(ANS - Mirabello Monferrato) - On Sunday, 20 October, 1863, Don Bosco was at Mirabello, about 15 Km from Casal Monferrato, to open the first Salesian house outside Turin. It was called St. Charles Minor Seminary. On the 20th of October next, which also happens to be a Sunday, the whole civil community will be celebrating, and the entire Salesian Family is called upon to do so in solidarity with them.

The seminary was set up in a property belonging to Mr Provera, whose son Francis was a Salesian.  Mr Provera had insisted with Don Bosco that he should come for the opening. The Rector was a young Don Rua who received from Don Bosco a long and affectionate letter concerning his new assignment. It also contained advice for the smooth running of a college. This letter was slightly amended over the years and become better known as Confidential Recommendations to Rectors, the magna carta of every Salesian Rector.

In a chronicle published at the time we read, "Don Rua in Mirabello is just like Don Bosco in Turin. He is always surrounded by young people, attracted by his kindness". The seminary flourished and produced many eager young Salesians who were later sent to various parts of Italy and of the world.

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the opening of the minor seminary of St Charles, the civil authorities, the parish priest and the townspeople have planned numerous events which begin as early as tomorrow afternoon, 19 October. They will includes recreational activities, exhibitions and conferences on the history of the seminary and the Salesian presence in Mirabello Monferrato, as well as historical cultural programmes, fairs and various celebrations of the Eucharist.

On the occasion of this anniversary, the Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chávez, has sent a message of congratulation to the townspeople. Among other things he says: "It gives me great joy to express my deepest satisfaction with the celebrations taking place in this wonderful town. (...) This was the first community outside Turin, but thousands of other houses would follow in Italy, in Europe, and all over the world. Ideally all Salesians, the FMA, Salesian Cooperators and Past Pupils of all the continents should now join your celebrations, in the joyous memory of what happened here exactly a century and a half ago."

Although there has been no Salesian community in Mirabello Monferrato for quite some time now, there is a strong tradition of support for the Salesians, handed down from past generations. There are many Salesians who have come fromthis centre, among them the fourth successor of Don Bosco, Fr Peter Ricaldone.

Published 18/10/2013