"Salesian Pantheon" in MHC Basilica Open to Public

“Salesian pantheon” in Mary Help of Christians Basilica Open to Public

by Andrea Parodi

(ANS – Turin – December 19) – Of late, the crypt of the basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin has become the shrine and burial site of the most important figures of the Congregation’s history. On Sunday, December 17, the “Salesian pantheon” was opened to the public to foster the memory and prayer for the past Rectors Major, who continued the dream of Don Bosco with fidelity and commitment.

For months the relics chapel had remained closed to the public and to the faithful due to, according to a simple sign, a generic “restoration work.” Now, with the transferal of the last missing Rector Major, at the end of a long and complex series of bureaucratic practices, the much-wanted operation of the 27th Salesian General Chapter, has come to its conclusion.

“For the Salesians, the Rector Major is the center of unity for the entire Salesian Family,” adds Fr. Cristian Besso, rector of the basilica. “His is a charismatic function of communion; with this new environment, we do not want to create a cult toward any one person. This site is a cherished place, much sought for a desire of unity of the great Salesian Family present throughout the world.”

Two of the Rectors Major, Michael Rua and Philip Rinaldi, are buried on either side of the altar. Their special position is due to their both being blessed.  Three Salesian saints – John Bosco, Dominic Savio, and Mary Mazzarello – are buried in the basilica, upstairs.

The new tomb complex is a bright and warm space where three types of marble were used: the predominantly white Carrara marble; the gray Carnico for the entrance and the perimeter; the decorative inserts in Levanto red. All the material was carefully chosen in relation with that used in the upper part of the basilica. At the center is a niche where there is a crucifix, “a work of the early twentieth century that comes from the sacristy of the basilica,” explains Fr. Besso.

The inscriptions on marble are very simple. To commemorate the six gathered Rectors Major, there are, on the side, as many medallions by the Turin artist Gabriele Garbolino Ru. These are bronze bas-reliefs that closely resemble the faces of the six Rectors Major.

The relics chapel and the new tomb complex of the Rectors Majors are open to the public every day from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.