It was the evening of Nov. 11, 1922, when four religious from the Society of St. Francis de Sales arrived in the San Marino town of Borgo Maggiore: Fr. Giuseppe Ulcelli, Rector of the new Community, writer, poet, playwright; Fr. Francesco Bernaudo, confessor; Spartaco Mannucci, cleric; and Br. Angelo Mensali, Salesian coadjutor. With few items in their suitcases, but with the enthusiasm of the founders, they settled in the "Martelli House." They brought the effigy of Mary Help of Christians and the then Venerable John Bosco with them. In their hearts, a phrase of his as encouragement: "Do what you can, God will do what we cannot do. Trust everything in Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and in Mary Help of Christians, and you will see what miracles are."
It was not long before "the miracles" materialized: the officiating of the church of Our Lady became the church of the Salesians; then the festive and daily oratory aimed at children and young people; the day and evening after-school program; a singing school; the monthly "The Friend of the Youth" in January 1923; the construction of a playground, the purchase of other premises and the adaptation of the "Martelli House," with the addition of an oratory hall and theater in 1927; catechism for children; the opening of the Boarding School: "Salesian Institute"; the theater company; the "Libertas" sports team; the Explorers; "St. John Bosco" Catholic Action; the "Don Bosco Circle"; the "Little Clergy" group, the Past Pupils since 1941 and immediately the Salesian Cooperators; the pastoral care of other churches in San Marino, with attached festive oratories; and the school of religion in two educational institutions.
"These miracles," says Pier Paolo Forcellini, President of the Union of Past Pupils of Don Bosco of the Republic of San Marino, "were the answers to the expectations and consideration of the population of Borgo Maggiore. But also the response to the civil and religious personalities of the Republic and the Diocese, who took action so that the Salesians would come to San Marino."
It was Msgr. Alfonso Maria Andreoli, Bishop of Montefeltro, in 1906, who wrote to Fr. Michele Rua, first Successor of Don Bosco, to invite the Salesians to San Marino. And less than a year after the arrival of the first Salesians, with the unanimous consent of the authorities and the population, the official inauguration of the Salesian Work in the Republic of San Marino was solemnized on Sunday, August 19, 1923. And Fr. Filippo Rinaldi, Don Bosco's third Successor, issued the decree of the canonical erection of the house in Borgo Maggiore on February 2, 1928.
"After 100 years, the Salesians are still in San Marino, called to continue a history of generous donation to the education of young people," Forcellini concluded.
A rich program of events has been prepared to celebrate the centenary:
- Friday, November 11 at 8:30 p.m. (UTC+1) at the Kursaal Convention Center, Round Table: "A Look at the Education of Young People in the Style of Don Bosco," led by journalist Benedetta Rinaldi. Speakers: Fr. Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus of the Salesians; Dr. Emilio Mancuso, journalist. Musical interludes by students of the San Marino Music Institute.
- Saturday, Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.: Tribute to the monument of Don Bosco located in Borgo Maggiore. At 6:30 p.m.: Centenary Pre-festive Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, presided by Fr. Chávez, in the presence of parishioners and former students.
- Sunday, Nov. 13 at 10:00 a.m., at the Parish of Saints Peter, Marino e Leone in Murata, Solemn Eucharistic Concelebration, presided over by Fr. Chávez, with benefactors and authorities also present. To follow: a musical tribute to the statue of Don Bosco, community agape in the "Don Bosco" oratory settings, games, and entertainment for children and parents.
