Pascual Chavez Villanueva – “Successor of Don Bosco: son, disciple, apostle”. The human and spiritual profile of blessed Michael Rua. On the hundredth anniversary of his death” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

In this letter to members of the Congregation, the Rector Major reflects on recent events and communication challenges. They announce a decision to reduce circular letters and highlight significant activities of the Rector Major, including participation in retreats and discussions on the Salesian charism. The letter also introduces a forthcoming year dedicated to Don Rua, the first Successor of Don Bosco, and invites deeper study of his life and legacy. The author emphasizes the importance of invoking Don Rua’s intercession for the Congregation’s journey ahead.

Contents:

• 1. Don Rua “the most faithful son of Don Bosco”
  • The six mysterious word which keep coming back
  • Two urgent matters: one for Don Bosco and the other for Michael
  • A prophetic letter on the bedside table
  • Being Don Bosco at Mirabello Monferrato
  • “Being Don Bosco here at the Oratory”

• 2. Don Rua “the living Rule”
  • All the work is finished
  • Is Don Rua finished too?
  • Don Bosco shares with him his mind and heart
  • Becoming Don Bosco day after day
  • The ‘Rule’ once approved becomes the path of holiness
  • “Don Rua studied me and I studied Don Rua”
  • Don Bosco’s hand in that of Don Rua
• 3. Don Rua: fidelity to consecrated life “for a whole lifetime”
  • Fruitful fidelity to Don Bosco
  • Jesus: food in the Eucharist and merciful love in his Heart
  • “All that we have we owe to Mary the Most Holy Help of Christians”
  • Obedience
  • Poverty
  • Chastity

• 4. Don Rua: “the evangeliser of youth”
  • New lields of pastoral work
  • Among the workers and the sons of workers
  • Among the miners in Switzerland
  • Emigrant among the emigrants
  • Risking everything that can be put at risk like Don Bosco
  • “That simplicity with which he tried to accompany what he did”
• Conclusion. Prayer to intercede for the canonisation of Blessed Michael Rua

Reference time period: 2009

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB