Viglietti The faithful secretary has left us vivid and detailed testimony of Don Bosco triumphant trip to Barcelona. Near the end of his life in 1886 - two years before his death - our father decided to make a long journey to the capital of Catalonia in order to continue raising funds among middle-class families in the old city to sustain its work and achieve adherence to the project. The trip had a huge resonance and it was recorded in many newspapers of the time, but especially in the heart of Catalan citizens who had the opportunity to listen, to celebrate Mass with him or receive his blessing. Many thanks are attributed to the intercession of Mary Help of Christians in those days through the blessing of the old priest from Turin which many considered a true living saint.
In the context of the visit, Don Bosco (Don Rua and Viglietti) was invited to dinner on May 3 at the home of Mr. Luis Marti Codolar and orphaned children with him Oratory of Sarriá who lived a holiday running and playing at home for the family farm. I was served a meal and were able to greet with joy to Don Bosco. A full day!
the chronicler:
"Every family, almost 50, were invited to the meal. In the garden were also prepared 150 seats for the youth of the Salesian Oratory. It was a real party! (...) About four o'clock, went down to the garden and a photographer portrayed a whole group of eight or ten times in less than five minutes. "
Joaquín Pascual and Marti-Codolar, nephew of the owner of the house was the photographer who has left us one of the most interesting pictures of the saint are preserved: Don Bosco is seated and surrounded by many of those present at that circumstances. One hundred years later, Don Vigano, looking at the picture wrote:
"This is the best photo of Don Bosco! A hundred years, young people who did not fit into her waiting, in the streets and continents, the gift of the Salesian mission exciting! Let us be imitators of Don Bosco as he was of Christ! ".
Preparing the feast of our father, Don Viganó invitation is a strong incentive to renew our commitment to the mission for the young and popular. The gift of the Salesian charism remains current and new and old poverty of the young are asking us to reach new frontiers. With hearts wide and faithful to Don Bosco, make it possible for many to sit at the table. In the house of Don Bosco always be a place for small and poor. All that did not fit in that picture are the claim for a greater commitment and generosity of the Salesian family in all corners of the world. Let us even better picture of Don Bosco today making it possible for all young people, especially the most vulnerable, have a place near the heart of our father.
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