Though true that in Santa Fe there were already other good Catholic schools, there was no one devoted to the education of the children of the People. It was therefore necessary to carry out this work according to the criteria of Don Bosco: "Among the sons of the people, today more than ever, we must cultivate the love of God, of science and of work", essential conditions for giving to children and to young people the chance to earn an honest life, to be useful to the family, to the Church, to the Society and to the Homeland.
Fr Sorasio, animated by a great impetus of spiritual life, launched an unusual campaign to open a Salesian house. He received the approval of Archbishop Nicolás Fasolino, who succeeded Msgr. Boneo, and the support of the Salesian Cooperators, led by the wife of the Governor of the Province, Mrs María Salomé Freyre de Iriondo, and Mrs Mercedes Funes de Cullen.
The long-awaited day came finally: on 28 May 1939, with the animation of the musical band of the “San José” Institute of Rosario, and before a large crowd and various authorities, they proceeded with great pomp and great joy to set the first stone of the new Salesian house.
Construction work began on 19 February 1940; in the meantime a house was rented near the new school, in Facundo Zuviria 6035, owned by the Marsengo family. The first three Salesians assigned to the house of Santa Fe lived and worked there: Fr Mario Mondati, the founder; Fr Domenico Sorasio, confessor and representative of the Salesian Cooperators, and Br Eliseo Malco, Salesian brother.
The "sowing" of Salesianity started with the festive oratory, and it could not be otherwise: Don Bosco's work was born and raised in an oratory. On 28 April 1940, the parsonage is erected. On May 9, the Explorers Battalion is launched; and on September 21, the brand new school building was presented.
Thus the celebration these days of the 80 years and the commemoration of the thousands of children and young people who grew up and matured as good Christians and honest citizens in the Salesian classrooms and courtyards of Santa Fe; and with them we remember the countless Salesians and lay people who gave their lives with love and exemplary witness of generous dedication.
Source: El Litorial
