The New Archbishop

The new Archbishop of Turin was Alexander Riccardi. He was born at Biella on May 28, 1808. he became a court chaplain, cathedral canon and royal almoner of King Albert, and the bishop of Savona. He became so close to Don Bosco and both of them became good friends. However, upon Don Bosco’s request for help in the establishment of the Society, the Archbishop became cold to him upon learning that it would be found as a Religious Congregation. If it were a diocesan society, he would have been more than wiling, but it wasn't. The Archbishop felt hurt, and despite all the tries of Don Bosco to bring back their friendship, the former was adamant. BM 67

Keep in mind that Don Bosco did receive “cold shoulders” even from the dignitaries of the Church. But even though, he was not scandalized nor offended. Salesians do the same. With loyalty to the Church, we treat superiors of the diocese with utmost respect.

Article 57: An open community “The Salesian community works in communion with the particular Church... It becomes a sign revealing Christ and his saving presence among men, and becomes a leaven giving rise to new vocations after the example of the first community of Valdocco”