(ANS - Rome) - In preparation for the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco (1815-2015), the Salesian University Library (LAS ) has published a special volume of the writings of Fr Francis Cerruti on the person, the educational work and pedagogical thought of Don Bosco. It is entitled  Published and Unpublished Writings on Don Bosco - (1883 - 1916).

Fr Cerruti was a member of the Superior Chapter of the Salesian Congregation for more than 30 years (1885-1917) as General Councillor for Schools.  According to Fr Eugenio Ceria, Fr Cerruti stands out "like few others" among those God-sent men who worked with a firm hand, alongside Don Bosco, in setting up the young Salesian Congregation. For Fr Alexander Luchelli, one of the people who knew him best, Fr Cerruti has to be considered the one who set up the system of schools and studies as part of the Salesian Society.

The book consists of an introductory essay, in Italian, English and Spanish, introducing the figure of Fr Cerruti, his biography and his studies.  It  then includes texts collected and analyzed by Fr Cerruti. These are divided into three main categories:

• Don Bosco 's ideas on education and the school;
• Talks on the Preventive System;
• A profile of Don Bosco, the priest educator.

The introductory essay, critical texts and notes are edited by Fr José Manuel Prellezo, SDB, director of the Salesian Historical Institute (ISS).

Published  20/05/2014