[Translator’s note: Most titles and the corresponding descriptions in the RSS are in Italian, but have been translated into English here for the sake of English readers of this article]
In the STUDIES section, this issue includes two essays:
Stanisław Zimniak: The Salesian missionary theme as it emerges from the Acts of the Superior Chapter during Fr Philip Rinaldi’s term as Rector Major.
The study aims to examine the official communications relating to the Salesian Missions passed on to the Salesian Society during the government of Rector Major fr Philip Rinaldi (1922-1931), as well as by those appointed by him and charged with promoting missionary activity. The analysis will focus exclusively on official communications from the top, examined through the Acts of the Superior Chapter (1922-1931). This study adopts an innovative methodological approach, aimed at identifying the “ideal thinking” from which the operational guidelines addressed to the Salesian Society through this body sprang: in fact, there are no previous studies that have devoted specific attention to identifying the “ideal thinking” in the Acts of the Superior Chapter. The study is divided into two parts. The first focuses on the analysis of texts in which the Salesian missionary theme is addressed from different perspectives. These are inspired speeches from various institutions such as the Holy See, the Rector Major, the conferences of Salesian Cooperators, local superiors and the 13th General Chapter. The second part, on the other hand, aims to examine in summary form the initiatives promoted by the Salesian Society from the Centre, inspired by the writings analysed in the previous section. Some reflections on Don Bosco’s missionary dreams.
Shijiro Urata: Don Bosco in everyday life in Fr Giulio Barberis’s “Cronichetta”.
A careful reading of the critical edition of Giulio Barberis’s Cronichetta allows us to get a close look at the figure, thoughts and actions of Don Bosco between 1875 and 1878. What emerges is a lively and articulate portrait of a unique, vigorous and attractive personality who, in the eyes of the chronicler, is the operational personification of the Salesian ideal and charismatic identity. The author of this study investigates the spiritual and human traits of the saint found in this valuable source, which offers a privileged approach to Don Bosco’s human concreteness. In particular, he highlights his spirit of totality and operational intelligence, supported by unshakeable faith, active hope and ardent charity. From these fundamental dispositions springs a fervent daily life, an astonishing capacity for dedication and affectionate attention to people, a lucid charismatic tension, and an irrepressible educational and pastoral passion.
In the SOURCES section, two original texts are presented:
Francesco Motto: The letters of Fr John Cagliero to Don Bosco during the two years of Salesian settlement overseas.
In this second part, the ten letters sent by Fr John Cagliero to Don Bosco from April to July 1876 are published, to which Don Bosco replied with five letters. From America, Fr Cagliero informs him twice a month about the situation in the South American field of work in which he finds himself: events, meetings, difficulties, travels, commitments of the nine missionaries of whom he is superior, and the progress of their community life. He asks for opinions, corrects prejudices, awaits approval, suggests names of missionaries, communicates the state of finances, and illustrates projects for Patagonia. This correspondence between the founder of a congregation operating in Turin and someone who was born in the same area sent to found missions in America reveals unity of purpose, foresight in projects, leadership skills, dynamic fidelity to the same charism, combined with an admirable willingness to give up the much-desired missions in the Pampas and Patagonia in order to leave immediately for India.
In the PROFILES section, there is an essay by Hendry Dominic Selvaraj: Bishop Paul Mariaselvam (1887-1954): the first Indian Salesian Bishop.
In the NOTES section, there are the following contributions by:
Angelo Giuseppe Dibisceglia: In the wake of history among the pages of historiography.
Federico Gallo: Precious books for a reading room
Cinzia Angelucci: Behind the scenes of ‘Reasoned paths of historiography for Salesian history
(1971-2022)’: criteria, method and perspectives
Stanisław Zimniak: ‘Seven Salesian Rooms’.
In the REVIEWS section, publications relating to Salesian personalities and activities have been reviewed:
- Raúl Entraigas, Pinceles de fuego. Episodios de la vida misionera salesiana en la Patagonia. Transcripción, notas y correcciones por Alberto Capboscq. Buenos Aires: Ediciones Don Bosco Argentina, 2024.
Sergio Aguiar Castellano, Eusebia de Armas y el Colegio Salesiano de Guía. Una pugna por su fortuna. Editorial Genealógica Canarias, Canaria 2024.
Tiago Figueiró, Paróquia São Gonçalo. Cradle of the missionary work of the Salesian Family in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso 1894-2024. Cuiabá, Entrelinhas 2024.
- Michael Mendl, Father Ernest Coppo and the Founding of the Salesian New Rochelle Province. New Rochelle – New York, Salesiana Publishers 2024.
In the REPORTS section, the following are presented:
- Marino Bois, Raphael Hae-Dong Lee, Tomorrow? Providence will take care of us again. Fr. Archimede Martelli. The Salesian Founder in Korea. Seoul, Don Bosco Media 2024.
Fr Stanisław Zimniak,
editor-in-chief of RSS
