Peter Lappin – Conquistador, The story of John Cagliero Prince of the Church and Pioneer in Patagonia and Central America

The text presents a historical biography of St. John Bosco, known as the ‘Apostle of Youth’, and the Salesian Society he founded. Cardinal Spellman praises Don Bosco for his impact during the previous century.The Salesian Society, founded by Don Bosco, is now the third largest in the Catholic Church, with missions in 73 countries. The book focuses on an 1875 missionary expedition to South America and emphasises Don Bosco’s influence in the education and care of young people, especially the poor and abandoned. The biography extends to the growth of the Salesian Society around the world, highlighting Don Bosco’s system of ‘preventive education’. The author, Father Peter Lappin, draws on extensive research in South America and also presents the story of Namuncud, the last Indian prince of the Pampas. The book is considered a valuable contribution to the social and religious history of the period, providing an insight into the various cultural influences in South America.

Contents

• Introduction by Bob Considine

1. Trailblazing
2. La Boca
3. Imitating the Martyrs
4. European Interlude
5. The Promised Land
6. The Making of a Bishop
7. Early Obstacles
8. The Roughrider
9. El Zorro – The Wolf
10. Disaster m the Cordilleras
11. Death of a Dreamer
12. Murder on the Missions
13. Cannibals at Large!
14. Mission m Danger
15. The Changing Winds of Fortune
16. The Last King of the Pampas
17. A dios Patagonia!
18. Defender of the ·weak
19. New Horizons
20. Waterloo!
21. Homeward Bound

• Envoi
• Bibliography

Reference time period: 1812 – 1926