(ANS - Turin) - Don Bosco Ritorna … Don Bosco returns to the juvenile prison in Turin. In his time it was known as the "Generala." Now it is called "Ferrante Aporti". On 2 February, as part of the celebrations for the Bicentenary of his birth, a statue of the Saint of Youth was placed in the chapel of the detention centre. Archbishop Nosiglia of Turin presided over the ceremony and blessed the sculpture.

Also present were Fr Enrico Stasi, Superior of the Salesians of Piedmont and Valle d'Aosta; Fr Domenico Ricca, a Salesian who has been chaplain of the juvenile prison for 35 years; the Director of the Institute, Gabriella Picco; representatives of the administration of juvenile justice and several young prisoners.

After the opening words of Anthony Pappalardo, Director of the Ministry of Justice, Fr Domenico Ricca introduced the sculptor of the statue, Aldo Pellegrino. Later Fr Ricca gave a short speech. He recalled the occasion when, with great difficulty and despite much opposition, Don Bosco was able to obtain a day’s outing for the inmates of the Generala. He emphasized the reasons why Don Bosco had and still has a great hold on young people: "trust, shared responsibility and making the young people feel responsible."

Archbishop Nosiglia also spoke. He urged the young prisoners to look to the future with confidence even in their present situation when they are far from their loved ones and feeling isolation, pain, and introspection: "Do not let anyone steal your hope," he said, citing the Pope. And then he added: "today you have one more friend, but in fact he has always been there."

Carved in linden wood, the statue in Ferrante Aporti depicts Don Bosco embracing two teenagers. It is a gift from volunteers, workers, acquaintances and friends of Fr Ricca. As the sculptor Aldo Pellegrino said: "The face is authoritative, but not authoritarian."

Published 10/02/2015