Steps to the Approval of the Society

Don Bosco’s lottery officially ended on April 1, 1867. The results were published in Gazetta Ufficiale and in a circular to organizers and distributors. Meanwhile, he kept pressing for the Holy See’s approval of the Rules of the Salesian Society or at least for the authorization for issuing dismissorial letters. He called several Cardinals in Rome and pursued his goals by mail. The Pope’s vicar general, Constantine Cardinal Patrizi graciously replied on March 29, 1867, saying that they discussed the matter with Monsignor Fratejacci and brought it up to Cardinal Quaglia, prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Bishops and Regulars. However, the approval was not yet given due to major obstacles that blocked the Society. Don Bosco asked Archbishop Joseph Berardi of Nicea to use his influence, but his reply was of the same tenor as of Cardinal Patrizi. He was aware of the difficulties but he left it peacefully to Divine Providence to dispose events for God’s greater glory. BM 62

Keep in mind that Don Bosco went step by step towards the approval of the Salesian Society. Here, he not only showed his enterprise, but also his patience and trust in Divine Providence. As a Salesian, projects may arise. Do all you can, and entrust the rest to God.

Article 125: The Supreme Pontiff “The Salesian Society has as its highest superior, the Supreme Pontiff. Even by reason of the Vow of Obedience, the members are filially submissive to his authority, and available for the good of the universal Church. They welcome his magisterium with docility ad help the faithful, especially the young to accept his teachings.”