(ANS – Rome) – Blessed Don Michael Rua is an important figure in understanding better the story of Don Bosco and the Salesian Congregation. The Rector Major this morning, presiding at the Eucharistic liturgical celebration of the Blessed, highlighted some aspects of the successor of Don Bosco.

Fr Chavez referred to two documents: his Letter on Don Rua - Successor of Don Bosco: son, disciple, apostle (ACG 405) – and the proceedings of the 5th International Congress of the History of the Salesian Work, held in Valdocco, Turin, from 28th October to 1st November 2009: "Don Michael Rua first successor of Don Bosco. Personality traits, management and works (1888-1910) ".

The reflection of the Rector Major has highlighted the diversity and dynamism that Don Rua took to the youth: "The ability to focus and the far-sighted management of  the Rector Major is expressed in the Evangelical spirit of service, humble and creative, open to new experience. - said Fr Chavez - Nevertheless his courage and apostolic zeal stands out in a historically momentous time of ideological changes which threatened the Church of Christ and his claim to apostolate and education, especially among the youth of the working-classes."

Citing studies of the 2009 Conference, Fr Chávez has listed some characteristics of Don Rua: strengthening and expansion of the Salesian family; skilful, collegiate management with the General Council, Provincials and Rectors, and introduction of the practice of visitors; careful expansion of missionary work in perspective; involvement of the Salesian Cooperators Association; ecclesial and social concern; willingness to collaborate with the ecclesiastical authorities in full and loyal obedience, even at the cost of heavy sacrifices; care in relations with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians even after the separation of the Congregations by new legislation desired by the Holy See.

" One can liken his person to a mosaic of colours, whose shades of composition is formed in a harmonious way that doesn't offend anybody," said Fr Chavez pointing out some personal qualities of Don Rua: the charity and the simplicity; the subtle and genial road; the stability of spirit and humour; the sensitivity and capacity of affection. "Action was driven by a firm will to achieve the aims of the Salesian mission. He was master of himself even in the most dramatic and painful moments, with a calm that became proverbial ".

On March 19th , 1888, less than two months after the death of Don Bosco, Don Rua wrote a circular letter in which there appears to be a draft programme of work for the Salesians and for himself: "The other thought that remained fixed in my mind was that we must consider ourselves very lucky to be sons of such a Father [don Bosco]. Therefore, our concern must be to support and to always develop more the works which he started, to faithfully follow the methods he practised and taught, and in the way we speak and act to try to imitate the model that the Lord in his goodness has administered to us. This, O my dear children, will be the programme that I'll follow in my office; this is to be the aim and the study of each of the Salesians ".

A programme that was able to develop well!

Published 29/10/2012