The Nostalgic Beginnings of Salesians of Don Bosco
Don Bosco with Mr. Rattazzi
“Welcome Fr. Bosco. Thank you for coming to my office.” Mr Rattazzi, the Minister of the Interior was unusually enthusiastic. “It is I, who must thank your Excellency”. Don Bosco replied, “Your support for the raffle will keep my boys with bread for the coming month.” “After I came to your oratory the last time, Don Bosco, I was thinking to myself – the way you are burning yourself out, who will continue this good work?”
“To tell you the truth, your Excellency, I have not reckoned on dying so soon” Don Bosco replied smiling! But Minister Rattazzi, kept a serious demeanour. “I have thought about procuring some help for the present, but not about the means of carrying on the work of the Oratories after my death” continued Don Bosco, “Now, since you have mentioned the matter, might I ask you, in my turn, by what means do you think it possible for me to establish such an institution on a safe footing?”
“In my opinion,” replied Rattazzi, “you should select a certain number of laymen and ecclesiastics, form a society under certain rules, imbue them with your spirit, teach them your system, so that they may not merely give you assistance now, but may carry on the work after your departure.”
“But does your Excellency believe it possible to find such a society in these days? The Government two years ago suppressed certain religious communities, and is perhaps preparing now to do away with the rest. Do you think it would allow the establishment of another of a like nature?” Don Bosco spoke anxiously, as he was with the man who was behind the repressive measures.
“It should not be a society that has the character of exclusive privileges, but one in which each member keeps his civil rights, submits to the laws of the State, pays the taxes, and so forth. In a word, the new Society, as far as the Government is concerned, would be nothing more than an association of free citizens, united and living together, and having the same charitable purpose in view.” Rattazzi spoke with an air of authority.
“And is your Excellency sure that the Government will allow the founding of such a society, and its subsequent existence?” Don Bosco, probed on. “No constitutional or regular Government will oppose the founding and development of such a society, just as it does not prevent, but rather promotes, commercial, industrial and other similar companies. Any association of free citizens is allowed as long as its purpose and actions are not opposed to the laws and institutions of the State” assured Rattazzi. “Well,” said Don Bosco, in conclusion, “I shall think the matter over.”
This is the basis of the “civil right” article that Don Bosco wrote into the constitutions, in the chapter on the Form of the Society. The Roman authorities for various reasons removed the article before the constitutions could be approved. Don Bosco, however maintained that the Salesian Society was an association of free citizens and not a religious corporation needing the government’s approval.
The Concept of a Group to Continue the Work of the Oratories.
As early as 1850s, Don Bosco was trying to find a way to make his work permanent. A number of priests and lay people had been associated with him in the work of the oratories; but the bond that united them among themselves and to him was loose at best. They each had their commitments and their ideas. Don Bosco may indeed have wished to band them together by some tighter bond under him and under some kind of rule. The Regulations for the Oratory of 1852-54 were written (so he states in the Introduction) to “serve as a norm in the exercise of this part of the sacred ministry, and as a guideline for the fairly numerous priests and lay people who devote their labors to this ministry with love and concern.”
