Pietro Stella – “An Assessment of our Knowledge of Don Bosco and of the Works about Him” in “Don Bosco’s place in history. Acts of the 1st International Congress of Don Bosco Studies (Salesian Pontifical University, Rome 16-20 January 1989)”

Francesco Traniello, a specialist in the history of the Catholic movement, highlighted the evolving perception of Don Bosco, which was often portrayed in a stereotypical or paradoxical manner in the past. He noted that the study of Don Bosco’s life has become a significant area for new lines of research. Traniello’s perspective was informed by his editorship of the volume “Don Bosco nella storia della cultura popolare” (Don Bosco in the history of popular culture), published in 1987, which featured contributions from various authors, mostly non-Salesians. These authors had access to a rich array of source material and studies published by Salesians in recent years. However, alongside Traniello’s positive view, there have been cautious and critical observations regarding the centenary celebrations of Don Bosco’s death. It may be premature to make definitive evaluations while still immersed in the centenary year and before the excitement surrounding events like academic congresses has dissipated. This caution is prompted by the ongoing influence of prevailing perceptions and the scientific output generated by Salesians within their own institutions.

INDEX

• 1. Salesian study of Don Bosco’s system of education up to the end of the second world war
• 2. From philological and literary research to an overall reinterpretation
• 3. Recent studies and perceptions amongst non-Salesians

Reference time period: 1886 – 1988