John Puntino – “Fr. Rinaldi, Good Father and Humble Servant of all” in “Journal of salesian studies”

In this work on Blessed Philip Rinaldi by Father Pierluigi Cameroni, the author, as Postulator General of the Salesians of Don Bosco, makes a valuable contribution to English literature. Using his privileged access to documents and testimonies related to Father Rinaldi’s canonisation process, Father Cameroni writes with enthusiasm and love for his subject.The book is divided into four chapters and a conclusion. It focuses on the life of Father Rinaldi, offering necessary details and historical context. It emphasises his spiritual development, his roles as General Prefect and Rector Major, highlighting administrative challenges and his apostolic and educational activities. The book systematically presents the virtues studied during the canonisation process, including the theological virtues (faith, hope, love of God and love of neighbour), cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance) and virtues central to the consecrated life (chastity, poverty, obedience and humility). Father Cameroni illustrates these virtues through more than 120 quotations from 29 witnesses, offering a comprehensive view of Father Rinaldi’s holiness.

Reference time period: 2023

Reference institution:
Institute of Salesian Studies

Centro Studi Don Bosco