GC29 serves as a pivotal moment for the Congregation—an opportunity to reaffirm its Salesian charism and look toward the future, guided by the theme: "Passionate about Jesus Christ, Dedicated to Young People." This message underscores the need to rediscover the heart of the Salesian vocation, placing young people at the center of the mission.
The Monferrato Path of Don Bosco: A New Spiritual Journey
In this context, an ambitious and inspiring initiative is taking shape: the Monferrato Path of Don Bosco, a spiritual route spanning nearly 200 kilometers, retracing the paths walked by Don Bosco during his famous autumn outings with his young students. These journeys, organized by Don Bosco, were more than simple excursions—they were authentic apostolic experiences, opportunities for evangelization, youth formation, and encounters with local communities.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Salesians of Piedmont, has received support from Basso Monferrato Astigiano Local Action Group (GAL), Italian Alpine Club (CAI) sections of Asti, Casale, and San Salvatore with the Municipality of Castelnuovo Don Bosco, serving as the project leader. The central point of the route is Colle Don Bosco, the birthplace of Salesian spirituality and the foundation of the Salesian Family.
Currently in the process of official recognition as a religious route by the Piedmont Region, the Monferrato Path aims to blend tourism, faith, and history, offering pilgrims the chance to discover lesser-known places linked to Don Bosco’s life and mission.
A Journey Through Faith, History, and Tradition
The Monferrato Path of Don Bosco covers 198.8 kilometers, passing through historic towns and sites tied to the Salesian mission, including: Colle Don Bosco, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Capriglio, Montechiaro, Penango, Montemagno, Portacomaro, Viarigi, Vignale, Casale Monferrato, Mirabello & Sanctuary of Crea.
The route is divided into ten stages, accessible by foot, bicycle, or car, allowing pilgrims to personalize their experience based on time and physical ability. This initiative is actively supported by local governments, tourism organizations, and hospitality services, with the goal of enhancing the region and providing pilgrims with an authentic spiritual and cultural experience.
A Legacy of Vocations and Missionary Spirit
Between 1848 and 1864, Don Bosco led similar autumn excursions with his students, journeys that inspired many young men to embrace religious life. This new pilgrimage revives that tradition, connecting sanctuaries, churches, and villages linked to Don Bosco’s life and mission.
The Monferrato region has produced exceptional Salesians and missionaries, including: Blessed Filippo Rinaldi (Lu Monferrato) – Pioneer of the Salesian mission in Spain and 3rd Successor of Don Bosco, Blessed Luigi Variara (Viarigi) – Apostle to lepers in Colombia and founder of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Fr. Pietro Ricaldone (Mirabello) – Rector Major, Bishop Giovanni Cagliero (Castelnuovo Don Bosco) – Missionary in Argentina and Central America, Bishop Luigi Lasagna (Montemagno) – Missionary in Uruguay and Brazil, Franco Della Valle (Montechiaro) – Missionary in Brazil, Ernesto Coppo (Rosignano) – Missionary in the United States and Australia, Fr. Guarona (San Salvatore) – Vicar General of St. Luigi Versiglia in China.
From these lands also came: Fr. Evasio Rabagliati (Occimiano) – Missionary in Chile and Colombia, Fr. Bernardo Vacchina (Revignano) – Missionary in Patagonia, Bishop Giuseppe Fagnano (Rocchetta Tanaro) – Missionary in Tierra del Fuego, Fr. Evasio Garrone (Grana) – Missionary in Patagonia, Fr. Gianni Casetta (San Damiano) – Missionary in Thailand. In total, over 150 missionaries from this region have carried Don Bosco’s charism and Monferrato’s values worldwide.
The legacy extends even further—over 700 missionaries were formed in the first Salesian houses in Monferrato, including Mirabello, Borgo San Martino, and Penango, before embarking on missions abroad.
A Unique Opportunity for Spiritual and Cultural Growth
The Monferrato Path of Don Bosco is now part of the great European spiritual routes, akin to: The Camino de Santiago, The Way of St. Francis (Umbria), The Way of St. Benedict (Marche). Yet, this new route holds a deeply Salesian identity. Each stage includes stops at spiritually and historically significant locations, providing pilgrims with opportunities to deepen their faith while discovering the rich heritage of Monferrato.
This initiative serves as a formative experience for Pilgrims on foot, bicycle, or car retracing Don Bosco’s steps; Friends of Don Bosco, Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) groups, parish groups, student groups, and animators; Vocational discernment groups and families. Participants will walk the same paths as Don Bosco, pray in the places where he prayed, and experience the hospitality of the communities he visited.
How to Participate
Anyone can embark on this pilgrimage individually or in groups, following guidance from local coordinators. A dedicated guidebook and website (under development) will provide: Preparation materials, Registration forms, The Pilgrim Credential (Carta del Pellegrino) & Hospitality information along the route. The Pilgrim Credential allows participants to collect stamps at each stage, certifying their journey and granting them discounts at partner accommodations and restaurants. At the end of the pilgrimage, at Colle Don Bosco, pilgrims will receive a certificate of participation.
? For more information and registration:
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A Journey of Faith and Community
As St. John Paul II once said: "Where the saints walk, God walks with them! For those who encounter them, nothing remains the same."
The Monferrato Path of Don Bosco is more than a tourist route—it is a spiritual journey, a chance to engage with local communities through celebrations, prayer, and cultural activities. On the 150th anniversary of Don Bosco’s missions, this new pilgrimage stands as a tangible sign of the vitality of the Salesian charism, inviting all to rediscover the beauty of faith and the rich heritage of Monferrato.
