness and sinfulness render the achievement of

this goal and the performance of this task an awfully difficult

one. Or else, how would you explain today's mad stampede

towards divorce courtrooms?

The consecrated celibate freely fenounces "having" a wife

and children, so that he can open himselJ to less possessive and

more universal relationships. He gives up the satisfaction of his

conjugal and parental love, and by so doing he is enabled to

turn to all the others without any restriction or exception, and

love them for their own sake, with a self-sacrificing love that

hiTy gtarantees their independence as persons. From this we

can draw the conclusion that it would not be worth for us to

sactifice the values of mamied life, unless we firmly decided to

Iive up to our own relationships as fuIly and disinterestedly as

possible.

The consecrated celibate makes himself avaiable to others,

first interiorly, in his heart and mind, and then also exteriorly,

by taking up works in the service of others and by investing his

piomsesibalnedweenreerghyeobnutrhdeeinrebdewhaitlfh-

the

thing that would

responsibility of

hardly be

caring for

his own family.n

The consecrated celebate, therefore, accepts a certain amount

of solitude for the sake of this deep union with God and with

Id.,1L and 51.

See Const.,75.

3.4 Page 24

▲back to top

_24_

the others. Isolation is a negative, harmful ,hg; but solitude

is diffetent; you might almost call it its opposite. Solitude is like

the silence that precedes speaking and makes it fruitful. Even if

solitude is a real burden that we have to beat, it enables us to

relate to others in such a way that we accept them from God's

hands iust as they are and love them for theit own sake.

The consecrated celibate is one who holds his arms wide

open to embrace all while renouncing to close them atound one

- - alone a wife he could have chosen to marry, and this for

the purpose of keeping himself avaiTable to all who come to him

for help. This is our vocation as Salesians.

Gapacity for loving and serving

Our profession of chastity, therefore, means out commit-

ment to a "preferential love of Jesus Christ",38 which is expressed

in a self-sacrificing love of out neighbor, that is, the confreres of

our communiry, and the young of our mission. Out chastity,

inspired and nourished by Christ's chafity, will enable us to

establish a telationship of true and generous friendship with our

confreres and boys.

Allow me to touch briefly on how chastity can help us to

bring about a brotherly union and fuIfil our apostolic mission.

Cbastity and brotberly union

The SGC documents insist on the relationship between

brotherly union and chastity to make us understand that the two

support each other.s In the light of the considerations made

above I would like to emphasize how much true chastity can

x ASGC,575; see also 562.

3e See Const., 51,7L,78t ASGC, 569 an.d 574.

3.5 Page 25

▲back to top

-25-

help us towards building "a true community of persons".4

M*y inconveniences, misunderstandings and conflicts in our

communities derive from individuals seeking to defend them-

selves against the others or to dominate them or to manipulate

them for their own selfish interests. Chastity does away with

this type of relationship among the confreres; it opens them to

selfless love and to honest communication, and makes them

understand the meaning of religious community, in which they

live togethet as brothers not so much because of a personal choice,

but because of a common call: "By calling us to live in com-

munity, God gives us brothers to love".ar Yes, to love, and not

just to tolerate! In this perspective, "chastity opens us to mutual

love as btothers in the spirit",a2 by overcoming natural tendencies

to pursue selfish interests.

Showing daily concern for the brothers' needs, refusing to

act out of aggressiveness or bitterness, smiling at them and joking

with them, and dealing with them patiently, forgivingly and

- thoughtfully these are the signs and fruits of chastity earnestly

practiced. This is well expressed in A Guide to Formation in

Priestly Celibacy: "Voluntary celibacy makes sense", the doc-

ument says, "when it is viewed in a context of relationships with

others lived in a ftatemal community where one can 'reach' others

without 'having' them, that is, when it is an exercise in non-pos-

sessiveness. It is a sign of celibacy rightly assumed when one

can create and maintain worthwhile intetpersonal relationships

while experiencing the presence of friends even in their absence,

rcfusing to impose oneself on them, and showing that need of

them is limited,,.a3

In this perspective we can understand something which is

rather new among us, that is, the SGC's insistent invitation to

Const., 50,

Id,, 5L.

Ibid.

43 GFPC,4g.

3.6 Page 26

▲back to top

26-

the confreres "to promote (among themselves) deep authentic

fbruietnodpsehnip-tso"-a-ll

which enables

116g maudlin, but virile, not exclusive-club-type,

africeonndfsrehrieprto-,

because these create "the

feel at home and esteemed

climate

for his

own sake".ot Chastity properly understood is in fact just what

makes it possible for us to carry on among ourselves an in-depth

dialog - a thing so much spoken of. today.

Chastity and apostolic rnission

At the same time a "well-balanced chastity... opens (a

confrere's) heart to a spititual fatherhood... The Salesian who is

really chaste... can the more readily love all whom Our Lord en-

trusts to him, especially boys in need... Chastity enables us to

show them true love so that they are 'awate that they are

loved'".6

By dealing about loving kindness and chastity within the

same article,a the Constitutions help us understand the close rela-

tionship existing between the two virtues. There is no Salesian

loving kindness without chastity, because a "truly personal and

affectionate" love, one in which a Salesian shows "himse]J to

be a father and a friend" to his boys, is to be understood as a

sincere desire for their good without seeking any personal. gan

from them. Lilewise, there is no chastiry without loving kind-

ness, because the confrere's renunciation of certain expressions

of love and emotional involvement are precisely for the sake of

a deeper and more universal love. This in reality means that he

Const.,78; see also 53

ASGC, 487.

Const., 45,7L and 76.

and

111; ASGC,48),487,574

and 680.

47 Id., 45,

3.7 Page 27

▲back to top

_27 _

has to live his spiritual fatherhood in its true nature and to

its full extent.€

Let us try to understand this great truth better by illustrating

it with two articles of our Constitutions. "Chastity", att. 76 tells

us, "is a compelling virtue: it makes us witnesses to the special

kind of love Christ had for the young". More indicative still is

art. 2 which attempts to define the very identity of the Salesians

as "signs and bearers of the love of God for young people,

especially those who are the poorest and most in need".

Let us make it unmistakeably clear: our chaste love of the

young has our love of God as its divine wellspring. For we must

love our boys not only out of a natural liking, but in the name

of Christ the Good Shepherd and in the name of God the Eternal

Father, that is, with a love that takes its inspiration and smength

from them, a love that is totally chaste, single-minded and selfless,

a love tlrat seeks the good and the salvation of the young with

a dogged, almost violent determination, and finally a love that

had its highest expression in the Father giving his Son to die for

us on the coss and in the Son giving us himself entirely, in life

and in death. This is indeed the tremendous love that ought to

inspire us, and this is also the love we must reveal to our boys!

Are ue seraing our boys or are we using them?

At this point we should clearly see the necessity to verify

from time to time the quality of our relationship with them and,

if need be, to purify it of any dross. We should ask ourselves,

for instance: which are our inmost motivations in dealing with

our boys? on what criteria do we make the final decision to

work for this or that group, on t'his or that pastoral undertaking?

how do we deal with them in practice? how do we react to

success and failure?

N See GFPC, 32.

3.8 Page 28

▲back to top

-28-

If we are brutally sincere answering these and similar

questions, we will probably have to admit that in many, very

many occasions we have used our boys instead of serving them.

Ve have loved them with an enslaving rathet than libetating

love. I7e have loved them for our own sakes, for the satisfaction

of getting their admiration or affection. \\7e have loved them out

of out covert despicable will to dominate them and manipulate

them, out of a narcissistic desfue to shape them to our own

image. Even the expressions we employed at times, such as rTty

group, ny boys, my past pupils, rny parislioners, could point to

a glib and self-indulgent paternalism or othet forms of ill-disguised

self-gratification.

A chaste lover, instead, helps his boys grow up for their

own sake, according to their own ideal, according to their own

tate, and does so with humility, respect and patience, without

seeking a reward fot his dedication, without expecting too much

too soon. He guides them and helps them to become what they

choose to become and what God wants them to become. Don

Bosco's exremely fine sensibiliry in speech, looks and deeds was

nothing but an expression of his infinite respect for the person

and liberty of his boys, and a consequence of his immense faith,

which enabled him to see in every boy "a brother for whom

Christ died'4 and a son of God who is unique and capable of

an inner dialog with his Father.

'Ve must be rnature to educate boys to loae

I will add that a chaste love is particularly necessary for us

Salesians in view of our task of educating boys to a right under-

standing of human sexuality and a spirit of reverence for girls,

women and love.$ Especially today, in these difficult times of

ae 1 Cor., 8: 11.

e See Graoissiman Educationis, L

3.9 Page 29

▲back to top

-29-

oufs, we as educators stand in need of much discernment, much

level-headedness, much sensitivity in our zeal. Boys in turn stand

in need of enlightening and convincing witness from their edu-

cators. For purity and love are taught litde by words and ex-

planations, much by reflection and sensitization, and very much

by the example of those who live with them.

We realire what an important role "the personality of the

educatot and his own past emotions" and experiences play on

his rapport with his charges, particularly in the field of sexual

educztion.sr How could an educator expect to train them to love,

to self<ontrol, to fighting against evil, or how could he guide

them out of their own confusion, bewilderment and frailty, or

how could he prepare them for engagement and mamiage, if

he himself is not thotoughly chaste, well-balanced and matue?

How could he ever be a "bearcr of (Christ's) message of liberating

purity"? e

Everybody knows how exacting today's youth are on the

point of consistency from their elders, and how upset and really

put out they feel especially by the inconsistency of their educators.

- - \\il7e also know how saddened sealsd6es even to tears! Don

Bosco was at the thought of the disastrous effects on the boys'

souls of a Salesian unfai*rful to his commitment to chastity.

Maturity here means responsibility for oneself and for others.

4. I.IVING A LIFE OF CHASTITV AS MATURE SALESIANS

This brings us to reflect, finalTy, on problems of taining

and practical conduct. The difficulties encountered in the practice

of clastity stem chiefly from two causes: first, ignorance and

uncertainty on the true meaning of consecrated chastity, inadequate

I' See GFPC, 39.

s2 Const., 76; see ASGC, 125, 556, 576 and 578.

3.10 Page 30

▲back to top

understanding and appreciation of its human and Christian,

mystical and practical values, and misunderstanding of its limita-

tionsl second, lack of determination at the time of Profession

andf or later to practice it as a life-long choice.

It is therefore necessary f.or us to hold chastity in high

esteem

with it

a(nwdit-houatl,loowfmceoutrhsee,edxpisrpeassraiognin-g

to be crazy in love

other valid lifeJong

choices). We must choose it daily with vigorous determination,

without ever looking backward. If we allow doubts and com-

promises to enter our minds, we then soon turn into abnormal

beings, victims of constant conflicts, because vre are deprived of

the wonderful returns both of a Lay vocation and of consecrated

chastiry.

The first training of a consecrated celibate

The often-qaoted Guide fo Forrnation in Priestly Celibacy

makes some important points which are fully valid also with

regard to the religious as a group. "The history of priests who

shoamveehdoewfeclatecdki-ng;

the

pdeorcsuomnaelnittiesstawteisth-outisunoifttyenorthiantteogframtioenn

where one would look in vain for maturiry and balance". "Errofs

in discerning vocations are

and in all too many cases

nposyt crhaofelo-gicatlhededfeocctusm, esonmt geotiemseosflo-f,

pathological kind, reveal themselves only after ordination to the

priesthood (here we could add: or after the perpetual profes-

sion). Detecting defects earlier would help avoid many tragic

expefiences". "An excessively affectionate nature, an ovef-sym-

pathetic temperament, and an inclination to emotional attachments

are not suitable for a celibate life >>.s3 How could such a con-

s GFPC,25, )8 and 51.

4 Pages 31-40

▲back to top

4.1 Page 31

▲back to top

-)L-

frere arouse in any boy a desire ro consecrate himself to God? s

Back in his own days Don Bosco was already of the same

idea. He used to say that those who by temperament were in-

clined to laziness, over-emotionalism, sensuality or scrupulosity

were no candidates for the Salesian way of [fe.$ To be admitted

iattodetpoqrudoaaftyees-spisoynca,hnaolaoydgoeiucqnaulgaatmendaenmafmofetuicostnitvaehl abavaneldaansccehexie"u,vsaeldthmr-oautugarhsatatihoerncy:g,pt,lauanrr

maining by which it is ascertained he possesses self-conrrol, clear

ideas and sound motivation on the values of celibacy and a sensible

way of dealing with women as befits a consecrated man.t More-

over, a verification should be made to determine whether a

candidate has received from God the gift of chastity for the

sake of the Kingdom, because, according to St. paul, the decision

to lead a consecrated life is in the number of charisms given

to some for the benefit of all.*

Nouitiate and lirst prolession

Now we can see the seriousness of a candidate,s admission

to the novitiate and first profession and the necessiry for him

to have a definite period of preparation (the Superior council

has issued detailed guidelines on it).se Evidently, any candidate

who is still troubled by sex hangups or shows a noticeable lack

of emotional ma'turiry must be denied entry into the novitiate.

See ASGC, 576.

See Const.,77; and, old,

Const.,77.

Regalations,

292.

taru

_t See

Totias,

,4.SGC,563,

l0) and 5T.

(in

cross

reference

with

Perlectae

Caritatis,

and

Opta-

sE See 1 Cor.,l: 7.

_ " 59. Acys of tbe Saperior Coancil, No.276 (Oct.-Dec. L974), pp.45,61_7,

on lrzruediate Preparation for the Nooitiate. In particular, the criteda ior admission

to the novitiate are indicated,

4.2 Page 32

▲back to top

Moteover, it is very important to make good use of the

several-years long span between first and perpetual profession.

This time is needed for the young Salesian to continue his matura-

tion within the framework of the life he has chosen; this he

should do with a vigorous effort, with all the means at his

disposal, "with the help of the community and a suitable guide" @

who is to aid him to be true to himself.t'

In this process the role of the Master of Novices is of

pafamount importance; so is also that of others ,in charge of the

iovices, truirriog, in particular the con{essors and spiritual direct-

ors. These must themselves be mature and balanced men, in

- command of an adequate preparation, whic} today must

absolutely include, but not lg limited to, a psychological prepara-

tion.u' Eesides, they must make use of that most wonder{tl

pedagogical tool given them by the chuch and akeady referred

-^y times, i.e, A Guide

is tireir bounded dury to

to Formation in Priestly Ce-libacy.

study it accurately and make the

necessary adaptations to the Salesian consecrated life.

Education to chastity in a Salesian atmosphere

A certain climate or atmosphere is needed for a consecrated

person to mature properly and to persevere in his life of joyous

aod g"t.rous self-dedication. And the Salesian atmosphere fills

exactly that need. In fact chastiry, as it was taught by Don

Bosco, is intimately bound up with such fundamental values of

the Salesian spirit, as awareness of God's presence, loving kind-

ness, availability to others, steady and tranquil joy.'.

Paradoxically, we could say that we will succeed in observing

& Const., lL4.

6' See ,4cls of the Superior Council, No. 276, pp. 73-78.

o'Sey' GFPC, 19.

4.3 Page 33

▲back to top

-)3-

our chastity il we will not be too uptight about it, if we will

only busy ourselves with it to a reasonable extent. << Even when

confronted with ignorance or mista.ken notions about sex, one

has to avoid an over-emphasis in which sex is made to appear

the sole, or the most important, element of human motivation".6

Our Lord did not say much about chasti{, but he, above

everything else, Iived and asked us to live a hf.e of. loving rapport

witlr his Fath"r and his brethren. The more strongly determined

we will be in our vocation, the more strongly dedicated we will

be in out loving service of God and of our boys and the less

troubled we will-be with our chastity. Chastity will then become

a carry-ovef of out charity. "Purity cannot be masteted by con-

..nttuiiog on it as a fixed and isolated idea, but only by including

it in a wider view of life that includes justice and chariry, elements

absolutely necessary to give any life meaning and value... In

this area a trunng is needed to form the candidates into men

who love with charity all human beings".e Too many times in

the past has chastity been isolated from the influence of charity.

In fact chariry, better than any other virtue, can because

of its dynamic nature marshal all the energies of one's personality,

integraie them, develop them and make them highly productive.

"Thi workings of the theological virtues", says the above men-

tioned Church document, "give a new and higher significance

to chastity and even change its very nature. It becomes a grtt

from God with a power that enables the will not so much to

suppfess sexual desires as to integrate the sex drive into the

.rrtir"ry of the Christian personality".* This agrees perfectly

with what our Constitutions declare to be "the very hea* of

our Salesian spirit: a young and alive pastoral love".6 So here

is the basic problem about chastity: to spark and then to keep

lbid.

1d.,40 and

Id., 27.

Const., 40.

4.4 Page 34

▲back to top

-)4-

aflane in us that "ardent apostolic drive which makes us 'seek

smooudlseal nadndsesroveurGceoidnatlohnee'htet 6a7r-t

that chariry which finds "its

of Christ, sent by the Father

and on fue with 'zed. fot his house'".6 Consequently, the key

to Salesian chastity is Salesian charity. There is no chastity apafi

from charity. OnIy chaste love exisrs. \\7e Salesians do not choose

chastity for its own sake. lVe choose Jesus Christ (though we

are fust chosen bV him) and we choose to serve others for the

sake of his Kingdom; and within this framework we choose

chastity and accept its inner logic and all its consequences.

This perspective accounts for the particular tone or style of

our Salesian chastity. Our chastiry is lived in an armosphere of

serenity and cheerfulness, youthful buoyancy and sprightly reso-

luteness, clear-eyed discernment and unyielding must in life and

fnally attentive perception of God's presence in us. Despite his

stfong practical unpoetic bend, Don Bosco used to wax lyrical

whenever he spoke about chastiry: from his own experience

chastity stood out as the beautifirl blossom of chatiry. Now all

these characteristics can be applied quite properly to our dynamic

Salesian chxity.

There follows that whatever in us fosters and strengthens

tchheafliftoy,rd-

as for

of God

instance heart-felt prayer, the twin "table of

and of the Eucharist",@ fraternal charity and

daily

time

humble dedication in the service of our

also fosters and sffengthens chastity.

Vboicyesv-ersaa,r

tJre same

whatever

weakens and stifles our pastoral chariry, also threatens ouf chastity

and makes it litde by little burdensome and uncomfortable. As

long

and

as the Lord will send us zealous

I did not mean resdess activists

- Salesians,

or agitated

we will have luminously chaste Salesians.

I said 'zealous',

ws1funani2g5 -,

I67 lbid.

1d..,

See

4L; see 101.

Const., 79.

4.5 Page 35

▲back to top

-35-

Moreover, we will have Salesians who will be interiorly

stfong, ready to stand up to evil, and therefore ready to face

difficult and delicate situations whenever necessary. Our work

brings us into contact with a world which is full of temptations

and is seemingly becoming... fuller by the day! Even though we

exercise prudence (an always necessary virtue!), we cannot avoid

them altogether: "Father, I do not ask you to take them out of

the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil

One".7o

lVhat will enable us to keep ourselves chaste? The inner

strength of our love of God and of youth. It is basically the

same thing that enables a maried man, coflstantly battered by

vicious examples and foul seductions, to stand loyal to the woman

lhitetlechobseene-fit

that is, his love

unless there are

of her. Outer

inner defenses

defenses

built up

will

and

be of

main-

tained by loyalty and love. During the Council a group of re-

ligious v/omen presented this remark to the Commission in charge

of &afting Perlectae Caritatis: "Fearful isolation can be no

solution. Formation to chastity consists less in setting up protec-

tive distances than in imptoving our rapport with God, for it is

in the fulness of God's presence in us that we find strength

and securiry for our chastity".71

A steady progress towards maturity

I hope no Salesian uses these considerations of mine for

imprudent behavior or disturbing experimentation, for this would

be a sign of immaturity. Besides, it is not enough to have clear

ideas to solve a problem.

A healthy and mature chastity, no less than true and mature

rnento

Jn 17: 15.

Remark presented

towards

the end of

1964. See Tillard-Congar,

della uita religiosa (Renewal ol Religious Life), Yalleccttt L968,

rinnooa-

p. 340.

4.6 Page 36

▲back to top

-36-

love, is the end of a long journey which nvafiably takes us

through the Cross. Neithet conjugal nor consecrated love can be

achieved without a deliberate acceptance of ascesis and conversion,

that is, without going through a lengthy, gradual and unavoidably

painful process of purification that will lead us out of easy but

sterile self-love into sel-fless love of God and neighbor.

It is no easy thing to get out of ourselves, to leave our cozy

Iittle nest, to make an exodus from ourselves and venture out

towards God and people. "Love and self-denial complement each

other, since self-denial frees man and makes room for love; love,

in turn, induces one to self-denia1... Maturity and freedom can

only be attained by means of a long and uninterrupted practice

of self-control and self-giving thtoughout the years of formation".z

It would be very naive of us indeed were we to believe that we

could overcome our temptations and control our desires without

entering upon the paschal mystery of Christ our Savior, without

"facing death every day!".73

Our religious profession, even when it is preceded by a

thorough preparation, does not usher us into an angelic life, but

it leaves us to contend with our human nature. It does not

automatically set us free ftom either sensual drives or our tendency

@ refer people and even God to ourselves and to seek to be

loved rather than to love. Neither does it offer us a guarantee

against possible psychic or spiritual regressions.

Our profession, thetefore, is not a ffeasure that we come

into possession of one happy day and then lock 'rnto a safe-deposit

box for perpetual safekeeping. It is a value, instead, which is

written

nature

a-nd

by God's grace

enmeshed with

-theintteoxttuhfee

very fibers of our living

of our persons and the

development of our personalities. In other words, it is a value

that we have to discover, take up, and preserve every day in

n GFPC,51 and 55,

ts 1 Cor., 15; )1.

4.7 Page 37

▲back to top

-37-

ever varying situations, in ever shifting circumstances. For this

reason each of us must know himself ever more clearly and learn

to control his life of chastity progressively better. Evidendy, to

attain this it is necessary for every confrere to get help from a

wise and experienced spiritual guide, at least during t"he con-

frere's first years of ptofession and at specially difficult moments

latet; it is useful for him to do so at any othet time in his life;

and, on special occasions, it may also be useful to get professional

help from a psychologist or the like.7a

Our Special General Chapter embraced this historic perspec-

tive on Salesian chastity in its entfuery. "Chastity is not some-

thing acquired once and for all", our Constitutions tell us. "It

has its moments of tranquillity and moments of difficulty. It

is a gift which because of human weakness is fragile and vulner-

able and needs a daily pledge of fidelity".Ts Even a mature and

balanced Salesian in his 30's or 40's may quite unexpectedly

be overtakenby a squall... lVe have abeady said that this should

cause him no surprise, but he should make use of it as an op-

portunity for looking into himself and his commitment to chastity

more deeply.'6 The document on fotmation in priestly celibacy

invites him to face such eventual crisis with sound realism and

with a lively and humble f.aith.n

St. Paul's "castigo corpus nteurn, I cbastise my body"

A typically Salesian observation is called for here. Don Bosco

and our tradition have always recommended, as a means for

observing chastity, the joint use of natwd. and supernatural means.

But, for pedagogical feasons, the means of ascetic nature have

always been assigned the fitst place.

'o See GFPC, 18 and 42.

7s Const., 79; see also ASGC, 554.

See

Const.,

719.

67-69.

4.8 Page 38

▲back to top

-38-

For instance, in his Introduction to the Constitutions, Don

Bosco spoke only of means of mortification or self-denial (though,

undoubtedly, such means ate inspired by love of Chtist on the

cross). And this he did for a good reason. His pastoral prag-

matism had convinced him that the most fervent prayers and the

most assiduous reception of the sacraments were next to useless

for the one who did not accept St. Paul's program of "castigo

corpus mer!./n, I cbastise nty body",1t which he quoted in lis In-

troduction.

"Castigo corpus meurz" today consists largely in rejecting

every kind of intemperance. The field, in which Don Bosco calls

us to exercise self-denial with his strong and challenging program

of Salesian temperance, is today fraught with no less potentially

doanneg,etrhoeuseaasnydutseemapntdingabsuistueaotifonaslcothhaonlicthdernin-ks.toBpuot itnhteoreutisjuasnt

area in which it is absolutely necessary for us today to reject

every

mean

kind of intemperance for

the area of mass media.

the defense of

It is not true

our

that

chastity

we may

-lookI

at everything, tead everything, listen to everything.

It goes against sound psychology and plain common sense

for one to believe that giving indis*iminate freedom (tricense,

that is) to his senses will have no effect on his imagination,

on his thoughts and finally on his actions. As this is a matter of

human nature, it applies to every man, particularly to a man who

has to maintain the fragile balance of chastity. This balance is,

bitnoew[laiagcrhdt,tslbysaepslrefe-dmsunamsotteedroy!n-ltyh, roonbuugGhtoodsne'slaf-hdcoeolynnisagtalr.ancHteae-ndwhdwoihffiiwcchaunlitstssnttroiovtinbtgoe

spiritually healthy, must breatle in clean ah and steer clear of

the miasma of this decadent culrure of ours which, unfortunately,

is invading our world. (As educators, let us not forget out

78 L Car.,9: 27

4.9 Page 39

▲back to top

-)9-

responsibilities in this regard, especially in the choice of shows

for our boys' theaters).

Vatican II has likewise reminded us that we "should take

advantage of those natural helps which favor mentd' and bodily

health".Te For mental f.atigoe, resulting from overwork or excessive

pressure, sooner or later leads to physical or psychic exhaustion,

and this in turn becomes a fertile ground for temptations. Suf-

ficient sleep and relaxation are needed to preserve emotional

balance.

Our relationships with externs

I would now Iike to touch upon some aspects of our relation-

ships with externs. In the first part of this lettet, when I was

talking about the new social and cultural context in which we

have to live our chastiry today, I called to your minds a thought

of the Speoial General Chapter: a mature practice of chastity

"presupposes a genuine and serene reverence ...for sexuality

...human love ...and women".e A consecrated ]ife is no negation

or tear of, or flight from, social relationships; it is a special, but

genuine, manner of communicating with people, women included.

Besides, as the same Chapter remarked,t' the evolution of our

pastoral ptaxis leads us today, in certain environments, to take

on larger responsibilities towards women and gfuls. The very

renewal of our Salesian Family issued a call for "intercommunica-

tion and collaboration" among its vanious groups, so that "through

sharing arid collaboration, we (can) live the experience of the

gospel to our mutual entichment".82

All this supposes that the Salesian of today has learned the

proper manner of dealing with women. If he has not, this could

n Perlectae Caritatis, 12.

N ASGC, 561.

Id., 5L

ASGC,

and 355; Regulations,

L74; see 692.

and

12.

4.10 Page 40

▲back to top

bring disaster upon him, his community and the people concerned.

It is, therefore, important for us in this regard to have clear

ideas, if we want to conduct ourselves properly. To put it in

a nutshell, we must make a double efiort: first, to understand,

and second, to be honest with ourselves as men and as Salesians.

An ellort to understand

For obvious reasons it is particularly necessary for us to

understand that our renunciation here touches us in one of the

most sensitive areas of our being and, consequently, it will be

a1l the more natural to look consistendy and albeit unconsciously

for compensations.

Earlier in this letter I invited you to check from rime to

time on_ the deep-seated modvations and the external qualities of

your relationships in the apostolate. Such check deserves to be

made more accurately with regard to our relationships with women.

For instance we should ask ourselves: \\7hy in this circumstance

do I want to meer with this woman or girl or female group?

Do I really intend this meeting for her or their good and for

God's Kingdom or for my own satisfaction? !7ith what delicacy

and tact do I deal with them?

Leaving aside other obvious considerations, we should take

into account the negative, albeit unexpressed, reaction of people

around us to an improper and 'free' behavior in this regard.

I recall a remark a Superior once made: "!fle're now planning

our apostolate

some for boys

f.ot

and

the summer. \\tr7e'll

others for girls. I'm

hoatgvainngizeahseavtderatilmceamfipnsdi-ng

enough Salesians to work for the lads; but for the gals I've got

too many volunteers!".

My dear confreres, Don Bosco wanted us to be specifically

oriented towards boys and young men: it is them that we have

to look for, because they are our natural destinataries.ts Yes,

8 ASGC, 5T.

5 Pages 41-50

▲back to top

5.1 Page 41

▲back to top

-4L-

the Chapter recognized that "in certain kinds of pastoral respon-

sibility" there arises "a need f.or an integrated (mixed) education

for our young people". But this is a matter of providing for an

educational need in circumstances and environments that must

be well defined, and not a reason for an indiscriminate (or nearly

so) opening towards boys and girls, which would cause our

works to lose their precise character of male institutions. This

is no doubt such a momentous and delicate problem that we will

have to tesponsibly reflect on it at the proper time and place.

Something else we ought to understand is the prudence or

reserve which is required in this delicate field. All the Salesians

should have a suitable "instruction in the character and psychology

of women as it is affected by the som of life they lead and by

their age".e I am ahad that some of them sometimes are not

aware of the subtle processes of transference or fixation which

they, out of a seriously imprudent naivet6, risk to trigger in

women.

chliemrictFh-eoridsienhasoltau"nmldcaercn, a"ah(zmyeoatulhena, gtthaSatgaliiersls)i,iasennn-daotwureCadollyawdiintjuhctloimnreaBndyrtoowthosenedreeoirn-r

ful talents, etc. and for every little problem she comes up with

she is likely to turn to him, thus developing a sort of attachment

and dependence on him. A priest should in turn rcalize that his

ministration to a mamied woman or a married couple invariably

brings a new element into the husband-wife relationship and

could give rise to difficulties and problems, even serious ones.

What balance is, therefore, required in giving spiritual or

pastoral assistance! What a rcmarkable capaciry for discernment

and self-mastery, what a sense of responsibility, and what a forth-

right faith-inspired intention are needed in dealing with women!

There is indeed a great deal of truth in the statement made in the

clurch document already referred to: "A good and healthy relation-

U GFPC,60.

5.2 Page 42

▲back to top

ship towards women cannot be a matter of improvisation. It

has to be aclieved thto"gh a slow and delicate maining process".s

An effort to be honest with ourselves as men and as Salesians

I would not want to insinuate by these reflections that the

problem of our relationship with women should degenerate into

an obsession. Just the opposite! I spoke of the need to be honest

with ourselves as men and as Salesians. "As in all human relation-

ships, so too in the relations between (ourselves) and women,

dre correct course to follow is that of truth and sincerity. Genuine-

ness in behavior automatically excludes everything that is fake

and artificial".e

The goal for us here is to attatn a serene and "natural,

unequivocal and clear attitude".87 Our very family spirit invites

us to avoid anything stiff and stilted and to be genial and cordial

without mawkishness in dealing with people. "The Salesian's

manner of action is to seek to do all things well, with due

measure and simplicity. He is open and cordial, ready to make

the fitst advance and to receive people with kindness, respect

and patience".s In this we should take for our guideline Don

Bosco's way of dealing with his women benefactors as it is reveal-

ed in his letters to them. These letters are, as Fr. Aubry has

recendy described them, "mastetpieces of human and priestly

tact, a marvelous blend of reverence and affection, savoir faire

and candor, pastoral daring and discretion".e

6 Id. On this point the document offers excellent guidelines. Read carefully

57-61,65,87-88. The special importance assigned to the educative influence of the

gsupiidraitnuucaelGd-FirPeCicst,o5wr9o.-rth

to whom

noticing.

young

religious

particulat

are

invited

for

ASGC,675.

Const., 45.

Scritti Spiritaali

Gioaanni

Bosco

(Spiritaal

Vritings

St.

John

Bosco). edited by Fr. Joseph Aubry, Citti Nuova 1976, vol. 2, p.70.

5.3 Page 43

▲back to top

-43-

I will add that there is a sign by which we can tell whether

a consecrated man behaves as he should when dealing with wo-

men: it is the genuineness of his fratemaL charity within his com-

munity. We at times see a Salesian who is sweet and kind with

externs, and gruff and mean with his confreres. A tendency to

overfriendliness with women coupled with a shying away from

the community would be a sure sign of a disorderly emotional

condition.

In particular our immaturity in this tegard would make it

especially dificult, if not impossible, for us to promote the

welfare of the Salesian Family. It is my sincere hope, instead,

that all. of us bring their honest contribution to it in a true family

spirit, that is, by helping each other as brothers and sisters to

love and serve the Lord and the destinataries of our mission

better

issued

and better. On

an appeal "to be

this point our Special

authentically 'ourselves'

"G'en((eAratlruCehracpotenr-

sciousness of the teligious aspect of our vocation will make us

better fitted to help the Coopetators and other lay groups to

live their vocation with a more penetrating sense of the Gospel

and of the Beatitudes".s

Sone practical situations

Just before closing allow me one quick reference to some

practical situations in our Salesian life.

First of aJ)., tbe enploying ol female personnel in our bouses.

Here we should ask ourselves to what extent this is needed or

usefr:I, and in any case we should ask ourselves whether by doing

so we could still say that we are, as individuals and as com-

munities, within the true Salesian spirit and sryle.

Next a word on the atmospbere needed to build up a Salesian

eo ASGC, 126.

5.4 Page 44

▲back to top

coornamnainnidtyiv. idAuraell,igriaotuhsecr osmtimll umnoityrenetheadsn-thenyo

English-speaking people call privacy. In fact

less than a home

daore-ligiowuhsact otmhe-

munity is a family, but not just Iike any other f.amily; for it is

a Lantly of consecrated men; and as such it has its particular

need fot intimary and reserve. Such need is fulfilled by reserv-

ing certain places of the house and cemain times of the day for

the communiry members only. It is true that we must be ready

to welcome people; but this does not mean that our house should

open the door of every room to everyone every hour of the day.et

Lasdy, our relationsbips uitb our families. A significant

evolution has taken place here. The Special General Chapter

presents contact with the family as a sign and outlet of legitimate

affection (especially when it is a case of visiting one's parents);

moreover, it considers it as an aid to maturity and balance, and

as an oppoffuniry for witnessing. Naturally, all this should be

- done with moderation and discretion

virtues.e

two typically Salesian

!7e should never forget, however, that, as consecrated men,

we must give our mission the absolute priority. Except for emer-

gency cases of assistance, the love of our family members takes

the second place after tJle needs of the Kingdom of heaven.e3 It

is our duty to delicately educate our dear ones on this Gospel

truth we have accepted and believe in.

Two perennial sources of light and strength

I As you see, touched upon many aspects of our consecrated

chastity, and also made many references to practical situations.

See

Const., 52,

ASGC,674;

Reg., 40;

GFPC,85.

'3 Lk 9t 59-62.

5.5 Page 45

▲back to top

-45-

I am confident that you will take them to heart and do your

very best to put them into practice. As a concluding exhortation

I believe it could be useful to call your attention to three delibera-

tions proposed by the 21st General Chapter to all the Salesians

on the matter of chastity.

"1. Both as a congregation and as individuals, Salesians must

be acutely conscious of the fact that they have a special message

of puity to transmit to the modern world. They have a special

mission towards the young whom they must train to be vigorous

in their practice of purity. For such a mission, they tJremselves

must in a special way be invincible in their own purity.

2. The Salesian must loyally admit the necessity of mortifica-

tion and prudence, virtues which, especially in this field, ate

authentic expressions of personal love for Christ and are, besides,

the condition tequired f.or a balanced interior life. He must ex-

clude everything of a doubtful character (books, fi]rns, etc.). He

must be discreet in spiritual direction. If he is obliged to exercise

his apostolate tov/ards women, he should do it with simpliciry

and delicacy and in full accord with his superior.

3. The Salesian should give the Blessed Virgin her rightful

place in his personal life. Thus his affections will have their

fruitful supernatural oudet and his purity its proper tadiance".%

This brings my letter to an end.

Dear confteres, please receive these considerations with

simplicity and openness, and try to draw profit from them, both

by personal meditation and community reading. You will do

well to take them in their entirety, without emphasizing some

points to the disadvantage of others, so as to ensure a balanced

vierr.

Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to enlighten us with his gifts.

Our consectated chastity is in fact possible, most of all because

s Acts ol XIX General Cbapter, pp. 8485

5.6 Page 46

▲back to top

46-

it is gift of God, "a precious gtace" ls that we must accept with

gratitude and develop as a joyful and loving return in kind.

There are two perennial sources of light and strength at our

disposal: the Holy Eucharist, where v/e meet the loving Chtist

as orrr Vistim and Nourishment, and where

body and soul, with his Saving Body and

wBeloocda;nocomanmdunaicfaitted, '

devotion to the Virgin Help of Christians, blessed among women,

Immaculate, wholly consecrated to ther Son, and foundress of our

Salesian work on her day, 8th of December.

for

Cordial $eetings

your own prayers.

and

heartfelt

prayers

and thank you

Afiectionately,

Fr. Lours Rrccrnr

Rector Maior

Const., 75.

Our interior

attitude

well

expressed

this

liturgical

prayer:

"Cleanse

our spirit, O lotd, and renew it vith this sacrameent of salvation, so that also

our mtrtal bodies may receive the seed of resurrection and of neur life". (Postcorn. ol

Tuesday ol tbe 4th ueek in Lent).

5.7 Page 47

▲back to top

III. THE 21ST GENERAL CHAPTER

Preparation for GC 2L and respective Provincial Chapters is now

a furly well documented thing at the Secretariat of the Moderator,

where detailed reports on the work done are received daily. The

Technical Commissions in charge of the preparation for the Provincial

Chapters have evidently been able, in almost every Province, to readr

their confreres and their communities, to rouse their spirits in various

manners and in particular to create a remarkable climate of prayer.

This, we believe, will contribute in no small amount to making their

reflection and verification more serious and efiective.

In nearly all the Provinces a Regulator has already been nominated

and Delegates to the Provincial Chapters have been elected. The

dates for the celebration of the Chapters in various countries have

been set to fall, broadly speaking, into two periods: either the pte-

Christmas period or tlre pre-Holy !7eek Triduum period. Cenain

Chapters, however, especially in the southern hemisphere, will be held

dudng the months of January-March, and a handful of them were

already held in November. Some Provinces celebrate their Chapters in a

single session, lasting about 10 days or more; others, instead, prefer

to stagger their meetings into two or even four sessions over a period

of several months.

\\Tithin the last quarter of. t976 there was a flurry of requests

for juridical clarifications, especially with reference to the election

of Delegates to Provincial Chapters and the proper functioning of the

Chapters themselves. \\[ith the aid of the Juridical Ofice, tle

Modetator tried to reply to all queries as promptly as possible.

To meet requests for aids and for suggestions on how to foster

a better spirit of interest and prayer in communities in preparation

for the @, 21, the Moderator in November senr all the Provincials

a folder containing various prayers, suggestions for liturgical and paru-

liturgical celebrations, samples of "Liturgies of the 'S7'ord", etc. A11

this material was either taken from material submitted by some

Provinces or specially prepared by the Secretariat of the Moderator.

5.8 Page 48

▲back to top

-48-

Other helpful material, excerpted from the rich documentation received

at the Generalate, such as rcflections on the general study topic, and

talks by some members of the Superiot Council, was likewise mailed

it. out to any one who requested Materials wete also exchanged among

Provinces within the same language groups, and this proved to be

beneficial to all those involved in the exchange. On such occasions

Provincial Newsletters showed how useful they can be.

Once again we think it advisable to remind the confreres that

it is the task of the Provincial Chapter besides what is stated in

- Const. L77,5 to study the topics proposed for GC 21 on the basis

- of the contributions made by confreres and communities, to elaborate

proposals and suggestions to be sent to GC 21, and to propose other

topics which are considered vitally important for the Congregation.

It is therefore a question of, fust of all, making a double verification

according to the directives issued by the Rector Major, i.e. a verification

on the basis (literally: the versant) of the Constitutions and Regulations

and then a verification on the basis of the general study topic. To

this primary task must be subordinated all other topics or problems,

no matter how important and valid for the whole Congregation they

may be considered.

'lFinally an evenrual adjunct privileged selection of a topic or

problem more markedly local should be made on the basis of its

specific weight for the purposes of tenewal (in response) to a valid

expectation which is widespread among confreres and communities,

and it should prove to be objectively not insertable on both of the

h above-mentioned versants of verification" o; other words, if a sec-

ondary topic is drosen, it should be relevant for individual confreres

and communities and, of course, it should not be already included

in the major topic.

At this time we remind you that the deadlines of March 3L

and April )0, 1977 cannot be extended. No later than March 31 the

* A Iiteral translation of this curlicued conundrum: <Infine an'ettentuale

scelta prioilegiata aggiuntiua di un tetna o problema piit spiccatanente locale

dourebbe essere latta in base al suo peso specifico ai fini del rinnouanaento',

ad un'attesa oalida, diffusa dei confratelli e delle comunitd, e risultare og4etti-

uanente non inseribile nei due oersanti saddetti della aerilica >. (Translator's note).

5.9 Page 49

▲back to top

-49

replies to the Suroey on tbe State ol tbe'Works ol tbe Congregation

should be forwarded to the Secretariat; and no later than April 30

the documents relative to Provincial Chapters (see Acts of the Superiot

Council, No. 283, p. 15) and the contributions of individual confreres

should likewise be forwarded to the same Secetariat. The nates

ff of the Delegates to the 21 should be made known to the Secretariat

immediately after theit election, because it is from their number that

the Rector Major with his Council will in May droose the members

of the Precapitular Commission.

The Moderator is standing by to assist you with darifications,

suggestions, aids, etc. on request. He is grateful fot all the news

items and documentation sent to him on work done or being done

in the Provinces.

The tesponsibility of the confreres and of the communities should

not end with the election of the Delegates to the Provincial Chapter

and to K, 2L. Reflection, study, infotmation, education and prayer

should be continued, so as to support that spirit of trust, which is

never missing in those who do God's will, and which must accompany

our entire preparation for and celebration of. GC 2L,

5.10 Page 50

▲back to top

IV. COMMUNI,CATIONS

1. Mofto of the Rector Major for the year 7977

The new Motto of the Recror Major, which is published in the

Januaty issue of the various editions of the Salesian Bulletin, aims

at getting the entire Salesian Family of Don Bosco involved in some

way with the celebration of the General Chapter 21.

In ptactice, the motto deals with a topic which is highly relevant

and much discussed in the Church today, i.e. evangelization. It is

also the general study topic chosen by the Rector Major for the

confretes' reflection in preparation for GC 21.

If the individual confreres, their communities and the various

branches of the Salesian pzmily will in the next months carry on an

in-depth study of this topic, it will be possible for all of us to achieve

a greatet understanding of, and unity of action in working for, Don

Bosco's apostolic project. This in turn will make our combined efforts

on behalf of youth in the Church and in the world more efiective.

The text of the Motto:

The Salesian Congregation thls year celebrates

the Twenty-first General Chapter in its history,

exactly one century after the First Chapter,

which was convoked by Don Bosco hi'mself.

On this memorable occasion

the Salesians are all invited to check on the effectiveness

of the renewal of the Congregation,

as requested by the Church after the Council,

in the light of the deep reflection

which the Church is making

on the

I think

fruitful

it most

theme of EVANGELIZATION.

opportune thls year

to extend to all the members of the Saleslan Family

an lnvitation to check on their efforts towards

PROCLAIMING CHRIST AND

BEARING WITNESS TO HIM WITH THEIB LIVES.

lndividually and collectively within our Famlly

we will all strive to llve up to this pl,edge

in the light of Don Bosco's apostolic project,

which Is today more ti,mely than evq.

Fr. LOUIS RICCERI

Rector fi/lalor

6 Pages 51-60

▲back to top

6.1 Page 51

▲back to top

2. New Provincials

-5t-

The Rector Major nominated to the Ofice of Provincial the

following confreres:

Fr. Aureliano Lectnle Vrces for Lmn (Spain),

Fr. Omero Penou for Mogliano Veneto Venetian Province (Italy),

and

Fr. Benjamin Puruore for Madras (India).

3. Our Gauses of Ganonization

a) Msgr. Versiglia and Fr. Caraoario declared martyrs

An important forward step in the Causes of Beatification of

Msgr. Versiglia and Fr. Caravario has been taken recently. The

Sunday, November 14, issue of. L'Osseraatore Rornano canied the

following comuniqu6:

"Yesterday, November 13, 1976, in the presence of the Holy

Father, six decrees concerning as many Causes of. Canonization and

Beatification were promulgated; to wit, ... on the martyrdom of the

Servants of God: Louis Versiglia, of the Society of St. Francis de

Sales, Tia:Iar bishop of Caristo, Vicar Apostolic of Schiuchow, born

at Oliva Gessi, Tortona diocese, on June 5, 1873 and died at Li Thas

Tseui, China, on February 25, 1930; and Callisfus Caravario, priest

of the same Society of St. Francis de Sales, born at CuorgnE, Turin,

on June 8, 190r, and died at Li Thau Tseui on February 25,1930..".

This Decree is an oficial recognition of the martyrdom of our

fwo missionaries. Only one miracle is now needed for their Beati-

fication.

This is

touch on the

- joyous news indeed

Centennial of our Salesian

one that

Missions.

puts

the

crowning

b) Msgr. Cimatti's "Cognitional" Process begun.

News has come ftom Japan that on November 26, t976 at

Chofu, in the presence of four bishops and a large representation of

the Salesian Family the "Cognitional" Process (as the canonical process

6.2 Page 52

▲back to top

-52

is presendy called) for the Beatification and Canonization of the Servant

of God Msgr. Vincent Cimatti was officially opened.

For information on this saindy and genial Salesian, please write

to: Fr. Carlo Orlando, Postulator of the Causes, Via della Pisana 1111,

00100 Rome-Aurelio (Italy).

4. Salesian Cooperators' World Gongress

"A Salesian presence in the wodd to carry Christ to youth".

\\7ith this slogan tJre Centennial manifesto had announced the Salesian

Cooperators' \\7odd Congress, following a letter of convocation issued

by the Rector Major on May 24, 1975, in which he had set dates

and topics (see ASC No. 280).

Local, provincial and national precongresses had done the prep-

amtory work among the ranL and file; tJre Congress, which was

celebrated at the Salesianum, Rome, October 30-November 3, 1976,

marked the crowning point.

Present were 75 members out of 78 Provinces and Delegations,

representing 40 nations. There were 150 Delegates and 131 Observers,

thus dismibuted: 105 lay and 45 religious Delegates; 55 lay and 76

religious Observers. In this way the percentages set by the Coopetators'

Regulations were observed. This was the.first time that a Cooperators'

Congtess was conducted prevalently by them.

The Congress was graced by the presence of Cardinals Garrone,

Carpino and Silva Henrlquez, Bishops Moreira Neves, Castillo and

Javierte, 11 Salesian Superiors,2 Superiors of the Daughters of Mary

Help of Christians and the highest Superiors of various Groups of

the Salesian Family and of Third Orders.

In the afternoon of October 30 the Rector Majot opened the

Congress. The Seeetary-Coordinator of the ltiltan National Council

welcomed the participants and the Moderator, Dr. Luigi Sarcheletti,

introduced dre Program and provided for the formation of Committees

and Study Groups.

A climate of friendliness and brotherliness immediately developed

among t{re participants. Each day began with a well-prepared and

intensely-followed litutgical celebration.

Fr. John Raineri, Councillor for the Apostolate of the Adults

6.3 Page 53

▲back to top

-53-

and for Social Communications, delivered the keynote commemorarive

message. The topic, "Tbe Salesian Cooperators' Commitrruent in the

Fanzily, in the Cburch arud in Society", was presented in three talks,

dilevered respectively by Mr. Isidoro Barneto (Spain), Mr. Roberto

Ingaramo (Argentina) and Mr. Giuseppe Giannantonio (Italy).

Thirteen study groups examined the reports in very lively sessions.

Their condusions were voted upon by the General Assembly with the

dectronic voting machine on Novembet 2, together with the proposed

modifications of the new Regulations, which were presented by Mr.

Angelo Tei.

A Cooperators' Panel on Missionary Activities had Delegates from

India, fugentina, Spain, Mexico and Italy to report before the General

Assembly on their missionary or apostolic activities. At the end two

young Cooperators, soon to leave fot Patagonia, added their own

testimony. This was a cleat indication of the new missionary trend

developing among the Cooperators.

The various entries of the Salesian Missions Centennial Compe-

tition promoted by the Cooperators zlmong young students in Italy

were put on display during the Congtess.

On November 3, more than 2,000 members and friends of the

Salesian Family joined the 300 !florld Congress and the 300 Young

Cooperators' European Congress participants for a concelebrated Mass

at the Altar of Confession in St. Peter's presided over by the Rector

Majot.

At 11 a.m,, always in St. Peter's basilica, they were received in

a special audience by Pope Paul VI. The text of the speech is reported

in the Documents Section below.

On November 3-5 the Young Cooperators' European Congress

was held at Grottaferrata, neat Rome. Its topic was: "Vorking

togetber to build a ciuilization of loue tbroagh euangelizatioa". Fr. Ric-

cardo Tonelli, SDB, gave the major report, which was discussed in

20 study groups.

Lively participation in liturgical services and discussions, ahd

youthful cheerfulness during the evening fraternity hours characterized

this Congress. The final motion was a forthright appeal to all Salesians

to get more in imately involved with Young Cooperators' groups so

as to help the Cooperatofs to be truly, as Don Bosco wanted, "the

soul of the Congregation".

6.4 Page 54

▲back to top

-54-

A Salesian present at the Congress su--ed up his impressions in

these words: "rU7e hold in our hands a fitst-rate fur,man potential,

whose efiectiveness on society depends on us. This raises some big

question marks: To what extent are we Salesians accepting or seeking

the responsible collaboration of our Cooperators? ![hat preparation

do we have or are we trying to get in order to train these young

Cooperators to be apostolic-minded? Are we willing to associate

them in some way to our works?".

5. The First Asian-Australian Past Fupils' Gongress

l, On November 25 - December 1976 the First Asian-Australian

Past Pupils'

Kong.

Congress

was

held

with great success -

in Hong

Present were three Superiors of the Council reptesenting the

Rector Major: the Councillor for the Past Pupils Fr. John Raineri,

the Regional for the Far-East Fr. George !7illiams, and the Councillor

for the Missions Fr. Bernard Tohill. Representing the !7orld Confed-

eration were the Confederal President Sefror Jos6 Gonzaiez Totres

(from Mexico), the Confederal Delegate Fr. Umberto Bastasi (who was

the animator of the Congress) and other major oficials of the European

organtzation.

Despite the great distances and the expenses of the trips, 103

Delegates representing the Federations of China (Hong Kong, Macao,

Taiwan), Bhutan, Burma, Indn, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand

and Ausmalia showed up punctually at the Aberdeen Technical School

in Hong Kong. Unable to attend were only the delegations from Viet

Nam and Sri Lanka.

It was the goal of the Congress to help the Past Pupils to discern

their identity, their Salesian provenance, their organizational structures

and the mission which they carry on jointly with the other members

of the Salesian Family on behalf of youth. In other words, the

Congress aimed at helping them deepen their consciousness of their

Salesian call to build up a better world, and ofiered them an op-

portunity to get to know each other across cultural, linguistic and

religious ibarriers and to give the world an efiective witness of a love

6.5 Page 55

▲back to top

-55-

whidr amidst a plurality of religious beliefs can truly create a unify

of purpose and a brotherly spirit.

The keynote address, entided: "Tbe meaning and tbe role ol tbe

Don Bosco Past Pupils' Association in Asia and Australia", was deliv-

ered by Mr. Catlisle C*ry, Federal President of India. Other speakers

were: Fr. John Raineti, Fr. Bernard Tohill, who commemorated the

Salesian Missions Centennial, and Fr. George !7i11iams, who read a

telegram from the Holy Father and a message from the Rector Major.

Particulatly significant was the participation of the President of the

Hong Kong Association, Mr. lTinston Chu, a distinguished lawyer

and a non-Catholic.

Right from the outset there was felt among the participants that

unmistakeable sense of friendliness, brotherliness and joviality which has

always been typical of the Past Pupils' Congresses. No one had any

difi"lty fuaternzing with non-Christian Past Pupils, who in some

Asian Federations reach up to 90Vo of the membership.

Attadrment to Don Bosco and his Successor was visible in all

the members, the non-Catholic included. This was manifested partic-

ularly in their willingness to work alongside the Salesians on behalf

of youth.

Of the many events one deserves a special mention, that is, the

inter-faith prayer service which took place in the general assembly

hall of the Hong Kong University, with the participation of outstanding

Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, Moslem and, of course, Christian personalities.

There were in it some poignant moments of shared religious feeling

- one more evidence that man's yearning for spiritual realities is

one of his essential dimensions.

Invaluable for the success of the Congress was the contribution

of the Salesian Sisters, who carried a heavy share of its complex

organzaion and made the Congress participants feel welcome and

comfortable in their houses.

The Delegates, divided into 8 groups, held lively discussions on

the spea,kers' reports and made a number of important final motions.

Here are some samples:

t The Association shows to be fully capable of carrying on the

education received in Salesian houses and of making it bear fruit in

the service of its fellow members, society and Church.

6.6 Page 56

▲back to top

' For the Association's vitality

- minimal structural orgenization

attached to Salesian houses all the way

it seems necessary to set up a

from local Unions or Groups

to tlre Center at the Genemlate.

c It is not only opportune, but necessary for lay members. who

have the responsibility of directing the Association, at the same time

to feel the need for, and to explore the possibilities of, cooperating

with the Congregation.

Pupils

is likewise a duty for

spiritual animators of

tl-re Salesians to stand

their Association.

their

Past

As a result, the Congtess issued a solicitous appeal to the Far-

Eastern Provincials to see to it that at provincial and local levels:

a) Salesians are enabled to acquire a deepet knowledge about

the Association through the study of the oficial documents of the

Congregation and the Association itself;

b) *rey learn, along the various educational stages, how to prepare

their pupils to become membets of the Association and to enter the

labor world - briefly, to be good Past Pupils;

c) those Salesians are drosen as Past Pupils' Delegates who are

well mained, spiritually updated, friendly, and committed to vorking

among boys and young men; and

/) such Delegates are assured an adequate amount of time for

their tasks, and a certain continuity on their posts as Delegates (when

a new Delegate is made, let this be done in consultation and agreement

with the lay officials of t}e Association).

In the judgement of those in charge of the Congress, it fully

achieved its goals. On the basis of the resolutions passed, it will

be followed by a Second Asian-Australian Past Pupils' Congress to

be held in Manila in 1980.

6.7 Page 57

▲back to top

6. The Seventh Gourse of On.going Formation

The 7th Course of On-going Formation is presently being held

at the Salesianum. Begun on Novembet 10, 1976, it will close in

early February L977.

The purpose of the Courses is to foster the renewal called for

by the Special General Chapter and to ofier the Provinces an incentive

and a guideline for similar courses to be organzed locally.

Also the present Course intends to provide a stimulus for various

local initiatives, whidr have been developing in many pans of the

Salesian wodd as a result of the six previous ones. But, whereas

the preceding courses were open to confreres ranging from 30 to 50 years

of age, this instead was reserved to confreres in the 55-70 years'

range, provided they felt able and willing to bring their vigorous

contribution to the Salesian apostolate in their Provinces, especially

as men of sound discernment and mature leadership, In view of

this, the Course provides the participants with suitable time for

reflection, prayer, and exchange of experiences. There are 38 confreres

emolled in it, and they come from 20 countries and 33 Provinces.

They are evidently enjoying this experience, which is already proving

to be an abundandy fruitfirl one. The previous six Courses brought

over 200 confreres to the Salesianum from nearly every country and

Ptovince in the Salesian world.

A similar Course will be held in the same place from March lst

to early June L977. It is Iikewise scheduled for confreres within the

same age runge (55-70 years), who are capable of leadership in their

Provinces and of serious work during the Course itself. It is also

required that the applicants have a working knowledge of ltahan,

fteely decide to take up the Course, are willing to live in a community,

and are open to dialog, initiative and especially interior renewal.

6.8 Page 58

▲back to top

V. SALESIAN MISSIONS CENTENNIAL

1, Glosing of the Gentennial in Argentina

The dosing of the Missions Centennial was celebrated in Buenos

Aires and San Nicol4s de los Arroyos (the ctadle of the Salesian work

n in America) on November 12-18, 1976 the presence of the Rector

Major, the Regional Councillor Fr. Juan Vecchi, two Reverend Mothers

of the Superior Council of the Salesian Sisters and many other dig-

nitaries.

It would be hard to imagine a celebmtion that could have been

more solemn and at the same time more typically Salesian. The

fugentinian people went all out to stage a most fantastic and

enthusiastic tribute of gratitude to Don Bosco and the Salesians.

Here is a brief report.

An action-packed ueek

Friday, Nov. 12 - Arrival of the Rector Major. In the reception

hall at the Ezeiza international airport Fr. Ricceri received a warm

welcome from the Salesian Family and the official welcome from the

Argentine Government. He was declared guest of honor.

Sat., Nov. lf - Ardval of the Rector Major at San Nicolds de

los Aroyos on an Ait Fotce jet. After an enthusiastic reception,

concelebrated Mass (among the gifts camied at the Ofletory procession,

the key of the city presented by the Mayor).

Sun., Nov. 14 - Meeting with the Salesian Family: two hours of

interviews, conversation, etc. with all the members of the Family.

Flight back to Buenos Aires in the aftemoon.

Mon., Nov. 15 - Recording of the Rector Major's interview for

6.9 Page 59

▲back to top

-59-

national TV broadcasting. Late in the afternoon, in the Buenos Aires

Cathedral: Thanksgiving Mass and tribute of the Salesians to the

Argentine hierarchy. The concelebrated Mass was presided over by

Card. Aramburu. Uncovering of a memorial stone to Archbishop

Aneyros, who called the fust Salesians to Argentina.

Tues., Nov. 16 - Visit of the Rector Major to Card. Aramburu.

In the afternoon, in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in ALnagro

(a Buenos Aires borough) : concelebrated Mass for the Salesians of the

Capital, presided over by the Rector Major. Religious profession of

Salesians, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Volunreers of Don

Bosco, and pledge ceremony of about 30 new Cooperators. Family

supper and Good-night talk of the Rector Major.

Vd., Nov. 17 - In the evening, in the famed Col6n Theater

(the greatest opera house in Latin America, and the largest, too, but

too small for the occasion): the official homage of the Argentine Nation

to the Salesians, in the presence of the highest civil and ecclesiastical

authorities. On the stage a 250-member Salesian Boys' choir, and in

tdhireecptiottsthienCthoel6nwoTrhleda, tebruot rtchhiessttirma e-

normally

under the

directed by

baton of a

the best

Salesian.

Official speeches. At the end, H2indel's Allelujab sung by rhe Boys'

Choir. Many eyes damp with tears.

Thur., Nov. 18 - Visit of the Rector Major to the President of the

Argentine Republic. Unscheduled interview with the Salesian youth

in the Capital.

Fri., Nov. 19 - Return flight to Rome.

Tbe Rector Maior's irnpressions

The best commentary on the Argentine celebration can be found

in the words of the Rector Major himself, who played a... major role

in it. Back at General Headquarters in Rome, Fr. Ricceri expressed

his impressions in a informal talk to the Community. Here is a

summary of what he said.

6.10 Page 60

▲back to top

After quoting the phrase: "Argentina is Don Bosco's second

homeland", Fr. Ricceri said: "I7ell, I thought at first that was only

a nice, catchy little phrase... until I got there and rcahzed that

fugentina has indeed become Don Bosco's home country. Don Bosco

and the Salesians have struck deep roots in Argentina, they have

become Argentinians among Atgentinians. The Argentinians look up

to Don Bosco as to one of their own".

"Twenty-five per

went on

padre is

- has been

automatically

tcraeinnteod fbtyhetheArSgaelnetsiniaensc.leIrngyth-e

Fr' Ricceri

South every

assumed to be a Salesian. People just could

not think otherwise, because for several decades they have known

no other priests but Salesian priests".

Underscoring the joyous spirit and other characteristics of the

celebration, Fr. Ricceri said: "That was a real feast, not just a merry-

making fiesta. It was a solid, spiritually well prepared celebration...

perhaps a bit German-style, one that was in the making and cared

for in the least details for a whole year".

"It vras a peoPle-centered. celebration! Very large sections of the

population took part in it. They did so spontaneously. There was

nothing forced or staged about it. Ratler, people had to be con-

rained. lfhetever I went, I saw there was never enough room to

accomodate all the people present".

"It was

thousands of

ayoyuonugtbp-ceeonptelere, da, ncdelaelblraotfiotnh,e-m

with thousands upon

from our houses. In

Buenos Aires alone there are 13 Salesian foundations! And our boys

practically ran the big show at the Col6n Theater!".

"It was a nation-wide celebration The State and Church author-

ities who graced the celebration with their presence took pains to

stress they were representing the people and talking for the people.

The

the

fpurgoeudnetisnteanPdrehsaidpepnietsat npdersaonpawsatsptuhpeilFoirfstthLeadSya-lesitahneSwisitfeerso".f

"ft was a celebration inooluing the entire Salesian Family. Alt

the members of our Family cooperated with enthusiasm in the prepa-

ration of the commemorative program. At the 2-hour-long Mass at

Almagro on November 16, I could see in front of me nothing but a

huge sea of white albs the concelebrating priests' and behind it,

- - - a huge sea of black &esses the Salesian Sisters'".

7 Pages 61-70

▲back to top

7.1 Page 61

▲back to top

-61 -

"And it was a celebration ol Salesian youth. My last day in

fugentina was scheduled to be a day of. resr... But then I was 'mobbed'

by some seventy young in-training confreres, novices and postulants.

That was a mammoth interview! Yes, today's youth are quite difer-

ent from the youth of, say, four or five years argo. Vocations now are

on the increase. These young men seek Don Bosco. They want

to know him in depth. They love him. They love Salesian things.

They are out-spoken with us. And they are rightly demanding".

"Finally, those were days of higb bopes. There was a feeling

there that, after the recent crises, things are on the upswing again;

that we are standing on the threshold of a new era. This feeling

was shared by elder Salesians who were sensing the shifting mood.

'![e feel renewed', they told me. '![e can now look ar the future

with new confidence. Our youth are our guarantee for a brighter

future"'.

2. Glosing of the Gentennial in Turin

The closing of the Salesian Missions Centennial in Valdocco-

Turin took place on Sunday, November 7, L976 with the Recor

Major, with Fr. Bernard Tohill and several otler Superiors present.

The two high moments of the day were dre Farewell Ceremony of

the newly-departing missionaries and the academic entertainment.

The Farewell Ceremony was held in the afternoon in the Basilica

of Mary Help of Christians, which was packed with members and

friends of the Salesian Family. Particularly n rmerous were the par-

ents, relatives and friends of the new missionaries, some of whom

had travelled long distances to be present. The simple and moving

ceremony took place during a solemn concelebrated Mass presided

over by the Rector Major. \\Torthy of notice among the departing

missionaries were three young lay Cooperators.

In the evening a lyric and musical enterrainment honoring the

missionaries was held in the Valdocco theater hall. Its high point

was a pteview show of "Un sogno cent'anni dopo" ("A dream 100

yeats later"), a Salesian Missions color documentary shot in 1976 on

the same spots Don Bosco had 'seen' and described a century earlier.

There was also the awarding ceremony for the winners of the Salesian

7.2 Page 62

▲back to top

Missions Centennial Competition, which had been held during the

year among elementary-school pupils in Italy.

Two musical performances put an artistic touch on the closing

of the Centennial in Turin. First there was a series of organ concerts

(tfuee of them) during the month of November in the new church

at UPS-Crocetta: renowned organists played pieces from the classical

and Salesian repertoires.

On December 23 therc was at the RAI (Italian Radio Network)

Auditorium the premiere petformance of a cantata-oratorio composed

by Maestro Alberto Ptzzrni, a Salesian Cooperator, expressly for the

Centennial. His composition is to be rebroadcast on the same RAI

Netwotk during the month of. January 1'977.

It is impossible for us to follow up this sketchy report on the

Turinese Centennial celebration with an even sketchier report on the

many other celebrations which took place simultaneously and through-

out tlre year in various Provinces and houses. It would simply be

impossible to fit them all in the Acts. Let it be a comfort for us to

know that Don Bosco's friends and civil and ecclesiastical authorities

often participated as a body at the countless celebrations which were

organtzed in practically every Salesian house'

3. Statistics on the l06th Salesian Missionary Expedition

The 1976 Salesian Missionary Expedition the 106th in the

- long series started by Don Bosco was made up of 53 members,

- of which 22 werc priests, L6 clerics, 12 Coadiutor Brothers and 3 lay

Cooperatots.

Aaerage agez 34 years. Lowest age: 19 years (a cleric); highest

age 62 years (a priest).

Countries ol origiu 1l from ltaly, 10 from Poland, 7 from Spain,

4 each from Ireland and India, 3 from France, 2 each from Brazil,

Portugal and the United States; 1 each from Belgium, Czechoslovakia,

El Sa1vador, Philippines, South African Republic, and lfest Germany.

Prooinces ol origim 8 from lidz, 5 from Ireland, 4 from the

Central Ptovince, 3 from Madras, 2 each from the Lombard, Southern

7.3 Page 63

▲back to top

_63_

and Subalpine Italian Provinces, the Bilbao, Le6n and valencia spanish

Provinces, the Lyon and Paris French Provinces, the portuguese and

the 56o Paulo Provinces; L each from Australia, Barcelon-a, North-

Belgium, Bombay, Central American, Krakdw, New Rochelle, philip-

pines, San Francisco and Venetian-St. Mark.

. Countries ol d.estination: 27 missionaries were assigned to Latin

America, 15 to Africa, 9 to Asia, and 2 arc still awaiting their destin-

ations. F.ight were sent to Btazi,, 4 each to Antilles, Argentina, Bo-

Iivia, India and South African Republic; J each to Gabon and Zake;

2 each to Colombia, Ecuador, Macao, Marocco, pataguay and philip-

pines; I each to Egypt, Lybia, Swaziland, Thailand and Venezuela.

4. A seminar on slum.areas apostolate

On February L9-24, 1977 a seminar on slum-areas apostolate will

be held at the Salesianum in Rome.

One confrere per Province has been invited to take part in this

initiative, which follows in the wake of the Missions centennial.

M"OaanrejIoyrtrtuphlooyisnientevcdoolovnefurdet riiennsttahhierselkeaitnstekdreodofftaocpooanstvtteooclnaadtte,io,wnahntdooa-trhceaapbrsleovtthioneccioaRnlestcrti-bo-r

ute their experiences to the workshop in Rome and bring back to

their Provinces a fuller understanding of, and a renewed dedication

to, this special apostolate".

The workshop activities will consist in the stating of one,s own

experiences, group reflecdon and discussion, and contributions by

e4perts.

The aim of the workshop is twofold: first, as regards the partic_

ipants, to give them an opportunity to analyze and compare en--going

personal experiences, to study the causes of social maladjustmeni md

emargination, to search

christian development

for

and

wtoaysclaanridfymtheaensmfeoarnpinrgomoof tain-gsahluemsiaann

and

pre-

sence in this sector. Secondly, on a wider scale, to sensitize the Sale-

sians on this typically Salesian form of aposrolate.

7.4 Page 64

▲back to top

-64-

5. Reports on Gentennial celebrations requested

The Missions Department last November sent out a request to

all Provincials for a detailed and picture-documented feport on all

the initiatives which had been carried out during the Missions Centen-

nial year.

Fr. Bernard Tohill's letter to Provincials is found in the Docu-

ments Section of this issue (p. 71).

6. Solidarity Fund goes over Lilt. 112 billion (British: milliard)

mark

With the last contributions counted in this 21st Report, the Con-

freres' Solidarity Fund has gone over the one-half billion (British:

milliard) Itahan Lire mark (roughly, USA$75,000 as of January L,

Lg77). Obviously, this initiative continues to rouse the intetest and

cooperation of manY confreres.

The Solidarity Fund proiect \\ras proposed by the Rector Major

over eight years ago as a ptactical corollary of his letter on Poverty

(ASC No. 253, November 1968). Shortly afterwards (ASC No. 265,

February 1969, p.6), he spoke of "our needy works... wher-e too often

the bare necessities of life wefe wanting and the confreres were

living in conditions of extreme poverfy, having to resign dremselves

to a-slow paralysis of. a great part of their social and apostolic work

through lack of means".

Helping these works and these confreres in need thus becomes

"a duty that corobines justice and fraternal charity". \\flhere should

the help come from? "The fruits of this solidarity", Fr. Ricceri went

on to say, "must come from each o{ us as persons and as com-

munities.-. from our poverty, lived more generously, from an admini-

stfation that is -ot. *it" and attentive, ftom a prudent and intelligent

economy, and... from a ceftain renunciation of quite a lot of superfluous

or inopportune things...".

Thi o*ic crisis which is presently troubling various tegions

of the wo"d.odt, has certainly aggravated the discom{ort of many a con'

frere and hampered many a work. The forthcoming Lenten season

7.5 Page 65

▲back to top

-65

could very well give us a grand opportunity for a more generous

conribution to the Solidarity Fund.

a) Coxrnrauuuc Pnovrncns (September 10 - November ll, 1976)

Arrarnrcn

Central America

United States, San Francisco

Eunopr

Germany, Cologne

Italy, Southern P.

Italy, Subalpine P.

Italy, Venetian-St. Mark P

Porrugal

Spain, Valencia

Total

Casb on band

Lit. 2,000,000

4,ooo,ooo

13,400,000

1.,461,000

,,818,000

4,385,000

860,000

1,913,000

31,737,000

4,387

Total anot. lor distribution

b) DrsnunsEMENT (September 10 - November ll,1976)

Arnrca

Cenmal Africa, from Cologne: for the train-

ing of young Zairians

3L,741,387

13,400,000

Anapnrca

Antilles: scholarship for On-going Fotma-

tion Course

Argentina, Buenos Aires: idem

Atgentina, Bahla Blanca: idem

Argentina, Bahla Blanca, from Venetian-St.

Mark: to Msgr. Moure

Argentina, Bahla Blanca; for Radio Cemipas

project at Comodoro Rivadavia

500,000

1,oo0,ooo

500,000

400,000

7.6 Page 66

▲back to top

-66

Argentina, C6rdoba: for San Antonio Social

Assistance

Argentina, Rosario: scholarship for On-goin

Formation Course

Bolivia: idem

BraziT, Belo Horizonte: for "Vigilantes Mi-

rins" Social Assistance

Bruzi., Campo Grande: scholarship for On-

going Formation Course

Braztl, Porto Alegre: idem

Central America: idem

Colombia, Bogotri: idem

Colombia, fuiati: idem

Colombia, Madellln: idem

Ecuadot: idem

Mexico, Mexico City: idem

Paraguay: idem

Uruguay: idem

Uruguay: dispatching supplies to a mission-

ary

Asre

India, Calcutta: scholarship for On-going

Formation Course

India, Ma&as: idem

India, Madras: for handicapped and orphan

boys at Mangalagiri

India, Tura: for a Youtfi Center

Korea: scholarship for On-going Formation

Course

Thailand: idem

EunopE,

Italy, Central: for the decoration of the par-

ish church at Castelnuovo Don Bosco

Total

1,000,000

500,000

2,ooo,ooo

,00,000

500,000

,00,000

500,000

300,000

500,000

,00 ,0 00

1,600,000

1,0d0,000

500,000

1,ooo,ooo

31,700,000

7.7 Page 67

▲back to top

Casb on band

-67 -

Fund as ol Noaember 77, 1976

Inconee

Disburseraent

Cash on band

41,387

502,967,90L

502,926,5L4

4t,387

7.8 Page 68

▲back to top

VI. ACTIVITIES OF THE SUPERIOR COUNCIL

In the Fall of 1976 the Rector Major and his Council were kept

very busy by a voluminous amount of undertakings both in Rome and

in various parts of the world.

In particulat the Rrcron Meyon attended the closing ceremonies

of the Salesian Missions Centennial first in Turin and then in Argen-

tina (see report, pp. 58-62).

Fn. Ecroro VrceNd visited the houses of formation in Latin Amer-

ica, and met with Provincials, Rectors and many other confreres re-

sponsible for initial and on-going Salesian formation at various levels.

The principal stopovers in his long journey were Mexico, Central Amer-

ica, Colombia (Medellln and Bogotd), Peru, Bolivia and Chile. In

the last-mentioned country he also met with the leadets and members

of the Salesian Youth Movement and, assisted by Fr. Joseph Aubry,

presided over a Spirituality lfeek, which was attended by 160 Sale-

sians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians altogether.

Fn. GrowNer-r Dno likewise visited Latin America. Before his

departure he presided over a Study and Reflection Meeting for the

Italian vocations centers personnel at the $algsianrrm in Rome; he

then visited Argentina, Utuguay, Parugaay, Brazl, Chfle, Peru, Vene-

zuela and the Antilles. In these countries he met with the various

groups of confreres responsible for youth activities and vocations, and

workitrg in aspirantates, vocations centers,Salesian yout} movements,

youth centers, counselling centers, etc. Finally, in the La Plata region

he chaired a Youth Pastoral Council and a Vocations Council.

Fn. GIovaNur RerrvBnr was taken up with various activities of

his Department. He presided over fust the "Salesian Family Days"

in three Spanish Provinces, then the Salesian Cooperatots' Iforld

Congress and im-ediately afterwards the Young Cooperators' Euto-

7.9 Page 69

▲back to top

69-

pean Congress (see report, pp. 52-54\\, and in December the Asian-

Australian Past Pupils' Congress in Hong Kong (see report, pp. 54-56).

Also in December he visited several Provinces in Asia, and met with

the personnel in drarge of Adult Pastoral Ifork (parishes, Cooperators,

Past Pupils, VDB's, etc.). He has a Course for European Parish Priests

and a Visit to Yugoslavia and Spain sdreduled for January.

Fn. BeRNaRD Tosrr,r, with his Department continued to maintain

high the spirit of the Missions Centennial. He attended its closi.g

ceremonies in Turin and !7arsaw. Since mid November he has been

visiting the Asian missions, with stopovers in Calcutta, Rangoon

(Burma), Djakata (Indonesia), Hong Kong, Taiwan and Philippines.

He will latet visit Korea, Iapaurr, Thailand and again India.

Tbe Regional Councillors

The Regional Councillors left Rome in mid October for a long

period of visits end/ot visitations to their Regions.

Fn. LuIcr Frone is making a canonical visitation of the Sicilian

and Subalpine Provinces. His crammed schedule also contemplates an

Italian and Mid-Eastern Provincials' Conference, a Newly-elected

Rectors'Conference, and seven national conferences for various sectors

(parishes, Past Pupils, Cooperators, etc.).

Fn. Josf VrNcBNtn }trexnfeurz made a canonical Visitation to

the Ecuador and Central American Provinces. He is scheduled to

visit Peru, Chile, Bolivia and Venezuela and to make the visitation of

the Bogot6 Province.

Fn. Anrouro Mfr,rne is presently making a canonical visitation of

the Valencia Province, with the usual series of meeting with various

groups.

Fn. Jorw Trn ScrrunB, after a flash visit to tlre confreres in

Ftance, Befuium and Yugoslavia, made a canonical visitation to Austria

and is at present visiting the Central African Province,

7.10 Page 70

▲back to top

-70

Fn. Juer Vrccnt, who left Rome bad< in August, made a canon-

ical visitation of the Parugaayan and Bahla Blanca (Argentina) Prov-

inces. He later attended, side by side with the Rector Major, the

closing celebrations of the Missions Centennial in Argentina, and is

now scheduled to visit the La Plata Province.

Fn. Groncr 'S7rlltArrs, whose Region spreads to the five con-

tinents, fust visited England and Ireland, and then made the visita-

tion of the New Rochelle (USA) Province. He went on ro visir the

Provinces of San Ftancisco (USA), Australia, Phflippines, Japan and

Korea, and made the visitation of the Hong Kong Province, and also

visited Thailand and Indonesia. He is presently making the visitation

of the Calutta and Gauhati-Shillong Provinces. And before winging

his way baok to headquarters he will have also visited the Bombay and

Madras Provinces, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Swaziland.

This long period of visits and visitations by the Regionals will

continue till April 15, 1977 . Thereafter the Superior Council will

hold plenary meetings to examine the reports on the visits and visita-

tions made and to take care of the immediate preparation for the

geming GC 21.

8 Pages 71-80

▲back to top

8.1 Page 71

▲back to top

VII. DOCUMENTS

Reports on Missions Gentennial celebrations requested

On January ll, 1977 Councillor for the Missions Fr. Bernard

Tohill sent the following letter to all the Provincials:

Dear Father Provincial,

In the preceding issue of the Acts you read: "A steady flow of

consoling reports on Missions Centennial celebrations either akeady

held or programmed for the near future is pouring into the Missions

Department. In order to get a complete picture of these special events,

the Provincials will soon be invited to submit to the same Department

a full report of all the Centennial activities and celebrations held in their

Provinces" (ASC No. 284, p. 66).

The Centennial yeat is now over.

On behalf of the Rector Major I would now like to invite you ro

forward to this Department within tlle month of January a full report

on whatever was done both at provincial and local Ievels to commemo-

rate the Centennial and to foster missionary spirit.

I From reports already received see that some houses and Prov-

inces carried out initiatives such as the following, whidr I submit

as samples:

liturgical celebrations

civic commemorations

pastoral and missionary initiatives

displays and shows

competitions of various kinds

collections and fund-raising activities for the missions

publishing of books, I pamphlets, Ieaflets, brochures, etc.

films, filmstrips and slides

8.2 Page 72

▲back to top

-72-

- radio and TV programs.

As far as possible, reports should be accompanied by an adequate

documentation: pictures, sa-ples of printed programs, statistics, names

of VIP's participating at religious, civic, cultural, radio-and-TV pro-

gfams, etc..

May I ask you to entrust a confrere with the task of gathering

this material and writing this report, and then forward it to us as soon

as possible.

Thanking you for your cooperation in getting rcady a complete

I dossier on sudr an important and unique event, am,

Sincerely yours,

'Fr. BpnNeno ToHrr,r,

Councillor lor the Missions

8.3 Page 73

▲back to top

IX. PONTIFIGAL MAGISTERIUM

People working side by side with the Salesians

On Vednesday, Nouember 3, 1976, tbe Holy Fatber Paul Vl

receiaed in a special audience aboat 3,000 merubers ol tbe Salesian

Fanily uho bad, gatbered in St. Peter's Basilica at tbe closing ol tbe

Salesian Cooperators'Vorld Congress. Pope Paul panctuated bis formal

rnessage wbicb appeared on tbe English edition of L'Osservatore

- Romano ol Noaernber 18 uitb rnany off+be-cutf remarks bis

- - normal way ol expressing his special satistication and. ioy uben he is in

tbe midst ol Don Bosco's sons.

Here is tbe compl.ete text ol bis message from a tape recording:

It is with heartfelt and sincere joy that we bid you welcome this

morning. Although short in duration, this audience is entirely for you.

Yes, just fot you, dear Salesian Cooperators, who have come here to

Rome from every part of the world.

Ve wish we could speak everyone's language to make ourselves

understood by everyone of you, but we hope you can understand with

open hearts and minds what we say, even before you can read it trans-

lated into your o\\rn languages.

In greeting you, we greet also the Rector Major of the Salesian

Society, Fr. Louis Ricceri (applause). He together with his confreres

and with all those who work close to him, can very well be proud o{

the vitality, the number and the efficiency of the spirirual family of which

you are members, and which shares the spiritual heritage and teachings

of St .John Bosco.

In greeting you, we greet also all the members of the Associations

you represent before us today. !flith St. Paul we say: "Gaudium et

corona mea, You are our crown and j'oy!" (Phil. 4;1).

\\fle feel we are standing in the midst of a famiTy. We feel sur-

rounded by people who are joined in true Christian brotherhood.

You sure love ead: other, dont't you? (Yes! - applause)

You are happy to be Cooperators, aren't you? (Yes - applause)

8.4 Page 74

▲back to top

-74-

You love Don Bosco, don't you? (Yes! - applause)

Don Bosco gives us the right to ask you one more question: Do

you love the Pope? (Yes!, roared the crowd with a thunderous applause).

Dear sons and daughters, we know you have gathered here to

celebrate the Centenary of the papal approbation of your great Associa-

tion granted by our ptedecessor, Pius IX of blessed memory.

You certainly know the long and glorious history of your Associa-

tion. It is enough for us to mention the words "Salesian Cooperatots"

- - that we immediately visualize alarge we dare say almost immense

army of people working side by side with the Salesians and doing a

tremendous amount of good.

Itr7e in turn are happy to be the one who welcomes you today for

the celebration of this historic milestone you have now reached. Your

Association has certainly had a long and fruitful existence. But we wish

to encourage you in the Lord's name to press forward vigorously along

the road that God still wants you to travel according to the zealous spirit

of your holy founder. And we urge you to be entlusiastic about your

Christian and Salesian way of life. lVe assure you that the Church is

with you, because you are with the Church (applause).

\\U7hen we look around, we see that the Salesians are wherever the

Church is. You, too, are found in all the continents where the Church

is at work. You have taken on the Church's dimensions.

We know how much good the Salesian Family is doing for Church

and society. You then belong to a great organization Your very name

- - Cooperators spells out what you really are: you are joint partners

and friends of the Salesian Family. You have a thing we wish other

- church organizations had that is continuity.

We know that most of you are also Salesian past pupils. Your

loyalty to your educational and professional training is something to be

proud of. It shows that the Salesian Family does indeed render the

Church an incalculably precious service by its examples and works.

On behalf of Jesus Christ whom we here represent with the fullness

of our office, we want to say TI{ANK YOU to the entire Salesian

Family (applause).

Our very special greeting to you, Delegates to the Salesian Cooper-

ators' lVodd Congress, who are here representing 560 centers in 40

- - nations you are a kind of United Nations! and also to you, Young

8.5 Page 75

▲back to top

-75-

Cooperators, gathered here for your first European Congress! (applause).

In you we recognize forces which are dynamic and generous for

the service of both the univershl and the local church. This service is

expressed through authentic Christian witness by which you become

the leaven of human society itseff. Ve want you to know we rely

upon you and upon your cooperation.

Some of you might say that the Pope does not know you personally,

individually. !7ell, when we see you gathered together under Don

Bosco's banner, we know each of you indeed, and of each of you we

ask the cooperation. It is not only the Rector Major who asks you to

be his cooperators in the great Salesian Family. I, too together with him

and in the name of Jesus Christ, ask you to stay with us and work with

- us the way you have been doing fot so long. You are indeed involved

in a project which is very well worth every effort of yours and has a

sure guarantee of the eternal reward.

Besides, we want you to know we have a certain kinship with you.

\\Ve had a dear cousin who, as you may know, spent 27 yeats in Macao,

youf former Chinese mission, and was latet sent to Btazil.. There he

passed away suddenly, even though he was still young, energetic and

proud to be a member of the Salesian Family. I am not going to speak

about other personal ties that I have with the Salesian Family...

I Once again say I am very happy to be in your midst, and once

again I urge you to press on, to be faithful and to work very hard. In

this manner you will feel the great joy of being partners all together

in a great civil, religious and missionary otganization such as the Family

of St. John Bosco.

This we say in the words of Saint Paul to the Colossians:

"These have cooperated with me for the kingdom of God and they have

been my consolation! (Col 4: 11). Thank you, my dear sons and

daughters!

And now, in order that you may have the fortitude to carry out

your ecclesial and civic duties, and that the Lord may sustain you in

your mission, '$7'e most heartily bestow our apostolic blessing upon all

here present, on those with responsibility in your Association, and in

particular on your beloved Rector Major and upon the entire Salesian

Family.

8.6 Page 76

▲back to top

X. NECROLOGY

t *FrT. dJmosaerapbdeAnCgaumiplaors, Palencia, Spain, 18.4.1898; Bilbao, Spun, L1.4.1976; 78

years old, 59 prof., 51 priest, 7 Rector.

Strongly attached to the Congregation, he spent his first years of Sale-

sian life in the Antiltres, where he was ordained priest and worked unstinting-

ly. Back in Spain, he worked just as hard in several houses, especially Bil-

bao, Burceffa and Ciudad Real. His outstanding characteristics were a fi\\oJ

love of the Blessed Mother Mary, Help of Christians (whose devotion he

spread throughout the Ciudad Real province), exact religious observance of

his religious duties, devotion to Don Bosco and total avai,lability to his Supe-

riors.

f *FrO. lJgoiah,nNBovaarrbai,eIrtialy, 16.10.1900; Bethlehem, Palestine,29.10.1976;76 years old,

50 prof., 41 priest, 11 Rector.

He was in his early 20's when he entered the aspirantate first at Penan-

go, then at Ivrea. In 1925 he left Italy for the Middle East, and there he

remained for over 50 years. He held posts of great responsibility in times of

unusual difficulty. He learned how to overcome all trials by prayer, humble

obedience, and a great,love of God and his brethren. Many people, especiatrly

priests and religious, benefited from his strong-but-even-handed and wise

spiritual direction. He left behind the memory of a religious who walks

hun'lbly and modesdy before God and men, but cultivates a robust, generous

and self-saoificing spiritual l,ife.

t C* oPaodr.naBsrsoio. ,EImd.puearriad,

Basso

ltaly,9.2.1907;

Alassio, Savona, Italy, 2.L0,1976; 69 years

old, 41 prof..

An absolutely upright and coscientious Salesian, a tough and resolute

man, he loved Don Bosco and the Congregation with utmost generosity and

8.7 Page 77

▲back to top

- tl -

exemplary loyalty. In several Sarlesian houses he turned his fine skitl as u

master tailor to execellent use. Finally in the house of Alassio he took charge

of ttre maintetrance of our public church. His observance was exemplary,

his spirituality deep, and his service dedicated. A long-drawnout and pain-

ful illness destroyed his body, but refiaed his spirit.

Fr. Louis Beccuti

* Serralunga di Crea, Alessandria, Italy, 15.3.1886; f Monteortone, Padua, Italy,

17.7.1976;90 years old, 61 prof., 67 priest.

A pioneer missionary at Magellanes (Tiema del Fuego), professor of the-

ology, secretary of Fr. Ricaldone in charge of m.issions. A very dynamic man,

totally committed to his work, endowed with an extraordinary memory and

a keen mind, he used all his talents both in the pastoral work and the teach-

ing of theology. Competent and sure of himself, he uug,ht, as his pupils

used to say, "like one having aurhority". He preached hundreds of re-

treats, and made himsell constaotly available for confessions. S7'hen because

of his age he was forced to cuttail other activities, he applied himself even

mote intensely to this typically priestly and Salesian ministry.

Fr. Joachim Brunori

f * Mordano, Bologna, Italy, l)3.1890; Florence,Itoly, L9.9.1976; 86 years old,

67 prof..,53 priest.

He was a difficult person to get along with, but only in public; private-

ly, instead, he was, pi..r"ot feillow, a lentleman. At-all times he was a

witty conversationalist. He kept his rough-hewn character right down to the

end of his life. His antagonistic attitude which led him to take up a stand

contrary to everybody else's, was made tolerable and even pleasant by his

unique talent for a quick repartee. But above and beyond his sharp mind,

Fr. Brunori had the qualities of. a faithful and acrive Salesian and a Church-

loving and dedicated priest. Death came to him quietly at the end of 53 long

years in the priesthood and 67 in religious life.

Fr. Ernnzaauel Caamafro

f * Bustavalle, Maceda-Orensse, Spain, 2.4.1896; Salamanca, Spain, 28.5,L976; 80

years old, 62 prof.,52 priest.

Animated by an exemplary spirit of service, he used to spend hours on

end to teach and give remedial classes to slower students. He performed

manual works in tfre house to save money on hired labor, He was infirmat-

8.8 Page 78

▲back to top

-78-

ian. He was an untiring confessor. In everything he was cheerful and serene.

He spiked his conversation with pleasant and urdorgettable anecdotes and

friendly advice. He was a man with an unshakeable faith in fu and an all-

out love of the Congregation.

t C*oAadIia. ,BProa.leCtmaloo,gIetarolyC, e7n.6ta.nLn9itI; Palermo, Italy,20.70'1976; 65 yeats old,, 15

prof..

Up to the age ol 28 he led the life of a farmer, helping his father and

brothers to till

brace religious

the

life

land. Finally he was able to

among Don Bosco's sons (his

realize his dream

younger brother

L-outios

em-

had

already bicome a Salesian). After his profession he was placed in charge of

supplies and errands in several houses, everywhere showing his fine natural

qualities, exemplary piety and great spirit of sacrifice. Overtaken by a

dtadly disease, he passed away serenely, assisted by his brother Fr. Louis'

Coad. Bro. Gurnersindo Cid

t x Coir6s, Orense, Spain, 15.8'1893; Shillong, India, 22.9.1976;83 years old,

6) prof., and 46 years of missionary Iabor in India.

\\7ith the death of Brother Cid, the last survivor of the heroic grouf of

Salesians who under the leademhip of Msgr. Mathias, set foot on the Khasi

hills in North-east India on the 13th of. Jantnry t922, an era in the missio

nary history of that country has come to an end. Brother Cid could find

his fulfilment in any work the Superiors would entrust to him' To the youth-

ful enthusiasm which was his chief charateri'stic he added a Targe dose of con-

tageous optimism, a tireless activity and an all-consuming zeal. He loved the

young the true Salesian way. He was a Salesian Coadjutor Brother in the

finest tradition, without complexes, without idendity crises. He flived happily:

happy to be a Salesian, huppy to have been called to the missions, happy

also of suffering for the love of God in his last sickness'

t C* oMade.ri,BMroe.sJsionban,

Cipriano

Italy, 2.1L.1914;

Messina , Italy, 21.L1.L976; 62 years old, 35

prof ..

A masonry-worker in his native tov/n, he entered the Novitiate at Villa

Moglia (near Turin) to become a Salesian. After some years of studies to-

wards the priesthood, he joined the Brotherhood. He showed a capacity for

holding several jobs, and much spirit of generosity. ![hen an LDC (the

n Italian Salesian publisher of catechetical material) branch was opened 1959

8.9 Page 79

▲back to top

-79

in Messina, he was its dynamic and capable orgairzer. Under him it flour-

- ished throughout Sicily. He passed to his reward after a short illness vic-

tim of an embolism.

f F* rP. oLnoeulias-AClloanridze, Orense, Spain, 14.3.1881; Madrid, Spain, 72.8.L976; 95 years

o[d,74 prof., 65 priest.

Fidelity to his religious life and generosity in his pastoral activity were

the chief traits of Fr. C,onde through his long years as a Salesian. He was a

a much-sought-after spiritual director. As parish priest, military chaplain,

teacher, economer. he showed initiative and readiness to serve. He made it a

particular point to find scholarships for candidates to the priesthood. Severe

and simple, adaptable to the changing times and tenaceous with regard to

essentials, he was an understanding, forgiving, and warm-hearted Salesian

priest.

Fr. Vincent Conti

f * Turin, Italy,11.8.1912; lvrca, Turin, Italy, 25.L0.1976;64 years old,48 prof.,

39 priest, 4 Rector.

Born of alarge f.amily, which was very dear to Don Bosco, he entered

the Novitiate of Villa Moglia after completing his secondary srudies at Yal-

docco and Penango. During his theological srudies he sullered from a nervous

bteakdown; yet despite his frail health he was able to find in his deep piety

and strong attachment to his Salesian vocation the strength to carry on. He

kept in touch with his pupils, their parents, and the past pupils. He had the

knack for friendship and personal warmth: to all he would offer a word

of advice and encouragement with rrinsome graciousness,

Fr. Gerald Crossley

t '* Heprood, Lanchashire, Great Britain,73,L9l6; Bolton, Lancas., G8,29.10.L976;

60 years old, 42 prof., 33 priest.

Since his missionary aspirantate in Shrigley as a young boy, he learned

how to love Don Bosco and the Congregation with a deep ,love. As a Sale-

sian we was a capable and beloved educator. His many talents of mind and

heatt caused him to be held in high regard also outside our schools, particu-

larly because of his deep pructical knowledge of modern-day youth problems.

Fot some years he rvas director of the Salesian Bulletin, and up to his death

a capable col,labotator to its editorial stafi.

8.10 Page 80

▲back to top

80-

t *FrP. aDleosntraot,uPsaCvuiac,cIbtai ly, 2L.2.1889; Vercelli, Ita1y,24.7.1976; 87 years old, 69

prof.,57 priest, 20 Rector.

For over 20 years he was Rector in several houses in Piedmont, where

he distinguished himself for his f,irmness as well as his fatherliness. In 1962

he was sent

a post that

the Vercelli

held till his

- Community as confessor and spiritual director

death. He was a practical and incisive educator,

a deeply humane and courageous man. Free and outgoirlg, he made friends

easily: for him friendship u,as a tool for the apostolate. \\fith a sure hand he

guided the communities which were entrusted to him as well as the indivi-

duals who chose him as their spiritual father.

t *FrR. eJkuelimus,

Demolder

Belgium, 26.6.L897;

Mol, Belgium, 28.1.1976; 78 years old, 54 prof.,

48 priest, 6 Rector.

He lived a life of utmost generosity and teadiness to serve. He worked

f.or 22 yearc in the Salesian parish in LiBge, where he was much esteemed

and loved. Rather severe and inuansigent, he knew nonetheless how to be

jovial and dynamic, especially in organizing youth activities. During his last

few years his virtue was constandy tested by a sickness that caused him much

su,ffering ar.d that, he bore with great resignation.

t *FrB. oMhTicabBaleanl cDae,

Saloo

fugentina,

11.1.1891;

there, 1L.9.1976; 85 years old, 68 prof.,

58 priest, 42 Rector.

He grew up at the school of the early missionaries sent out by Don

Bosco. His outstanding capacity to govern and his piery induced his supe-

riors to entrust him with the responsibility of rectotship in several houses for

over 40 years. \\flith his Salesian-style kindasss and exquisite charity, he

assuaged the hardships of his early apostolate ia Patagonta. Noble and at the

same time kind in mien, he was truly a Christdke priest who spent himself

without reserve in the lands envisioned by Don Bosco.

* t Fr. Aernil,ianas Diaz

Catayaca, Venezuela, 13.8,1910; Caracas, Venezuela, 7.11.1976 66 years old,

45 prol.,34 priest, 3 Rector.

Born of a profoundly religious family, which gave several children to

the Chuch, and endowed with a lively, demonstrative, intelligent and ener-

getic nature, he put all his fine qualities at the service of the Congregation

and the Church. He was a capable educator and a faithful priest, totally

9 Pages 81-90

▲back to top

9.1 Page 81

▲back to top

-81 -

dedicated to his mission. Struck down by a painful infirmity, he bore it

with humility, patience and cheerfulness, without desisting from his work

till the very end.

f C*oTaodr.rBerCoa. nCaaveessear(fGorbmireinrgbhTeollorre Bairo), Turin, Italy, 24A.L906; Montevideo,

Uruguay, 2.8.1976,70 years old, 50 prof..

During his half-a+entury long Satresian life he was all to all. He arived

in Uruguay as a young man in 1925, and never once did he come back to

his native town in Piedmont. A(tet his novitiate he was assigned to the Trade

fthool in Montevidm, and thete he remained for the rest of his life, discharg-

ing a variety of tasks, some of them of high responsibility. He put his sttong

will and his various talents and skills at the service of his confreres and boys.

Rather than listing his numerous activities, let it sufice to underscore his

total generosity and the "much love" he put into them, thus gaining the

esteem of his confreres and of many generations of young artisans..

* f Fr. Anthony Gois

Itabaianinha, Sergipe, Btaz;i.,3.6.L917; Manaus,8ra2i1,27.2.L976; 58 years old,

40 prof., 30 priest, 5 Rector.

During his thirty years of missionary activity he gave proof of dauntless

abnegation, all-out spirit of saoifice and untiring z,eal on behalf of the poor

and needy. He spent the last decade in a missionary outpost founded by

him on the banks of the Marauil (a tributary of the Rio Negro), where he,

like a pioneer, dedicated himselJ to the search for, human development and

evangelization of, various ethnic groups among the Yanomani Indians, living

on the vast region bordering with Venearela. On his return mip from Italy

and the Holy Land, where he had travelled by invitation of the Superiors on

the occasion of the Missions Centenary, he was overtaken by sudden death

just before he could reach his beloved mission.

f *FrT. aJuobseerpebttleGrsohttebiamr,dtIower Ftanconia, Germany, 26,5.L884; Waindhofen, Ybbs,

Austria, l.lL.L976; 92 yeats old, 65 prof., 54 priest, 9 Rector.

He made his aspitantate, as a late vocation, in Penango, Italy. Return-

ing to his native country after his priestly ordination in Vienna, he spent

his energies to the very end of his life as a titeless confessor and pteac-her,

and as a faithful friend and counsellot of the very many who came to seek

his advice. His main personal traits were simplicity of life, unceasing work

and total commitment to his pastoral duties.

9.2 Page 82

▲back to top

-82

t *FrS. tCuottngraardt,

Hagenrnayer

Germany, 7.2.L914;

Burghausen, Salzach, Germany, 25.L0.1976; 62

years old, 45 prof..,36 priest, L6 Rector.

Immediately after his priestly ordination, which he received on the eve

of the Second S7orld rU7ar, he was called to military seryice. There followed

nine long years of severe hardships and imprisonment under the Russians.

A,fter returnig to his country, he worked as Prefect of Studies and then

for 16 years as Rector in Bamberg and I7iiruburg. !7hen he had become

physically exhausted, he returned to Bamberg as spirirual director. Confreres,

past pupils and Cooperators remember him as a cheerful and optimistic

Salesian, an exemplary religious, and a priest with a piety which was simple

and full of trust in the good Lord.

t *ClFearifcfieCldb,risMtaonpcbheesrteHr,igGgrineast Britain, 1,1.2.1954; Dunfermline, Scotland, 6.8.1976;

22 yeats old, 2 prof..

The life of this young confrere, barely two yearc professed, was full

of hopes; but the Iord called him to himself through an inexorable sickness.

rWe are left with a happy memory of his short presence among us and with

the hope that his sacrifice can gain us from'God new and true religious

vocations like his.

f *FrE. sVpeenjaa,nStiaulasmIagnlecsai,asSpan, 25.1.1924; Ramos Mejla, fugentina, 12.10.1976;

52 yearc old, 15 prof., 25 priest.

He spent his fust ten years of priesthood on the missions in Thailand,

but his poor health forced him back to his couatry. Shortly dterwards, he was

back on the missions, this time io, Patagonta; but once again his health forced

him to rerurn to a mi'lder and more suitable climate. Parish work, done with

generosity and efiectiveness, fillsd the rest of his days. He was found dead

in his bed, with his hands crossed on his chest, as if he had been serenely

awaiting for death's visit.

f F* rS. tEadwukai,rdA.leJkasralinfidskr6i w, Poland, 11.9.1910; Gerwillsk, Poland, D.6.L976; 65

years old, 43 prof..,30 priest.

The Lord had endowed him with goodness of heart and willingness to

work hard. His first years of priesthood were spent in an aspirantate that

had just been opened; Iatet he was made Economer and Rector of a small

9.3 Page 83

▲back to top

agriculrural school, where he worked with great enthusiasm and acquired a

high degree of competence as an administrator. Little by little his health

began to fail him and blindness set in; yet he continued to catry on the mini-

stry of the confessional with great zeal and charity on behalf of his parish-

ioners and, in the last .few years, of the novices at Czervinsk,

t *FrG. rJaonhdnchMam. pL,eMBoargboiuhsasne, France, 27.11.L907; Sion, Switzetland, L0.9.1976;

68 years old, 49 prof., )9 priest, 15 Rector.

After six years of v/ork in the house in Sion, he was assigned to anothet

house. After preaching to a group of Salesians, he was retuming to Sion

to take his luggage and his leave of the confreres and Salesian Sisters, when

suddenly he felt sick, collapsed to the ground and expired. During his last

few years he had dedicated himself with admirable zeal to the service of

Sisters and nuns, by giving them conferences, retreats, and especially spir-

itual direction through intense correspondence. It was apparently fitting that

when the Lord called him to his reward, this dedicated Salesian priest should

have been com,forted by the prayerful presence of the Sisters fot whom he

had worked very hard.

f C* oTaadm. aBnriqou.eT, rEinlit,SisalvDadeoLr,e613n.11.1895; San Salvador, El Salvador, L7.10.1976;

80 years old, 57 ptof..

His was a life entirely consecrated to God through faithfulness to his

religious duties, profound piety, self-sacrificing work and charity with all.

Because of his modesry and his humble work as handy man and supervisor

at a Youth Center, he gained esteem and affection from the young and the

old, the nich and the poor alike. They all saw in him a man of God. His

last years were made precious by patient and loving suffering of severe phys-

ical discomforts.

*FrS. tSerigdiysfmi, oPnodlanMda, c2i.a5k.1918; tGerwillsk, Poalnd, 2.9.1976; 58 years old, 38 prof.,

27 piest,6 Rector.

II As a young cletic in'Warsaw, during the World War German occupa-

tion, he successfully overcame many dificulties against his religious vocation.

He was,Iater transferred to Krak6w, where he was able to complete his stud-

ies and be ordained priest. He held the offices of Cathechist ard teacher

in a diocesan seminary and, for 16 years, pastor of the Frombork Cathedral.

9.4 Page 84

▲back to top

-84-

A learned and accomplished speaker, well liked by his confreres, he was made

Rector of the novitiate annexed to the Marian Shrine at Czerwinsk. There,

after some years, the Iord called him suddenly to his reward,

t *Fr$. aJaobQnieMyaangnisi tBreal,tltiista, Concodia sulla Secchia, Modena, ltaly, L6,4,1894; Mo-

dena, Italy, 26.2.1976; 81 years old,, 45 prof., 42 priest, 6 Rector.

Af er receiving the minor orders in the seminary, he fell under Don

Bosco's spell and asked to become one of his sons. He was one of those rarc

Salesians, who can be called "for a1l seasons". He was in fact confessor of

the pupils and delegate of the past pupils, Cavaliere di Vittorio Venero (Knight

of Vittorio Veneto) and founder of a war veterans' group, Rector and,

more recently, animator of the Modena Salesian Cooperators. Deeply inter-

ested in furthering the spiritual life of his people, he promoted weekly,

monthly and yearly prayer meetings and organized pilgrimages, which under

his leadership proved to be very beneficial for the spiritual welfare of the

participants. He died in harness, under the heavy burden of daily work.

f *FrM. elonhdonzaB,afpugtisetntMinao,nd2a4.tLi 0.1897; C6rdoba, 3.10.1976; 79 years old, 58 prof.,

50 priest.

Despite his poor health, he was an exemplary Salesian in his dedication

to work. The last evidence of this is the fact that in 1975, at the age of 78,

he accepted the reoponsibility of directing the Ios C6ndores Pr,imary School.

At the same time he did not neglect receving the many visitors who came

to him for adv.ice on hov to cure ttreir ilnesses by means of oatural remedies

(he was aoLatutoJ medicine expert). On such occasions he used to hand out,

along with medicinal herbs, also friendly and sound advice for his clients'

spiritual welfare. IIis was a simple and straightforward piety, coupled with

a faithful observance of poverty and the other religious virtues.

f *FrV. iBlaern, eCdaicdtavNalu, nPeosrtugal, 18.10.1915; Lisbon, Portugal, 9.4.L976; 60 yeats old,

4) prof.,34 priest, 11 Rector, 5 Provincial.

He distinguished himselJ for his capacity for service, and for his un-

common intellecnral and artistic talent alrd leadership. During his term as

Provincial he gave the Portuguese Salesian Family a powerful impetus towards

renewal and faithfuloess to Don Bosco's spirirt. Once his telrm was over, he

left for Cape Verde Islands, where he humbly and generously dedicated his

9.5 Page 85

▲back to top

-85-

energies to teaching and guiding boys. During the last moaths of his life,

he was struck down by a painful sickness, rrhiclr he bore with Christian

resignation and hope.

t F* .TJooffsraecpoh,

Omodei

Novara,

Italy,

6,6.1904;

Intra di Vetbania, Novara, Italy, 2.1Q.1976;

72 yearc old, 55 prof., 46 priest.

"He spent fifty-two years of his life among boys, who were the center of

his loving care," it vas said in his funeral eulogy. "Endowed with uncommm

teaching talents, he knew how to captivate his pupils' friendship, trust and

cooperation. To the end of his life he was a true Salesian, a friend of the

boys. \\7ith his kind ways and pleasant conversation he carried on his teach-

ing mission, in total faithfulness to his duty".

f *FrT. aArclde.notoP, aUodliinnie, Italy, L0.L2.L9D; Beiru6 Lebanon, L9.8.1976; 62 years old,

43 ptof..,33 priest, 9 Rector.

He was the economer of the Salesian house in Beirut, at a time when life

had to be lived in a rough-and-rumble atmosphete, not totally unsuited to his

strong and brave Friulan charactet. He was good at making friends, and in

few years spent ir Beirut he had made a host of them. Despite the critical

circumstances created by unrelenting war hostilities in the area, the Salesians

had decided to carry on ttreir educational work in their youth center in the

city, obtaining respect from troops bu,t no immunity from bombs. One such

bomb, haphazardly fued, cut down the life of this coruageous confrere, who

had decided to stay on to assist his ill Rector. At the monent of the deadly

explosion Fr. Paolini was holding in his pocket an air-fligh,t ticket to visit

his earthquake-stricken folks in Friuli.

t F* rV. iLgoopuoisntPeavze6dra, Spain, 12.L0.1898; Santiago de Compostela, Spain, 26.8.L976;

77 years old, 50 prof., 51 priest, 9 Rector.

His ,personality cal,ls to mind the earliest Salesians: obedient, obsetvant,

faithful to duty, sel{-sacrificing, committed to assisting boys the Salesian way,

diligent in preparing hsmiliss, and always avaitrable for any kind of seryice.

He spent many hours in the confessional or in prayer before the Blessed

Sacrament. His delicate touch and humane concern for the needs and wishes

of his confreres, pupils and past-pupils won him many friends. Also in tlre

9.6 Page 86

▲back to top

hospital, where he completed his earthly existence, the personnel was won

over by his charity and optimism.

f F* rB. aLmubkeergR, aGtbermany, 17.11.1906; there, 27.8.L976;69 years old, 50 prof.,41

priest, 20 Rector.

Conscripted into military service shortly after his priestly ordination,

he served during \\7orld $Var II, was captured in 1945 and for two years

v/as a vrar prisoner. Back in his country and in his good health, he was suc-

cessively in change of several Salesian houses as Rector for 20 years. He was

cheerful, sociable, and enthusiastic about Salesian things. He finally sub-

mitted to two surgical interventions, which due to complications proved fatal

to him.

Coad.. Bro. Darius Rinc6n

f *' Choaclri, Cundinamarca, Colombia, 3.6.1912; Ibagu€, Colombia, 6.10.1976; 64

years old, 39 prof..

A religious of the old school, a true son of Don Bosco, totally dedicated

to misaionary work and totally self-fuffilting in his apostolate, always ready

to sefve his neighbor with simplicity and cheefurness. Obedience was his

rule of life. He loved nature, he researched it wi,th the passion of a man of

science, His deep piery, his dedication to work and trris constant concern

fot the good name of the C,ongregation were known to all. Death caught

him suddenly, but not unawares, as he was getting ready to attend the Pro-

vincial Chapter as the delegate of trbague.

Fr. Kail Rohr

t * Pirmasens, Bavaria, Germany t6.12.1886; Mannheim, Germany, 10.9.1976;

89 years old, 70 prof., 61 priest, L5 Rector.

Born of alarge famiTy, and having learned of the Salesians from an ad-

vertisement in a Catholic paper, he in 1905 (when our Congegation had not

yet entered Germany) went to Ghent in Belgium to join the Salesians. There

he completed Lris training. In l9L6 he was among the founders of the fust

Salesian work in Germa,ny, in Wiirzburg, and shortly afterwards of the Sale-

sianum in Munich. As Rector and Economer he displayed a great sense of

responsibility. He made it a point to keep always busy. He was kind and

sociable. Even down to his last years he helped with patish work to the

best of his ability.

9.7 Page 87

▲back to top

-87 -

Coad. Bro. Lucian Sannino

f * San Cipriano Picentino, Salerno, Italy, l).12.1921; Bati, Italy, 24.4.1976; 12

years old, 25 prof.

His tesolutions at the end of the novitiate v/ere: "I will hold on to the

Rules as a ttain engineer holds on to the railroa'd tracks. I will learn from

Mary Most Holy the right way to get to Jesus. I will be faithful to Don

Bosco. Death rather than sin". Those who knew him could testify that

he kept his novitiate promises. His field of action was the machine shop,

where he was a competent and valued master. H.ppy with his plain and

simple room, he found his real happiness among his poor boys.

t , F*r.SaTnuGlliuiosrgSioardtoerlla Richinvelda, Udine, Italy, 29.8.1920; Treviso, Italy, 10.10.

1976; 56 years old, 37 prof.,29 priest, 10 Rector, 9 Provincial,

"His was by no means a long life: for it was snatched away all. too sud-

denly", it was said ta the trigesima ruemoial seruice. "Yet much was the

work he accomplished ,in his short life, and great were the earnestness, the

brotherly solicitude for all, the faithfulness to prayer and to his ideals which

characterized his priestly and Salesian life. Many indeed were the talents

vhich the Lord entrusted him with, and which he used like a good steward.

- He was a superior and a brother never proud of his post, never losing sight

of the deep significance of responsible authorithy. Two were the wellsprings

that su,pplied him with a wealth of wisdom and coutage: his love of Don

Bosco, whose ideals and guidelines he cherished in his life and ptoposed to

others, and love of ,the Church and the Pope, whom he, as a true son of Don

Bosco, ,honored as teachers of truth and interpreters of God".

f *Fr. farnes Schauer

Bamberg, Upper

1976;74 yeam old,

Franconia, Germany,

5I prof., 42 pi*t,7

26,6.L902;

Rector.

Munich, Germany, 13.11.

He came from a large and deeply Catholic family. A{ter some years

of experience as a salesman, he entered the missionary house of Unterwal-

tersdorf near Vienna as an aspirant. After his profession, he was for 18

years in charge of adminisration first in the house of Munich, then in the

Province. He discharged his responsibilities with dedication, eficiency and

calm. He was an indefatigable and cheerful worker, a priest with stong

convictions, and a true son of Don Bosco. A protractd illness prepated him

to meet the Iord.

9.8 Page 88

▲back to top

Fr. Antoruinus Scornauacca

f * Agira, Enna, Italy, 2.11.1887; San Gregorio, Catania, Italy, 26.10.1976; 88

years old, 68 prof., 57 priest, 30 Rector.

Animated by a lively desire to enter religious life and endowed with

excellent intellecrual and moral talents, he went through the various stages

of his formative Salesian life w.ith the mosr remarkable results. After receiving

the subdiaconate, he was enlisted into military serrvice for the duration of

the entire \\flordl \\Var I (1915-1918). As a serviceman in the Medical Corps,

he won the esteem and friendship of his fellow soldiers and the high com-

mendation of his officers. After his ordination he held several offices of re-

sponsibility: he was economer for 14 years, Rector for 30, and for the last

L6 yearc confessor of the clerics at San Gregorio. Father Antoninus was

exemplary in everything, atrways serene and jovial.

Fr. Ancilone Gonzes Siebra

t * CaririaEu, Catd, Bratt1.,23.5.19411, Carpina, Braztl, 21.3.L976; )4 years old, 13

ptof., 4 priest.

He was a yorng priest who irradiated joie de oiare, impenurbable se-

renity, outgoing and outspoken piety, and unwavering uprightness all around.

A son of a rugged Nordeste Brazili.an pioneer, he filled the houses of for-

mation in the province with his youthftl enthusiasm. Endowed with a stong

physique, he excelled in every kind of sport, unril at 27, dwing his theolog-

ical srudies, an accident on rhe job aLnost totally ,immobilized him for two

years. Then, after three years of intense priesdy work at Carpina among

the young who were responsive to the fascination of his personality, he lost

his life in a highway car accident, as he vas returoing from a youth meeting.

Fr. Aldous Speciga

f * Mantua, Italy, 10.6.1904; Bologna, Italy, 1.11.1075; 72 years old, 44 prof,,

36 priest.

His vocation matured in a virtuous family environment and the Catholic

Action groups of his parish. At the age of 20, after completing a machine

work apprenticeship course, he became a Salesian. He carried out his priestly

rninislry in several houses in the province, and from L943 to 1945 he was

highly ap,preciated, and ecause of it one of the concentration camp inmates

became a Salesian. The later pat of. his life was rested by prolonged sickness,

which he bore with Christian resignation and fortitude.

9.9 Page 89

▲back to top

-89-

Fr. Augastine Stassig

f t' Possnitz, Upper'Silesia, Poland, 26.9.1900; Neuburg, Donau, Germany, 27.8.

7976; 75 yeats old, 46 prof..,38 priest.

Born of alarge family (with 12 brothers), he received a deeply Christian

training from his parents. After his ordiriation, he was sent to Spain, where

he spent 16 years teaching, doing parish work and providing spiritual guid-

ance to youth groups. Back in Germany, he continued doing parish work

and was appointed confessot of several Salesian foundations. The Lord test-

ed his sterling faith with a bothersome disease: it was only after three years

of suffering in a clinic that He called him to himself.

Fr. Nicholas Staszk6w

t * Lw6w, Poland, 19.6.1%t; Glog6w, Poland, 16.70.1976;45 years old, 26 prof.,

18 priest.

His spent his life doing parish work, fust as assistart, then as pastor

(parish priest). Despite the many rliffculties of the sooial and political situa'

tion in his country, he was able to build a parish chuch in Lubrza and

another in Sarbinov, and to earn the grateful cooperation of his parishioners.

* f Coad.. Bro. Louis Tarnruaro

Scafati, Salerno, Italy, 1.2.L905; Montevideo, Uruguay, 29.8.1976; 7l years

old, 9 prof..

An eleventh-hour vocation, at the age of. 62, after caring for his mother

with filial love till her death, he applied for admission to the Salesian family.

An accountant by profession and a gifted painter by avocation, he lrad been

employed with commercial companies and interior decoration fums; ,in the

Salesian houses where he was sent he put his unusual talents and long expe-

rience to the service of the confreres. fn particulat he took care of admini-

sration, until his health allowed him, being at all times a paragon of poverty.

Fr. lginus Tau

f *' Fiano Romano, Rome, Italy, 30.1.L912; Genzano, Rome, Italy, 8.8.1976; 64

years old, 47 $of.., 38 priest.

A priest according to the heart of Christ, a true Salesian educator and

apostle, he gave generously of his talents of mind and heart to the priestly

minis1ry, to teaching and caring for his pupils. To them he rendered

9.10 Page 90

▲back to top

-90

constant and dedicated service, and to them he was an esteemed friend, con-

fidant and counsellor.

t *FrT. uMcuamrkdnB,eAlisrgaerinatsinaT,e2r5i.n4.t9l5; there, 28.10.1976; 6L years old, 35 prof., 29

priest.

Born of a noble Tucumanan f.ami7y, he heard God's call while he was

pursuing his srudies in engineering; putting aside opportunities for worldly

success, he became a humble son of Don Bosco. Genteel and amiable by na-

tu,re, he easily captivated the hearts of all who came in contact with him. He

used this talent of his to bring many souls back to the dght path. He loved

the splendor of lirurgy, and sparked church services with his facile and

popular preaching, his profound love of the Eucharist, Mary Help of Chtist-

ians and Don Bosco.

* f Fr. Villiaru Tbiele

Niederntudorf, Vestfalia, Germany, 14.1.1892; Bahla Blanca, Argentina,

B.Ll.l976; 84 years old, 55 prof., 49 priest.

He was sent to Patagonia right after his ordination, and never went

back to his native country. For over 34 yeats he worked in Villa his, where

he was parish priest. Iilhen his health began to f.ail, he was transfemed to

General Roca, where he continued to work till a progressive paralysis brought

about complete immobi,lity. He nevertheless continued to celebrate Mass

in his room till his dy,ing day. His mortal remains were brought back to

his former parish in Villa Iris, where his parishioners gave them a triumphant

fec€ption.

t *CoMaedr.c.eBderos,.

Jobn Vicb

Soriano, Uruguay,

2.6.L895;

Montevideo, Uruguay, 5,8,L976;81 years

old, 49 prof..

Born on a farm, he followed his natural inclination towards farming.

After becoming a Salesian Brother, he dedicated all his energies to the train-

ing of boys in our agricultural schools in Uruguay ar,d Parugoay. He was

an exE)ert plant pathologist. His memory of Greek and Latin names of

plants and their diseases, of beneficiatr and harmful ,insects was prodigious

and remained so even in his old age. Endowed with a sturdy physique, witJr

a capacity for down-to-earth teaching and a colorful and facetious ,language,

and with a somewhat rough-hewn character, he made friends easily with

cletics, young farmers, and cordreres,

10 Pages 91-100

▲back to top

10.1 Page 91

▲back to top

-9L-

f F* rB. uLeonuoiss

Villarino

Aires, Argentina,

20.2.1900;

Ramos Mejla, Argentna, 71.11.1976; 76

years, 58 prof., 50 priest.

He was highly appreciated as a teacher and school master. \\7ith his

beautiful voice he taught his boys music, and with his jovial and always cheer-

ful disposition he captivated the hearts of chil&eo and grownups alike. He

was the past pupils' delegate in various houses. At Mar del Plata he was

the chaplain of the rest home of the past pupils' families, which considered

him as a dynamic and dedicated father and spiritual director. In all things

he showed to be animated by a great love of Don Bosco.

f *FrZ. oAvcobnilldeisPVo,isPeandtiuna, Iraly, ll.4.l9l0; Este, Padua, Italy, 8.10.1976; 66 years

old, 46 prof., 38 priest,44 missionary in India.

At 18 he entered a missionary aspirantate in northern Italy, and his

motto became: "Go and preach". He went to India, and preached, not so

much from a pulpit, but rather by means of his good example, [ris kindngss,

his personal concern, and above all his spirit of poverry, simplicity and seren-

tty. He did not obtain prestigious degrees; he was happy to be a "man

of God". Thus he was able to do much good, first on the missions in India,

then ,in his native country, where he had returned to take some rest, and

where he continued to be a missionary of the word and a minister of grace.

f F* rA. iPgue6te, rMYaaldronntoardion,i Uruguay, 153.1912; Salto, Uruguay, 22.6.1976; 64 years

old, 42 prof., 34 priest.

An uncommonly talented man, an able professor, he dedicated his entire

life to the teaching of children and young men. He was a born teacher. He

had a taste for literarure, He showed his tireless industriousness wherever

he was assigned by obedience. He was kind and dedicated, helpful and

pious, cheerful and afiable. Death came suddenly, but not unexpectedly.

t *FrC. aFnlodirdined, uCsomZealnicdo.oSneulplaeriore, Belluno, Italy, 30.5.1909; Bahra Blanca, Argen-

tina, 16.9.1976; 67 years old, 47 prof., 36 priest.

sionary

darveearymy.oTuhngerme ahnisftrveowcaetniot n'frmomatuItraeldy

to Patagonia

and became

to fulfrI his mis-

fruitful. Sturdy

like an oak tree, he seemed to be able to beat up under the most trying and

10.2 Page 92

▲back to top

92-

burdensome conditions without respite. He worked unstintingly. The Chos

Malal territory was the witness of what a man, supportd ,by a daundess

faith, can do. Travelling by jeep, on horseback or on foot he carried on his

wotk of evangelization io the midst of the most unfavorable circumstances.

A dreadful disease out down his strong constitution and led him premature-

ly to the reward of the just.

10.3 Page 93

▲back to top

-9'

3rd Elenco for 1976

f 72, Sac. AGUILAR Giuseppe a Bilbao (Spagna) L976 a 78 a.

f 124 Sac. BARBIERI Giovanai a Betle-me (Patestina) t976 a 76 a.

f 725 Coad. BASSO Edoardo a Alassio (Savona - Ialia) 1976 a 69 a.

f L26 Sac. BECCUTI Luigi a Monteortone (Padova - Italia) 1976 a 90 a.

f 127 Sac. BRUNORI Gioacchino a Firenze (kaha) L975 a 86 a.

f 128 Sac. CAAMANO Emanuele a Salamaaca (Spagna) 1976 a 80 a.

t 129 Coad. CENTANNI Calogero a Palermo (kalta) 1976 a 65 a.

130

f f DL

Coad.

CID Gumersindo a

CIPRIANO Giovanni

Shillong (India) 1976 a 8j

a Messina L976 a 62 a.

t 132 Sac. CONDE Luigi a Madrid (Spaena) 1976 a 95 a.

t L33 Sac. CONTI Vincenzo a Ivrea (Totino - Italia) 1976 a 64 a.

f L34 Sac. CROSSLEY Gerardo a Bolton (Lancs - Gran Bretagna) 1976 a 60 a.

735

f f D6

Sac.

CUCCHI Donato a

DEMOLDER Giutio

Vercelli

a Mol

(Ita\\^) L976 a 87 a.

(Bdcio) 1976 a 78 a.

t 137 Sac. DE SALVO Michele a Bahla Blanca (fugendta) L976 a 85 a.

f 1r8 Sac. DAZ Emiliano Caracas (Venezuela) 1976 a 66 a.

t 139 C-oad. GHIRINGT{ELLO Cesare Montevideo (Uruguay) t976 a 70 a.

f 140 Sac. GOIS Aatonio Manaus (Brasile) 1976 a 58 a.

l4l t Sac. @TTIIARDT Giuseppe a Vaidhofen (Ybbs - Austria) L976 a 92 a.

f - L42 Sac. HAGENMAYER Corrado Burghausen (&lzac.h Germania) 1975

a62a.

t L4, Ch. HIGGINS Cristoforo a Dunfermline (Scozia) 1976 a 22 a.

t L44 Sac. IGLESIAS Venanzio Ramos Mejta (Argentina) 1976 a 52 a.

f 145 Sac. JARLINSKI Edoatdo Caerwirlsk (Polonia) t976 a 65 a.

f 146 Sac. LE BAGOUSSE Giovanni Mada a Sion (Svizzera) t976 a 68 a.

t 147 Coad. LEON DE TRINITA' , S. Salvador (El Salvador) 1976 a 80 a.

t 148 Sac. MACIAK Sigismondo a Czerwidsk (Polonia) 1976 a 58 a.

f 149 Sac. MAGISTRELLI Giovanni a Modena (I:u.lia) t976 a 8t a.

f 1r0 Sac. MONDATI Giovanni Battista a Cordoba (fugentina) L976 a 79 a.

f 75L Sac. NUNES Benedetto a Lisboa (Portogallo) 1976 a 60 a.

152 Sac. OMODEI Giuseppe f a Intra di Verbania (Novara - Italia) L976 a

72 a.

t 7r3 Sac. PAOLONI Aldo a Beirut (Libano) 1976 a 62 a.

t 154 Sac. PAZO' Luigi Santiago de Compostela (Spagna) L976 a 77 a.

t L55 Sac. RATH Luca a Bamberg (Germania) 1976 a 69 a.

t 156 Coad. RINCON Datio a lbagpe, (Colombia) L976 a 64 a.

t L57 Sac. ROHR Cado a Mannheim (Germania) L976 a 89 a.

t 1r8 Coad. SANNINO Luciano a Bari (Italta) 1976 a 52 a.

f L59 Sac. SARTOR Tullio a Treviso kaha) 1976 a 56 a.

f 160 Sac. SCHAUER Giacomo a Miinchen (Germania) L976 a 74 a.

10.4 Page 94

▲back to top

-94-

L6r Sac. SCORNAVACCA Antonio f a S. Gregorio (Catania - kaha) 1976 a

88 a.

t62 Sac. SIEBRA Gomes Ancilone t a Carpina (Brasile) L976 a )4 a.

t6) Sac. SPECIGA Aldo f a Bologna (ltoJta) 1976 a 72 a.

1.u Sac. STASSIG Agostino t a Neuburg (Donau-Germania) 1976 a 75 a.

t65 Sac. STASZKOW Nicola f a Glasgow (Polonia) 1976 a 45 a.

r66 Coad. TAMMARO L"rgl t a Montevideo (Uruguay )L976 a 7l a.

t67 Sac. TAU Igino t a Genzano (Roma - Italta) L976 a 64 a.

168 Sac. TERAN Marco Belisario t Tucumrin (fugentina) 7975 a 6l a.

169

170

Sac. THIELE Guglielmo

Coad. VICH Giovanni f

a Bohla Blanca (Argentna) 1976

Montevidm (Uruguay) t976 a 8l a.

t7L Sac. VILLARINO Luigi t a Ramos Mejla (fugentina) L976 a 76 a.

172 Sac. VISENTIN Achille t a Este (Padova - Italia) t976 a 65 a.

t7) Sac. YARMORINI Piero t a Salto (Uruguay) 1976 a 64 a.

t74 Sac. ZANDONELLA Florindo t a Bahta Blanca (Argentina) L976 a 67 a.

10.5 Page 95

▲back to top

10.6 Page 96

▲back to top