Hajja Salesjana January-March 2021

33 H AJJA S ALESJANA Inauguration Highlights The inauguration ceremonies extended over three days. Friday, October 2 was a press conference. The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Vittorio Sgarbi, Italian art critic and historian, politician, cultural commentator, television personality… and salesian past pupil. Since he is renowned for his acerbic diatribes, we all breathed a sigh of relief when he gave only accolades to Casa Don Bosco Museum. Saturday, October 3 was for dignitaries, including twelve Ambassadors to the Holy See, Piedmontese political representatives and Turin’s mayor, who proudly noted that even in environments which are hostile to the Church, Don Bosco is always well received and his message still opens door. Sunday October 4 was the grand opening to the general public,which culminated in a solemn mass presided by Fr. Angel Youth Presence Gives the Museum its Raison d’Etre While all the formalities were unfolding inside, the high school students from the Valdocco culinary school rolled out a sumptuous reception in the courtyard. Most of the students are recent immigrants to Turin… not unlike Don Bosco’s boys. Their expertise, pride and hard work was the most precious treasure to be revealed over these three days of celebration. They remind us why Casa Don Bosco Museum exists: to keep alive Don Bosco’s dream of work and paradise for young people. In the Works We’ve partnered with Google to create a virtual CASA DON BOSCO MUSEUM. Stay tuned! Our social media platforms will soon be in Italian, English and Spanish. https://www.museocasadonbosco.it Museo Casa Don Bosco museo_casadonbosco From left to right: Fr. Christian Besso, SDB, Art Historian, Dr. Stefania Di Vita, Museum Director, Fr. Angel Fernandez Artime, Rector Major, Fr. Mike Pace, SDB, Museum Vice-Director