Ángel Fernández Artime – “A past that throws light on our present. In dialogue with Fr. Paul Albera” in “Acts of the General Council of the Salesian Society”

In 2021, the Salesian Congregation commemorates the centenary of Fr Paul Albera’s death, the second successor of Don Bosco. Amidst the backdrop of World War I, Albera’s leadership was marked by profound challenges, including significant losses among Salesians. This letter reflects on Albera’s legacy, emphasizing his courageous decisions and their relevance to contemporary challenges faced by the Salesian community, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the reflections of General Chapter 28. Rich in bibliography, the abstract invites deeper exploration into Albera’s life and leadership for inspiration and guidance today.

Contents:

• 1. A salesian who belonged to the “earliest times”
  • 1.1. From a boy who breathed in the “Valdocco atmosphere” to being Don Bosco’s Successor
  • 1.2. What did it mean for Fr Albera to be one of the first Salesians? Some glimpses of his life
    • 1.1.2. At Mirabello with Fr Rua
    • 1.2.2. Back to Valdocco
    • 1.3.2. Rector at Sampierdarena (Genoa)
    • 1.4.2.Provincial in France (1881-1892): the “le petit Don Bosco”
    • 1.5.2. Spiritual Director of the Salesian Congregation (1892-1910)
    • 1.6.2. America from top to bottom
    • 1.7.2. Rector Major (1910-1921)
• 2. A past that throws light on our present
  • 2.1. At the school of Don Bosco
  • 2.2. “How Don Bosco loved us”
  • 2.3. The spirit of piety
  • 2.4. The drama of the war (1914-1918)
  • 2.5. All of you be missionaries
• 3. Our lady and Don Bosco

Reference time period: 2021

Reference institution:
Direzione Generale SDB