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The
first and second rooms were built in 1853.
In the first was the bursar's office and the library. Here is
where the money arrived to maintain the Salesian Congregation
in every part of Europe and the world.
Let's remember the main events that took place in the second.
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29th October, 1854. Into this room, passing from the door that led to the balcony (it was the only entrance door!) came Dominic Savio with his father. The first thing he sees is the notice: "Da mihi animas coetera tolle". Don Bosco helps him understand what was the theme of his first mass -
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25th March, 1855. Fr Michele Rua (now wearing the cassock for three years) kneels on this floor and, in front of Don Bosco, pronounces the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. He is the first Salesian. Some old tiles of that first floor are preserved in the right-hand corner.
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In 1861, the building was doubled in size towards the east. Don Bosco's room was moved to the east. The extension includes the office of his secretary and a waiting room for all those (ever more numerous) wishing to talk to Don Bosco.
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This is not its original position. It was connected to Don Bosco's bedroom. When he did not feel like going down to say mass in the sanctuary, he celebrated it here at this small altar that could be closed away like a wardrobe. In December 1878, he was celebrating mass at this altar for two boys, Evasio Garrone and Giovanni Franchini (both to later become Salesian priests). At the Elevation, they saw Don Bosco's face illuminated while his feet left the predella and he rose up into the air. |
"What was up with Don Bosco this morning?
He became taller and taller…".
Don Bosco looked at him smiling and said: "Come on, you have a cup of coffee as well". This was how great things happened in the house of Don Bosco in the greatest simplicity.
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On the divan
that one sees on the left side of his bedroom, resting on the
small wooden table, Don Bosco wrote his last words on 19th December,
1887. He wrote them on the white back of some small pictures
- short thoughts to send to benefactors as a mark of recognition.
The last five sentences that he wrote, in an almost illegible
handwriting were:
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Whoever loses his soul, loses everything ". "Whoever protects the poor, will be amply rewarded at the divine court ". "What great reward we will have for all the good that we do in our lives!". "Whoever does good during life, will find goodness in death ". "In heaven you can enjoy eternal happiness". |
His last Holy Mass is celebrated in the small side room that was used as a chapel. On the bed that can bee seen below, Don Bosco spent his final days. He was not ill. He died slowly, fading out like a candle that burns away to nothing. During his last journey spent begging in France, a famous doctor from Marseilles, Dr Combai, wanted to examine him in Marseilles and he told him:
"You are like a worn-out suit that has been worn during the week and at week-ends. To still keep it, it has to be put away in the wardrobe. You understand that I am advising you to rest completely."
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He
died at dawn, 31st January, 1888.
To the Salesians
watching over him at his bedside, he murmured his last words:
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Do good to everyone, harm no-one... Tell my children that I await them all in heaven". |
The body of Don Bosco was visited by tens of thousands of people, Salesians, nuns, assistants, friends and many faithful living both within Turin and outside. The general sensation was,
who loved both God
and young people has died".
His funeral was a triumph with an enormous procession of people.
| THE ROOMS OF DON BOSCO VISITING HOURS: |
EVERY DAY : 08.00 - 12.00 AFTERNOON: 14.30 - 18.00
TEL: 00.39.011.52.24.410
FAX: 00.39.011.52.24.690
VISIT Nr.