Hajja Salesjana

Educative Environment: Bible phrases on the portico walls For the portico’s educational and catechetical purposes, Don Bosco commissioned Peter Enria to paint a series of biblical passages in Latin with Italian translation that he affixed to the walls. The phrases placed beneath the arches were essentially a catechesis on the sacrament of penance; the ones above the pillars quoted the ten commandments. The marble plaques we see today are reproductions and only partially reproduce the original texts. The Good Night talk and the first wireless salesian social communications platform During the ten years in which Mamma Margaret lived in Valdoccco (November 3, 1846 – November 25, 1856), she established the cherished tradition of the Salesian “Good Night Talk”. At the end of each day, she would visit each of the boys to tuck them into bed and with maternal tenderness she would share an inspiring story, a prayer, or a gentle word of correction as needed. In 1856 when she died and the second half ofCasa Don Bosco was complete, Don Bosco took over the Good Night tradition. But with a twist. He no longer visited each of the boys individually because there were now 76 resident students and the number was constantly growing. He gathered them under the portico where he would deliver the Good Night to them as a group and conclude with night prayers. This was great idea… in theory. But there was one logistical problem. Don Bosco was short, standing at only 1.6 metres, or just over five feet tall. He was lost in the sea of boys. Typical of Don Bosco, a practical problem inspired a practical solution. He established the first “wireless salesian social communications platform”, otherwise known as the Good Night pulpit from which he was clearly visible to all. With the recent renovations for Casa Don Bosco Museum, a delightful new addition 22 hajja Fr. Mike Pace, SDB, Vice-Director, Casa Don Bosco Museum, Turin Views from Valdocco THE PORTICO: HOSPITALITY HUB AND OPEN AIR EDUCATIONAL SPACE The portico running across the entire south façade of Don Bosco House was an intentional feature desired by Don Bosco. More than a charming, typically Piedmontese architectural tradition, it served many pastoral purposes. It formed an integral part of Don Bosco’s spirituality of hospitality, recreation, catechesis and education. It was a place to welcome the endless stream of visitors waiting for their moment to seekspiritual guidance from Don Bosco. It was a place where the boys could play and gather when it was hot or rainy. It was an environment conducive to faith formation, even as the boys played. Jannar-Marzu 2024