Don Bosco sent Fr Paolo Albera - who would later become his second successor at the head of the Congregation - to Genoa with two young Salesians, three workshop leaders, and a cook to found the Work. At the moment of leaving, Don Bosco advised Fr Albera not to worry about anything and to place all his trust in the Lord. He then asked him if he needed anything. “No, Don Bosco,” he replied, “thank you. I have 500 lire with me.” And Don Bosco: “You don't need so much money. Won't there be Providence in Genoa? Don't worry, Providence will take care of you too.” He withdrew the 500 lire and left him a much smaller sum. And Providence did not fail him.
It was 26 October 1871 when the first group of Salesians took up residence in Villa Oneto in the Marassi area of Genoa. But a villa in the countryside, Don Bosco himself said, was not suitable for an Arts and Crafts Hospice for young people in difficulty. For this reason, in November 1872 - one year later - the Salesians took possession of the convent and the church of the Theatines in Sampierdarena, which were actually in a bad state at the time, but which, as often happens in the Salesian tradition, soon came back to life.
In fact, in this century and a half, the house in Sampierdarena has always managed to be an authentically Salesian work. “In the style set by Don Bosco himself, the aim has always been to create an open and welcoming home in an atmosphere of familiarity and friendship, a propitious place to meet, a school that would initiate people into life, an environment that would evangelize in a simple but active and profound way, full of joy, respect, and affection that always accompanies everyone on the journey of life,” says Fr Sergio Pellini, the work’s Rector.
“The times, generations, and educational activities have indeed changed, adapting to new needs, but the educational passion, faithful to Don Bosco's spirit, is always strong and effective,” concludes the Salesian.
To remember, reflect and sow hope with Don Bosco, in the spirit of gratitude of this 150th anniversary, the celebrations of the Salesian community of Sampierdarena will begin this weekend:
- Saturday, January 29, at 3:30 p.m. (UTC+1), the Vicar of the Rector Major, Fr Stefano Martoglio, will present via Zoom the Rector Major's Strenna for 2022, on the theme: "Do all through love, nothing through constraint."
- On Sunday, January 30, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, archbishop emeritus of Genoa, will preside over the Sunday Eucharist, which also marks the start of the parish festival for Don Bosco.
- Monday, January 31, the feast of Don Bosco, at 8:30 a.m., Mass with young people is scheduled, presided over by Msgr. Nicolò Anselmi, followed by a time for play; in the afternoon, at 6:30 p.m., there will then be Mass presided by Fr Pellini, pro tempore rector of the work.
Of the long program of activities planned for the anniversary, we would also like to highlight the social project promoted by the Salesian community to find jobs for 150 young people on this 150th anniversary, thanks to the collaboration of past pupils and businesses in the area.
