Carlo Gastini remained loyal to Don Bosco throughout his life, serving as a lay collaborator and working as a bookbinder in Valdocco.
Carlo’s love and gratitude towards Don Bosco inspired him to set up the first association of past pupils from Valdocco on the 24th June 1870. Guided by Don Bosco, Carlo planted the first seeds that grew into the largest group of the Salesian Family in the five continents.
The World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco commissioned a monument to mark Carlo Gastini as the founder of this movement and association. World President Bryan Magro said that “This monument symbolises the legacy of Carlo Gastini and is dedicated to all the past pupils and friends of Don Bosco around the world.”
Next week, past pupils and friends of Don Bosco will meet for the Extraordinary General World Assembly with 200 participants from 38 countries and over 150 online participants from another 30 countries.
Bro Dominic Nam SDB, the World Delegate of past pupils and friends of Don Bosco said “The monument of Carlo Gastini in Valdocco means a lot to all Past Pupils which reminds them that Valdocco is always a home that welcomes, a home that nurtures their Salesian Spirituality, a home that invites them to share the Salesian mission.”
This bronze bas-relief monument, sculpted by Mauro Baldessari commemorates the remarkable journey of the past pupils and friends of Don Bosco. The central figure, Carlo Gastini, stands as the founder of the first association.
The sculpture symbolizes the boundless vision of Don Bosco and the growth of the largest group within the Salesian Family. The dream that began in Valdocco has evolved to embrace the entire world. The faces of the past pupils surrounding Gastini represent the diversity of the movement, with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.
Salesian holiness is represented in various figures such as St. Louis Orione, Akash Bashir, Ceferino Namuncurà, and Blessed Alberto Marvelli are depicted, highlighting their road to sanctity. The presence of Pope Francis, also a past pupil, symbolizes the unity between the Salesian Family and the Church.
A young girl gazing into the future represents the continuity of the movement of past pupils and friends of Don Bosco. The book placed between Don Bosco and Gastini signifies the profession of Carlo, a bookbinder, and emphasizes the importance of social communication and creative arts in the Salesian pastoral work. The dome of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin serves as a reminder of Don Bosco’s devotion to Mary and her protection over the Salesian work.
The World Confederation of Past Pupils of Don Bosco is an international organization that unites past pupils and friends of Don Bosco. Inspired by the Salesian charism, members are committed to living the values of education, social work, and solidarity. Through various initiatives, they contribute positively to society, support the Salesian work with young people, and foster solidarity among past pupils worldwide.
