Eugenio Ceria – The biographical memoirs of Saint John Bosco Vol. 13

In this volume, the life of St. John Bosco during 1877 and 1878 is explored in depth, focusing on significant events that shaped both the Salesian Congregation and the Catholic Church. One key event was the first General Chapter of the Salesian Congregation, marking a pivotal step in its development. Another was the transfer of the papacy from Pope Pius IX to Pope Leo XIII, where Don Bosco was actively involved. The volume highlights Don Bosco’s tireless work during this period, which included multiple trips to Rome, France, and South America, where he expanded the Salesian mission and established new works. The book showcases how Don Bosco’s far-reaching influence, spanning across nations and adapting to modern needs, was instrumental in shaping the future of Catholicism and the Salesian Congregation. His initiatives, including the promotion of frequent sacraments, educational reforms, and missionary work, have had lasting, global effects.

INDEX

• The First Month of 1877 in Rome
• The Conceptionists: Frustrated Efforts at Affiliation
• The Annual Conferences of St. Francis de Sales
• Journey to France
• Episcopal Jubilee of Pius IX and Visit of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires to Don Bosco
• The Three Salesian South American Communities
• The New Motherhouse of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians
• Count Charles Cays
• The First General Chapter
• Third Expedition to South America
• “Affliction Makes for Endurance” (Rom. 5, 3)
• March to November, 1877: Don Bosco’s Words and Deeds
• Matters Concerning Lanzo, Albano, Mendrisio, Milan and the Oratory in the Year 1877
• The Twilight of One Pontificate and the Dawn of Another
• Don Bosco’ s Windup of Activities in Rome
• Don Bosco’s Second Journey to France and Illness on His Return Trip
• Back at Work at the Oratory
• Don Bosco’s Memorial to Pius IX
• Organizing the Association of Salesian Cooperators
• Unrealized Plans for Houses in Italy
• New Foundations in Italy
• Striving to Make Ends Meet
• Don Bosco’s Two Congregations in France
• Religious and Scholastic Celebrations at the Oratory in 1878
• Missions and Missionaries: Fourth Expedition to South America
• Miscellaneous Confidential Matters Regarding Don Bosco in 1878

Reference time period: 1877 – 1878