Francis de Sales 400.

Temporary exhibition

On the occasion of the fourth centenary of the death of St. Francis de Sales, Casa Don Bosco Museum presents Francis de Sales 400, an exhibition about the life, faith and spirituality of the Savoyard Bishop.

Francis de Sales 400 is opens its doors from January 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Visitors will learn about this exceptional renaissance leader through a salesian reading of the 17th c. influences which shaped his life.

The Exhibition will be inaugurated on January 15, at 10.30 a.m. in the Teatro Grande of the Salesian Mother House in Valdocco. This event is by invitation only but will be live-streamed.

In accordance with prevailing health protocols, visitors must display their Super Green Pass, wear a FFP2 face mask and submit to a body temperature reading.

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January 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023.

January 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023.

INAUGURATION OF THE EXHIBITION.

The inauguration of the exhibition “Francis de Sales 400” takes place on Saturday, January 15, 10:30 a.m. at the Teatro Grande of the Salesian Mother House in Valdocco.

The event will be presided by Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, Rector Major of the Salesians, and Fr. Leonardo Mancini, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Piedmont, Valle d’Aosta and Lithuania.

Our presenters will be Fr. Michele Molinar, Provincial Vicar and Delegate for the Piedmont Salesian Family, Fr. Cristian Besso, Dean of the Pontifical University of Theology (Salesians Crocetta), Stefania De Vita, Director of Casa Don Bosco Museum and Dr. Enrica Pagella, Director of the Royal Museums of Turin.
Actor Roberto Accornero will read two passages from Francis’s de Sales famed Philothea, supported by Renaissance vocal and instrumental music. The theme song written for de Sales’ 400th anniversary, “Il cuore parla al cuore” (Heart Speaks to the Heart), will also be premiered. It is an original composition by Salesian priest Maurizio Palazzo, Director of Music at the Turin’s Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians. This musical animation will be provided by the young adult choir, “Sal.es”, conducted by Fr. Palazzo.

The inauguration is by invitation only and is free of charge.

It will be live-streamed.

In accordance with prevailing health protocols, visitors must display their Super Green Pass, wear a FFP2 face mask and submit to a body temperature reading.

THE EXHIBITION.

Francis de Sales 400 opens its doors from January 15, 2022 to January 15, 2023. Visitors will learn about this exceptional renaissance leader through a salesian reading of the 17th c. influences which shaped his life.

The Exhibition has three main elements:

  • biographical notes on the Saint;
  • iconography of the Savoyard Bishop at Don Bosco’s early Oratory;
  • foundational elements of Salesian spirituality and pedagogy.

Come to the Exhibition and ponder a 1618 portrait of St. Francis. Admire the liturgical vestments he wore (pre-1622), some of which are hand embroidered by St. Jane Francis Frémiot de Chantal (1610-1622). Read one of his handwritten letters dated 1608. Appreciate the many prints, books and other rare treasures that carry his legacy, such as a 1613 piedmontese crafted bone medallion, carved to commemorate Francis’ presence at the display of the Holy Shroud which took place in Turin that year.

Many thanks to our cherished collaborators who helped make this Exhibition possible: the The Archeology and Fine Arts Superintendency of Turin, the Visitation Monasteries in Annecy and Moncalieri, the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation (la Consolata) in Turin, and the Institute of the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians in Piedmont.

OPENING HOURS

  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday & Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday & Friday: 14:30 – 17:30
  • Saturday & Sunday: 9:30 – 12:30 & 14:30 – 17:30