Michael Rua
Encyclopedia
Blessed Michael Rua was an Italian Catholic activist, a friend of Don Bosco and co-founder and first Rector Major of the Salesians
.
The last of nine children, he entered Don Bosco’s Oratory in 1852. One day Don Bosco told him: “We two will go halves in everything”.
He was among the first few with whom Don Bosco shared the idea of forming the "Salesian Society." For 36 years he was Don Bosco’s closest collaborator in the development of the congregation. He made his first profession in 1855, was the first Spiritual Director of the Society at the age of 22 years (1859), ordained priest in 1860, first Rector of the college at Mirabello at 26 years (1863–65), Vice Rector at Valdocco, manager of the Letture Cattoliche (Catholic Readings), involved in formation, director of the "Daughters of Mary Help of Christians" (1875), companion of Don Bosco on his journeys, among others. At the explicit request of Don Bosco, Pope Leo XIII
designated him to be his successor and confirmed him as Rector Major in 1888.
Nicknamed "The Living Rule" because of his austere fidelity, Don Rua was also known for his fatherliness and goodness. As the numbers of members and communities increased he sent Salesians all over the world, showing special care for the missionary expeditions.
In the long journeys which he undertook to visit the Salesian works in Europe and in the Middle East
he was a constant source of comfort and encouragement, always referring to the founder of the order: “Don Bosco used to say… Don Bosco used to do it this way… Don Bosco wanted…”
When he died in 1910, at the age of 73, the Society had grown from 773 to 4000 Salesians, from 57 to 345 communities, from 6 to 34 provinces in 33 countries.
During the Beatification
ceremony on 29 October 1972, Pope Paul VI
declared:
His body is venerated in Turin in the crypt
of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and his feast day is celebrated on 29 October.
Rector Major of the Salesians
The Rector Major of the Salesians is the title of a Catholic priest that is elected as the general superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco...
.
The last of nine children, he entered Don Bosco’s Oratory in 1852. One day Don Bosco told him: “We two will go halves in everything”.
He was among the first few with whom Don Bosco shared the idea of forming the "Salesian Society." For 36 years he was Don Bosco’s closest collaborator in the development of the congregation. He made his first profession in 1855, was the first Spiritual Director of the Society at the age of 22 years (1859), ordained priest in 1860, first Rector of the college at Mirabello at 26 years (1863–65), Vice Rector at Valdocco, manager of the Letture Cattoliche (Catholic Readings), involved in formation, director of the "Daughters of Mary Help of Christians" (1875), companion of Don Bosco on his journeys, among others. At the explicit request of Don Bosco, Pope Leo XIII
Pope Leo XIII
Pope Leo XIII , born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci to an Italian comital family, was the 256th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, reigning from 1878 to 1903...
designated him to be his successor and confirmed him as Rector Major in 1888.
Nicknamed "The Living Rule" because of his austere fidelity, Don Rua was also known for his fatherliness and goodness. As the numbers of members and communities increased he sent Salesians all over the world, showing special care for the missionary expeditions.
In the long journeys which he undertook to visit the Salesian works in Europe and in the Middle East
Middle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
he was a constant source of comfort and encouragement, always referring to the founder of the order: “Don Bosco used to say… Don Bosco used to do it this way… Don Bosco wanted…”
When he died in 1910, at the age of 73, the Society had grown from 773 to 4000 Salesians, from 57 to 345 communities, from 6 to 34 provinces in 33 countries.
During the Beatification
Beatification
Beatification is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name . Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process...
ceremony on 29 October 1972, Pope Paul VI
Pope Paul VI
Paul VI , born Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini , reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 21 June 1963 until his death on 6 August 1978. Succeeding Pope John XXIII, who had convened the Second Vatican Council, he decided to continue it...
declared:
His body is venerated in Turin in the crypt
Crypt
In architecture, a crypt is a stone chamber or vault beneath the floor of a burial vault possibly containing sarcophagi, coffins or relics....
of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians and his feast day is celebrated on 29 October.
External links
- Biography - Salesian Order of Don Bosco
- Bio. From The Salesian society (UK)
- Pope Paul IV's Homily on the event of Don Michele Rua's Beatification (Google translated from Italian)
- http://www.salesians.org.uk/dbuk/blesseds1.html
- http://www.clairval.com/lettres/en/2005/02/09/2090205.htm
- Michael Rua School, Walkerville