Salesian General Chapters 8-14

Salesian General Chapters 8-14

(ANS – Rome – February 11, 2025) – The 8th-14th general chapters of the Salesian Congregation cover more than 30 years of history, from the end of the 19th century (1898) to the period between the two world wars (1932). It was a period full of important events and changes at a worldwide, ecclesiastical, and Salesian level. As a result, the general chapters also reflect the evolution of these years.

During the period in question, the “useless slaughter” of the Great War (1914-18) took place, which also had a great influence on the still young Salesian Congregation, and 3 rectors major (Frs. Paul Albera, Philip Rinaldi, and Peter Ricaldone) succeeded Fr. Michael Rua, Don Bosco’s immediate successor.

At first glance, there were some brief and almost functional GC meetings – either for the election of the rector major, or for the completion of unresolved issues from previous sessions – and others of greater depth and impact, where organizational and structural decisions were made to mark the path of the Pious Salesian Society more incisively in the years to come.

For example, GC8 was certainly one of the most important, both for the topics discussed and for the number of participants, and because the rector major was elected by vote for the first time. It was the last time that the general chapter elected the master of novices general in the person of Fr. Julius Barberis, and a proposal was made to elect as many masters as there were novitiates.

The 9th General Chapter also had significant influence: it was in fact at that chapter that the Salesian provinces were established, it was decided to hold chapters every six years, and it was established that from the following chapter not all the directors would participate, but only the provincials with one delegate for each province.

GC10 was the last one presided over by Fr. Rua and was celebrated with a certain solemnity. During the proceedings, Don Bosco’s body was uncovered in the presence of Cardinal Richelmy and all the chapter members, who had expressed a strong desire to see Don Bosco again.

After CG11, which elected Fr. Paul Albera and undertook a revision of the various regulations proposed ad experimentum by CG10, it would be necessary to wait 12 years for another chapter, due to World War I; and presiding over this new one would no longer be Fr. Albera, who had died in 1921, but Fr. Rinaldi, in his role as prefect general.

Again, with the process of postwar reorganization and the adaptation of the life of the Congregation to the new Code of Canon Law already underway, GC13 focused on the reorganization of the Salesian Society at various levels, with attention to the studies of the religious, professional formation, and the missions, in a climate of marked enthusiasm due to the beatification of Don Bosco.

Finally, GC14 had to proceed with a new leadership transition, with an almost unanimous vote (83 votes out of 87) for Fr. Peter Ricaldone.

Below is a summary of these 7 Salesian general chapters (1898-1932), indicating the original structure with details on the president (rector major), moderator, members, location, duration, key themes, and particular notes or significant developments.

8. GC8 (1898) – Unity of Spirit

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 6 days (August 29 –September 3)
• President: Fr. Michael Rua
• Moderator: Fr. Francis Cerruti
• Members: 217 chapter members
• Themes: Strengthening of unity of spirit, revision of regulations, and practical application of deliberations.
• Significant notes and developments: Introduction of the 3-year practical training for young Salesians.

9. GC9 (1901) – Establishment of the Provinces

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 5 days (September 1–5)
• President: Fr. Michael Rua
• Moderator: Fr. Francis Cerruti
• Members: 154 chapter members, 8 consultants
• Topics: Creation of the provinces, theological studies, and practical training.
• Notes and significant developments: First canonical institution of the Salesian provinces. 

10. GC10 (1904) – Legislative Framework

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 22 days (August 23 –September 13)
• President: Fr. Michael Rua
• Moderator: Fr. Francis Cerruti
• Members: 75 chapter members
• Topics: Regulation of general chapters and novitiates.
• Significant notes and developments: Election of members at the level of provinces. 

11. GC11 (1910) – Transition of Leadership

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 17 days (August 15–31)
• President: Fr. Paul Albera
• Moderator: Fr. Louis Piscetta
• Members: 73 chapter members
• Topics: Election of Fr. Paul Albera as rector major and revision of regulations at all levels
• Significant notes and developments: Emphasis on maintaining the paternal spirit of the directors.

12. GC12 (1922) – Post-War Reorganization

• Place: Turin, Oratory of St Francis de Sales
• Duration: 17 days (April 23 –May 9)
• President: Fr. Philip Rinaldi
• Moderator: Fr. Louis Piscetta
• Members: 64 chapter members
• Topics: Adaptation to the 1917 Code of Canon Law.
• Significant notes and developments: First GC after a 12-year break due to World War I; election of Fr. Rinaldi as rector major.

13. GC XIII (1929) – Missionary Expansion and Ecclesiastical Studies

• Place: Valsalice
• Duration: 12 days (July 9–20)
• President: Fr. Philip Rinaldi
• Moderator: Fr. Bartholomew Fascie
• Members: 88 chapter members
• Topics: Reorganization of ecclesiastical studies and professional schools, organic development of missions
• Significant notes and developments: The chapter was held in the euphoria of Don Bosco’s beatification (June 2, 1929).

14. GC14 (1932) – Transition of Leadership

• Place: Valdocco
• Duration: 3 days (May 16–18)
• President: Fr. Peter Ricaldone
• Moderator: Fr. Bartolomeo Fascie
• Members: 87 chapter members
• Topics: Election of Fr. Peter Ricaldone as rector major.
• Significant notes and developments: extraordinary chapter, convened following Fr. Rinaldi’s death of (Dec. 5, 1931).