Blessed Michael Rua

Life story

Michael Rua was born on 9 June 1837 in Turin, the youngest of nine children. In 1852 he came to John Bosco's oratory; according to the Salesian account, Bosco told him “we will go halves in everything.” He professed as a Salesian in 1855 and was ordained a priest on 29 July 1860.

He took on responsibilities early. In 1859 he became the society's first spiritual director, at twenty-two. From 1863 to 1865 he was the first director of the Mirabello college, the first Salesian house outside Turin. Later he was responsible for formation and personnel, and from 1875 he was director general of the Salesian Sisters and accompanied Bosco on his journeys.

In 1884, at Bosco's explicit request, Pope Leo XIII named him Bosco's successor. After Bosco died in 1888 he was confirmed as Rector Major and held that office until 1910. During these years the society grew from 773 to about 4,000 members, from 57 to 345 houses and from 6 to 34 provinces, present in 33 countries.

He died on 6 April 1910 in Turin. Pope Paul VI beatified him on 29 October 1972, and his liturgical memorial is kept on 29 October.

Works and witness

• Professed as a Salesian in 1855 and ordained a priest in 1860
• First spiritual director of the society and first director of Mirabello college
• Named by Pope Leo XIII as Don Bosco's successor in 1884
• Rector Major from 1888 to 1910, when the society reached 33 countries
• Beatified on 29 October 1972

Saints from the same country

Saint Agnes, Saint Lawrence, Saint Cecilia, Saint Sebastian

References

• Salesians of Don Bosco (sdb.org), Michael Rua, profile in Salesian Holiness
• Salesians of Don Bosco UK, Blessed Michael Rua (salesians.org.uk)

Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.