During the period in question the ‘useless slaughter’ of the Great War (1915-18) took place, which also had a great influence on the still young Salesian Congregation, and 4 Rector Majors (Fr Michael Rua, Fr Paul Albera, Fr Philip Rinaldi and Fr Peter Ricaldone) succeeded one another.
At first glance, there were some brief and almost functional GC meetings – either for the election of the Rector Major, or for the completion of unresolved issues from previous sessions – and others of greater depth and impact, where organisational and structural decisions were made to mark the path of the Pious Salesian Society more incisively in the years to come.
For example, GC8 was certainly one of the most important, both for the topics discussed and for the number of participants, and because the Rector Major was elected by vote for the first time. It was the last time that the General Chapter elected the Director General of Novices in the person of Fr Giulio Barberis, and a proposal was made to elect as many Directors as there were Novitiates.
The 9th General Chapter also had significant influence: it was in fact at that Chapter that the Salesian Provinces were established, it was decided to hold Chapters every six years, and it was established that from the following Chapter not all the Rectors would participate, but only the Provincials with one Delegate for each Province.
GC10 was the last one presided over by Fr Rua and was celebrated with a certain solemnity. During the proceedings, Don Bosco's body was uncovered in the presence of Cardinal Richelmy and all the Chapter members, who had expressed a strong desire to see Don Bosco again.
After CG11, which elected Fr Paul Albera and undertook a revision of the various Regulations proposed ad experimentum by CG10, it would be necessary to wait 12 years for another chapter, due to the First World War; and presiding over this new one would no longer be Fr Albera, who had died in 1921, but Fr Rinaldi, in his role as General Prefect.
Again, with the process of post-war reorganisation and the adaptation of the life of the Congregation to the new Code of Canon Law already underway, GC13 focused on the reorganisation of the Salesian Society at various levels, with attention to the studies of the religious, professional formation and the missions, in a climate of marked enthusiasm due to the beatification of the Founder, Don Bosco.
Finally, GC14 had to proceed with a new leadership transition, with an almost equal vote (83 votes out of 87) for Fr Peter Ricaldone.
Below is a summary of these 7 General Chapters of the Salesians of Don Bosco (1898-1932), indicating the original structure with details on the President (Rector Major), Moderator, members, location, duration, key themes and particular notes or significant developments.
8. GC8 (1898) – Unity of Spirit
- Place: Turin, Valsalice
- Duration: 6 days (29 August – 3 September 1898)
- President: Fr Michael Rua
- Moderator: Fr Francesco Cerruti
- Members: 217 Chapter members
- Themes: Strengthening of unity of spirit, revision of regulations and practical application of deliberations.
- Significant notes and developments: Introduction of the three-year practical training for young Salesians.
9. GC9 (1901) – Establishment of the Provinces
- Place: Turin, Valsalice
- Duration: 5 days (1–5 September 1901)
- President: Fr Michael Rua
- Moderator: Fr Francesco Cerruti
- Members: 154 Chapter members, 8 consultants
- Topics: Creation of the Provinces, theological studies and practical training.
- Notes and significant developments: First canonical institution of the Salesian Provinces.
10. GC10 (1904) – Legislative Framework
- Place: Turin, Valsalice
- Duration: 22 days (23 August – 13 September 1904)
- President: Fr Michael Rua
- Moderator: Fr Francesco Cerruti
- Members: 75 Chapter members
- Topics: Regulation of General Chapters and novitiates.
- Significant notes and developments: Election of members at the level of provinces.
11. GC11 (1910) – Transition of Leadership
- Place: Turin, Valsalice
- Duration: 17 days (15–31 August 1910)
- President: Fr Paul Albera
- Moderator: Fr Luigi Piscetta
- Members: 73 Chapter members
- Topics: Election of Fr Paul Albera as Rector Major and revision of regulations at all levels
- Significant notes and developments: Emphasis on maintaining the paternal spirit of the directors.
12. GC12 (1922) – Post-War Reorganisation
- Place: Turin, Oratory of St Francis de Sales
- Duration: 17 days (23 April – 9 May 1922)
- President: Fr Philip Rinaldi
- Moderator: Fr Luigi Piscetta
- Members: 64 Chapter members
- Topics: Adaptation to the 1917 Code of Canon Law.
- Significant notes and developments: First GC after a 12-year break due to World War I.
13. GC XIII (1929) – Missionary Expansion and Ecclesiastical Studies
- Place: Turin, Valsalice
- Duration: 12 days (9–20 July 1929)
- President: Fr Philip Rinaldi
- Moderator: Fr Bartolomeo Fascie
- Members: 88 Chapter members
- Topics: Reorganisation of ecclesiastical studies and professional schools, organic development of missions
- Significant notes and developments: The Chapter was held in the euphoria of the beatification of Don Bosco (2 June 1929).
14. GC14 (1932) – Transition of Leadership
- Place: Turin, Valdocco
- Duration: 3 days (16–18 May 1932)
- President: Fr Peter Ricaldone
- Moderator: Fr Bartolomeo Fascie
- Members: 87 chapter members
- Topics: Election of Fr Peter Ricaldone as Rector Major.
- Significant notes and developments: Extraordinary chapter, convened following the death of Fr Rinaldi (5 December 1931).
