An Important
Figure for the Salesian Congregation
(ANS – Rome) – Blessed
Michael Rua’s memorial is celebrated on October 29.
As St. John Bosco's 1st successor (1888-1910), Blessed Michael is an important
figure in understanding better the story of Don Bosco and the Salesian
Congregation. On his feastday in 2012, the Rector Major highlighted some
aspects of Don Bosco’s successor.
Fr. Pascual Chavez (RM 2002-2014)
referred to two documents: his Letter on Fr. Rua, Successor of Don Bosco: son,
disciple, apostle (AGC 405), and the proceedings of the 5th International
Congress of the History of the Salesian Work, held in Valdocco, Turin, from October
28 to November 1, 2009: “Michael Rua, first successor of Don Bosco: Personality
traits, management, and works (1888-1910).”
The Rector Major’s reflection
highlighted the diversity and dynamism that Fr. Rua brought to youth ministry: “The
ability to focus and the farsighted management of the Rector Major is expressed
in the evangelical spirit of service, humble and creative, open to new
experience,” said Fr. Chavez. “Nevertheless, his courage and apostolic zeal
stand out in a historically momentous time of ideological changes that
threatened the Church
of Christ and his claim
to apostolate and education, especially among the youth of the working classes.”
Citing studies of the 2009 conference,
Fr. Chavez listed some of Fr. Rua’s characteristics: strengthening and
expansion of the Salesian Family; skilful, collegiate management with the general
council, provincials, and directors; introduction of the practice of extraordinary
visitors to the provinces; careful expansion of missionary work in perspective;
involvement of the Salesian Cooperators; ecclesial and social concern;
willingness to collaborate with Church authorities in full and loyal obedience,
even at the cost of heavy sacrifices; care in relations with the Daughters of
Mary Help of Christians even after the separation of the two congregations by
new legislation desired by the Holy See.
“One can liken his person to a
mosaic of colors, whose shades of composition are formed in a harmonious way
that doesn’t offend anybody,” said Fr. Chavez, pointing out some personal
qualities of Fr. Rua: charity and simplicity; the subtle and genial manner; the
stability of spirit and humor; sensitivity and capacity of affection. “Action was
driven by a firm will to achieve the aims of the Salesian mission. He was
master of himself even in the most dramatic and painful moments, with a calm
that became proverbial.”
On March 19, 1888, less than two
months after Don Bosco’s death, Fr. Rua wrote a circular letter in which there
appears to be a draft program of work for the Salesians and for himself: “The
other thought that remained fixed in my mind was that we must consider
ourselves very lucky to be sons of such a Father [Don Bosco]. Therefore, our
concern must be to support and always to develop more the works which he
started, to follow faithfully the methods he practiced and taught, and in the
way we speak and act to try to imitate the model that the Lord in his goodness
has provided to us. This, O my dear children, will be the program that I’ll
follow in my office; this is to be the aim and the study of each of the
Salesians.”
He was able to develop that program
quite well!
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