Luigi Ricceri – “Letter of the Rector Major” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society of St John Bosco”

In this letter, the Rector Major reflects on the poignant significance of relocating the Society’s headquarters from Turin to Rome. They evoke the rich history of Turin as the birthplace of the Salesian congregation and Don Bosco’s pioneering work for disadvantaged youth. Valdocco, particularly cherished, is described as a spiritual beacon where countless individuals have found inspiration and strengthened their vocations. The author emphasizes the enduring legacy of Don Bosco’s mission and the profound impact of Valdocco on the Salesian community worldwide.

Summary:

• Transfer from Turin
• Reasons for transfer to Rome
• Audience with Pope
• With Don Bosco hence with the Pope
• Two items of good news
• The Missions the way to renewal
• Missionary vocation of Don Bosco
• Missionary actlvity seen as “mandate” of Christ
• The missions the favoured place for our MISSION
• The missionary spirit essentlal for renewal
• Call of the Council
• Appeal to the Gongregation
• Suggestions for missionary renewal
• An objection: shortage of personnel
• Other form of missionary work
• The times demand a “new page of history”

Reference time period: 1972

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB