Egidio Viganò – “The centenary of the death of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

This letter commemorates the centenary of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello’s death, emphasizing its significance in rediscovering Salesian identity and history. It highlights the invitation to strengthen collaboration with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and introduces a spiritual reflection aimed at deepening understanding of God’s providence and foundational Salesian principles.

Contents:

• “REDISCOVERING THE SPIRIT OF MORNESE”
• Introduction
• A new gift of the Spirit to the Church
• Need for clarifying the distinctive ethos
• Preconceived ideas to be rejected
• In recalling the past we plan for the future
• Many persons and events go to make up a unified project
• A few of the innumerable facts of history
• Names and dates worth pondering
• Significant coincidences
• A wide margin for initiative at Mornese
• The Salesian heritage of our Founder
• Valdocco: the burdens of a Founder
• Our Founder’s uniqueness
• Constituents of the Salesian heritage: the distinctive contribution of Mother Mazzarello; stars in the firmament of our Salesian origins;
• The distinctive light of Mother Mazzarello
• The deep significance of her death
• Final perfecting touch
• Solemn testament
• The role of Co-foundress
• The spirit of Mornese
• Frame of reference
• Sallest characteristics of the spirit of Mornese
• Features of the Mornese mystique
• The august personage
• Visible characteristics
• The supporting ascetic and religious framework
• Under the spell of the Salesian identity at Mornese
• A long journey
• A clear task to be achieved
• Conclusion

Reference time period: 1981

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB