Eugenio Ceria – The biographical memoirs of Saint John Bosco Vol. 15

In this passage, the author reflects on the importance of documenting Don Bosco’s life, following the advice of Pope Pius XI to prioritize the use of authentic documents over personal commentary. The author acknowledges that while Don Bosco’s story has been shaped by personal anecdotes, the challenge for future historians will be the scarcity of concrete documentation, especially from earlier periods of his life. The narrative highlights the value of stories and recollections shared by Don Bosco over time, many of which were preserved by those around him, though often not in written form. These oral traditions, while invaluable, may pose challenges for future scholars seeking verifiable facts. The text emphasizes the need to maintain a careful and context-sensitive approach to interpreting Don Bosco’s life, particularly as future generations may view certain events with skepticism, considering them myths or legends rather than historical facts.

INDEX

• Missions, Missionaries and Two Expeditions
• A Month and a Half in France
• Count Louis Anthony Colle
• From France to Rome and from Rome to Turin
• Celebrations, Nuisances and a Dream about the Future of the Salesian Society
• Father Bonetti ‘s Appeal to the Sacred Congregation of the Council
• Libel Suit against Don Bosco for Defamatory Booklets
• Leo XIII’s Settlement of the Bonetti Controversy
• Foundations in 1881-82: Refused or Postponed
• Start of the Salesian Work in Spain, Florence and Faenza
• The Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians at the Death of Their First Mother General
• Consecration of the Church of St. John the Evangelist
• The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome
• The Last Blocks to the Granting of Privileges
• 1881: Events and Letters

Reference time period: 1988