SOME SAINTLY FRUITS OF THE Fruits of Preventive System
Blessed Laura Vicuña (1891-1904) Born in Chile, a pupil of the FMA in Junín de los Andes, Argentina. She died offering her life for her mother’s conversion. 3 September 1988 on the “Hill of the Beatitudes for Youth” (Colle Don Bosco), in the presence of thousands of young people who were taking part in “Confronto ‘88”, Pope John Paul II beatified her, and presented her as a model of Gospel authenticity.
Paola Adamo (1963-1978) A girl from the Salesian parish of St John Bosco in Taranto. The church was built by her parents who were architects. She died of viral hepatitis. One of the nicest phrases from her secret diary shows her as a model for so many of today’s preadolescents: “If you believe in God you have the world in your hand”.
Sean Devereux (1964-1993) An English Salesian past pupil and Cooperator, volunteer in Liberia. A compassionate man, he spoke openly about the anarchy in a country where the people were suffering so much, and about the insensitivity that was around. “While my heart beats, I have to do what I think I can do, and that is to help those who are less fortunate.” He was killed as a volunteer in Kisamyo, Somalia.
Salvo D’Acquisto (1920-1943) A Salesian past pupil from Naples. He joined the Carabinieri (Italian military police), and was outstanding for his human and spiritual qualities. His letters to his fiancée are beautiful. His goodness and Christian sense of life really shone out when, to save 22 innocent victims of a Nazi reprisal, he heroically offered to be shot in their place. He was awarded the military gold medal. Shortly to be beatified.
Blessed Teresa Bracco (1924-1944) Massacred by a Nazi official who tried to rape her. At the head of her bed she had a page of the Salesian Bulletin (August 1933) with Dominic Savio and his resolutions on it. Her heroic sacrifice did not come about by chance. She had matured spiritually in simplicity of life in the fields and at home. She was beatified 24 May 1998.
Fernando Calò (1939-1956) Died after running into a pillar while playing football in the Salesian College, Estoril (Portugal). A somewhat turbulent lad, whose mother was only a girl, he had spent time in various orphanages. Accepted by the Salesians he changed his life radically. He also succeeded in bringing his mother back to church after a long period away from it. He became an apostle among his companions, having himself been once a terrible teen.
Ninni di Leo (1957-1974) From the Oratory of Villa Ranchibile in Palermo (Italy), he died of leukaemia. He loved music, dancing, singing, and basketball. He supported Inter. An altruist by nature, he never thought of himself, but helped all those who needed him. The chief physician, seeing his suffering and unable to do anything for him, asked him: “But what did you ever do to God?” He replied: “Why blame God? Didn’t the Lord suffered so much for us?”
