(ANS - Rome)- Today, when the world remembers the beginning of the great war, we should not forget what our Salesian history tells us. A hundred years ago, just when Salesians were preparing to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Don Bosco, the world was engaged in the so-called Great war or World War I, which took place between 1914 and 1918. The then Rector Major, Don Albera, wrote a letter on 29 January 1915, asking the Salesians to remain united, trusting  in prayer. He urged Rectors and Provincials to maintain close contact with the "Salesian soldiers."

The letter was written by Don Albera with a two-fold purpose: to commemorate the centenary of the feast of Mary Help of Christians and that of  the birth of the Venerable Don Bosco, and to prepare for the twelfth General Chapter which was to take place in 1916.

In the letter Don Albera highlights the effects of the war: "We all hoped that the year just now begun – which marks two memorable dates for our beloved Congregation: the Centenary of the birth of Don Bosco and of  the institution of the Feast of Mary Help of Christians  - would bring happiness and joy as we prepare with great solemnity for the programmes you already know.

But unfortunately, as you know, we have to postpone the external solemnity, to be content in the present sad situation (the World War I, 1914-1918) to remain closely united and to trust in prayer and expiation to implore peace in the nations now engaged in a raging war the like of which has not been seen in history. The Scourge of God follows its relentless course, and our Pious Society will suffer the inevitable consequences.

Think, dear friends, of our many houses that flourished in the countries where war now rages, and where the young people have had to leave or find themselves reduced to a miserable way of life. Numerous confreres have been called to the army. Many have already sacrificed their lives for their country.  Others are in danger of the same fate if the occasion should arise. In places that are neutral we have houses and confreres that are paralyzed by fear. Think of the large number of Cooperators who support our charities generously with their time, but cannot now come to our aid, because of the difficulty of communication, but especially because they are forced to lavish their help on other more urgent needs caused by war. Think of the various missions that depend entirely on the help that came from our benefactors,  and then maybe you can form some idea of my present state of mind and that of the other major superiors ... "

As well as Don Albera’s letter, there is also the doctoral thesis of Fr Leonardo Tullini (2007), entitled "Salesian identity and experience of war in the Great War." In it there is an analysis of the characteristics of Salesian spirituality and how the war marked the congregation and our spirituality.

Speaking of "The resources of Salesian spirituality in the context of war," Fr Tullini, says: "Our research has shown that the vast majority of the Salesians called to arms were able to respond proactively and constructively (not just to react defensively). The positive thinking of Christian hope prevailed in them and in the people around them(...). Don Albera urged Rectors and Provincials to pay close attention to the confreres who had left their homes and answered the call to arms, and to look after them well… to follow their movements and changes of address due to various services to which they are called,  so that our confreres in the army feel supported and cared for."

Don Albera’s letter can be found at  sdb.org.

Published 29/07/2014