Eugenio Ceria – The biographical memoirs of Saint John Bosco Vol. 14

In this passage, the author reflects on Don Bosco’s unwavering dedication to his mission, despite the immense physical and emotional toll it took on him. The image of Don Bosco walking beneath a rose arbor, where unseen thorns caused him constant pain, symbolizes the hardships he endured in his pursuit of his divine calling. The narrative focuses on a two-year period in Don Bosco’s life, highlighting his tireless work in managing his growing Congregation, overseeing his sacred ministry, handling numerous business matters, and dealing with adversarial opposition. Despite his deteriorating health, Don Bosco’s commitment to his mission remained steadfast. The text also incorporates insights from Blessed Claude de La Colombière, who offers a perspective on the intense apostolic work that shaped Don Bosco’s life.

INDEX

• Don Bosco’s Visit to the Salesian Houses in France
• The Annual Conferences of St. Francis de Sales
• Four Weeks in Rome
• First Steps Toward Closing the Oratory’s Secondary School
• Return Trip to Turin
• The Soul of the Oratory
• Shutdown of the Oratory School
• The First Triennial Report to the Holy See on the State of the Congregation
• The Girls’ Festive Oratory at Chieri
• Conversion of a Young Jewess
• Salesian Missionaries in Patagonia
• Unrealized New Foundations in 1879
• Salesian Houses Opened in 1879
• Gleanings from the Year 1879
• At the Beginning of a New Year
• Don Bosco’s Second Journey to France
• To Rome and Naples from Liguria
• Roundabout Return to Turin from Rome
• At the Oratory with Don Bosco from May to December 1880
• Accusations, a Misunderstanding and a Revealing Dream
• Cooperators at San Benigno and Borgo San Martino
• Precious Documents about the Spiritual Life
• Looking Through Don Bosco’s Letters
• The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Rome
• The Salesians in France during the Religious Persecution
• The Beginning of the Real Missions of Patagonia
• The Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians
• Foundations in 1880: Refused, Delayed or Hardly Begun
• Predictions, Reading of the Heart, Cures and Bilocation

Reference time period: 1879 – 1880