Acts_1975_277.ASC :: RM Letters

A2l,d. ceCoahmsam:raecomote-oorripasettilrocanstioonnfo; toatuorrnbimsesisiosscnloaanmryapreeydxap-cetdlvit1iiot.yiAn. -wlooor3tkh.ayTthotrhfeeethppeaosoCtl.etlnv-et-

enary; solldirity with the mlsslons; ou,r 'stone' for God's Kingdom.

ll. lnstructions and norms (not in thls number)

lll. Gommunicatlons (p. 33)

1. The,Centenary of th,e Salesian miss,lons..- 2. The Salesian press

Latin Amerlca.

The vocations

-apo3s.toTlahtierd:

Oourse

act'ion

World Congress of Salesian Brothers.

ors.

men

-and7w. oTmheenP. r-eve9n.tiEvreraStay.stem.

a-on8fd.,6CcT.oohTnlelratalnbciunoaoirunausgtselotsFhno.eor-mfCaoot-ui5oornp. .ehTroh-aleyt'

lV. Actlvlties of the Superlor Gouncll 1p. 41)

V. Documents (not in this number)

VI. From the Provlhclal Newsletters 1,p. 46)

,tGs1heo.esuMsnrlclnoslalns.nslo-anfgoae5rrrys.B'pTouahdferdtehhLnlesittsttS'lyedaoalSueytishn.i.ag-ne-rsB2u4o.{.lfe'TBtDinwaosden. nioBtyoMsSecanols'e.as-Jiea'n.6s-.

3. Tralnlng

at the Youth

Appeal f'rom

VIl. Pontiflcal Maglsterlum (p. 511

- - 1. No pesslmlsm here. 2. We must do more. 3. Evangellzation

today.

Vlll, Oblturary Notlces (,p. 61)

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8. O. S. - ROM.A

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I. LETTER OF THE RECTOR MAJOR

THE CENTENARY OF THE SALESIAN MISSIONS

Rorne, January 1975

And so, by th. grace of God, we have begun 1,975. This year

is outstanding for two events: the Holy Year and the centenary

of our missions.

The Holy Year has already been well publicized. .In my

raditional letter and "strenna" for the New Year, I have invited

all confGres to live intensely the spirit of true conversion which

is especially called for $, the J,ubilee Year. This should lead

ead: one to a rcal and sincere reconciliation with God and his

brothers. And I am sure that all, of us, devoted sons of the Church,

both individually and,as cofirmunities, will take to heart the invita-

tion that the Holy Father has addressed to all the faithful.

As I have said in the "strenna", iL we take the Holy Year

celobration seriously, it will certainly help us to prepare for the

otrher event of the year, which is of special interest to us Salesians.

It is dris very important anniversary that I wish to draw your

attention to.

On 1lth November, 1875, with the boldness that only Don

Bosco could inspire, the tiny Salesian Conrgregation launched its

marvellous missionary adventure. Don Bosco himseH described

it as "the greatest entelprise of the Congregation". On that day

the first band of Salesians departed for South America.

Only one year before this, the Constitutions had been de-

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finitively arpproved. The two events were not unconnected. Irith

tftre approval of the Constitutions, the Congregation was recogniz-

ed as a lirirg, healthy organism, capable of strong growth in tftre

service of the Church.

It is true that the Salesians u/ere still few at the time, with

few foundations; but under Don Bosco's charismatic influence,

they lived in a climate of intense {aith and enthusiasm which they

expressed as a lively desire to dedicate themsehes, at Don Bosco's

bidding, to the most atduous undertakings. A historian of the

Congogation dghdy observes: "This approval of the Sociery and

tfre Rules gave the members a constant stimulus to devote t]:e,m-

selves to undertakings that v'rere ever more ambitious and more

demanding. The departure of Salesians from Piedmont and Europe

fit in with the logical scheme of things >. (Prntno Srprre; Don

B,osco nella stoila della religiositd Mfiolic^a, L, t67).

A Conmemoration not to be scarnped.

You will appreciate the importance of this event in the

develo,pments o{ the last hundred years in the Congregation, and

in fulfilling the mandate of evangelization entrusted to it by

Divine Providence. The historian who remarked that the first

missionary expedition marks "the beginning of. a new history of

the Congregation" was in no way tomancing, but was making

a sober assess,ment of a reality tltat, by the grace of God, has

kept growing and growing like a river fed by melt-water. \\7e

ought, then, to recall trhis event with the rich values it has to

ofier. If we stoip merely to re-echo the ,praises of those pioneers,

we shall be wasting our time. Rather, we shall try to throw

into relief all the 'missionary riches' that these hundred years

have given to the Congregation and the Church. In this way,

we shall become awate o,f the responsi,bility of the new-genera-

tion Salesians to capitllize those dches and, in our Father's

spirit, to make all the adiustments demanded by th" sensibilities

and situations of today.

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I will not, however, repeat what I wrote only two yeats

ago on the the,me "The Missions, our road towards tenewd"

(Acts, No. 267). In that letter you should be able to find matter

for reflection that still ,holds goods today, especially with re-

ference to the "rnissionary spirit" that must animate the Con-

gregation in all its pastoral

missions hold pride of place.

activities

4fi, od course, the

It may be useful to reread those pages, wlrich, you will

remem,ber, ate a commentary on the SGC document on the

Missions. It will complement the present letter commemorating

the rhundred years of missionary work in the Congtegation. A

commemoration is meant to remind us of what happened and

of tlre values that Luy behind the ha'prpenings, so that we can

receive tiheir signals and te-transmit them at high frequency.

My dear sons, let us go back for while to the period

covering the immediate preparutions for the expedition, the

event itself, and its aftermath. I shall refer especially to the

Biographica,l Memoirs: in them, through, tlre witness of those

who lived thtough those fervent days, we shall relive the

climate of enthusiasm that galvanrzed Valdocco and our infant

Congtegation.

1. A LOOK AT THE PAST

Don Bosco, the Salesian Congregation, the Missions: take

the ideas individually, fuse them, and you have the living rcahty.

Don Ceria wrote: "The missionary iAea in Don Bosco grew,

we could say, with him. At first it was an interior voice which

called him to bring the Gospel to ,pagan lands; then it became

a flame of. znal, enkindled by the desite to spread the activity

of his sons to that field". (EucrNro Crnre: Annali della So-

cletd satresiana, L, 245).

One of his dreams, the first of his missionary dreams (cf.

MB L0, 54-55), came through sttongly as a call to action. He

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found himself in an imnrense plain inihabited by rathff fierce-

Iooking and primitive men. A grourp of missionaries who came

to evangelize them were put to death. Then a second group

appeared on the scene-this time a hap,pyJooking bunch, preced-

ed by a group of boys. They were Salesians. The scene was

transformed: the people put aside their savagery and listened

to what the missionaries had to say.

Don Bosco was very much impressed by that dream. For

three years he tried to identify the place through geographical

researoh. Then he realaed what he had been looking at: the

people were Patagonian Indians. Tihe very name conjured up

visions of heroic sagas and mysterious, unexplored lands, a harsh

climate, and savage tribes.

The First Expedition

The circumitances that led up to Don Bosco's decision are

well-known

a) The first stage was to be the establishment of the Salesians

in the more densely po,pulated areas o,f the Argentine, where

there were gteater numbers of. Itakan immigrants in need of

s'piritual assistance.

D) Once these centres had been established, the first ,mis-

sionaries would live among the indigenous pmples and begin the

work of spreading the Goqpel.

c) Those who had aheady been converted would, in rurn,

help to spread the.faith.

The dream ,he had had at the age of nine was coming true:

the savage,beasts would be changed into lambs and these would

eventualtry become shepherds; and what had taken place at Turin

would be tepeated in the regions being opened up ,by Don Bosco's

pioneers.

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A few flash-backs to the final stages of pteparation for the

expedition would be interesting and instructive (of. IuIB Ll,

142-155; lL, 372-390; 11, 39t-410. EucrNro Cpme: Annali, l,

245-266. Prrnn Srrrre: op. cit., l, L67-196. Monero Wrnrtt:

Don Bosco e i Salesioni, l%-204).

22nd Decvntber, 1874: Don Bosco announced the request

of tihe civil and ecdesiastical authorities in Buenos Aires for

missionaries, and presented his ptoposals for the ap,proval of the

Superior Chapter.

29tb January, 1875; Feast of St Francis of Sales. !7ith

the greatesi porrr'ti. solemnity, Don Bosco presented the plan o{

his missionary enterprise to the ernbryonic Salesian family (Cf.

MB LL, L42-143).

25tb Febroury, 7875: Don Bosco sent a circular letter to

every Community informing them of this event, at the same

time asking for volunteers among the confrbres (then number-

ing 170) to go on the first expedition. The ten chosen ate listed

below:

Fr, Gioaanni Cagliero, leader of the expedition;

Fr, Giuseppe Fagnano, with degrees from the Univetsity o{

Turin and one of Garibaldi's Thousand;

Ft. Val"entino Cassini, elementary-school teadrer;

Ft. Domenico Tonati.r, teacher of literature;

Ft. Giouanni Battista Baccino, elementary-school teachet;

Fr. Giaqomo AJlauena, elementary-school teacher;

Bto. Barlolomeo Scauini, master carpenter;

Bro. Vinc,enzo Gioia, shoe-maker;

Bto. Barlolomeo Molinail, music master;

Bto. Stelano Belnonte, supervisor dor music and domestic

aff.aits {d. BM lt, 373).

\\7ith all the to-do of ,preparing for the expedition, some

found it hard to believe that it would ever come of[... they were

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Iooking at things from the f,1r,m4n point of view. Don Cagliero

was to lead the expedition. He was lecrurer in Moral Theology,

in clrarge of music at the Oratory, and the qpiritual director of

the Salesian Sisters. Of the others to leave, one was the head-

master of a school, another was a senior-school teacher, another

had important duties: how could they are be replaced? Human-

ly speaking, the difficulties posed real problems.

Take the case of Bro. Belmonte. He was in charge of

looking after the visitots to the Oratory-and there were visitors

every Cay at the Oratory! I7e11, he was srill busy with rtris job

in the house half-an-hour before his departure, and the wonder

was that he didn't go off to South America with his keys still

in his pocket. But Don Bosco waq far-sighted, and, what is more

imrportant, he saw everything from the supernatural point of

view, with the eyes o{ faith. "He drew up his plans before God,

and he was far from thinking that there would be no dilficulties

on the way. But he would not be deterred by any obstacle: rather,

he would overcome them, always reverting to the words of

St Teresa: 'Let nothing upset you!"' (BM, Ll, 155.I).

Don Bosoo's Fmewell

Those who had been chosen went to Rome to receive the

blessing of the Vicar of Christ: "On the feast of All Saints,

they had the honour of a special audience with the Holy Father.

Among other things, he said to th€m: "You are the sons of Don

Bosco going to distant lands to preach the Goqpel... There you

will have a great {ield for working wonders... I pruy t}at your

num:bers may inicrease, for the need is great and the harvest

abundant". And Don Ceria adds: "TXre confrEres came out of

the hall thrilled, and prepared to go to the ends of the earrh,

even to give their lives {or the faith". (BM, 1.1,376-7).

Then came the great day: LLth November. The farewell

celebrations went off with great joy and enthusiasm. After

Vespers, Don'Bosco spoke to them. The Basilica of Mary, Help

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of Christians, was filled to capacity; there was a deep silence

charged with emotion. Don Bosco, alter sketching out their

progralrune of missionary work, said, among other things: "You

must always remember that you are Christians... that you afe

Salesians. As Christians... you are sent by th. Vicar od Christ

to futrfil the mission of the Apostles sent out by Jesus Himself...

that very same Gospel preached by Jesus, ,by hir dpostles and

his successors, beginning from St Peter right down to our own

duyu... you must love ardently, stand up staunchly for your faith

and preach, in season and out of season.. As Salesians... never

forget that here in Italy thete is a Father who loves you in

Christ, a Congregation that thinks of you always, will assist

you and will be united with you as brothers." (MB, 11,385).

And he added these words, spoken in fir,mility but illuminud by

the light that God grants to his faithful servants: "\\7e are laying

the ,foundations of a great work. It is not that we have any

illusions about being able to convert the whole world in a few

days. Not at all,. But who can say that this small beginning may

not be the seed from which a ,huge tree is to grovr up? !7ho

can say that this may not be like the tiny mustard-seed, which

grows little by little; that this is not going to bring about ,a vast

amount of good?" (MB, LL,385).

After Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, "Don Bosco and

all the priests pr€sent gave a parting embrace to the missionaries,

It was the scene of the father bidding good.bye to his ions, who

were setting out dor a {.aro[f.land to transplant beyond the seas

the work bugun in the meadows of Valdocco. As the group of mis-

sionaries and Don Bosco left the sanctuary and were making their

way towards the squate, Fr Lemoyne said, with feeling: "Don

Bosco, are we beginning to see the futrfilment o,f .the words'inde

exibit gloria mea'

of *re inscription

('f,rom here shall my glory

'Hic est dom,us mea: inde

egoxibfoitrtghlo' r-ia

part

mea'

adorning the Basilica) "Yes, indeed", replied Don Bosco, deeply

moved." {d. BM tl, 388-399).

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On Sunday, L4th November, the missionaries boarded the

shi,p which was to take them to Buenos Aires. Exactly one month

later, L4th December, they landed there. The first missionary

orpedition was now a f.act: "For the Oratory and the Congrega-

tion, a new chapter of history was beginning".

The ffust group was followed by others with astonishing

regularity. During Don Bosco's life-time, that is to say, between

L875 and 1887, eloven missionary expeditions made their wav

to South America. The first, as w€ have seen, on LLth Novem-

ber, 1875: 10 Salesians with Frs Cagliero and Fagnano; the se-

cond, on 7th November, 1876: 23 .Salesians (6 priests, among

whom were Fts Bodrato andLasagna, 7 clerics and 10 Brothers);

the third, on 14th November, t877: L7 Salesians with Frs Costa-

magla, Vespignani and Milanesio.

The Salesian Sisters, 1877

Six very young Salesian Sisters also formed part of the expe-

dition of 1877. This faa is worth underlining. It was the

beginning od that corrmon effort on the missions which was

destined to become ever closer and more fruidul. It shows the

complementary charucter of the two Congregations, which live

the same spirit and share the same mission, each in its own

qphere. Leading the group of Sisters was Sr. Angela Vallese.

She was lrrtdly 24 yearc o\\d.

T1rc depature of the Sisters was decided on in the General

Chapter of the autumn of. tgll. Mother Mary Mozzarello accom-

panied the first group of missionary sisters to Rome, where they

were given an audience by Pope Pius IX. Then she accoqpanied

them to the port of Genoa, and they embarked for Uiuguay.

Don Bosco had told them: "You will not immediately become

missionaries in the Pampas ot Patagonia. You will begin your

work by strengthening God's kingdom among those who are

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- 11 -

abeady Christians. You will set it up among those wfro have

abandoned it. After that you will extend it to those who have

never heard of it". (Grsrr,r,e CepBrtr: Il carnrnino dell'Isti-

tuto nel corso di un secolo, 46).

In 1878 a second expedition of Salesian Sisters made their

way to Buenos Aires. From thete, in L880, they went on towards

Patagoria, which was mission territory proper. A Buenos Aires

daily wrote: "The Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, are the

very first nuns from the beginning of the world to go to preach

the Gospel in those f.ar-ofr.1ands of t]re south". The Salesians

had gone there one year earlier,in!879. Only in that year were

they able to start the real missionary wotk, ,by making direct

contact with the Indians of th,e Pampas and Patagonia.

The fust three expeditions were followed by eight others

in the course of less than ten years: the fourth on 8th Decem-

ber, 1878; the fifth ln January, 1881; the sixth in December,

1881; the seventh in November, L883; the eighth in February,

1885; the ninth in Aptil, 1886; ttrre tenth in December, 1886;

and the eleventh in December, 1887.

On 30th Jantary,1888, the eve of Don Bosco's death, they

read out to him the telegram announcing the safe arfival in Quito

of the .missionaries he had embraced and blessed smne weeks be-

fore, in spite of his very poor health. He made a sign to show that

he had understood what had been read out to him. He must have

rejoiced and thanked God for his h,el,p in ransforming into reality

what had been shown to hi,m in his dreams.

At the time of Don Bosco's death, out of a total of a little

more than one thousand Salesians, one hundred and fifty were

to be dound in America. Fifty Salesian nuns, too, were working

in five countries of Latin America. The little seed of 1875 had

indeed multiplied. The Salesian work in America now consisted

not only in giving ,pastoral assistance to young people and th,e

families sf immiglants, but also in preaching the Gospel to the

primitive autochthons who had not yet heard the Good News.

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Expansion under Don Rua

The pace o{ expansion and the spread of missionary fervour

in tlrc Congregation did not stop with the death of Don Bosco.

Blessed Michael Rua inherited all his missionary zeal. It is enough

to note that, during the time of his administration, which inclu-

ded some yeats when it was touch and go for survival, he succeeded

in sending out as many as 25 missionary expeditions, some of

which were extraordinarily large. Iflith good reason it has been

said of him that "his thirst for the ,missions was unquencha,ble".

(Aoor.ro L'Anco: Don Rua a seraizio dell'Amore, 66).

And so, by the time of Don Rua's death in 1910, the Sales-

ians had extend their work to rhe Americas (Colom,bia, Per6,

Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Parug:,ay; Brazil, El Salvador, and

U,S.A.), to the Middle East, Asia an&various parts of Africa.

It is interesting to note that Don Rua was concerned not

only with sending missionaries to new lands, but also with pass-

ing on to them some of his perceptive id,eas and suggestions, after

the style of Don Bosco.

Fot example, he wanted his men "to adq>t the lirfe-style

and customs of their new homelands, leaving behind their own

ways of doing things". (G.B.FneNcrsrn: Don Rua, prirno suc-

oessole di Don Bosoa, 1,5). This concern of his was very muc}r

in keeping with what Vatican II has explicitly and forcefully

irrdicated to missionaries about accopting the values that the

Creator has imFlanted in the peoples of the earth. Proof of this

is a letter he wrote to Fr Balzola, who was working with the

Bororo Indians. He says: "About some customs these people

have: take care that you don't make fun of them. As the Church

did in ancient times with the pagans, try to make these customs

Chtistian, provided that they are not harmful to ibody or soul".

(Eucur.no Crnre: Viu di Don Rua, 262).

By the time Don Rua died, the ,missionary endeavours on

the American Continent had grown remarkabtry. 1,473 Salesians

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\\riefe \\trorking there, and that was an impressive pefcentag€ of tlre

total membership of the Congregation (about 4,000).

In addition to the continuing large nunrber of Italians, mem-

bers

The

from other Er:ropean nationi also

congregation soon found that it

left for the mission-fields.

was foremost aming the

missionary congregations, and was abl,e to supply personnel to

missions run by other societies.

Great pioneers of the stature of Cagliero, Fagnano' Mila'

nesio and L^"^gn were nor satisfied with consolidating and

i"*ffig the Jorks they had begun, but, with the aid of-genetous

.oflodrrt]ors, they widened the scope of their apostolic work.

In the meantime, outside the American continent other towering

personalities arose to emulate these giants of the Amedcas'

Hard times under Don Albera

!7hite Don Albera was Rector Major, the fitst 'World TTar

broke out. It had repercussions throughout the Congregation and

the Missions, slowing down the rhythm of expansion of the

pteceding years. There was a reduction in the departute-rate.

Bot ,r roon ut the warwas ovef, the departures resumed even

mote vigorously than be{ore. Then Don Rinaldi succeeded

Don Albeta.

At the beginning of the c€ntury, Don Albera had been com-

missioned,by Don Rua to visit all the Houses and missions in the

Ameticas. This he did, at the cost of discomforts and dangets

of every sort. Even the war did not stop him. During his years

as Rector Majot, most of them war-yeats, 345 Salesians set out

for the A,meticas and other continents.

Towatds the end of Don Albera's term od off,ce, there

developed

'the gteat

in the

Indian

society a phenomenon

adventure'. It is true

which could be called

that, under Don Rua,

, ,.i11 group of Salesians had gone to work in Tan'jore' in the

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*1,4*

diocese of lvlylapore. But the salesian missionary activity in India

received its main impetus when Don Albera, at the insistence of

the Prefect of Propaganda Fidei, sent into Assam a small nucleus

of-missionaries guided by 4. intrepid Fr Luis Mathias, rightly

teferred'to as 'the Cagliero of India'. Faithful to his -otto oi

"Take a clance and hope for the besr", he did, in tact, give this

mission a powerftrl lift-of,f. Among other things, he lost no time

in opening a novitiate with the idea of gerting iecruits from Italy

to join the first Indian vocarions. !7ith this sort of drive, it is

little wonder that the Salesians wef,e also called to Calcutta,

Krishnagar and Madras, while expanding their successful works

in Assam. Today, all of us know how well our Congregation is

represented in that immense subcontinent, and how great are our

hopes of developrnent for the future.

New Expansion under Don Rinaldi

As we have seen above, und,er Don Rinaldi the Congregation

had what .might be termed its missionary explosion. Td SJrvant

od God had at one time wanted to go ro the rnissions (v. EucnNro

Csnrn: Vita di don Rinaldi, 377). Don Bosco had discouraged

him, telling him that, instead, he would one day send rnany mis-

sionaries abroad. The words of our Father were fully realaed.

Don Rinaldi sent a large number of rnissionaries and was respons-

ible for some original developments which served for a long time

to keep the missions strong in resources,and personnel. He created

such a climate of ,missionary fervour throughout the whole Family

that it became the golden age d. Salesian endeavour on the mis-

sions. You just have to look at the numerous works for the

development of ,missionary vocations, including adult vocations.

For this,purpose, the Cenffal Province was creatfo, and it accounrs

very,large\\y for the development of our ,missionary work. Also

the Gioventir Missionaria Association and magazine were founded

tg ,provide burses for future candidates for the missions.

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The 50th Anniversary Mission Exhibition in Turin, follow-

ing the one fot the Holy Year in Rome, L925-26, was one of the

more spectaculat tesults of the missionary enthusiasm engendered

by Don Rinaldi's singular zeal. But the most convincing proof

of this enthusiasm in the Congregation at that time, was the

sharp increase in departures. The Salesians who left {or the mis-

sions duing the tirne of Don Rinaldi reached 1,600, whilst the

rute of expansion in other parts of the world was not affected

in any way.

The depature to mark the 50th anniversary of our missions,

which took place in 1925, deserves special mention. 185 Sales-

ians received their crucifixes. Among these was a group bound

f.or Ja,pan, headed by Fr. Cimatti. Don Rinaldi, who had found

in him the ideal man in many ways for this patticularly demanding

mission, did not hesitate to take him away from the house at

Valsalice, th"tuby fulfilling a long-standing desire of Fr Cimatti's,

which he had expressed in these terms: "If the superiors wer€ to

send me to the missions... I would go there on my knees". 'We

all know how this great son of Don Bosco worked away with

simplicity, great insight, and the Salesian brand of genial enthu-

siasm, all to bring the Gospel to this great nation, a task bristling

with difficulties.

Corrununist ubirlwind in China

A word about China. 'S7e know the story of our missionary

work there. It began in the {irst years of the century with the

foundation in Macao and teceived a greater stimulus rn L9L8, at

end of the First \\7or1d War, when the Holy See entrust€d the

missions of Shiu Chow to the Congregation. Its rich growth was

saddened by th. tragic end of the heroic Vicat Apostolic, Bishop

Versiglia. Later on, the Communist Revolution, like a fironstfous

bulldozer, levelled all the flourishing works which had sprung

up within a short time.

But the confrEres displaced by the Comm'unist onslaught

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did not give up. TTith their help the work in Hong Kong and

Macao expanded and multiplied. Vocations increased to such

an extent that this little section of China, together with Formosa,

was teady to become a Province. Other Salesians from China,

and also ftom North Vietnam, transferred to othef countries of

the Far East and so stimulated a vigorous expansion of our mis-

sionary work in the Philippines and South Vietnam.

Today, thanks be to God, the young Proviace of the Philip-

pines has begun to provide personnel for the neighbouring Pro.

vince of Thailasrd. I7e hope that the Delegation of South Viet-

nam al.so, with its many confGres in training and its many voca-

tions, will soon be abtre to collaborate actively with other missions,

eqpecially in the East.

2,500 missionaries during Fr Ricaldone's adm,inistration

I have spoken about the springtime of the missions which

was reached during Do'n Rinaldi's term of office. But I must

point out that, in his Prefect General, Don Ricaldone, he had

just the man to rcalize his wealth of ideas. You could say that

Don Ricaldone was the dynamo-ser in the missionary po*.r-horrr"

of Don Rinaldi, who had given him full responsabiliry {or all the

problems of the missions.

Energetic, genial, down-to-earth and hardy, Fr Ricaldone

visited all the missions o,f India, China, Japan and Thailand, taking

months to do so. He gathered information which proved to be

aI great value to him in his close collaboration with the Rector

Major and later on when Prcvidence called him to govern the

Congregation.

Don Ricaldone vras a man of great initiative and exraordinary

ability as aa organizer, Here is iust on€ fact among many thar I

could quote to give you some idea of the enormous expansion

that took place under his direction. At the end of. L95L, the year

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of his death, the nu,mber of Salesians assigned to the missions

during his term of office, which had experienced the patalysing

torments and tagedies of I7orld Iflar II, reached over 2,500.

6r u s6asequence of this marvellous development, it was neces-

sary to designate a mem,ber of the Superior Council to work full

time for the missions. And so it was that, during the General

Chaptet held irnmediately atter the \\Var, the post of Consultor

for the Missions was cteated.

The, Congregation, and especially our missions, owe very

much to the truly exuaondinary work of Don Ricaldone.

The world tour of Don Ziggiotti

Don Ziggiotti continued the missionary work of Don Rical-

done with complete dedication. The most significant gesture of

his great feeling for the missions was certainly the world tour

which he undertookk in order to visit the confGres, missions and

foundations of the Congregation.

It is not hard to imagine what Don Ziggiotti had to go

through to visit in person the Salesians and Salesian Sisters work-

ing in the most out-of-th€-way,places in the Salesian world. His

sacrifice, however, was repaid by the enthusiasm and encoutage-

meart generated everywhere by his visit.

Even thou,gh the rate of growth was not what it had been

in years past, the depaffures of missionaries continued. In the

period between L95L and, 1965, exactly L,606 Salesians left for

the missions.

Present difficnlties and hopes

The siraation today, on account of an accumulation of causes

that you ,vell know, is un{ortunately nothing like that of the

thirties' between 1966 and, L974 about 500 men were lost to

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the missions. Even so, thete are aqpects which, without losing

sight of rcahty, give us reason for ho,pe and consolation. One of

these is the notable increase of indigenous vocations. It is an

indication of the good work done by our missionaries, a cleat sign

that the new churches are maturing and also evidence of stability

and security.

For exa,mple, in India we have a hundred novices in the four

Provinces. The seminaries of the various dioceses entnusted to

us in Assa,m have good numbers of students right through to theo-

logy. The Province of the Phflippines has L6 novices and caters

for those from Thailand as well, while the Delegation of Vietnam

has 19 novices. Looking bac-k over the last hundred years, u/e

come up with the following figures: There have been 104 ,mis-

sionary expelditions so far, always with a gradual increase in the

number of Salesians from different nations. It is gratifying to

see the prominent part played by the smaller countries in sending

personnel to the lands outside Europe: Belgium occupies third

place after Italy and Spain. Then we have Ireland, the Netherlands,

Malta, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia, and we can count in Po-

land, whicJr can hardly be called ,small, but which shares a diffi-

cult situation with Czechoslovakia.

Other observations: the Salesians in the mission.field and

in the countries of the Third \\7orld total u,p to 7,L66, whicfi is

more than a third of the grand total. Another notable detail

is this: of these, 4,722 are indigenous.

It see,ms to me a very significant ftact that the great majority

of our 56 bishops are working in ,mission areas and in poorer

churches. These men are the expression of a Christianity thathas

been born and is growing through the work of the Salesians in

spreading the Gospel

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2. CHARACTERISTIGS OF OUR MISSIONARY ACTIVITY

Now that I have sketched the history of our missions, I

should like to mention some apects that are characteristic of the

style and spirit of the work.

The Salesian Brother, a unique r6le

It is very impressive to observe that, in the first expedition of

1975, af. the ten who went, four were Btothers. This lines u,p with

what Don Bosco had in,mind: "The priest", he said, "needs help,

and I believe that a7L of you here, ,priests, students, artisans and

Brothers ca,n be true evangelical workers"(EuceNro Cnxte; An-

nali, L, 705). These ate the words that Don Bosco addressed

to his Salesians and senior boys on tJre evening of the feast of

St Joseph, 1876. On another occasion he said to the Brothers:

"There are certain things that the priest and clerics cannot do,

and these you can do". (BM. L6,319). Thus we read in the new

Constitutions: "in ,many sectors he has a unique r6le afr,

his own..i'.

Don Bosco realned the irmportance of this t61e, especially

in the mission areas. The Brothers on the missions have respon-

ded splendidly to the trust placed in them by Don Bosco and the

Congregation. The past century has been enriched by the out-

standing figures of innumerable Brothers. I recall only a few

names, but there arc frany more who deserve to be mentioned.

Buscaglione, De Fonseca, Pankeri, Mantarro: four great

builders of churches, chapels, seminaries, bridges, canals and vil-

lages; but, for all this activiry, they were alurays exemplary reli-

glous. Milanesia, the courageous and faithful companion of

Fr Bllzola in the land of the Bororos. Conci, called "The Kettelet

of the Ar,gentine": sociologist, journalist and trade union otganizet.

Srugi, infirmarian and miller from Palestine, and a mafi of noted

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sanctity. Itre was called 'the friend of God' even by the Muslims.

But these are only the van of an ar,my of ,missionaries who,

wotking in a wide range of occupations, became the builders of

the kingdoom of God. Their witness to the faith was tenacious,

their assistance to theit brother-priests indispensable. Today, the

Brothers working in the rnission-field and the Third I7orld num-

ber 1,115 of. a total of.3,496 and continue in the same tradition

of hard work, dedication and fidelity to their vocation that distin-

guished their ptedecessors.

The Salesian Sisters, missionaries

"by nature and by v@ation"

I mentioned above that

the expedition of. L877,

a small

a tact

group of

of great

Sisters {ormed part

significance. It is

r,ecorded that Pius IX, the Pope of the missions, said to Don

Rinaldi: "I7e cannot have ,missions without the sisters. Indeed,

there should be more sisters on the missions than missionaries".

(Eucrr.uo Cnnre: Vita di don Nnaldi, 395). Don Rinaldi com-

mented: "I7e need a v/oman to educate a woman ... without the

Sisters, we cannot convert a couqtry... " (Isrp.).

This evidently was Don Bosco's idea, which was shared by

St Mary MazzareTTo. The Salesian Sisters, then, faithful to Don

Bosco's wishes, took on the Salesians, so to sPe*, at the 'mis-

sions game, facng the adventure side by side with them. Th"y

uzere not detered iby risks, discomforts or difficulties, but con-

tinued to stretrgthen their num,bers in the various continents and

to diversify their works. In fact, they fully vindicated the words

of Pope Pius XI and Don Rinaldi.

Today, just as we regard our missionary wing as essential,

so the Sisters see theirs in the same way. The missionary fiat:ute

of their organization is written into the Constitutions: "An

Institution Jucational and missionary W nature and vocation'f

(,Constitutions of the Institute of the F,MA, art. 1) The sisters

working on tlre missions and in the Third World at present

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account for a good third of the total number: to be precise, 6,847

out of 18,168.

And now, tbe Salesfun Secular Institule * as well

For some years now the first Volontarie di Don Bosco have

been working in collaboration with our missionaries. Naturally,

they work in the way of a secular institute, but always with the

spirit of the common Father.

Let us hope that they will extend their activities and continue

to benefit the people they are working for.

The invaluable support of our Geoperators

The ,missionary work of Don Bosco, from its inception on-

wards, "began to receive the help of the Co-operators... when

the need was ptessing ... They responded generously to the appeal,

l, each according to his means". (Eucnrrrro Cenre: Annali, 212).

This also seems to me to be a characteristic of out missio-

nary progra,m,me. Don Bosco, launching the Salesians into this

huge uurdertaking, made it his business to create at the same time

a close-suppott organization made up of committd Christians

who would ,prwide material and moral aid, to his men working in

the hostile conditions of distant lands. Since then, it is plain that

"the Coorperators have done their drty" (Monervo \\7ratn:

op. cit., 254). \\7ith good reason Don Bosco could say 'towatds

the close of his life: "The Co-operators are an ,unshakeable but-

tress" (BM, 78, 146). Ever since, they have stood by us as a

ted, army of Chistians and today they are still supporting the

Salesian works, especially the missions, in all the (inhabited) con-

tinents. In its numerous editions, the Salesian Bulletin keeps in

* Footaote: this title is provisional and entirely unofficial.

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cootact with and encourages these thousands of people, who inti-

mateb share in the work of our missionaries, through prayer,

moral support and a wide range of activities. Not only the mis-

sionaries, but the entite Congregation should expfess their constant

and deepfelt gratitude to them.

An interesti,ng point about lay missionaries. Nowadays tlere

is much talk about lay missionaries, and we appreciate the gene-

rous availabiliry of these Christians. Perha,ps it is not generally

known that many of our missionary e>rpeditions since the earliest

rinnes included lay people, often in large rnrmbers. They are men-

tiured in the chronicles and statistics over various years up to

L941. On the missions, they wotked together with the Salesians,

in a variety of occupations and lived there for the rest of

their lives.

Don Bosco's way

a) "... to take speaial care ol the young"

To the Salesians about to leave for Arnerica, Don Bosco said:

"Iret it never be forgotten that we are going for the sake of poor

and abandoned youtJr"l and again: "On the missions v/e must

take special care of the young, particularly the poor and abando-

ned"l and, more explicity: "The missionary who is surrounded

by a eowd of youngsters will go ahead and do much good".

(BM L7, 2)3; L8, 44; 12, 280). It is pleasing to see how this

conception of missionary strategy, on which Don Bosco insisted

so much, received sffong support from the authotitative voice of

the recent Synod of Bishops. In their agreed statement we read:

"In a special way we speak to youth ... Youth has top priority

in the work of the Church" (Cardinal Condeiro, Archbishop of

Karachi). Our work of evangelization must be ditected towards

the young, so that, in their turn, they can pass it on to their

contemlroraries" (Bishop Pironio, President of the Latin .American

Episcopal Conference).

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_2r_

Our missionaries, and ,not just the eatly ones, eithet, have

always kept befote them the words of our Father, as the natutal

reflection of our special vocation, backed up by the full weight

of the Church's authority. Among the boys of the Boca district,

Buenos Aires, very much a deprived atea at that time, and the

many thousands of very poor boys in Haiti, in the Cit6 des

Jeunes, Lubu,mbashi, and the

nila, wherevef our conf,rBres

shanty-town of Tondo, outside

pitched 'their tents, in [.act,

Ma-

they

instinctively went looking for youth, especially those in need.

And that's not all: they cteated among these young ,people, by

their educational methods and their way of li[e, the characteristic

atmoqphere that s,ucceeds in winning youth, no matter the race,

country or culture.

I rq>eat: one comdorting f.act, closely linked to this prefe-

rence for the young, is the great inmease in the number of indige-

nous vocations in many countries. This has now reached the stage

where the Salesian strength is practically drawn from the country

itself. Evm more significant is the phenomenon of young peo'ple

on the way to sanctity, such as Zefiino Namuncur) and Lauta

Vicufra.

b) Econ'ornic and. sodiaL adaancernent

In conclusion, I would like to stress the work done by our

missionaries, right form the staft, dor the economic and social

advancement of the people entrusted to them. \\flhen u/e come to

look into what they started with and the limited resources at

their disposal, applause gives way to astonishment at their achie-

vements: agriculture and cattle-raising, building houses, running

co-operatives, organizing both the work and the workers, digging

wells, building bridges and roads; teaching the thtee R's, training

for technicd, qualiications, publishing books, setting up broad-

casting stations ... and all with a view to pressing on with the

great drive to liberate the whole mari in Christ through the Good

News; This is not meant to give the impression, of course, that

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24-

ever)rthing was always and everywhere perfect, or that the work

done fifty years ago measures urp in every respect to the star:dards

of today; but, taking the rpast hundred years as a whole, we have

to acknowledge that our ,missionaries have turned them to excel-

lent account: for which we give thanks to the Giver of all good

things.

c) Uniaed uitb tbe centre

our

I think it is

rnissionaries

wwhoertrhe-vwehr iltehetyowmoernkti.oDn oancoBmosmcoonha'f.dacstoutccaemdoendgisnt

creatin.g a famrly both at Valdocco and in the young Congtega-

tion: this atmosphere, which is hard to define but which gives

to those who breathe it a deep sense of contentment,lil/as exported

to America with the missionaries. The chief medium for the

maintena'nce of this f.anily feeling that kept Don Bosco united to

his sons was letter-writing. The letters were frequent, regular

and heart-war,ming. Out archives are full of this precious mate-

rial, which has grown over the years because the ttadition has

been kept up, even when the number o[ missionaries incteased

considerably and, they were scatterod throughout the wotld. I

dont know whether other institutes have a madition quite like

this in style or intensity.

Anyway, it is certain that these family bonds and letter-

- writing is only one of the threads still constitute a useful inter-

- change of information between the cenme of the Congregation

and its outposts. These links have made it possible to overcome

dif,ficult trials, have given enlightenment and security at times

of crisis, which are bound to occur in a large f.amily whose mem-

bers are scattered around the continents in all sotts of situations.

There is nothing ,bureaucratic about all this, trhe basic ingtedient

being sincere s,pontaneity. Communications play a vitalTy impor-

tant pafi in fostering the unity that is the strength o'f the Con-

gregation. Talking about unity, I would like to stress once more

the fact that our missionary communities are ciraracteristically

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international. \\Tithout trying to \\phite-wash the inevitable lapses

I in a potentially explosive situation, say that the general dfect

has been tJ:e integration of di{ferent sets of values, which, far

from being demimental to unity of life and action, has actually

enriched it. At the same time, it gains credibiliry in the eyes of

the people who see Christ's chariry at work in it.

d) Vitb d strong siruple laitb

I I have given you some points that think are characteristic

of the life and work of our missionaires. But it is natutal to

put the question: I7hat is ,behind it all? I thint< that the safe

- answer to that one is simply faith. The faith that took them

far drom their homeland in search of souls, that spumed them on

to do incredirble things. These men were not always well-up

in the latest theologica,l speculations, and yet, with this strong;

simple ,faith, they faced the most difificult arrd, humanly speaking,

desperate situations. It was the faith that we find at the root

of the whole life and activity of Don Bosco. "ft is faith that

does everything", he used to say. {BM, 70, 9A). This vision,

this sense of the Invisible became trans{ormed into prayer. \\7hen

we read about many of our missionaries, and especially when we

come into contact with them, we sense this flame, this unflagging

zeal burning within them.

One more detail: from Don Bosco at Valdocco, the first

missionaries had absorbed the devotion to Mary, Help of Crist-

ians. They kept it suong and vigorous in their new home, and so

&d those who followed them. They became its zealous apostles,

as any visit to regions where Don Bosco's sons have worked wi,ll

readily slrow.

Missionaries for our times

At this point, I can see that some of you will have some

queries to make. For instance, considering the times that we live

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in, doesn't the whole commemoration smack of an optimist's

pipedream? How about all the problems and protests that con-

front the Congregation, or, for that rnatter, the rest of the Church,

in the mission situation itself?

'We11, we are not blind to the {act that serious difficulties

do exist in the Church and in our own Sociery with regard to the

missions. But can difficulties, however formidable, be allowed

to stop anyone w,ho believes firmly in the command of Christ:

"Go and teach"? To men of faith, obstacles are not an i,nvitation

tolay down their arms: they are an incentive to find new ways of

overcoming them. In this matter we must be enlightened and

strengthened by the faith of our Father, Don Bosco. Let'us recall

his words: "\\7e cannot stop. Guardiarno auanri!" \\7e see hete

a will that is indomitable yet full of trust; and the message was

repeated by the Holy Father when he said: "Go right ahead".

By way of consolation I ou,ght to say that among our missio'

naries--.and here I use th€ term 'missionary' in the wider sense-

I have not seen any perplexity, or discouragement or defeatism.

Instead the men on the spot are hard at it seeing how far the

well-mied methods are still effective in spreading the Good News.

This is something positive, I must say. To adjust, imprwe and

revise in the light of experience must be our constant concern.

Our missionaries ,believe in their vssalion-6hey live it. Their

one desire is to bring their missions into line with the needs of

the times we live in, and so rnake their work more fruitful.

During this Centenary Yeat of our first missionary expedi-

tion, let us unite oursel,ves with the faith, the will to work and

the sense of Salesian realism of our missionaries, and to launch

any initiative that may serve to give the entire Congregation a

missionary look, or, better still, a missionary heart. It would

be a grave error to pretend that the missionary renewal concerns

only the missionaries: the entire Congregation is missionary.

I repeat here what has been ,said more than once already, and

with the f,ull support of the Church behind it: i( the dynarnic

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missionary qpirit of the Congregation were to falter, it would

cease to be the Congregation, the one Don Bosco knew, at

any fate.

In tbe cess-pools ol the big citles

Today it can be stated that evangelization is not lirnited to

planting the Church among peoples not yer baptized, though

this does, in f.act, receive priority reatment in the Church's mis-

sionary policies. Evangelizalion is needed in those countries where

the faith, if it is not already defunct, has ,become a poor, twisted

thing. lWherever we live, whatever our work rnay be, we are

expected to be evangelizers and missionaries.

The statement of the Bishops in the last Synod, which was

on this very topic of spreading the Gospel, clearly sffesses this

fact. J6,quote: "Suengthened by our faith in Christ... we wish

to state anew that the command to evangelize all nations is the

essential mission of the Church. The presentday changes are

profound and wide-spread, afiecting religion, ideologies, cul-

tures and traditions. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the

necessity of proclaiming the Gospel to all nations, and to every

individual within those nations, is all the more evident and

ugent. This must be done, especially for those who have not

yet heard Christ's Good News, in whatever part of the world

they may live, so that the Church and its message may be im-

planted among the peoples where it has nor yer taksn root".

For us, then, it means that we have to rally to this apostolic

task, each one in his own situarion, with all that involves. Of

course, we shall continue to go out to the pagans; but we cannot

turn a deaf. ear to the urgenr appeals thar come from the twilight

regions of our giant cities, those cesspools of all sorts of human

misery. ID7e cannot remain insensible ro rhe cries for help of

the young victims of atheism, drugs and a lttst<razy society. 'We

cannot close our eyes to the fact that a large section of the

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society in which we live is in the grip of a terrible ignorance

of teligion.

Catechesis and uitness

It follows from what has been said above that each one

must dedicate himself with all seriousness to the work of catecliz-

ing, which has been authoritatively defined in the recent Synod

as "passing on the m'essa,ge of the living Christ: it is essentially

an education in faith and a cleat Christian answer to the deqrest

pto-blems of mankind".

Faced with this uagic situation, there is not a single one

of us that can opt out of doing something about it, urgently.

The words of St PauI, "I7oe is unto me if I preach not the

Gospel", ought, I think, to sou'nd their warning in the ears of

every son of Don Bosco. The o,pportunities and responsiibilities

of each one will vary. But, I repeat, in this mighry and holy

battle, thete is a task for every one: for the stafi oficer and

the private, for the scholat, the craftsmaster and the plough-

man. All of us, no ,matter what position we occupy, must be

messengers of the Gospel through our apostolate of wit'ness.

I7hat we do should tally with what we preach, otherwise our

message will not be accepted and we shall be building on sand.

Then there are the pointed words addressed to the active

religious institutes by the 2nd Yatican Council asserting the

reqponsibility of evangeltzng by living the Gospel values: and

this ap,plies to all of them, even those not strictly missionary'

Among other things, we read: "The institutes should ask with

all sirrcerity before God if their way of life bears witness to the

Gospel". This sa,rne point was stressed by Pope Paul recently

when he said: "The Goqpel is to be lived before being preached".

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3. THREE POSITIVE IDEAS

From what has been said above, each one of you should

see that rhe commemoration of our missionary enterprise should

not temain unproductive. At both personal il1d ssm'munity

level, we must ref,lect setiously on t}e matters broached in this

letter. This will help us all to work for the renewal of the mis-

sionary spfuit in tihe Congregation, the operative word being

all: the diter,mined individual effort is the only sute way to the

total renewal o,f the Congregation.

I think that the scheme put to the Provinces for the

Centenaty

celebrations

may

,be

some

help.

Ifhile

true

that no one scheme will solve all the problerns of out mission-

ary renewal, it is equally true that a nu,mber of things can be

made to work together for the renewal. The Centenary celebra-

tion is one of these things.

In practice, then, this what I propose:

First: cooperation

The communities at Provincial and local l:evel must con-

tribute their share towards a missionary reaiaal by backing the

schemes worked out at the Centre. These plans and suggestions,

which will be sent on as they are com-pleted, are the result of

a lot of hard work put in by many confrbres, Sisters, Co-opet-

ators, Past-pupils and pupils in conj,unction with the Heads of

the various Dqrartments. It will be left to the individual Ptov-

inces and Com,munities to study which of these to put into

operation, and how to do it.

It ,may be that the local ,ptoduct will be better suited to

the local needs. The big thing is that something concrete is

done about this renewal. It can be taken that the Sisters will

be willing to give their support in every Province, as they do

at tl:e Centre. Also the other branches of the Salesian Family

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will be interestd in the different initiatives. I am pleased to

see that the fugentine Provinces have made up a very interesting

prograrnme fot the Celebration in common.

Second: a missionary expedition worthy of the Gentenary

I7hat follows is not so much a proposal as an invitation.

The Congregation is, needless to say, grateful to God for all the

good it has been able to do for souls in the last hunded years;

yet it is deeply conscious of how, much is still to be done. Now,

Divine Providence knows how to reward those who leave their

Provinces for the missions, and to inspire new and generous

vocations; so the Congtegation proposes to call fior a rzissionary

expedition worthy of the great eaent I know that the mission-

ary {re still burns i,n the hearts of many confrBres, and we

want to make the ,most of this fire with a gesture of faith and

hope that will benefit the whole Congregation.

'!7e are thinking o[. oryaruzing the volunteers of this expedi-

tion along rwo,distinct lines of action: first, we shall concentrate

our forces in certain very needy yet promising areas so as make

a rcal impact with a sustained programme; and second, we are

thinking of btanching out into a new type of work.

I therefore invite the confrBres who feel inspired by this

appted, to write to me directly. I thank you even now, while

I pray the Lord to bless those who generously offer tlremselves,

and to bless the local communities and the Prcvinces th.y

come from. For the zuperiors and confrbres of the Province,

this will mean a sacrifice; but I am sure tl:at this sacrifice will

be made willingly as an act of. f.aith and practicd. charity towards

those who have the more urgent need. The Council has some-

thing 'i propos: "The grace of renewal cannot flourish in com-

munities..unless each of them extends the range of its charity to

the ends of the earth, and devotes to those f.at ofr. a concern

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similar to that which it bestows on those who are its own

membefs." {Ad Gentes, 37).

But on this there is more to be said, something born of

hard ex,perience. Cardinal Poletti, Vicar General of the city of

Rome, has written: "The missions have need of us, it is true:

but perhaps our own churches have still greater need of the

missions". (In Agenzia Fides, Jamary, L973). Again, it has

been stated recently, also ,from direct observation sf a 5imil21

reciprocal efifect and especially with regard to vocations: "The

first beneficiaries of the missions are the churches that give, not

those that receive". This throws light on the stand taken by

the Church in France: "Our option is ,for the missions... the

Church tduses to ibe a select club". (Card. Marty, Inaugural

Address, French Episcopal Conference, 197L). And in the face

of the chtonic crisis of priests and seminarians: "The clergy

will be rcvitalaeA. only through a strong missionary spirit."

(French Episcopal Conf,erence, Final Document). These state-

ments should make us think very seriously. No rhetorical

vapouring

to others,

here: they clearly

and God will give

t'pooyinotut.h" e(Lwukoerds6:o3f 8C).hrist,

"Give

Third: solidarity with the missions

These words apply also to the m,aterial help that each local

community could give, specially during the Centenary year, for

the many needs of the missionaries. You will be kept inJormed

about the distribution of the Solidarity Fund, which will be

detennined ,by the priorities of the work in hand.

I invite all the communities to inmease their conribution

to this progfam'me of fraternal aid, making s,ure that, whatever

is done, is motivated by love, and, above all, productive of

spiritual benefits. There will then be the mutual enrichment

that, even with the excJrange of material goods, is the natural

bi-product of rue solidariry in any form.

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Our "stone" for God's Kingdom

To conclude, dear confGrcs: a hundred years. ago, Don

Bosco, greeting our missionaries in the Basilica of Mary, Help

of Christians, expressed his deerp joy rhat "the Congregation,

for all its scanty f,esources, was collaborutlng actively, bringing

its stone to add to the fabric of God's Kingdom." (BM, t7,386).

Ve have the privilege of celebrating the Centenary of the

Salesian missions-what should we say? And, more to the

point, what should we do?

Putting aside all riumphalism, let us humbly acknowledge

oru responsibility before the Church, before the Salesian Family

of the past and the Salesian Family of the {urure. Let us recall

the sentiments of gratitude ro God and to Mary, Help of

Chdstians, which Don Rinaldi proposed to the Salesians during

the golden jubilee of the missions "for all the benefits granred

to our Society" during tlre last years of missionary work. Let

,ts turu iru admiration, gratitude and prayer to the thousands of

confrEres who, in their different ways, have ,built souls into the

kingdom of God.

Don Bosco wanted the Good News to be kept at the fore-

front of the Congrogation's thought and action: following the

exa,rnple of out missionaries, who dedicated their lives to their

mission, often to the point of the supreme sacrifice, let us "relive

the ideal of Don Bosco intensely." (cf. ASC, no. 244, 1966).

And may our Father bless our efforts.

Fr. Lurcr Rrccnnr

Reotor Maior

4.3 Page 33

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III. COMMUNICATIONS

1. The Centenary of 'ttrre Salesian Missions

'l'he l03rd missionary exped.ition

On Sunday, 6th October, tlre traditional farewell ceremony. fop

tlre missionaties of the 103rd exped.ition took place in, the Basilica

of Mary, Help of Christians, Turin. The chief celebrant, was Bishop

Andrds Rubio, S.D.B., flrrxili2ry of Montevideo, assisted .by the Pre-

fect General, Fr Gpetano Scrivo. Those attending the 3rd Continuous

Formation Course at tlre Generalate were also present.

Promoti.on of the missions at Proaincial leael '

The Missions Departm€nt co-operatd with its expertise in the

first meeting of the Ttahan Provincial Delegates foi the promotion

of the missions, held at St Tarcisio, Rome, on 16th November. The

National Delegate, Fr Luigi Boscaini, directed the proceedings. Ttre

Rector Major addressed the meeting, and indicated policy.lines to be

followed by the promoters in their efforts to give the Provinces

the missionary look as the Missions Centenary,approaches;

2. Salesian press in Latin America

The managers of the Salesiair Bulletin of Latn America met 'oh

1.3th - L4th November at Lapa, 56o Paulo, Brazil. Statting from the

premiss that the Bulletin is an organ of information and communication

among Salesians "around the world" (Fr Ricceti - and cf. Don Bosco

and madition generally), they oramined the implications of Reg. S 32

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-34-

for the renewal of the Bulletin as tlre oficial pubblication of the Sale-

sian Family. Then they studied the situation o{ the Bulletin in Latin

America and considered the possibilities of collaborating with the

Central Press Of6ce.

Those present were: M. Colunga, Mexico; A. Melino, Venezue-

la; J. Gutiemez, Colombia; R. Cotta, Bolivia; J. Calvo, Argentina;

G. Cintra and J. Passero, Brazil; M. De Pra, Perd. Other rparticipants,

along with Fr Giovanni Raineri, Councillor for Social Com,munica-

tions, were Frs J. Henriquez, Regional Councillor for the Pacific-

Cari,bbean, S. Cuevas and J, Velasco, Provincials from Chile and Ve-

nezuela r€spectively, and Enzo Bianco from the Central Press Of6ce.

3-day meeting of the nxanagers of tbe Salesian Publi.shing Hoases i,n

Latin Arnerica on tbe missionary function ol the press in Don Bosco's

thought and in Salesian *ad.ition.

Preparations {ot the meeting, held at the request of the interested

patties, consisted of personal meetings between Fr Giovanni Raineti

and:the individual managers, and also an enquiry catried out in L973-4.

'Ihe present situation was clarified, and a study was made of the

r6le of the Publishing Houses in Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, Perd,

Ecuador and Brazil. Ttrere were observers from other Provinces:

Chile, Argentina, Colombia; the Provincials of Chile, Venezuela and

56o Paulo, with Fr J. Henriquez, the Regional. From Italy there were

Frs Raineri and Meotto, Dr G. N. Pivano of the SEI and Fr Enzo

Bianco of the Central Press Office

First the function of the Catholic publisher in general, and the

Salesian publisher in particular was defined in the Iight o{ the prevail-

ing situations in the Cirurch and society, and of rpastoral needs, especial-

ly those of the young and of the working classes in Latin America.

Then they studi€d the possibilities for collaboration on a continental

scale and also world-wide, as indicated by the SGC (nos. 460-462).

Finally they investigated the conditions for reotbiting the essential

Salesian work. The Rector Major sent a message, again indicating

policydirections. A report of all these proceedings will be sent to the

people concerned.

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3. Third Gourse of Continuous Formation

The third Course of Continuous Formation, this time principally

fot the English-speaking sector, stafted last October with )7 par-

ticipants.

Papal audiexce

The Pope had this to say in the genetal audience held on 20th

November, 1974:

"Now we go on to greet the party of Salesians ([re had just

addressed some Franciscans). There are forty of them who have come

from all over tfre world to stay at the Generalate for several months

and to study together the priestly life and the values attaching to

their consecration to God, this time as interpreted by St John Bosco,

the em,bodiment of heaven on earth. Your forte is education, up-dated

as required by Vatican IL So, my dear Salesians, you are preparing

to go back to your own countries as ptomoters of Continuous For-

mation there. This is no light responsibility which you have received

from your superiors. \\D7hatevet post you Gepy, hold high the tord,

of education as Don Bosco would have you do, re<neate his charism

and relive his apostolic ideals. And how badly you ,Salesian educators

are needed.

Providentially for the Church, wherever you have established

I yourselves, have no need to urorry any further, because I know

that there true Christianity will be stoutly defended and vigorously

promoted. You are masters

you have the magic touch

highly resistant as it is to

-oCfhtrohisfetitataenkciihtnyngilqivtuheeed-yaotuinnddgeespteetdhrs,,

I would say

of our age,

to the final

stage of pfeparation for their calling in modern society, whether

they are to be religious or professional or manual workers.

I don't have to say how much I appreciate all this, and I bless

your dedication and specialization in this field. You will, I'm sure,

see that you keep abreast of the times with'all its tevolutionary

I advances in education and scholarship, and, might say, keep a step

ahead in your educational theory and practice.

So have no fear! Be good Salesians, sons of Don Bosco, and you

will render a gte t service to the Church and to society."

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:36-

4. The vocations apostolate: action and collaboratlon

In the Youth .A,postolate Department attention is being given

to the question of the vocations apostolate and the aspirantates.

There are also meetings o( experts being planned, initially at the

Eutopean level:

- to clarify ideas on starting youth centres and the methodology

to be used in them;

- - to consider thb problem of:

tional community;

the construction of the educa-

;- the pastoral and educational training of our lay co-workers.

5. The World Gongress of Salesian Brotherc.

' Iflith the holding of"the last of t}e Regional Conventions, w€

have entered the 6nal phase of. pteparation for the IUTorld Congress.'

Me'eting of tbe Central Conmission

On 25th. Oclober, L974, the Cenmal Commission met for the

thind iime at the Generalate. Absentees: Fr Antonio Ferreira, at

pres€nt rn Bruztl; and Bio. Henrique Ruiz. Tlre Commission examined

the following items;

excha-ngethoef.lienmfoormteataionnd,

immediate preparation for the Congress:

accommodation, dulies, translations, mate-

rials, media, etc.l

--ThetrhuCeleosmdaomifliyspsrpioorcnoegdtrhuaremen.mdeecaindeddrealbaoteudt

matters;

the various

things

done and made some 'suggestions on who should do them.

Mebting ol rapporteurs

Next day, the.27th, the first meeting of rapporteurc took place,

They are: Frs Pietro Stella, Mario Midale, Gustave feclerc, who

w'I talk, respectively, about the historical, theological and juridical

aspects of identity; Fr Paolo Natali on prospects for. the apostolate;

4.7 Page 37

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:37 -

Bro M. Serentha on training; Bros Giulio'Girardi (Marist) and Ge-

ratd Meegan on proposals (or vocations, under theit sociological and

pastoral aspects respectively,

Those present: t}e rapporteurs, merrtbers of the Commission and

consultants. Business transacted:

(with-

pfeparation and co-ordination of subject-matter;

how to use the conclusions of the preparatory conventions

conflation of the Provincial proceedings)i

whole-.

ongantzation of other meetings or {orms of collaboration;

-easures to be taken to ensure ttre smooth running of the

RZsurnd of tbe Regional Meetings

Urgent request: please send in ttre Acts of the Regional Me'etings

so that the rapporteurs can get to work on t[rem. A copy of the r6sum6

will be sent to the Delegates of the World Congress.

Delegates to tbe'World Congress

The Delegates are requested to react promptly to communications

ftom the Centre, to take steps in their own Regions to keep the

pot boiling among the cornmunities dnd confrEres, and to ask for

their prayets.

6. Tralhlng the Co-operators

Frbm 29th October . 4ttr November there was a European study-'

week held 'at the Pisana on the training of Co-orperatdrs. 27 Salesian

Sisters took part, including Mother l,etizia Galletti, the opposite

numbet of our Fr Raineti in the Adult Apostolate; the Ptovincials'

from Belgium and''England, Provincial and local'delegates; then there

vterc 23 Cooperators ahd 52 Salesians 'fiom eill'over Europe. Those

athtteennduinmgbethrseuCp,otnotin1uo4u0s'.Forh,ation

Course

also

joined

in;

bringing

Fundamental aspects of the training of Co'operators wire dealt

with in the light of:

4.8 Page 38

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38-

ths theology of the laity;

objec-t

the thought of Don Bosco;

the Special General Chapter and

was to explore the implications of

tlre New Regulations. The

a "secular" and "salesian"

vocation. Ttre Acts will be published.

7. Preventive System

The LDC recently published the Acts of the Eurorpean Congress

<ln the educational system of Don Bosco. It comprises: the experts'

rsports; the conclusions of the study-week; the Rector Major's ad-

dress. 230 copies have ebea$ been sent to rhose taking parr in the

Congress. Others are available for all the houses and interested

confGrcs: "fl sistema ducativo di Don Bosco tra pedagogta antic e

moderna": Torino-Leumann, LDC. 320 pages; 3,000 lire.

8. Ganonization

The long process of ,beati,fication and canonization was partially

simplified by the Holy Father in 1969. The twenty causes of the

Servants of God from the Salesian Family, and there are more than a

hundred of them, are at various stages of advancement, as the Postu-

latot General, Fr Carlo Orlando, shows in the following summary.

In accordance with the ruIes of L969, the Archdiocese of Tokyo,

on authorization from the Holy See, has sent to Rome the data on

the life of Mons. Vincenzo Cimatti, founder of the Salesian work in

Japan, who died n L965 at the age ot 86. Tokyo is now waiting

for the go-ahead to institute the cause formally.

Only Mon. Cimatti's cause has followed the new procedure; all

the other Salesian causes were started before 7969 and follow the

old procedure, whereby the fust step was not tJre "pdiminary pro-

ceedings", but $e "ordinary qrroceedings", so called because the ordi-

nary of the place instituted them on his own authority without pre-

vious reference to the Holy See.

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)9-

The cause of. Alessandrina da Costa, a Co-operator who died in

1955 tn Portugal aged 5t, is at this initial stage.

At the next stage, the Sacred ,Congregation for the Causes of

Saints examines the wtitings of the Servant of God: fu Rudol.pb

Kornorek, a Polish priest who died in Brazil in 1949 aged 59, has

reached this stage. The Spanisb Martyrs of L936 -9, numbering 97,

have also reached it; but these causes are suspended against a clai-

fication of the teal reasons for the deaths of the people concerned.

After the writings, the Holy See examines those documents relating

to the "otdinary proceedings", which deal with objections and difficulties.

At this stage are the causes of. Ft Louis Mertens, who died in Belgium

in l92O at the age of 55; fu Luigi Variara, founder of the Daughters

of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, who died in Colombia in

1923 aged.48; Bro. Sinone Srugi fuom Nazareth, who died at B€it-

gemal, Patrestine, in L943 ageA, 66; 'and Bishop Luigi Olivares of Sutri

and Nopi, who died in 1.943 at the age of. 70.

The objections of the Promoter of the Faith are examined and

answered by' an Advocate for the Cause. The replies have been

submitted fot the causes of Don Philip Rinal&, Rector Major, who

died in 1931, aged74, and Laura Vicufia, pupil of the Salesian Sisters,

who died in Argentina n L9A4, aged 13.

If tlrese replies ate acceptable, the ,Pose issues a "Decroe for the

Introduction of the Cause". This is an of6cial and decisive step, which

is followed by an investigation to make sure that the Servant of God

is not receiving public homage reserved for canonized ,Saints or thoce

declared Blessed.

Then the "apostolic ,proceedings" ate started, again in the diocese

where the "ordinary proceedings" were caried out, only this time

they ane instituted by the Holy See, which will examine what has

been done already and issue a "Decree of Validity" for these

proceedings.

The next step is that all the documentation so far compiled is

collated to form the "Account of the Virtues ot Martyrdom". The Acco-

unt of the heroic virtues of. Sr Maddalena Morano, F,M.A., who was

Provincial in Catania and died there in 1908 aged 68, is being printed

at the moment.

This document also comes under fire from the Promoter of

the Faith, and the Advocate of the Cause prepares more replies. \\7e

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-40-

are awaiting the replies for Prince Augastus Czartoryski, priest, who

died in 189) aged 35, Sister Teresa Valsd Pantellini, F.M.A., who

died at Turin in 1.907 at the age o$ 29, Dame Dorotea Cbopitea, Sa-

lesian Co-operaror, who died at Barcelona in 1891 aged 74, md. Mons.

Liligi':Versigl'a and Fr Callisto Carauario, who were murdei"ed in

China in 1930.

If the replies from the Advocate are acceptable, the Pope steps

in again srith a declaration of the heroicity of the virrues, and the

Servant of God is declared Venerable. Fr Andrea Belnarni, who died

a't Tutin in 1897 at tJre age oL 27 , and rhe Iitde bhidmin of the Andes,

Zellerino Namuncuri, who did at Rome in 1905 aged L8, have been

declared Venerable.

Then tlrerb are new proceedings to examine the mirades proposed

fhoarpptehneebd'e'tawtiofic'yaetiaorns,

which is solemnly proclaimed by the fope. This

ago for Blessed Micbael Rua, fhst successor of

Don Bosco. The last proceedings are those to approve the miracles

for canonization.

'It is a long toursg but it reflects the seriousness of the Church

in holding up people for imiadsn as model Christians. The charism

of sanctity, whethdr it ib: canonised or not, springs from the Church

as an organism living the supernatural life embodied in its memberi,

ahd especially in those members who, like ourseLves; have made their

professioii as an act of witnes's to Christ's salvation.

9. Errata

In no. 276 ASC (Oct.-Dec., L974), on page 62 at 1.1.3.: "... and

sinoe the number of aspiran1s...'b"g*' 'to drof ofi.".

For "aspirants" read: ASPIRANTATES.

5 Pages 41-50

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IV. ACTIVITIES OF THE SUPEBIOR OOI.'NCIL

AND II/ATTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

l. Rector Malor's Journey

:Fin*rrt9rh7O-ei.ln9lFiaa"ls-rtstEi,nOatschctte.ooInbRtieuernig.nfcivioetoino-lRvaneledws9utii9tpnhrteeMttnihosaerejoaDwrneosd'ptrakacr,ortte-mwodehrdanicitnahjoarut*Hor"rnere'oapyfilsrotnhfa. en2"d2dwwhdroriatrlyheds

programme. The Rector Major'had three ends in view: first, to meet

the Provincials and delegates of the East, with their provin.iJ-co,rrr-

cillors; second, to

visit some works.

m""r

hany

the

confrBres

possible;

third,

The Provincials' meetings took place at Hong Kong: t)rcte werc

seven Provincials and two delegates from China,

Philippines, South Korea and South Vietnan:.

India,

Japan,

,the

rousTahnedprporbelesmsins gd: eTarlat'iwniitnhg;inMdisresiopnrosv;inycoiaulst'hreAppoorststowlaetree;

nu,me-

Adult

Apostolate.

There were ad hoc meetings with the provincials from India and

the

t}e

Far East. other meetings

Departmental Headb.

specialized

natdre

were

heldlwith

f-irst

Monday, 7th

visit was to

October,

coloane,

wwahseroeccthueprieediswaithrewpororkssartirnmMraucna-ou.yT-hrre

*i Nicosia, s.D.B., and a Boys' Town for orphans o*.rtpooi.iliti".r,

this is run

apprentices

by the volontarie di

at the ne-'ur tgchnical

Don Bosco. Then there were

school, rrhere' Fr Aquistapace

trhe

was

waiting ftrr Fr Ricceri to bless the new chaper, and finally irrai. *r,

the hospice for polio chiJdren, also run by th" vorontarie.'Th"'n".toi

Major si#nt

in china at

the eveniirg ar the Mother rrouse of the

Macao. Here he was greered by the boys

sahsiarr work

and ."nfrtr.,

5.2 Page 42

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-42-

of the School of Trades (more than 800 boys, boarders and day$oys):

first, concelebration, then celebration.

DelegOantio1n0Hth.QO.c:toabte,ri,r.ta*koeo-.firtforitKisortehae.pTahlsehre

was a

chur.c!,

stop

but

the

will

,ooi"i".t,ra. u Yooth Cen6e for students. The confr8res gathered

togeth€r for the meeting with the Rector Major at, the "Don Bosco

a;;;t", a youth ."rrrru"*irh day and evening school, workers' hostel

and the v.b.v. youth ctub. Tire Nuncio for Korea

along with the Rector Major. The remainder of the

]igfig our parirh at Tae Bang Don and the works

was entertained

time was spent

of the Salesian

Sisters: noviiiate and working girls' hostel'

From Korea to Japam Satunday, 20th october. In the evening the

RotorM"lor and the 3uperio* weie welcomed at our house at Chofu.

Nctooenxhftreadarearsyt.haMecaoRnnecyecltSeoabrlreaMstiioaanniosrf'ocsarmathdedefrreFosirmss.tTaHhloel rltyeheMwahesorseuessaeolssfointhmretaheneyJacopoaufnneotsrueyr

Sisters and

Pro-nuncio,

"sisters of Chatity", founded by

Mgr Ippolito Roioli, invited the

Fr Cavoli, S'D'B'- The

Rector Maior to lunch'

15th Octobert tbe Pbil.ippines. This visit lasted four days' On

the evening of his atrival, the Rector Maior was greeted by a group

of. Volontiie. Next morning, after Mass concelebrated at the Theolo-

grr.

i"J

paraffaque,

r"rfr"n spok to

the Recior Major firct met the

the Rectors. The chief events

Provincial

were the

Council

clothing

of 14 novicrs in the church at Makati and the solemn acc€ptance

of a gtoup of new Co-operators, many of them young'

Because of ths flooded roads, tlre Rector Major was air-lifted by

helicopter to the aspirantate at san Fernando, where he celebrated

Mass ior more than 150 aspirants and the staff. There was an interest-

ing demonstradon at tlre School of Trades at Makati. The items given

# ,h. boys from the slums of Tondo were loudly applauded' The

il".r", Maior spoke also ro the clerics and novices at Canlubang. Works

of the Sisiers were visited, especially the shanty-town of Tondo, men-

tri,oignr,ed-.ra.boo-ve.uTyhethweorpkeoopfleth, ewShoalseesialnivsinagndctohnedSitiisotnesrs

is held in

afe deeply

distressing. :

At the same time, the Departmental Heads held meetings of

their own. 19th: flight to Bangkok. The fierce heat and heavy rain

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-4)

did not put a srop to the meetings held at the provincial office with

the Provincial Council, the conf,rEres and the Co-operators.

Last stage: Teheran. Late-night atival. Next morning the con_

frEres assembled in th9 Do1 Bosco college.

\\rras spent in entertaining the Rector Major.

The

last

part

rh.

duy

22nd: return to Rome.

2. The Prefect General in the pacific-Garibbean Region

The Prefect-General, Ft Gaetano Scriao, went to peni to preach

the annual retreat for

days in the Provinces

othfeppernoiv, invecinaelszuoerfathaendRdegniotrna.rHee,ostuaiy.er,d'*atf"e.w.

he met the Provincial Councils and some Commuhities.

3. Far Easfi vislts, meetings, contacts

vcPKiohonuinclinegpTcspwhiilon.eietfThChMaoetnhaunddenrchTaRielshleocavartiionsfproidtrerMoBdvFaoiotnjmhorc,emrbeasaaDy,tnieo,tdlhnea,etgn-hadfeDtuioetohnlEteheggeoiasrdfttiumioKodo,uVerm"niegftaafa.ttrneu,ib"r-,aa;orwtf;re;ctr,hniceet-m"!trsopii,s-r.,laHp"npe.orrrnoii.ong_,r

Israel. He made conract with the provinciar councirs, th. Foimution

T'eams, the sta,f,fs of the training-houses and the young men inlrain-

ing, and came away full of optimism for the futuL.

Fr Gioaanni Raineri, councillor for the Adult A,postorate, in the

course of his visit to Asia,-met a large number of Salesians

and discussed with them tlre renewal of the co-operators,

and

prti

sisters,

p"pitr,

mtthhaeessN_-mma_teeioedtniinaag-alspPionrsetsoHildaoetnengtasnKodofnptaghr,eisthhpaewsptohrpkiul.ippopilifsneposafrHtaicnoudnlagMr Kaimodpniaogsrt;aaanncndedInwwdeiitrahe,

the latter held in Bombay. During these meetincs tie pluri fo, helping

the youth of

meetings of

tAhseiaPwreassiddeinstcsusosfedt.hAe tpSashtiltpo"uglilisnafoMr athdoras,etphro"vrin*cees...

The impression is that there is a strong movbment towards renewal.

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-44-

In the second hatf of November, Fr Raineri paid a visit to Brazil

fot two impomant meetings:

Amer--ica.ww(ciittfhh.

the managers o{ the Salesian Bulletins

those ruirning the Salesian Publishing

II of this number).

and

Houses

Latin

In Soptember-October, Fr Giouenale Dho, Councillor for the

Youth Apoitolate, w€nt to the Provinces of Thailand, Vietnam, Hong

Kong, Taiwan, Japan and the thilippinel. Wjth the Provincial' and

ConfrEres, he looked into the local thinking on the Salesian mission

to youth and the way in _rryhich the various missions were being

handkd; ht alsq examined the problem of voiations and what was

bf,ing dohe abbut them.

Fr Beruard'Tohitt, Crcuncillor for the'Missions, left for India

on 27th September to visit the Province of Gauhati, where he will

stay till the middle of. Jamary.

Ftom 3rd-9th October, he was in Hong- Kong for the'meeting

of tlre Superiors of the Far East, and he called in to see the confr}res

in,purma on the way back.

4. The Economer General in the Americas

From 12th - 14th November, the Economer Gentral, Fr. Ruggiero

Pitl.a,he)d, a meeting of Provincial Economers of the Americas, whieh

all attended. This carefully prepared and-well-organzsd,meeting was

oreceded bv a short retreat held on the evening of. t2th. There followed

.' p.ri"d oI intense work carrbd out in a cordial atmosph€re. The

thirg"ronthagtthec, oFnromPeilflsa

discuss were discussed

had taken paft in the

and experiences

meeting of the

exchafiged.

Provincials'

of western iaiin America. A,fter this, there was'a ihort'visit to the

province of. La Paz, in Bolivia,,and then he went on to the Frovinoe

c"fiu'Velleii;"-in^.tthae ,Ut.hSe.AA.,ntotillmese,etCtehnetrteasl pAemitievreicPa,roMvinecxiiacloCaontidncNilsewor

Ro-

the

:Prov:irnOcnia'lthainsdtoPuror,vwinhciiaclhE,ahonnisohmeder.on lOth November, he also 't6bk

the."opporrunity of visiting certhin salesian houses, rcceiving evely:

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whete a deep impresqion, of industry, Salesian life and the spiritual

qualities of the confrBres' life and action.

5. Coming events

The Provinces are sending i.n their "Plans" .and "Guide-lines" for

foraation, as required by Const S 106. These. have to be passed

by the Superior Council, which will ,srarr irs plenary sessions in the

The Formation Department has sent a questionnaire to the train-

ing houses for priests, by way of preparation for a meeting of the

Rectors concerned, to deal with the more complex problems of present-

day training .

A meeting is being organized at the Generalate on giving.netreats

to the confrBres: it will take place between 25th January and 2nd

February, 1975. Top experts will contribute to this symposium on

the ideas that have been tried out and found to be effective in running

our retreats. \\fith the present revival of Christian prayer, it is'oui

'duty to make the most o{ what is available in this line.

At Hong Kong, arrangements-are being made for the meetings of

the local Provincials, the Rectors:.of the aspirantates and the Youth

,dpostolate staff from the Indian Provinces: these will take place at

the end of October, 7975. In the fust half of November, 1975, a

fortnight's cours€ is being held at Dalat, Vietnam, dealing with cate-

chetics and the Youth Apostolate on the mission; The course is for

the Youth A'postolate delegates of all the Provinces of the Far East.

5.6 Page 46

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Vl. FROM THE PROVI,NCIAL NEWSLETTERS

Tbis section is rneant to fill tbe need lor keeping tbe Congrega-

tion au lait witb major deaelopruents in tbe aposto:l,ate (cl. A.SGC 763,

3b; "a digest ol tbe principal initiatiues undefiaken in tbe fi.eld ol

Salesian reneuoy"), Publication ol an itern does not necessarily imply

tbe approoal of the Saperior Council.

1. Dutch Province: missionary parents' day

Organized by tbe Datcb Missions' Office, uitb uery encouraging

results (NL Jane, 1974, p. 9).

Last May, at Leusden, the first "contact day" was held for the

parents and families of our Dutch missionaries. More than 90 relatives

and friends of 36 missionaries, out of the total of 53 from the Netlrer-

lands, took part in the function itself, while the parents who could

not make it, chiefly through sickness or old ,age, sent tlreir greetings

in writing.

Also ,present were som€ missionaries on leave in their homeland,

some confrBres from the Province and representatives of the Flemish

Missions Office and Province from Brussels. The Provincial, Fr J.

Raaijmakers, presided at the Nlass and preached. After Mass there

was a showing of "Haiti, Pearl o{ the Antilles", a missionary documen-

tary made by Fr D'Hoe, S.D.B. There was also an exhibition of mis-

sionary photographs. There was even a "missionary" dinner, with

exotic dishes like Haitian hors d'oeuvre and Australian soup' The

day proved to be of great intercst to the younger confrBres, whose

knowledge of the missions was largely bookish. They found the contact

with ttre missionaries and theit families a refreshing ex'perience. The

visitors were very appreciative and said they hoped it would become

an annual event,

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2. Lombardy-Emilia Province: Radio Mensaje

Froru a letter sent by Fr Dante Inaernizzi, a nissionqry of tbe

Escuela Muyarina, Montero, Bolioia, to his bome Prouincg (NL Oc-

tober, 1974, p. 15).

'We've done it at last, thanks be to God! Yesterday, 23rd Sep-

tember, saw the solemn opening of the new radio station, called

"Radio Mensaje".

It is an event of great moment for tle mission: our message,

the Christian message, will reach far beyond where we can go ourselves

with the great distances and bad roads.

This is an ecumenical achievement in which we have learned to

appreciate others' generosity and love of Jesus: we don't hold the

monopoly tn znal for the kingdom.

Obtaining official approval has been a very long job, the govern-

ment already having had its fingers burnt with various religious adven-

turers. It is up to us now to show what we can do.

Bro. Feletti has been the prime mover in all this and he is natur-

ally delighted. At the moment he and I represent the Congregation

on the managing boand of the station.

The Congregation in Bolivia and the local Church are very happy

u,ith the new fields of ,evangelization that have been opened up

for them.

3. Thai Province: training sessions for Buddhist youth

This deaelopmerut at Banpong, lor wbich tbe Parisb Priest, Fr

Giooanni Ulliana, is responsible, is one ol the many saccesslul forrns

ol collaboration between tbe Buddbists and our conlrires (NL Noa.,

t974 - p. 2).

In October, 1974, the last series of cultural and social maining

sessions was held for the young people of Banpong.

The idea had been germinating for a long while, ,but it was not

possible to do anything about it until last September-Octobei. The

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-48

suggestion received general approval, especially ,from the "Council for

Social \\fork in Thailand", o,f which our parish is a member, and which

also met some o,f the ex,penses. The local authorities, too, were keen

olr it, the chief suppott coming from the Mqyo{ and the Educational

Supervisor, who presided at tlrc opening sgssion.

All told, 310 boys, drawfl from the upper forms of the schools

in Bangpong and district, took pat in the sessions, which wete held

on the parish premises. Tfte talks were given by the Salesians, one of

our Sisters; and specialists in youth problems. The subjects dealt with

(the boys took an active part in the proceedings) and the brotherly

spirit that;was ,created aroused the enthusiasm of the boys, and they

were sor.ry when it was all over.

'We ate thinking of holding on€ or two fur*rer meetings, this

time to help the boys to put into practice what they have heard.

4. Portuguese Province: twenty Saleians at the 'Youth

council'

Fron a number ol European NL's we haae reports about parties

of boys, acco?npa.nied by Salesians, attending tbe Youtb Council opened

last year at Taizi. Portugal has come up uith a dilferent story: this

tir.ne it is a group of twenty yo4ng Salesians accornpanied by tbe Coun-

cillor for tbe Youth Apostolate, Fr Arrnando Silua. Here is a surnrztary

ol tbeir report (NL October, 1974, pp. 17-18),

45,000 young men ftom all over the wotld climbed up the hill

- at Taizd for this massive concourse of youth tlrere were 800 from

Portugal alone. This magnificent hill, dominated by the Eglise de la

R€conclliation,'seemed tb be heaving with boys and tents. Tents: five

big ones fgr communal activities and hundreds of small ones, a latter

day encaihpment ofi God's pilgrim people with the lord's own tent

among them.

, The orgaryzation was flawless and, par excellence, friendly. In

fact, cheerfulness and friendship were the international language

used by aIl.

It qas an

extraotdinary

experience

for

us:

days

powenful

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emotion as we shared the anxieties and burdens of young people from

all over the world. We have brought away with us Iively hopes for

the future and fulI confidence in the youth of today and tomorrow.

I personally found the deepest satisfaction in the performance of our

young Salesians, who confumed me in my belief in the vast breadth

and depth of our mission, things we may perhaps lose sight of at'times.

This experience, physically exhausting, proved to.be marvellously

rjch for each one of us. After the festival, those 45,000 young men

came down the hill and resumed their ways through the world: the

Holy Spitit went with them. And now the fruits begin to appar.

There ii .no room for flabbiness: we must continue the good wotk

start€d therc, at Tuz6.

5. Porto Alegre Province: the 'Little Singers of Don Bosco'

Tbe House ol the L,ittle Vorker at Porto Alegre bas for sorne

y-heaasrs bad a cboir known as tbe "Little

rnade as a considerable name lor

Singers ol Don Bosco", whicb

itsefi. Tbis report appears in

NL no. L9, pp. )4-5.

In the Brazihan State of Rio Grande do Sul, music is given

great prominence. Festivals are booming at the moment, and the

"Little Singers" are in with the leaders.

Here are some of their appearances: as one of the nine best

chofus in the State at the "De la Salle Festival of Litde Singers", held

in August; the "Bible-song Concert", organtz'd' by the Archdiocese

as part of its Bible-I7eek; the "First Choir Festival", held at Novo

Hamburgo for the centenary of the arrival of the German immigrants;

and the "second International Choir Fest'ival", held at th€ Federal

University in October.

The press shows interest in the performances of the Little Singers

and always gives them a good write-up. !7hich goes to show what

you can do with complete dedication to the young in developing the

gifts God has given them: and music is undoubtedly one of the most

precious of his gifts...

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6. Province of BogotS: appeal from the managers of the

Salesian Bulletins

Recently tbe rnanagers of tbe Salesian Bul,letins ol Latin Arnerica

rret at Sdo Paalo, Brazil, witb Fr Raineri, tbe Councillor for Social

Communications, to stud.y ways of itruprouing their publications, and

at the end ol tbe meeting they issued the lollowing appeal. (NL

Decernber, 1974, Supplement no. 13, p. 4).

1. Ife hope that every mem,ber of the Salesian Family is receiv-

it ing his Bulletin and welcoming as something directed s,pecifically

at him.

2. \\7e hope that the members will not stay mere readers, but

become out co-workers on tlre proiect. In fact, we should be very

glad of their suggestions and advice for improving the magazine.

3. And since a publication is of interest only as far as the readers

feel that they are involved, we invite the members of Don Bosco's

Family to become sources of in{ormation for publication: e.g., news

of activities and projects, with supporting photographs

4. !ilhilst we undertake to do our utmost to make the SB a fit

medium to bmt witness to the Salesian apostolic work, we should

like to feel that the readers were helping to increase circulation and

so ensure an ever-widening readership.

5. In practice, we invite €veryon€ in the Salesian Family to help

us irnprove the distribution of the SB by sending us the names and

addresses of those interested in receiving it. This is the only way in

which the reader can establish a satisfactory contact with the maga-

zine,, and through the magazirre with Don Bosco himself.

6 Pages 51-60

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VII. PONTIFICAL MAGISTERIUM

1. No pessimism here

At a recent Sunday Angelus in St. Peter's Sqaare, tbe Holy

Fatber said tbat ue sbould not giue uay to despondency at the sigbt

ol our society, ridd.led witb egotism, aiolence and tbe parsuit of pl,ea-

sure, but sbould set our strong faith in Prouidence against "the folly

ol despair" (Osseraatore Rornano, 2.8.L974).

Let us speak with our hearts and our lips thinking particularly

asubsopuetcttsheofytohuengsa-dtdheeninvgearnydyvoiulengdewehdos

have appeared among the

committed recently. A11 of

us, ure believe, are disturbed by the recent moral and social trauma

provoked by the murderous criminal ofience committed against the

train, 'Italicus'. 'We are, moreover, shaken tby increasing episodes

of terrorism and rapine perpetrated impartially with cunning and

premeditation throughout what is called the civilian world (sic).

Aghast, .as it were, we observe the reactions, tears for the in-

nocent victims, and we see tlre people sympathize with souls filled

with human and religious fueling. \\7e are one with them.

\\[e see the vigilance and energy of the authorities who are try-

ing to remedy such grave and unforseen situations, and we know that

hoalthy public o,pinion is with them for the defence and order of a

free and modern society.

In certain ,sectors we see indignation explode in the form of

hatred, feuds and reprisals. It seems to us that this does not lead to

the true r€paration and concord which must be re-established. !7e

- then see a host of embittered and distrustful people people who

are indi.fierent and almost resigned to moral and social pessimism o[ a

world without high and invigorating principles.

All this explains why some young ,people abandon themselves to

wild, rash, anti-social and anti-historical undertakings. They s€ek strong

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-52

and lofty ideals, and they do not find them in the agnostic pedagogy

of contemporary thought. Th.y then give themselves to ,the substitute

of sr-lbversive fancies: rashness has rerplaced heroism, success is valued

as ,a victory. Economic interest has taken the place od moral grandeur;

the hedonism of passionate pleasure has counterfeited love. Some

fashionable theoretical formula has arrogated to itself the function of

truth and the dignity of faith. Social love has thus become sluggish

and degraded!

Young people, have you heard the voice that comes to you from

the authentic tradition of our land and of our civilization-the Ambro-

sian voice-that of the Pastor of Milan? He spoke from the rooftops,

we believe, but a few days ago, when in his authoritative declaration

he condemned violence and demonstrat€d that it is madness to ptetend

that justice and brotherhood will ,be the fruits of the seeds of hamed.

"The true and lasting renewal of society", said Cardinal Colombo,

the successor of Cardinal Ferrati, "commences with the formation and

education of conscience. It must be given again those authentically

human and Christian values of which it has allowed itself to be srip-

ped by perv€rse customs and ideologies".

Young people, from the dismay of this decadent and menacing

time, do you not feel arising in your soul a powerful and overwhel:n-

ing but simple and joyful call to honesty, to fri.endship, to the Faith?

Frcm you can spring forth the ideal and moral revival of our people.

\\Therefore, we ask

promise it to you.

this

from

you

and in the name od Christ, we

2. We rnust do more

In the public audience beld on 4tb Septenaber, the Holy Fatber

reminded bis listeners tbat up-dating and reneual as recornmended by

tbe Cowncil uas not simply a matter of becorning a neto or different

Cburcb: it neant aboae all being more aliue, nzore deeply comrnitted,

more inflameJ with laitb and loue. (O.R. 5.9.1974)

During tbe General Audience at Castel Garudolto on 28 August

the Holy Fatber gaoe tbe lollowing al.dress.

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Brothers and Children!

Once again we 'shall keep to the simple, familiar language we

use at General Aud,iences, even if we must propose for your reflection

a r,atlrer obscure term which has lately ,found favour in doctrinal

analysis, Catholic, as weIl, because it is often spoken of as a li'berating

and modern ,formula; and this term is "pluralism". We do not intend

now to speak of the pluralism of philosophical or political systems,

nor the religious one apart ,from the Christian sphere.

Pluralism is an ambiguous word, that is, it h,as rwo meanings:

the fust one is very fine. This refers to the fruitfulness of our Catholic

doctrine which, preserving a sincere, rprofound identity of content,

that is, remaining very close to its own univocal reality, to the "una

fides" of which the dposde Poul spoke with such clarity and autho-

rity (Eph 4, 3-6; 13; Phil 2, 2; Rom L5, 5: 12, 16; d. Jn 10, 16;

etc.), possesses an enormous richness of expression for every language

(we recall, for example, the miracle of tongues on the day of. Pentecost,

Acts 2, 4-8); for every era in history (d. Newman, An Essay on tbe

Deaelopment ol Cbristian Doctrine, 1845); for every age and degree

of human life (cf. the kerygma, or primitive preaching, the didacb€,

or apostolic doctrine, the fitst symbols, or doctrinal syntheses, as rules

of doctrine, which took the name oI credo, and then catechisms and

doctrinal works of every dorm, such as the mdieval theological

summae, and the more recent works with a wider and more syste-

matic explanation of Catholic dogma). \\7e cannot omit the many

vibrant words of the liturgy which vie with those of the doctrine, so

as to ofier the well-known equation between the lex orandi and the

lex credendi. How then can we forget the inexhaustible literary pro-

duction which in itsel{ documents how'the strict observance of doctri-

nal norms, far from extinguishing the blossoming of the spiritual

it genius of .fantasy and poetry, rather, induces and stimulates to a

wonderful and ever new pluraliry of form and word?

Magisterium is not a prison of tbeological tbought.

This is the pluralism of the Catholic Church to which vre can

ascribe that which springs from the probings of personal quests and

rcmarkable expressions, to which Catholic doctrine calls tlre mystic

and theologian as well as the artist, as long as these contemplatives,

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scholars and semantic prophets have Truth as an ingrained law in

their hearts; that Truth of which the Holy Spirit is surely the reacher

(!n 14, 26; L6, 23), but always in accordance with the interpretative

$urantee of that Magisterium of the Church to which Christ entrusted

the ministry of the Light (Mt 5, 14); of the T7ord (Lk 10, 16); of

authenticity of faith ,and communion (of. Denz. Sch. 3050, fr.; Lunen

Gentium, No. 18; Dei Verbum, L2, 23; Unit. Red., 2l).

'We could compare the doctrinal pluralism of the Catholic Church

to that of an orchestra, in which the plurality of ,the instruments and

the diversity of their respective palts mmbine to produce a single

and admirable harmony.

!7e would like to remind those who regard Catholic dogma,

that is, a religious doctrine revealed by God and as such declared by

the Church's magisterium, almost as if it were a prison of theological

and scientific thought, to recollect, we say, what security and breadth

of truth, urhat vadety of expression Catholic dogma ofiers to the

human spirit, what an invitation to reflection and what joy to the

mind that is brought onto the path of the supernatural science of

God and man. Theologians, humble and wise, know well the price-

lessness of this superlative ex.perience (d. Denz. Sch. 3016, 3020,

3044; etc.) To them we give out respectful greetings and encoura-

gement.

Doctrinal disintegration.

This respect for the magisterium is all the more necessary for in

professing didactic pluralism in the dogmatic unity of Christian doctri-

ne, Catholics always have before them the formula of the ancient

and modern Reformers: "Scripture alone", as if they were tlre true

faitMul of religious unity, and as i'f Sacred Scripture were not itself

derived from Apostolic Tradition (d. Dei Verburn, 7-L0), and torn

away {rom apostolic teaching, were not exposed to tJre danger, terribly

real, of being abandoned to individual interpretation, indefinitely

centrifugal and pluralistic, that is, to that "privare judgment" which

has pulverized unity of faith into innumerable multiplicities of per-

sonal opinions, vainly or arbitrarily restrained by a "regulating norm",

that is, by a binding interpretation emanating from the community;

and then this, too, exceeded by the subjective inspiration that the

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Holy Spirit would suggest dir,ectly to the soul. Thus, "the Protestant

doctrine of private judgment, or of the 'sole authority of the Holy

Spirit, as the auth€ntic interpreter of Scriptures, opens the door to

the most radical philosophico-religious subjectivism" (Prof . Siro

Ofielli). Must we leave the unifying and festive pluri-symphony of

Pentecost, and go back to the "confusion of languages", of which

mysterious event the Bible tells us (Gen 11, 1-9)? Sfhat ecumenism

can we build in that way? What unity of the Chutch oan we regain

u,ithout the unity of faith? !7ere would Christianity end up, where,

even more, Catholicism, if once again today, under a specious but

inadmissible pluralism, the doctrinal disintegration it can bring with

it were accepted as legitimate and hence ecclesial as well?

The true religion, which we believe ours to be, cannot be called

legitimate nor efficacioous if it is not orthodox, that is, deriving from

an auth€ntic and univocal relationship with God. Nor can our thirst

for truth and life be quenched ,by a vague, even i,f moving and sincere,

religious feeling, or by a free spiritual ideology built up with autono-

,orrr p"tr"nal prcparution, or an efiott to elevate to a religious level

the yet noble, impassioned expressions of lyrical and moral sociology

of entire peoples, or the hermeneutic vivisection which attributes a

natural or mythical origin to Christianity; or any other theory or

observance that leaves out of consideration the infinitely mysterious,

extremely clear voice which resound,ed on the mountain of the transfi-

guration and

inow: "This

irsefmeryrebdetlooveJedsuSso,nr,aidntalnfthoasmthIe

sun and

am well

white as the

pleased; hear

ye Him" (Mt 15, 5).

Blessed are we, if we count ourselves among the little children,

who know how to listen to such a voice and look forward to the hap-

piness of immortal certainty. \\7ith our Apostolic Blessing.

3. Evangelization today

At the end ol the Bisbops' Synod on "Eaaflgelization today",

the Holy Fatber reninded all the laithlul tbat tbe essential mission

ol tbe Cburcb was to bring Cbrist to tbe world, and that eaery Cbris-

tian sbould be deeply conscious ol haairtg a missi.onary oocation to be

translated into action and holiness ol life. (O.R. 31.10.1974)

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On Srmday, 20 October, Paul VI and the Bishops attending the

Synod accepted the invitation of Cardinal Rossi, Prefect of the S. Con-

gregation for Evangelization, to observe Mission Sunday with a

ceremony at Propaganda Fide College on the Janiculum Hill over-

looking St. Peter's. The ceremony took the ,form of a Litttrgy of the

\\Cord in the Aula Magna of Fropaganda Fide's Urban University, in

the course of which the Holy Father delivered the following address.

Afterwards the Pope and the Bishops remained for lunch with the

str-rdents and stafi of the College.

I[hy are the members of the Episcopal Synod gathered here

today? !7e accepted for them the invitation extended ro us, not

without our personal satisfaction, by 'Cardinal Agnelo Rossi, Prefect

of the Sacred Congregation for the Evangelb,ation of Peoples, unders-

tanding the dor:rble reason for our presence in this noble and famous

building. It contains the Pontifical Urban College and the Pontifical

Urban University, two institutions of great importane for the Catholic

Church. Both wete intended for the,preparation of pupils and teachers

for the missionary apostolate, that is, for the evangelization of one

of the vastest s,ectors most qualified to receive Christ's message.

The spirit, the study and the work of our Synod is concerned

with this evangehzation. !7here could we find a more suitable place

to celebrate an hour of its intelligent work? !7as not this dwelling

built, nearly frhy yearc. ago, af.ter the celsbration of the Holy Year

in 1925, with prophetic intention by our great predecessor Pius XI,

of immortal memory, to give the Catholic Church a new centre in

keeping with the new times, from which there could be itradiated

a cultute, a pedagogy, a missionary fervour more in keeping with

the apostolic mandate entrusted by Christ to his Church, and more

ptoportionate to the needs of oatholicity and of the world that still

does not know the vocation of the Gospel?

Appeal ol Mission Sunday.

Here, venerated Brothefs, and you teachels and guests of this

blessed missionary centre, we all feel ourselves missionaries. The very

plaoes speak! Here there is afirmed and shines forth that evangeli-

zation, concerning which our Synod, and with in the whole Catholic

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hierarchy, nay more our entire holy Church of God, is toiling these

days to meditate on its mystery and under,stand the duty it lays

upon us, to,study its conditions, determine ,its means, and above all

to live during this happy hour its "urgent charity". Here it invests

us with its supreme interest, here it lets us meet the risen Christ, as

if He were addrcssing to us his imrperative and galvaruzing words:

"Euntes ergo docete omnes gentes" (Mt 28, 19). Here we feel not

only stimulated, but exalted, almost heedless of our innumerable de6-

ciencies, to attempt, on the word of the Master and in the impetus

of his Spirit, the noble task of proclaiming the Gospel of salvation of

mankind, to the vorld, "with new vigour, with new language and

with new testimony. The Church has summoned us here almost to

experience in a beloved sanctuary of hers our specific and privileged

vocation as missionaries, aposdes, witnesses to the salvific intervention

of God the Father, by means of his Son

our Lord and Master, in the inefiable

and our Brother

communication

Jesus Christ,

of the Holy

Spitit, to open to the world a new kingdom of justice and life

(d. 2 Cor. L3, l3).

Today a special circumstance increases in us awareness of this

divine plan, and it is the celebration of Mission Sunday, which the

Church has fixed for this Sunday. A wonderful harmony of thoughts,

intentions and prayers, which today makes the Catholic Church, spread

all over the earth, "one heart and one soul" (Acts 4, 32) surrounds

us and assails us. Can we, whom our Synod has made srudents of

the difficult and marvellous phenomenon of evangelization in the

world today, remain extraneous, remain indifierent to this inspiring

coincidence? Shall we not unite, like humble brorhers, our spirits

with those of the faififul all over the world ro celebrare "Mission

Sunday" with them, or rather also for them?

Oh, yes! We think that this physical presence and spiritual

position of ours is providential to understand the great qu€stion of

evangelizaion in its truest lighr. This is a panoramic point from

which we can looh with amazed confidence at the dynamic and decisive

line of the major'questions that the subject of evangelizarion presenrs

to our laborious reflection. I.et us mention one: how to reconcile

the catholicity of the Gospel with its unity? Does not this centre of

study and missionary preparation show us that the iradiation of the

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Gospel to all the peoples of the earth is the first statutory lavr here,

with its tregitimate consequences: recognition of every civilization of

a really human level, of every language worthy o{ expressing to God

the voice of one people, of every historical and civfl structure capable

of guiding the development of a peo,ple in its specific petsonality and

in the brotherhood of a just and free life in comrion with other

peoples?

Synod discassions.

In the discussions of out Synod we h4ve noticed a matked de-

sire ,for ethnico-geographical difiusion, which we will not call cen-

rifugal, but a vital, natural expansion, in love with free universality,

pluralism that is not ambiguous, pentecostal promotion... \\U7ell, is

not this citizenship canonized here from the outset in the evangelical

vocation of every human expression? \\7i11 the tribute due to the

maturity of the many new peoples harm the unity of the world,

which is revealed more and more every day, not only as the goal of

civil progress, but as the supreme desire for love, the testament of

Christls heart: "unum sint", let them all be one? (cf. Jn 17, ll and

19 and2l and22 and 23). No, it will not harm,it, because the greater

the spread towar,ds catholicity, the more vigorous and necessary the

convergence towards unity. A double movement, if the comparison

is ,permittd, diastolic and systolic, will characte{tz.e more and more

the circulation of life in that mystical Body of Christ, the Church,

one and universal.

This eternal city.

And just as we, sent by the Lord to succeed in this etemal city,

which guards with the refi.cs of the Apostles Peter and Paul the suc-

cession of their cenual and universal mission, just as we not only

do not fear, but on the conffary promote, with the authority conferted

on us by Christ, everythhg that can foster the irtadiation of the

Church over the face of the earth and in the drama of universal

history, so we are confident that the same authority, collecting in

the one fold of Christ the peoples and souls that have the good fortune

to be his, will not arouse Eistrust and resistance. IU7e are pastors,

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we are brothers; not lords, masters; and even in the exercise of the

power, by no means empty, of the keys of the Kingdom, which Christ

put in our hands, our boast in only to fuIfi.I, as fat as our conscious

weakness makes it possible, the words of Jesus Christ: "sint consum-

mati in unum, et cognoscat mundus quia Tu, (Pater) me misisti et

dilexisti eos" (Jn L7, 23).

!7e mean: how much light is cast by this focal point on the

realities of our religious and tempotal life. These realities often

become intricate rproblems, without plausible answers, when we

consider them outside the framework in which the ellort of faithfulness

to Christ and of human wisdom places tJrem, as they are here, ahnost

in sy,mbolic expression, and in a still ,potential experience of better

and better progxess. There come to mind, for example, certain

characteristic questions of the subject studied by the Synod, such as

the unquestionable identity of the faith, which, in apostolic and

missionary language, pouts forth and invents flexible forms em,bodied

in the most varied ethnical and historical phenomena.

Tbe neu nan.

It is not surprising, therefore, that from a centre such as this,

of the one faith, there should fan out on the international planq, as

a natural consequence, the most variegated scene of the human figure

regenerated by Christianity. The new man, St. Paul teaches us, who,

with St. Peter, is at home here, refers to the image of his Creator,

"and in that image there is no room for distinction between Greek

and Jew, between the circumcised or the uncircumcised, or ibetween

barbarian and Srythian, slave and free man. There is only Christ: he

is everything and he is in everything" (C,ol 3,71 Gd,3,28). The

fixed truth of faith, "that expresses itself in love" (d. Gal 5, 7)

opens to the aspostolate, to the missionary the ways towards all the

cardinal points of earthly geagtaphy, not to im,pose an unnatural

uniformity everywhere, but so that he can draw from all the voices

of human civilization choral praise to the "marvels of God" (Acts

2, 1L).

!7e could speak in this way of ecumenism, where the recovery

of united harmony becomes more dificult. \\7e think that in this

laboratory of communion happy formulas of reconsfituted Catholic

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union can ,be {ound by means of a critical and iu,st complementariness

of ever real religious and spiritual values. Then another result of

comrplementary rntegration can have its justification and discipline

here: true teligion and true liberation. There is so much talk about

it today, but aheady the practical {ormulas of its implementation are

applied in difierent but efiective ways.

Two conclusions, tlrerefore, venerated Brothers. The first is a

blessing that we must all give to this house, to tlose responsible

for its origin, its development and its function. Superiors and pupils

of yesterday and today, this blessing is for you. For you, benefactors

and teachers, fot you, members of the vatious Mission Societies under

the guidance of our valiant Sacted Congregation fot the Evangelization

of Peoples, and for you especially, venerated Catdinal Angelo Rossi.

The other conclusion, rising to heaven is a humble and {ervent

prayer for our whole Catholic missionary world. In Christ, may it

be so.

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VIII. OBITUAHY NOTI,CES

Fr Celestino Abbate

* Corigliano d'Ottanto, Lecce, Italy: 92.L902. f there: L4.9.L974. 72 years

old,; 52 prof.; 45 priest.

Fr. Celestino joined the Salesians to be a ,rnissionary, and he was,

in fact, sent out to Parag,uay. Bad heailth obliged hi,rn to return to ltaly,

but he never forgot the missions. He was a very talented administrator;

his apostolate, however, was exercised ohiefly in the confessional, where

he seemed to be oblivious of werything until the final penitent had been

absolved. He was very much at home with the local peasantry, whose

confessions he heard in the Gteco{origlian dialect of the district. A man

of great kindness, he received everyone with characteristic afiabilit1, and'

this was usually the beginning of a lasting friendshirp. D"oitg his last years,

he ofiered up for vocations the sufierings of failing health, which pre'

vented him from working.

Josel Ad.ans

t *' 'Webbekom, Belgiurn: 21.4.1922. Lubumbashi (Elizabethville), Zairet 19.10

1972. 50 years old; 29 prof.; 20 pdest; 14 rector'

He always wanted to be a missionary ,priest, and this ambition was

fulfilled when, after ordination, he was sent to Africa, fust as a teacher,

then an itinerant ,rnissionary, and finafly priest-in-charge of tfie mission'

Simplicity and sincerity wete his outstanding qualities: he was conr,pletely

'smaight'. His li,fe-long aim was to

love to all. Calm, intrepid and tru,ly

be the 'bearet

holy, he spent

of faith, hope and

himself to the very

en'd for those he had consecrated himsel4 to. He died suddenly of heant

faitlure.

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Fr. Ncardo AJterio

f * Va,lencia, Venezuda: 24.2.19L0. Caracas: 22.9.74. 64 years old; 46 prof.;

39 priest; 30 rector.

Endowed with a superior inte,llect, a prodigiou,s memory and an iron

will, he devoted his life to soholarship atrd to tfre ,moral and scientific

training of generations of youth in our colleges and at the University,

where he was held in high esteem as a teacher. He was an all-rounder:

mathematics, physics, phi{osophy, civil engineoring and chemistry, law

(in which he had a doctorate) and music. As a religious and priest, he

was a "good and faithful servant", strict with himself and with others.

'S[,tren his heart began to fail, he was obliged to rest and he went through

considerable sufiering. This brought out all his qpirirt af faith and resigna-

tion to the wiltl of God.

Fr. Hugo Amucb,istegui

* Afiaturya, Santiago del Estero,

11.9.7974. 66 years old; 49 prof.;

Argentina: 24.4.1908.

4l priest; 2 rector.

Rosario, Argentina:

This quotation from the panegyric preached at the funeral will give

some idea of the sort of priest and teacher he was: <<'Wherever he had

been at work, there rrere men schooled in ,his intellectual and moral

disciplines. He lives on, not only in ,the next life but in this one as wel,l.

A .little of himsel'f has rurbbed ofi on to all who receivd his instruction

as teacher or priest... Ife was a fortiht'ight man, nor afraid to tell us when

a thing was right or wrong: we could do with more of his type these days.

He has left us, but we ask him to leave us his uprightness, moratr sffength,

sense of

isntofgchkti-ng.

responsibiliry,

his rpowers of

hreissisfitrarnncneesasnadn, dwhteenreacnireyce-ssarhy,e

was of Basque

his capaciry for

Bro. Renato Aoanzi

f * Turin, Italy: 4.6.L9L8. Monterosa, Turin: 25.8.1974. 56 years old; prof. 40.

A vaation {rom .the Boys' Club at Monterosa, he spent most of his

life there. He was much appreciated as a teacher and sports-master, and

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trained a number of athletes who became well known throug,hout the

country. He was a great admirer of Don Bosco and he passed this on to

his pupils; and, ,more important still, he imitated him in his hard vork

and prayer. The certainty of death did not worry him at all, and he

died suddenly, which he seemed to expect. The memory of his work

will live .on with u,s.

Bro. Massirzo Barbieri

* OLga, Re, Novara, Italy 4.7.L913. f Bethlehem, Istael: 9.10.1974. 6L years

old; 44 prof.

He wotked for 36 years at Bethlehom and then seven years at Atreppo

in the the Tailors' Shop. His skill was widely acknowledged, especially

in clerical toiloring. Above all, as.a Salesian Btothet true to the spirit of

our Founder, he gave the example of sffong conviction and dedication to

his religious profossion. For those he taught and their families and many

others, he witll always be a stanchion to which to anchor their Christian

lives.

Fr. Vittorio Bardelli

* Morazzone, Varese, Italy': )0.4.1913. f Sesto S. Giovanni, Milan, Italy: 22.1

1974. 60 years old; 43 prof.; 33 priest.

He spent most of his life in scholastic pursuits. His lively intellect,

his cultivated sensibilities and p,leasant character made it easy for him to

get on with the young, who responded with their esteem and friendship.

He was known as a zealous priest, a valuable teacher and a good com-

munity man at Bologna, Modena, Milan, Treviglio and Parma. \\7hen

l.re came to Sesto S. Giovanni to be near his motfrrer, who had been bed-

ridden for many years, there appeared the fust symptoms of the illness

that, in spite of all that modicine courld do, prwed ,fata\\. He died amidst

the prayers and afiection of [ris confttsres and ,relatives.

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Fr. lan Bartnik

f * Jasionowka, Poland: 28.11.L931. Varsaw: 6.9.1974. 42 years old.; 23 prof.;

14. giest; 1 rector.

He was zealous, balanced and ,alwap calrn. The young r*rere a,ttracted,

to him, and his catechism classes in church were always fully attended.

After seven years of cat@hetics, he went to the Catholic University of

Lu,blin, and ,f,rom there to the Universiry of Lcdz as chaplain. He became

rector and parish priest of the Salesian Basilica in !7arsaw. Here he became

ill and was an example to a,ltr in the faith and resignation with which he

bore his amocious sufferings; so muoh so that the Bishop cited him as a

model for priests in their death-agony.

Fr. Giooanni De Belli

* Trieste, Ialyt 17.11.L908. f Pordenone, Italy: 1.70.1974'.65 years; 49 prof..;

40 priest.

Death found him resignod and completely at pea€e. For a long time

he was preparing for his meeting with fu. In spite of his good will, he

was not able towards rhe end to ful,firl the various demands of his apostolate.

A refinement of sensibility and manne$ markd all his actions, and ,tre

made firm

amiabiLlity.

friends with

He cheerfully

weryone he met

spent himsel{ in

t-eacthhineg,renseuvletrofforhias.

Sarlesian

moment

losing his self<onrol, and always very patient wi'th his pupils. His chief

medium of co,mmunication as an educator was rnusic, which he used as

a {lux to weld the school into a united body and as an expression of the

joie de vivre of youth. In our houses at Verona, Trento, Gotiaia, Mqgliano

and Pordenone, he has left his ,mark and the deep regret of his passing.

Fr. Frans Bergrnans

f * Mol, Befui"-:25.7.L9L2. Marrero, U.S.A.: 9.2.1,974.61 years old;31 prof.;

24 priest.

He had a great zeal for the apostolate: so ,he joined first the Catholic

Action Movement, then the Eucharistic Crusade; aad no sooner was he

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ordained than he askod .to be seot to the missions. He was posted to the

Ltnited States (East), where he was omrpied in a variety of tasks, especia,lly

the care of the sick and dying.

Fr. Albert oan den Berk

* Limmel, Belgium: 209J924. t Louvain, Belgium: 23.4.1974. 49 years old;

29 prof..; 21 priest.

Growing up in the family that gave four Salesians and one nun to

the Church, ,he learnt that God guides our lives in a marvellous way and

ttohaht eMlpaxtyheheylopusn'gustoonfinodurGwoayd.toHeisteornwitny.uAnsiona

priest, his

with God

one

was

aim was

a source

of strength during his years of sickness and convailescence. The last thing

he wrote was: "!flait quietly to see what God will do". Just as he was

regaining his health, he life was tragicaIly cr.r,t ofif in an accident.

Fr. Giandornenico Donepi

* Turrin, Italy; D.7.1934. t there (he belongd to rhe Cam{'o Grande Pro-

vince): 15.7.1974. 4O years old; 2) prof.; 13 priest.

As soon as he had f,inished his period of practical raining ar Perosa

and Fossano, he left for BrazrT. The 13 years of his priesthood werc spent

in the Mato Grosso at Tr6s Lagoas an Campo Graade, and he worked

with great enthusiasm for the young and for the rest of ,the people. Then

he fell ill and returned to I,taly n 1974. \\fhen every medica,l ploy prwed

unay4irling, he went hme, vhere his mother, sisters aod br,other, and the

Sarlesians at trhe Crocerta sumourded him with their love and dedicated

care. At the eady age of. 40, he completed the holocaust of his missionary

life. To the very end the Mission on the Mato Crrosso was in his tftroughts.

br. Karel Dfiessen

.t * Berckheim, Belgium: 31.L.7899 Korbeek-lo, Belgium

community of Oud-Heverlee): 16.r.L974. 75 years old;

(he belonged

55 prof.; 48

to the

priest;

3 rector.

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He was a Doctor of Theology aod'spent all his Salesian life in study

and in training denics for the priesthood' However, he was as generous

and kind as he was learned. He was a man of great tolerance and iron

nerve, perhaps a little on the retiring side, but always available, mnrch

estee-J and loved by al'I. He just faded asvay, with little fuss, as he

had lived. May the Lord filil his cup of goodness and wisdom.

Fr. Gioaanni Dutto

* Elotornado, Santa F6, Argentina: 17.5.L9L7. f Racconigi, Cluriec., ltalyz 24.7,

1974. 56 years old; 41 prof.; 32 pti*t. He belonged to the community of San

Paolo, Turin.

He was killed instantaneously in a car smash w'ith Fr. Giuseppe Tafuri

whilst on a missircn of service to others, as he had been all his life. For

18 years he had demonstrated his dedication to the lord, to Don Bosco

and to the young through his constant 'hard work and simplicity of life at

San paolo. For a long time he had worked as a careful and reliable admirds-

trator and he was admired as a teacher.

Fr. Josi Maria Erusefrat

t *' Balaguer, Ldri&, Spain: 29.6.L9L1. Barcelona, Spain: 11.6.1974. 63 yars

old; 46 ptof.; 27 priest; 18 rector.

Very much the priest and Salesian, he lived the life of the loving

shepherd at such a cracking pace that his heart gave up the struggle at a

timi when his plans and schemes were in fiull sving' He was the personifica-

tion of the Salesian totally dedicated to his work dor youth day aftet day:

and he ril/ent on fot 46 years. He was rector at Pamplona, Samia, Mundet

and Tibidabo, and in this last house he stayed on as Rector of the Tenrple

and Parish Priest. He spent his life planning things on a large scale, directing

Hsoeualsr,t,o4agnadnizcionugnsPeeltlipnegtu'aflotAdvomraatitoionnasn' dAdlalyswihno

honour of the Sacred

approached him felt

his piestly concern and, through his war,mth and sympathy, he spurred

everyone on, young and old, to give of his best.

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Fr. Giooanni Fenarese

* Pontecchio Polesine, Rovigo, Italy: 9.4.L975. f Varese, ItaJy: 1,6.9.1974. 59

years old; 42 prof.; 31 priest.

He went as he had stayed: with the minimu,m of fuss. Although death

was sudden when it did eventual.ly come, he had prepared for it by long

years of sufiering and prayer. Gifted with a clear, methodical rnind, he

taught philosphy as a cleric and tihen as a preist at FogJtazzo and Nave.

But it was not long before a state of progtessive dobiliry set 'in, accomrpanied

by various complications, one of which was a very serious heart condition.

And gtadually he was reduced to a state of complete inactiviry. This was

always his greatest trial: to,trave to live as a spectator in a school'bursting

with life. However, new horizons opened up to him: prayer and contempla-

tion. He became rhe catalyst for the action of divine grace on the house,

on the boys and on the Congregation.

Brother Pietro Ferraris

* Mirabello Monferrato, Alessandria, Italta 27.2,L915. t Boston, U.S.A.z 27.7

L974. 59 years old; 42 ptot.

He had a good mind and a big heart. Being wetrl versed in agriculrural

science, he becarne editor of a n tional farming rnagaiziae and head of the

departmont of agriculture at the Colle Don Bosco 'scilrool, and at the sa,me

time held down a teaching post at Curmiana. T,tren he went off to the

U.S.A. to p,lay a leading part in establishing the new Don Bosco Agricul-

rural Schootl at Huttonsville, Va. Then he was consultor for the develop-

ment of a si,milal school at Santa Cruz, Bolivia. From there he went back

to the U.S., where he did various teaching and consu,lting jobs in our

houses. He was a @afl whose work demanded btains and self-sacr'ifice,

always in the service o,f the young.

Fr. Giuseppe Galliani

o Lesmo, Milan, Italy: 20.11.1909. t Cairo, Egypt: 19.2.L974. 64 years old;

4L prof.; 32 priest.

As a young man he entered the missionary aspitantate at Ivrea, and

he completd his training in the Holy La'nd, where he was ordained priest.

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58-

He worked in various houses of the Province as Prefect of Srudies, Catechist

and Prefect, and during the last fifteen years as confessor at Cairo. He

Iived his vocation as priest-educatot deeply, fulfilling his mission in a

manfler worthy of admiration and imitation. His spirirual direction was

much appreciated by religious and young people. His fathenly approach,

human understanding, clarity o,f judgment, and encouraging ways made

his ministry very much sought after. To this he added his teaching, which

he did not want to give up, although he knew that his illness was

ki[ing hi,n.

It r. Carrzelo G arutnacurta

* Tunis, Tunisia: t 2.4.1912. Turin, Italy (he belonged to the community of

Taranto): L7.8.1974. 62 yezrs old; )7 prof.; L9 priest.

Brought ,up in the Salesian house at La Marsa, he quickly revea,led

a deep attachment to Don Bosco and the Salesian life. Particurlar,ly devoted

to Mary, Help of Christians, he loft the priestly witness of a man of

God that made his li{e a burning torch, and paticurlarly so at Taranto,

whete he worked and suffered. He was a pious and observant religious,

sensitive and precise, alslays avaiTable; and he combined in himself the

sirnpliciry of ,life with the prudence and ,fortitude of. a great soul. His loss

is felt very much by his pupi{s and past pupirls, among whom he spread

the spirit of true friendship.

r"r. Felipe Garais

* Alpachiri, La Pmpa, fugentina: 7.2.L921, t San Nicolds de los Arroyos,

Argentina: D.72.L97). 52 yeats old; 30 prof.; 21 priest.

His life was marked by the love of Christ and always remained a path

opened touzards God. Resistencia, Misiones, Rosar,io, and T,rinidad were

the field of his apostolate. He had a powerFul physique, and subfected

himself to a crushing r6gime of work during the last years of his [ife:

he taught in the morning and then looked after the Youth Club till mid-

night. The principal object of his pastoral care was the adult club-members

of the district. \\7ith si.mpliciry and humiliry, he gave us the exarnple

of a Christian who forgets himself to think of others, always in a spirit of

Salesian cheerfulness. His love for the Mother of God was constant and

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69-

profound. Whilst sufifering from a ,bnain-storm, he kept on repeating:

<< Ora pro nobis >>. Many poor peo'ple came to his funera{. to bid farewell.

to a f.ather who had given himself enthely to them.

Fr. Antonio Garcla Carrizo

* Aguilares, Tucum6n, fugentina: 3.l.l9ll. t C6rdobh, Argentina: 6.L0.1972.

61 years old4 42 prof.; 29 priest.

His veation dweloped in our General Belgrano C.ollege at Tucrumdn,

and he wotked in vadous houses of the Province. Especially duting the

last few years, he came into contact with the Cursillos de Cristianidad

Movement, thtough which he promoted a deep spiritualiry cerxtred arourd

prayer.

Bro. Luigi Ghezzi

* Sirtori, Como, Italy: 15.10.1888. t Cremisan, Israel: 19.9.1974. 85 yeas old;

44 prof.

He entered the Society at 42 years of age, moved by the desire of

dedicating himself entiroly to ,the rnissionary apostolate. Moved y his

deep faith, he spent his life wotking tirelessly. He edified everybody,

and all who came to know him are unanimous io acknowledging the

holiness of his life, followrng the exa,m,ple of the Servant of God, Si,mone

Srugi, and Giovanni-Battista Ugetti. Being very zealous for the salvation

of souls, he .made himself respected and rloved by the youngsters, even ,tthe

non{hristians, and by all the workers he came into contact with. His

piety was outstanding and {ound its expression in a great love for Jesus

in the Errcharist and in devotion to Mary. He was deeply anached to Don

Bosco; he constantly read the Memorie and displayed a gteat concern for

the preservation of the Sarlesian spirit in our cmmunities.

Fr. Giooanni Battista Giario

" Benevagienna, Cuneo, Italy: L9.2.1889. t Pinerolo, Turin, Italy: 18.9,L974.

85 years old; 69 prof.; 61 priest; 1 rector.

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'When he was tefl, he entered our college at Martinetto, Tutin, e',ren

at that age declariang that he wanted to become a priest of Don Bosco.

He was a priest for 61 yeats. Gifted with a sharrp inteillect, he devoted

hi,rnself ,particularly to study and teaching. He knew Hebrew well, he

could speak seven modern ,languages, and he had a special liking for

teaching Greek, Latin and Philosophy, giving to his teaching a deep Christian

tone, which gave many vmations to the Church and the Congegation.

He ended his li{e in the novitiat€ at Pinerolo, ,living a life of prayer and

meditation, surrounded by the affection and esteem of many past pupils

and generations of

start of the Holy

novices. He

Year 1900,

used

and I

to say: I ioined the Satlesians at the

shall end my life at the beginni,ng

o( the present Ho[y Yeat >>. He died a holy death.

Fr. Rarnin Gironds

* Fatareltra, Tamagona, Spain: 3.8.1898. f Barcelona, Spain: 28.L.L974. 75 years

old4 49 prof.; 41 priest.

!7on over to the Salesian vocation from his early youth, he spent

himself in our works at Bejar, Tirbidabo, Huesca, Valencia, Pamptrona,

Tarasca, and Barcelona-Meddiana. He was deoply faithful to his teaching

mission, which he served with heart and soul, and was a great apostle of the

Sacrament of Reconciliation. AII flocked to him, attracted ,by his forth-

rightness and sound advice. They were drawn to him also by his generous

understanding, Don Bosco sryle, by his fine feeling and tansparent soul,

which was entirely Salesian and pdestly. Although during the last few

months of his ,life he was tormented by great zuffering, he never lost his

cheerfulness and' good humour.

Fr. Vitold Golak

t * Poznan, Poland: 22.7.19L7. Indz, Poland: 7.9,L974. 57 yeats old; 37 prof.;

29 priest.

The main characteristic of his Salesian life was his religious observance,

and enthusiasm for his work. He did his ,practical training and his theolog-

ical studies in Lithuania arnid the difficult wat condi,tions, He was a very

exacting Parish Priest and Dean, not alv/ays a very ,popular one. He was

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recently compelled by a serious sickness to stop workinS, especially in the

field of

of fu,

preaching' It was

but .he succeeded

very 'difficult

through his

for him

trust in

to be resigned

Our Lady and

to the will

Don Bosco,

vrhose relic he kept to the end.

Fr. Frans Goossens

* Malderen, Belgium: 30.6.L973. f Ghent, Belgium: 79.2.1974. 60 years old;

39 ptof..; ll priest; L6 rectot.

He was a doctor and missionary in the tropics, and he always began

by relieving the bodirly sufferings of the people before reaching out to

their spiritual needs. He worked among the poorcst peo'ple in the Kakyelo

and Kiniama districts. Kind, serene but energetic, he approached everyone

with a smile, and was accepted by his parishioners as their father and

leader. ths difficult circumstances besetting his twenty-five missionary years

did not zucceed in blunting his zest for preaching the Gospel, and he

worked ceaselessly befote succum,bing to cancer.

Bro. Vinzenz Griinthanner

* Lolthmtiht, Oberyf.alz, Germany: 2.1L.1907. f Penzberg, Germany (in the

hospital there - he was ftom Benediktbeuern): 25.9.1974. 66 years old; 45 prof.

To many he was known simply as Vincent. That is how he was known

when he worked as door-keepet in several houses and as guide for German-

speaking visitots in the catacornbs of St. Callixtus in Rome. His 'rnusical

gifts will be remembered for a long time. He was good tfllmpeter, a skilled

chess-player, an e:rcellent acotor, and he kept everyone happy with his

quick wit. Only those who knew hirn well wil,l appreciate how firnly

he believed in Don Bosco. After his death, a note as found in his room

in his own handwriting: "Died at 67 - ot even sooner": he was obviously

prepated for death.

Fr. Jozs Kerec

* Sebescan, Slovenia, Jugoelavia: ,L4,L0.L892. f Verzej, Slovenia, Jugoslavia

27.6.1974. 81 years old; 59 prof.; 51 priest; 14 rector.

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He distinguished hi,mself as a missionary in China, whete he worked

for 30 years, especially as Apostolic Administator of Chaotung. After his

expulsion from China, he tlived in his own counffy, helping out 'in the

pastora,l dield. His characteristic missionary zeal, devotion to Our Lady,

an o,ptimistic and serene chatacter earned everybody's respect.

Fr. Alojz Kooacit

* Doklezovje, Slovenia, Jugoslavia: 25.5.1902. f Ljubljana, Slovenia, Jugoslavia:

L8.8.7974. 72 yans old; 50 prof.; 40 priest.

over

He was a restless chatacter, and

a vast field. During the last ten

hyeaadrsmoafnyhitsria,lrilfse,inbehcaisus'leifeo,fwaorhkeinagrt

condition, he was unable to rest. He was a convinced Salesian.

Pr. Emilio Lenzi

* Bolzano, Italy: 25.2.1885. f C6rdoba, Argentina: 5.10.L972. 87 years old;

67 prof.; 59 priest.

His missionary spirit led him to complete at Bernal the novitiate he

had star,ted at Fog;lizzo. During these last few years the Sailesians of the

Irrovince saw in him the ilast of the great missionaries of the early ,times.

In fact, his whole rlife was dedicated to the education of youth in our

colleges and youth olubs and to ,pastoral work in our parishes. He distin-

guished himselrf as a singer and as a musician in school and church. But

his << great love >> was the catechesis and preparation of children for First

C,om,munion. To these ocEupations vre car-r add his tireless dedication to

work in the confessional. To these ministries he dedicated his whole

energies until the eve of his death. \\7e alt saw in him a zealous priest, a

hard-working Salesian and a ,prudent confessor: a visible image of the

Good Shepherd.

r^r. Anton Vanlier

* Millingen, Netherlands: 10.9.1911. f Oud-Heverlee, Belgium

years old; 41 prof.; 3J priest; 4 rector.

29.10.1974. 63

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-7)-

For 30 years he worked his healt out for the young' He then went

to the studentate of theology, where, as Bursar and Vicerectot, he assumed

the material, (inancial and administative responsiblity of a house. He

brou,ght to his task punctualiry, accuracy and a thorough knowledge of

all that carne within his ,purview. His life among the sfudents of theology

was for them like a course of On-going Formation. A heart attack took

him away suddenly, when we still needed him very much. \\7e are conj-

vinced he is already with God.

Fr. Rosario Lioatino

f * Canicattl, Agrigento, Italyt 24.LL.L881. Palerrro, Italy: 5.1L.L974. 92 yats

old; 75 ptof.; 65 priest; 5 rector.

He was a good religious, an actil/e Salesian educator, and a friend

to his pupils. As a teacher, Prefect of Studies and cornpetent Catechist,

he instilled into his sfudents, besi'des culture, a gteat devotion to Mary,

Help of Christians, and Don Bosco. In his ripe old age, as 'long as health

allowed him, he shared the fruit of his profound Marian devotion with

the FMA and their students.

Bisbop Antonio Lustosa

* t Sdo Jo6o del Rei, Minas, Brazil: L1,.2.1,886. Carpina, Btazil: 14.8.L974. 88

years old; 68 prof.; 62 priest; 49 bishop; 11 rectot. Bishop of: Weraba, 1924

28; Corumbd, L928-31; Bel6m do Pat6t, 19)l4L; ForttTez.a, 194l-63. Retired

in 196).

He was the oldest Salesian bishop living. As a young priest, he taught

in various Salesian schools and organized the ,teachixg of catechism in a

number of parishes. A,mong his very many achievements, we must mention

the ,broadcasting station of Ceafi tn 1962, the ,pre-seminary, the minor

seminary, an orphanage, a hospital, a shrine to Our Lady of. Fdtina, schools

for the working classes and clinics on the outskirts of the city. He promoted

a ,fedetation of vorkers' clmbs, and founded a conrgregation of nuns which

is actively engaged in the parishes and has spread in the N.E. of BraztT.

He published various volu,mes on re.ligious to,pics and a large number of

pastoral {etters to his olergy, the religious, and the peo,ple. !7hen he felt

worn out, he resigned and retired to the Salesian house of Carpina. Preach-

ing, writing books and articles, and, above all, prayer filled the last part

of his life.

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Fr. Jos6 Maria Marquez

u' Aguilar de la Frontera, C6rdoba, Spur,t 24.7.1913. f Algeciras, C-adiz, Spain:

)L.8.L974. 51 years oL a$e; 41 prof.; 12 piest.

He came from a deeply Christian famirly and received the call to

bear witness to the Lord very early in his ,Iife. He spent most of his life

in the'parish of Algeciras, teaching at the same time in the Salesian school

in that ciry. He was a cheerfr:,l soul and a zealous prist liked by everyone.

He was always at the service of his brethren. His example of generosity,

kindness and fidelity will atlways be with us. Because of this, even though

we urourn his loss, we are huppy, since << death to a teligious is not sad.

It is fuII of the ho,pe of "enter into the joy of the Master" and "when a

Salesian dies working for souls, the Society has won a gteat *iu,mph" r>.

(Const. S 122). It is the best comment on the death of Fr. Jos6.

Bro. Francesco Monticone.

* San Pamiano d'Asti, Asti, Italy: 3L.L2,L9.L f Valdocco, Turin, Italy: 9.7

1974. 62 years old; 31 prof.

In Bro Francesco we have lost one of the most typical figures of the

Salesian missionary Brother and son of Don Bosco. He spent his Salesian

Iife on the missions of Ecuador, where he worked with tenacity, persever-

ance, and a deep love for the Church, Don Bosco and ,the Congregation.

His main concerns were the farm, the cattle, the Shuar colony, the labora-

tory and farm machinery. He was above aI,l a man of ,faith and prayer.

Besides the Blessed Eucharist, the Rosary was the instrument of his dialogue

with God through Our Lady.

Itr. Etienne Moukiyebe

" Ruhinga, Rwanda: l.L2.L%9. f Brussels, Belgium: 24.8.1974. 34 years old;

11 prof.; 4 prriest.

"I lacked,many things, but I never lacked friends". With these words,

F'r. Mvukiyehe acknowledged a gift he had received from fu: the many

friends in all the counries he had passed through to complete his Salesian

and priestly training. Just as he was about to take upon himsel{ the respons-

ibility that the Superiors wantd to entrust him with, all our hopes vanished:

the Lord had decided differently. He died in a noad accident.

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Fr. Angel Olioera

* Florida, Uruguay: L0.12.1912. f Montevideo, Uruguay:

oLd,; 37 prof.; 29 priest.

12.8.L974. 61 years

He started his Salesian lile at the age of 20. He rlooked after the

spiritual needs of the poor and hurnble with great zeal., with joy and

with great generosiry, He was calrn, cheerful, resourcefrrl yet obedient, and

went about the country-side as a zealous pdest. He built a school for the

poor people on the outskirts of the capital. He spent himself in parish work

in and around the town, not stopping at words but going on to practical

solutions. At his death, which struck him dorvn suddenly, we were able

to say about him that he gave full meaning to his Salesian and priestly life:

he had burnt himsel,f out for souls.

Fr. Giuseppe Orsingber

t Caoria, Trent, Italy: 8.11.1881. f Muzeano, Italy: 7.5.1974. 92 yars old;

71 $of..; 64 priest; 2 rector.

His long life as entirely devoted to the service of the Iord and of

his fellow+nen. The work was conscientiously done and often difficult:

Rector, Parish Priest, Catechist, Novice-Master, and he was hearing confes-

sions to the very end. Fr. Giuseppe was a good and uncomplicated man,

of simple faith and charming candour: and he was a worker. He won

people over by his cheerfulness and calmness: he could make the,rr feel

at home and he ibuoyed the,m up with his optimism. These were inval,uable

assets during the war, when he helped the aspirants and con{Gres to keep

going. But he put it all down to the help of Our Lady, to whom he had

a lively devotion, and this he passed on to the others. He was also very

devoted to Don Bosco and St. .foseph. In fact, his whole rlife was permeated

with his sttong faith, which was seen chiefly in his prompt obedience to

the requests of his superiors. Always huppy, he was the unflappable type,

cool in emotional siruations, a stable bed.rock for the family spirit of

the community.

Fr. Dauid Patz,in

* Guaternala City, Guatemala: 27.6.1923.

1974. 5l years old; 31 prof.; 23 priest; 5

t L^

rector.

Libertad,

Salvador:

21.11

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He died suddenly during a shott communiry trip to the sea. An ex-

emplary priest and tireless apostle, he brought a 'gteat sense of responsibfiry

to his Salesian vocation with the boys. He vas counsellor, adminisrator

and Rector. During his last years, he was the hard-working Parish Priest

o{ the large parish of Mary, Help of Christians, at San Salvador, in the

republic of El Salvador, where his apostolic action was wide-spread and

highly valued. His premature death ca'me as a shock to all who knew him-

l:r. Pedro Peftaliel

*' Riobarnba, Chimborazo, Ecuador: 2.4.1901. t there: 13.L1.L974. 7) years

old; 50 prof.; 43 priest.

When he entered the novitiate in L923, he had already begun his

theology in the se,rninary at Quito. He completed his studies at the Crocetta,

and was ordained n L931. He went off to the Missions, working in India

r:lotf, L939. He then worked in Italy, Panamd and Chile till he returned

to his original Province in L948. He was much appreciated as a teacher

and confessor. He devoted part of his time and energy to the native peoples

of the . Sierra and to the organization of the Past Pupils. He was out-

standing for his loyalty to Don Bosco and the Su,periors, and for his devo-

tion to Our Lady, Help of Christians.

Fr. lobann Rodenbeck

f * Liemke, \\(estpha,lia, .Gerrnany: 1,6.2.1900.

D yeam old; 54 $of.; 46 priest; 18 rector.

Duisburg, Ger,many: 25.9.1974.

Teacher, Catechist, Rector, lecturer in moral tJreoloby, in charge of the

Cooperators, he was always an exemplary Salesian. "He ril/as a fervent

Salesian priest" one Cooperator has said of hirn, "who dealt with rnen

sHirer,pglyavaendthheubmlebslysin-g

and he had a great devotion

of Mary, Help of Christians,

to the Virgin

whenever he

Mary"'

visi ed

the old and the sick. He worked hard to Promote vocations. '$7e take our

hats off to a priest and religious whose whole life was the {ollowing of

Christ after the example of Our Founder.

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Fr. Laigi Rossetti

f * Conegliano, Treviso, Itaty: 22JJ892. Estoril, Portugal: ).6.1974.81 years

old; 65 ptot.; 5) priest; 12 rector.

He died of heart iailure after a full life. In ,the various of.fices entrusted

to him, he was outstanding for his hard-working apostolate, especially in

the confessional, for his geniality, his spirit of faith and ,love of the Con-

gregation. He died in harness. For the last 22 years he had been much in

demand as confessor for the Communities o{ the district and for the boys

and people attending our Cha,pel at Estoril. He was a man of God, as

his brother, Erminio, had been. A jovial character, he kept the Community

and boys laughing at his off-thecuf,f witticisms and anecdotes. He knew

the Salesian giants, like Don Rua, Don Al,bera and Cardinal Cagliero, whom

he recalled with affection. As a result of their maining, the love of Don

Bosco and the Congegation and the ful,fil,rnent of his religious duties were

the clear expression of his faith.

Fr. Afiredo Ruaro

* Anzignano, Vicenza, Italyt 153.1912. f Alassio, Savona, ltalyz 4.4.1974. 62

yeas old; 42 prof.; 33 priest.

A Salesian in the rea,l Don Bosco style, he had a great devotion to the

Founder and his Madonna. He spent most of his very full life in the Boys'

Clubs, where the youngsters were amacted by the incomparable simplicity,

calmness and fatherliness that revealed his ,great heart. He was a zealo,us

priest, loving and tending the College Church, of which he was the priest-

in-charge, to the end of his days. His legacy to his people, who thought the

world of him, was the expression dear to Don Bosco: < The Virgin and

Mother who awaits us in paradise r>.

Fr. Esteban Ruiz

* Las Brircenas, Santander, Spain: 26.12,1898. t

75 years old; 56 prcf..; 47 priest; 32 rector.

Salamanca, Syain: 5.9.1974.

His was a faitffi:ul Salesian life, the ,life of an uncompromising aposde

seeking a'lways to increase the grace of a,ll who approached him. He was

exemplary in his brothers. Duting his long years as Rector, he did his utmosr

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to build up genuine communities sharing the typical Salesian family spitit.

He was responsible for the establish.ment of important wotks such as the

Virgen de la Paloma School, supported by the Trades Unions, and the

Railway Orphans' College, supported by the Railways. He bore his infumi'

ties like a saint, i-n the care of the confrires of the Theologate.

Fr. Mario Salad.ini

*' Fara in Sabina, Rieti, Ital,l: 3.8.1913. f Rome, Italy: 6.12.1974. 61 years old;

41 prof.; 31 priest.

His bluff exterior covered a simple and generous heart. The ups and

down of his long illness, borne with faith and love, showed the power

ol the spiritual resources he had built up during his religious life.

Fr. Adamo Salappo

f * Busso, Campobasso, kaly: 27.11.L903. Goshen, N. Y., U.S'A.: 5.7.1974.70

years old; 42 ptof.; 37 priest.

He died su.ddenly a few hours after celebtating the 37th anniversary

of his ordination. Leading the prayers before the memorial luncheon he

spoke deprecatingly of himself as << the faithful servant >>. Born in Italy

he emigtated to America with the family, He studied. at Manhattan College,

and felt the call fust to the priest}ood, and then to the Salesian life. Always

humble and obliging, he did his job as a trustworthy Salesian priest arnong

the confGres and the people of God, chiefly ,mong the aspirants at Goshen.

Bro. Ram6n Sdncbez

* f Fiesteus, Curtis, Corufra, Strra.in: 243.1898. Buenos dires, fugentina: 30.8'

1974. 76 years old; 45 prof.

He gave his whole life to the apostolate of the press as disributor

of the books turned out by "The Santa Catalina Publishing Centre". His

chief conmibution, however, was his Sarurday and Sunday catechism classes

in a suburban boys' club run by the 9lesians. He poured his energies into

these classes for all of 35 years. He had his share of sufferi.g, too, and

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his last ilness dragged on for years of agony, which he offered up to the

Lord ,for vocations, especially Brothers. All his life he showed the quaLi-

ties of a fust-rate son od Don Bosco in his spiritual ,li,fe and his ceaseless

labours for the souls of pmr and abandoned youth.

Fr. Franc Serlen

* Vesca pri Vodicah, Slovenia, Jugoslavia: 25.9.L907. f Zabukovje, Slovenia:

27.8.1974.66 years oLd; 41 prof.; 34 priest.

The best part of his liife was spent as a ,missionary in Brazil, olostly

at Aragatuba as parish priest and builder. Atter 24 years of missionary

li[e, he returned home and he spent himse],f on pasoral work in a mountain

parish, with living conditions at their most elemental. It was all for others,

nothing for himself.

Fr. J ean-Baptiste SinAon

* Marseilles, Fnance: 26.8.7884. t there: L7.9.7974. 90 years old; 7l prof.;

66 priest.

He is temembered as a man deeply faithful to his religious and priestly

Iife. Right to the end, he retained his mental alertness and sensitivity to

peoples' problems. Most of his wotk went into the maining of future

priests, flrst as a teacher of philosophy, then of theology. For the last twenty

years or so he was in retirement in Marseilles, where he used his fine

powers of discretion in guiding the confrlres, nuns and lay people. His pre-

ference was for the poorest, and, even at the age of 90, he was able to

keep up his apostolic vrotk for them. His frien'ds will all tell you that

Fr. Sim6on, through all his long life, had lived the motto of Don Bosco:

"Da mihi animas...".

Fr. Cesar Strada

* Pef,arol, Montevidm, Uruguay: 10.L1.L913. f

years o1d; 41 $of-; 35 priest; 6 rector.

Montevideo: t8.8.1974. 60

An im.poverished family life and happiness with the Salesians at S^yago

led him very early on into the Congregation. He did not spare himself

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in working for those in his chatge: in this he was another Don Bosco.

A ftiendly soul, he lived the Salesian life of hard work and deep spirituali-

ty, radiating the good humour that ,made him very &sy to get on with.

Ill health was a trial that becarne the holocaust to the witness of con-

secration.

Fr., Friedrich Strebel

* Mtidling, Austria: 2.7.1905. f Baden, Austria:'L4.6.1974 (he belonged to the

co--unity of Unterwatrtersdorf). 68 years old; 50 prof.; 42 pri*t.

On his roturn from the vzar, in which he served as a ,medical orderly

and interpreter, he taught modern languages for many years in our grammar-

school at Unterwaltersdorf, and at the same time took care of a small ,parish

nearby. His good humour, typically Salesian, won him friends and respect

everywhere. He was tireless in carrying out his duties: a real son of Don

Bosco, in fact. On !flhitsun Eve, as he was returning by road from his parish,

he had a smash-up and died from his injuries a fortnight later in the

hospital at Baden.

Fr. Giaseppe Taluri

* Cellino San Marco, Bdnd,isi, Italy: 19'2.t927. f Racconigi, Cuneo, Italy:

24.7.1974" 46 years old; 30 prof.; 20 priest. He belonged to the community of

San Paolo, Tudn.

He was killed instantaneously in a road accident whilst returning with

a con{rbre from a shorpping expedition on behalf of the holiday house

he was preparing dor his past pu,pils. All during his twenry years of priest-

hood, he was the genial leader of the San Paolo Youth Club in Turin.

He managed constantly to achieve a happy fusion of the Sa,lesian tradition

and the whizz-kid. culture. He was also generous in his ef{orts for the

school and in adrninistration.

Fr. Josd Telles

* Ponte Nova, Minas, Brazl,z 4.L.1925. f Belo Horizonre, Btuil: 20.7.1974.

49 yearc old; 32 prof.; 22 priest; 11 rector.

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He was a joyful character, a man of sinqere spiriruality and ready

obedience. Mentally well

among the students of

equipped, he worked

philosophy and the

at. Sdo Jodo del trtey, Brazil,

aspirants, teaching Salesian

spirirualiry and scientific methods of youth taining. As Vicerector of the

Don Bosco Faculry of Philosophy he was chiefly responsible ,for. having it

recognized by the Federal Governrnent. As Rector of the aspirants and the

Agricultural School for .poor boys, he created a happy family atmosphere, in

which keeping the Rule was that much easier. There was no mistaking the

dominating fi,gure of a zealous priest held in high esteem and rich in

human qualities.

Fr. Georges Tboen

" Rotterdam, Netherlands: 27.3.1909, f Rees, Germany: 10.5.1914. 65 years

old; 38 prof.; 35 priest.

The.re was nothing petry about him, and he left a very wide circle

of friends. He will be remembered as a great priest, taJI, behevolent,

jovial, optimistic and of good faith. It cost him much to have to leave

the parishioners of Lauradorp to go and work with the American soldiers

at Kassel. and he found it hard to leave that work, too. He devoted him-

self to tending the poorest of the poor, regardless of age or cteed, speaking

from heart to heart. This was his most sriking characteristic. In this way

he got his "boys" to work in all sorts of ways to help the onphans, the

aged, the sick and the nedy. His compassion for the needs of the unfortu-

nate was catching. Meanwhile he remained the real Salesian, strongly

attached to Don Bosco and the Congregarion. "God has given me the grace

of perseverance", he said recently. "May the Holy Mother and Don Bosco

take me out of this life rather than let ,me ,fall away. I would like to die

with the faith of my first Communion". And so he did.

Bro. Julien Tielens

* Li6ge, Belgium: 1.1.190r. f Lubumbashi (Elizabethville), Zure. 71 years old;

44 prof.

Nearly fifty years of service to Christ and his neighbour, of unshakeable

Ioyalty to Don Bosco and of hard work itr the diocese of Sakania. During

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82-

these years he always had in mind the two objects of his mission: first

for himsel-f, the ptactice of Lrcve and patience; and second, for others, their

greatest ,possible good. This is what he ,lived for. And at the end of his

innings, with his half century on the board, he could look back at it a1l with

satisfaction, because his life had a beauty atrd greatness all its own. Great-

ness in the service he had rendered to ofhers, beauty in his total dedication

to the duties entrusted to hi,m. He was best loved of the confrbres, 'because

he was loved by absolutely everyone. And that is extaordinary.

Fr. Christiaan V andeputte

* Ypres, Belgium: 11.5.1938. t Kashiobve, Zaire: 29.L.L974. 37 vears old;

14 years ptof.; 6 priest,

"I do not want to live long, but to live intensely, to give all I have:

there is so much

to his Superior,

a'mnidseirty

in the world". This is what the

sums up his missionary career,

young priest said

his love for trtre

poorest, and most wretched of the villagers living farthest from the rnission

at Kasenga. This was the complete giving of himself by which he witnessed

to Christ for six years, be,fore he disappeare'd in the River Luapula.

Fr. luan Miguel Vicente

* Salamanca, Spain: 7.9.1941. f Moca, Dominican RepubLic: 26.8.1974. 37 yeas

old; 16 prof.; 6 years priest; 2 rector.

The news of his death came as a great shock to everyone' His six years

of priesthood represented a total dedication to the Salesian mission. His

great success in the apostolate can be atmibuted to his daily programming

of the work to be done, and to his inti,macy with Jesus and Mary. One

of the last notes in his diary reads: "The aPostle wins his battles on his

knees". As a Salesian, he worked unobstrusively, with method and per-

sevefance, He was a real educator, who knew the secret of communication.

He lived for his frundreds of working-class boys, for whom he was a wit-

ness to an evangelical poverty and manly chastiry that attracted many to

the' Blessed Sacrament. He was always available, in the confessional and

out of it; for promoting the sacramental life.

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Fr. Mario Zoccbi

*' Busto Arsizio, Varese, kaly: 26.10.1909. t Vercelli, Italy: 24.?0.1974. 65

years old; 39 'prof.; 31 priest; 3 rector'

He devoted his whole Salesian di,fe to the Indian missions, where his

memory is ,revered for his ceaseless work, great zeal and exemplary religious

life. Twelve ,months before the end, he had returned to Italy for health

reasons to stay in trtre house at Vercelli, whete he continued doing what

he could for the missions. These he spoke about with g'reat verve, which

proved appealing to the boys, the con{rBres and w,troever listened to him.

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4'Elenco 1974

LO7 Sac. ANNATE Celestino f a Lecce (Italta) L974 a 72 a.

108 Sac. ADAMS Giuseppe f a Lubumbaschi (Zaire) L972 a 50 a.

109 Sac. ALTIERO Riccatdo f a Caracas (Venezuela) L974 a 64 a.

110 Sac. AMUCHASTEGUI Ugo f a Rosario (Argentina) L974 a 66 a.

111

tt2

Coad. AVANZI Renato t Torino (kaJta) 1974 a 56 a.

Coad. BARBIERI Massimo t Betlem-e (Israele) L974 a

ID Sac. BARDELLI Vittorio f Sesto S. Giovanni (Itaha) 1974 a 60 a.

LL4 Sac. BARTNIK Giovanni f \\ffarszawa (Polonia) L974 a 42 a.

tL5 Sac. BERGMANS Fnancesco t Marrero (USA) 1974 a 6L a.

116 Sac. BERK Alberto van detr t Leuven (Belgio) 7974 a 49 a.

tL7 Sac. DE BELLI Giovanni f Pordenone (kaha) 1974 a 65 a.

118 Sac. DOMPE' Giandomenico f Torino (Ttaha) 1974 a 40 a.

TL9 Sac. DRIESSEN Carlo t Korbeek (Beleio) L974 a 75 a.

L20 Sac. DUITO Giuseppe f Racconigr (Ita\\a) L974 a 56 a.

L2t Sac. ENSENAT Giuseppe Maria f Batcellona (Spapa) L974 a 6) a.

122 Sac. EERRARESE Giovanni t Varese (Italta) 1974 a 59 a.

L23

124

Coad. FERRARIS Pieto f

Sac. GALLIANI Giuseppe

Boston (USA) 1974 a 59

f Il Cairo (Egitto) 1974 a

L2' Sac. GAMMACURTA Carmelo f Torino (Italia) 1974 a 62 a.

126 Sac. GARAIS Filippo f S. Nicolls de los Arroyos (fugentina) L972 a 52 a.

L27 Sac. GARCIA CARRIZO Antonio f Cbrdoba (Argentina) L974 a 6L a.

L28 Coad. GIfrZZI Luigi t Cremisan (Israele) L974 a 85 a.

ttL29

130

Sac.

GGIIRAORNIOESGRioaviamnonnidBo a(tt=istaRaf mPbinn)efrolBoa(rlcteallltoan)a

1974 a 85 a.

(Spama) 1974

Sac. GOLAK Vitoldo t Ind, (Polonia) 1974 a 57 a.

f L32 Sac. GOOSSENS Francesco Gent (Beleio) 1974 a 60 a.

f L33 Coad. GRUNTIIANNER Vincenzo Penzberg (Germania) 1974 a 66 a.

f L34 Sac. KEREC Giuseppe Verzej (Slovenia - Jugoslavia) L974 a 8l a.

t 115 Sac. KOVACIC Luici Ljubljana (Jugoslavia) 1974 a 72 a.

f 136 Sac. I,ENZI Emilio Cbrdoba (Argentina) t974 a 87 a.

f 137 Sac. LIER Antonio vao Oud-Heverlee (Belgio) L974 a 6) a.

f 138 Sac. LMTINO Rosario Palermo (hoJta) L974 a 92 a.

t 119 Mons. LUSTOSA Antonio Carpina (Brasile) L974 a 88 a.

f 140 Sac. MARQUEZ Giuseppe Mada Algericas (Spaena) 7974 a 6L a.

f 141 C-ad. MONTICONE Francesco TorinoValdocco (Italia) 1974 a 62 a.

f L42 Sac. MWKIYEHE Stefano Bruxelles (Beleio) 1974 a 34 a.

f 143 Sac. OLIVERA Angelo Montevideo (Uruguay) L974 a 6L a.

f L44 Sac. ORSINGHER Giuseppe Muzzano (lta\\a) 1974 a 92 a.

f 145 Sac. PATZAN Davide La Libertad (El Salvador) 7974 a 5L a.

f 146 Sac. PENAFIEL Pieuo Riobamba'(Ecuador) 7974 a 71 a.

f 147 Sac. RODEMECK Giovanni Duisburg (Germania) 1974 a 74 a.

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148 Sac. ROSSETTI Luigi f Estoril (Portogallo) 1974 a 81 a.

149 Sac. RUARO Alfredo f Alassio (I:.eJta) 1974 a 62 a.

150 Sac. RUIZ Stefano t Salamanca (Spagna) L974 a 75 a.

15L Sac. SALADINI Mario t Roma (Italia) 1974 a 61 a.

152

153

CSaoca.dS. ASLATNPCOHEAZdaRmaoimtonGdoosh(e:n

(USA) 1974 a 70 a.

Ramdn) f Buenos Aires

(fugentna)

1974

76 a.

f 154 Sac. SERSEN Francesco Zabukovje (Jugoslavia) 1974 a 66 a.

155 Sac. SIMEON Giovanni Battista f Marsiglia (Francia) 7974 a 90 a.

156 Sac. STRADA Cesare f Montevideo (Uruguay) L974 a 60 a.

157 Sac. STREBEL Federico t Baden (Germania) L974 a 68 a.

158 Sac. TAFLIRI Giuseppe f Racconigi (kalta) 7974 a 45 a.

159 Sac. TELLES Giuseppe f Belo Hodzonte (Brasile) 1974 a 49 a.

160 Sac. THOEN Giorgio f Rees (Germarua) 7974 a 65 a.

161 Coad. TIELENS Giuliano f Lubumbashi (Zabe) 7974 a 7l a.

162 Sac. VANDEPUTTE Cristiano f Kashiobwe (Zaire) 1974 a 35 a.

161 Sac. VINCENTE Giovanni Midrele t Moca (Rep. Dominicana) L974 a 3j a.

164 Sac. ZOCCtll Mario f Vercelli (Itaha) L974 a 65 a.

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