Thursday, February 3, 2022

120th Anniversary of Death of Charles Gastini

Salesian Past Pupils Mark 120th Anniversary of the Death of Charles Gastini

Charles Gastini amid the young bookbinders of the Oratory at Valdocco

(ANS – Rome – January 28, 2022) – Past pupils and friends of Don Bosco marked the 120th anniversary of the death of their founder, Charles Gastini, on January 28, 1902.

Under the guidance and inspiration of Don Bosco, Charles Gastini was the leader of the first group of past pupils of the Valdocco Oratory who met together to express their love and gratitude to Don Bosco who took care of their upbringing and education.

Throughout his life, Mr. Gastini remained a close friend and collaborator of Don Bosco.  For many years, he was the head of the bookbinding workshop, and he animated the theater in Valdocco.  He was always willing to support Don Bosco in his work with the young people in Valdocco. 

The president of the World Confederation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco, Bryan Magro, on this special occasion highlighted the importance of reflecting on the beginning of the largest organization in the Salesian Family.  From the very beginning, the love and gratitude shown to Don Bosco was transformed into showing solidarity to the young past pupils who are most in need.  Don Bosco had guided Gastini to form an association of past pupils with the aim to help each other and the Salesian work.  In the same way, today past pupils and friends of Don Bosco are being encouraged to commit themselves in social action to young people who are most in need.

For this occasion, the World Confederation of Past Pupils has issued a short video on the life of Charles Gastini in ItalianEnglish and Spanish.

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