Founder of the Salesian Society, born Becchi, Piedmont, Italy, 1815; died Turin, Italy, 1888. A priest at Turin, he decided to devote his life to neglected orphan boys, and in February, 1842, he formed the Oratory, an association of twenty youths, whose numbers grew rapidly and for whom he built night-schools, technical schools, workshops, and a dormitory. This was the foundation of the Salesian Society, which now cares for thousands of boys all over the world, and was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1874. He was declared Venerable by Pope Pius X, July 24, 1907, and Blessed by Pope Pius XI, June 2, 1929.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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