Review Excerpts
This book will remain an inevitable and very suggestive point of reference for all studies on founders of Orders, and in a broader context, a reference for those Catholics and Non-Cathoics, who wonder how responsive the plethora of Religious Orders is to the reality of our times, and whether they have the capacity to suggest a proactive perspective for everyone today.
Antonino Drago
Recipient of the prestigious Premio Nazionale Cultura della Pace (2000), Professor emeritus of the history of physics at the University of Naples (1986-2004) and Italian pacifist. Click here to view his CV .
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The value of this book is not only in its historical accuracy, in its deep analysis of Don Bosco’s behaviour in a conflict situation, or in highlighting his unique contribution to the culture of peace but more importantly in inspiring insights for our world and our actions as Christians and as peacebuilders.
Sr Alessandra Smerilli, FMA
Secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Vatican City.Click here to view her CV.
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It is opportune and significant that this path-breaking book dedicated to Don Bosco’s peace culture be published precisely in this year 2022, a year in which the disciples and admirers of St. Francis de Sales celebrate the 400th anniversary of his death. The patron saint of Don Bosco and of the Salesian family deserves this felicitous privilege.
Fr Morand Wirth, SDB
Historian, Prolific Author & Spiritual Guide at Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), Rome
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This publication offers a new perspective on the life of Don Bosco through an elaborate study. Seen through the lens of Galtung's theory, the categories of peacekeeping, peacemaking and peacebuilding create interpretative coordinates that help to throw new light on the preventive and expressive dimensions of Don Bosco's educational method for our times.
Fr Michal Vojtáš, SDB
Chair of Salesian History and Pedagogy & Director of the Don Bosco Study Centre, UPS, Rome
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The publication in question breaks new ground for further studies on the Piedmontese Saint in a justifiable way. The chosen approach is scientific and acceptable. The starting point is based on the studies of Johan Galtung which occupy a fundamental place in the literature on peace. With this legitimacy, the volume constructs a firm theoretical framework to analyze Don Bosco's thought and action. The outcome is that the Saint emerges incontrovertibly as an "artisan of peace".
Fr Guglielmo Malizia, SDB
Professor emeritus, Chair of sociology and politics of educational institutions, UPS, Rome.
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I am happy that you have faced the task of classifying and deepening this [peace] aspect of Don Bosco's life and work, using (and expanding) valid scientific methods of classification across the wide and variegated spectrum of our rich cultural heritage.
Fr. Albino Ronco, SDB
Professor emeritus, Chair of General Psychology
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I have found it extremely well written, very interesting, very professional. I enjoyed it. I hope that your book will be published soon, and receives the accolade it deserves.
Fr Michael Winstanley, SDB
Provincial of the Salesian province of Great Britain (twice), Formation delegate, Spiritual Director, Author and Preacher.
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I’m reading your book, though not in order. It is very interesting and a great contribution. Don Bosco emerges as a very likeable and valuable character. Wonderful work. Congratulations.
Joe Thannickal, SDB
PhD GTF Indiana, MA Psychology Santa Clara U, MA OD CIIS San Francisco, Research in Oxford U., Stanford U, and UPS, Rome. Program Director Don Bosco Renewal Centre.