Saints
Saint John Bosco has inspired thousands of people, young and old, priests, brothers, sisters and lay people, to strive for holiness in their lives. The Church has recognised many of them as outstanding in holiness and deserving the titles of Saint, Blessed, Venerable or Servant of God.
Blessed Philip Rinaldi 1856-1931
5th December
Philip Rinaldi was born on 28th May 1856 in Lu Monferrato. Rinaldi went to study at Mirabello Monferrato, where the Salesians oversaw his education, guided by Paolo Albera. But Rinaldi decided to return home, despite the persuasion of Don Bosco.
Rinaldi continued his work as a farmer, but Don Bosco was persistent in trying to get Rinaldi back, with even Don Albera sending books about religious vocations and the process of discernment. In 1874, Don Bosco visited Rinaldi and his family, to try and convince Rinaldi to restart his religious studies. But Rinaldi was very adamant in his decision to stay at home and work. Don Bosco's insistence managed to get Rinaldi's parents, as well as some people in the town, to try and convince him to go back to his studies.
In 1876, Rinaldi was getting prepared to get married, but Don Bosco visited him once again to get Rinaldi to consider religious life as a more viable vocation. And in 1877, Rinaldi agreed to go to the Salesian house in Sampierdarena, which Don Bosco referred to as a place 'for late vocations'.
After sometime in Sampierdarena, he joined the novitiate in 1879. He made his first profession in 1880 before his priestly ordination in 1882. Once he became a priest he was appointed as the director of the house for late vocations in Mathi, Italy.
When Don Rua, took over as Rector Major, he sent Rinaldi as director of the house In Sarriá, Spain, later taking over as Provincial. However, after 2 years, he was ordered back to Turin to become the Vicar General. In 1910, Don Albera took over as Rector Major, and upon Albera's death, Don Rinaldi became the third successor of Don Bosco, in 1922.
Don Rinaldi saw the importance of a new form of consecrated life that didn't involve being a priest or a sister, so he helped to form the Volunteers of Don Bosco. He helped out with Salesian missions, sending many young Salesians out to learn languages and customs to help with evangelisation.
He died on 5th December 1931.
He was beatified on 29th April 1990 by Pope John Paul II.
His feast is celebrated on the 5th December.