| ORIGINAL | ENGLISH | COMMENT | CITATION |
|---|
| sacerdote [IT] | priest | prete (priest), ministro (minister) and sacerdote (priest): three synonymous terms for practical purposes. The latter term refers more to the traditional ministry which has evolved from Old Testament times, and stresses the link with sacrifice. Prete (priest) on the other hand, is more connected to the term elder or old person, hence connected to hierarchy. English has to turn to a phrase (sacerdotal ministry) to express the sense of sacerdote. | DBMagone:..perderlo in quella notte medesima, avevamo stabilito che il sacerdote D. Zattini, |
| sacramento [IT] | sacrament | The term, when capitalised in English is likely to refer to a specific sacrament (e.g. Sacrament of Baptism) or perhaps to the Church as the Sacrament of Salvation. | DBdomsav:..questo augusto sacramento,... |
| Sacro Cuore [IT] | Sacred Heart | Built by DB in Rome. DB mentions the devotion to the Sacred Heart in his ''Giovane Provveduto'' but it is not a strongly prominent element in his spirituality. Don Rua, following the Church's leanings at the time (1900) issued an instruction on the devotion for Salesians. It has received more recent impetus from JP II. | CG20:..la Messa del 16 maggio 1887 al Sacro Cuore di Roma, in cui capisce, piangendo, tutta la sua vita |
| sala della comunità [IT] | parish hall | The new concept of the parish hall (there could be a better translation) as found in the Italian term here does not exist in English. It really means a place where many things could happen 'film, video, theatre, music, tied to the role of the parish as a community of faith. Umberto Eco credits DB as having founded, in the Oratory, a concept akin to what the ''sala della comunità'' is intended to be. | |
| Salesiane Oblate del Sacro Cuore SOSC [IT] | Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart SOSC | Founded in Reggio Calabria in 1933 by Bishop Cognata. Members of the Salesian Family. | vecchi ACG371:...esposti all'interesse dei singoli (sala della comunità, biblioteca), facendo una selezione intelligente per presentare... |
| Salesiani di Don Bosco SDB [IT] | Salesians of Don Bosco SDB | | |
| salesianità [IT] | Salesianity | | |
| salesiano [IT] | Salesian | Noun and adjective. Note that we capitalise the term in English both as noun and adjective. Italian orthography rules allow uncapitalised form especially as an adjective. | DBletrom:...qualcuno poi avvertiva ma in atto minaccioso e ciò raramente. Vi era qualche Salesiano che avrebbe desiderato... |
| Salesianum [LA] | Salesianum | The Salesian Holiday House in Rome, attached to the Generalate. In fact more often used for major conventions. However, the term is also applied to some other Salesian Houses in other provinces. | Chavez ACG383:...Dal 28 al 31 maggio presso il "Salesianum" di Roma, si è svolto il raduno semestrale della Unione Superiori Generali |
| sanità, sapienza e santità [IT] | health, wisdom, holiness | One of Don Bosco's little linguistic devices, one of his three 's's, obviously not reproducible in English. | Vecchi ACG354:...crescita in sanità, sapienza e santità. |
| salvezza [IT] | salvation | The basic theme of DB's spirituality was the salvation of souls, and it is in this phrase, ''salvezza delle anime'', rather than as a lone term, that we often find the term in early Salesian discourse. More - he would add ''eterna'', in other words, 'eternal salvation'. Or we find an even more complete phrase, ''alla maggior gloria di Dio e alla salvezza delle anime'' While the salvation of souls is still a term we recognise and use, the renewed theological viewpoints of Vatican II et al. have given us less individual references - salvation of the world, history of salvation, salvation of the young, Christ and his salvation, Christian salvation, the mission of salvation. | DBscritti:..nostra perfezione e della nostra salvezza. |
| san Giuseppe [IT] | St. Joseph | St Joseph, husband of Mary. St John Bosco chose St Joseph as one of two patrons (the other being St Francis de Sales) of the Salesian Society, while the chief Patroness was Mary Help of Christians. We do not know explicitly why he made this choice. He also saw to the establishment of the St. Joseph Sodality at the Oratory, for working boys, and in each church he built there was an altar dedicated to St Joseph. At the Oratory he celebrated the Feast on 19th March at a time when it was not listed amongst the principal feasts. | Costituzioni:...costituita da lui patrona principale a san Giuseppe e san Francesco di Sales, |
| santità [IT] | holiness | Do we say 'holiness' or 'sanctity'? It's a choice, of course, but a rule of thumb in this author's humble opinion is to choose the less Latinate of the two terms, hence 'holiness'. The pursuit of holiness has been a catch-cry of Fr Chavez as Rector Major. We see the term today very much in the light of Vatican II's encouragement to the people of God whose vocation is to holiness, rather than just in the limited sense of Saints with a capital 'S'. Cf. vocazione alla santità, vocation to holiness | DBtrelet:..sanità, santità e la perseveranza nel cammino del Cielo. |
| Santo [IT] | Saint | While the term itself presents no particular difficulties, we often find it uncapitalised in Italian. English prefers to capitalise the term especially in reference to a person, e.g. Saint John Bosco. There is no need for a full stop after 'St' if the term is abbreviated, since the word ends with 't', the rule being that one does not place a full stop after such words (Mr Sr but Bro,). We also speak much more often these days of Saints/saints, and Fr Chavez often repeats the phrase 'Dear Salesians, make yourselves saints', which are the words of Pope John Paul II addressed to the Salesians. We are returning to the familiarity with which DB himself used the term in the presence of his boys and his Salesians. | DBcenstor:..Oratorio del Santo Angelo Custode |
| Santo Padre [IT] | Holy Father | A consistent and informal reference to the person of the Pope. Other synonyms are 'Supreme Pontiff', 'Vicar of Christ', 'Successor of Peter'Don Bosco more frequently used the formal title 'Supreme Pontiff' when referring to the Pope, given especially the context where he wanted to emphasise the authority of the Pope. | DBletrom:..via del Signore nella quale esso stesso vi desidera. A questo fine il Santo Padre che io ho visto venerdì 9... |
| santuario [IT] | shrine, sanctuary | The small Shrine to Mary Help of Christians at The Becchi was among the first of the Shrines built by the Salesians. Translators should avoid slipping into a simple transliteration of the Italian to render it as 'sanctuary', which is possible but not always appropriate. | PGmanCapitolo4:..Un Santuario - un centro di spiritualità popolare che può avere una notevole... |
| Savio, Domenico [IT] | Dominic Savio | 1842-1854. The first Saint in the Salesian Family, and the youngest Saint in the Church at 15 years of age.(Sometimes - too often - we find a careless 'Domenic' instead of 'Dominic' in English). | |
| scelta vocazionale [IT] | vocational choice | The term ''scelta'' in its many variants, of which ''scelta vocazionale'' is one, always implies a fundamental choice. A synonym might be 'choice of a state of life'. | CG25alleg2:...processi di crescita per i giovani. Essa, infine, promuove la scelta vocazionale di ogni... |
| Scholasticus S. [LA] | Seminarian | This term is to be found in the Year Book in reference to the Salesian student at a seminary (philosophy, theology). | |
| scientifico [IT] | scientific (in a very general sense) | The English term means what it says - not so the Italian. ''scientifico'' may be applied to a general range of well-prepared items or discussions, not only science or scientific in nature. ''congressi scientifici'' in the 19th century often could deal with politics rather than strictly with science. | Anim87Capitolo2:...azione con l'aiuto di un quadro valutativo scientifico e aperto; |
| sciuscià [IT] | shoeshine boys | From English 'shoe' and 'shine'. In 1945 immediately post-war, Pius XII invited the Salesians in Rome to do something for the children on the streets, called ''sciuscà'' at the time of the American forces occupation. In 1948 ''Borgo Ragazzi Don Bosco'' opened in Rome specifically for street children. While some of those who attended the Oratory in DB's time were of this kind, it is too facile to assume that most oratorians were street kids. In fact many had paid work. The fact that they were found on the street had more to do with a place to congregate than a state of existence. | Chavez ACG383:..valida, oggi come 50 anni fa quando fu creata per impulso della Chiesa e della Congregazione per curare gli ''sciuscià'', |
| scritture contabili ordinarie [IT] | daily accounts | accounting terminology | |
| scrutinium [LA] | scrutiny, evaluation, checkup | Besides the more general use of the term there is a ''scrutinium paupertatis'', for example, as a community exercise to review its actions of poverty. Also a review for those in initial formation - more likely termed as periodic evaluation or check-up in this latter context. | CG20:..giovani a scoprire il loro impegno cristiano durante il processo formativo. Un serio scrutinium sul clima... |
| scrutinium castitatis [LA] | scrutiny on chastity | There is no specific mention of ''scrutinium castitatis'' in the C&R. It is mentioned in the index to the Rectors Manual 1982 but not in the paragraph it refers to - at least not in the precise words. In the planning outline of the RM and Council 2002-8 under the heading of 'primacy of spiritual life' there is reference to each province establishing periodic scrutinies on each of the evangelical counsels. | |
| scrutinium orationis [LA] | scrutiny on prayer | There is no specific mention of ''scrutinium orationis'' in the C&R. It is mentioned in GC21 however, which required each community to make a periodical review of its prayer life (GC21 60b). | |
| scrutinium paupertatis [LA] | scrutiny on poverty | The term finds mention in a circular letter by Fr Ricceri on poverty, and was then followed up further by Fr Viganò. The concept, rather than the precise term, is contained in R 65. In recent times, the planning project of the RM and Council 2002-8 specifically indicates that the scrutinium paupertatis should be carried out annually. | |
| scuola [IT] | school | 'School' in English may refer to a secondary school or at times to a faculty at University level - but the Italian term would not be used of a 'school' at tertiary level, where ''facoltà'' is the term. But ''facoltà'' is not plain faculty - a school of liberal arts may also have separate faculties in English, so one needs care with the term. | Costituzioni:..i giovani casa che accoglie, parrocchia che evangelizza, scuola che avvia alla vita... |
| scuola di fuoco [IT] | accelerated learning | | |
| scuola di... [IT] | school of... | The term 'school of..' (Don Bosco, prayer, spirituality, faith, holiness....) has been a frequent reference in recent years where school here takes on a symbolic meaning for all that Don Bosco's method and approach and style means.Different variations have received emphasis at different times: GC21 - school of work. GC23 - school of faith, school of prayer, school of holiness, and so on. Cf. scuola di fede below. | SGS:...La loro preghiera era scuola di amore di Dio: esprimeva la gioia dell'incontro.. |
| scuola agricola [IT] | agricultural school | Has long been part of the Salesian tradition, along with the 'scuola professionale.' | Chavez ACG379:...palazzo vescovile, noi siamo stati trasferiti in corpo e anima alla Scuola Agricola, |
| scuola professionale [IT] | technical school | Cf. discussion of professionale elsewhere. Be aware that in parts of the English-speaking world 'professional' really means as applied to law, engineering, medicine etc, which would make a professional school something more than Don Bosco might have had in mind! The ''scuola professionale'' is distinct from the technical school, but this latter term may sometimes be used in English. | Chavez ACG387:...Don Bosco ad aprire una scuola professionale nella sua città. |
| scuole domenicali [IT] | Sunday classes | Not 'Sunday school' as understood in the normal context of 'after Mass' catechism, but actual classes Don Bosco set up for students who could not attend school during the week. He began these in 1845. cf. also 'evening classes' below. | MO:..Scuole domenicali - Scuole serali.. |
| scuola di fede [IT] | school of faith | The term came from GC23 and was one of three related terms offered to described the Salesian community today: sign of faith, school of faith and centre of communion and participation. Analogously, other 'school of..' phrases have come into being: school of prayer, school of spirituality, school of sanctity (or holiness), all developing the basic term school of faith. | CG23:...ad essere "scuola di fede" per i giovani. Essa è soprattutto "missionaria", |
| scuole serali [IT] | evening classes | An idea which DB borrowed and which turned out to be one of his most successful educational ventures in the early Oratory days. | DBpianreg:...opera onde fossero erette a S. Pelagia. Lo stesso municipio prese in considerazione le scuole serali, |
| secolarismo [IT] | secularism | As used in Salesian texts, ''secolarismo'' has a negative sense, the opposite to the primacy of the religious dimension in our lives. Secularism is seen as a radicalisation of secularisation, the elimination of the sacred from things. | chavezFMA02:..identificare con il neoliberalismo e il secolarismo,.. |
| secolarità [IT] | secularity | The generally positive employment of this term in Salesian literature is a phenomenon of Vatican II. Prior to that, the term had the sense of 'fuga mundi,' flight from the world, and was generally a negative thing. Salesian secularity is a phenomenon that we now see in groups such as the Volunteers of Don Bosco VDB and the Volunteers With Don Bosco CDB. It does not stop there - there are many other groups along these lines. As used in Salesian texts from Fr Ziggiotti onwards, In Fr Ricceri's period of leadership the SGC took up consideration of the range of terms: 'secularisation', 'secularity', 'secularism'. The first of these is indicated as an historical process by which men and women take up responsibility in the world. Note the term 'secularity' most often collocates with ''consacrata'' or ''consacrazione'', in post-Vatican II texts, therefore is seen as a positive dimension of human existence. Not to be confused with 'secularisation' (as now understood in negative terms) or with 'secularism' which either in English or Italian are perceived to be negative. | CG24 :..Salesianità, secolarità, consacrazione sono i cardini della loro vocazione... |
| secolarizzazione [IT] | secularisation (with 'z' EN-US) | A technical term in canon law for a priest who leaves his Congregation and is incardinated in a diocese. There is also another meaning of 'secularisation' referring to a supposed process in the contemporary world. This latter meaning is open to much interpretation and indeed misuse as a cover-all for all problems today, but see immediately below. | EG12-Comunicazione fra segretaria ispettoriale e segretaria generale:..di esclaustrazione o di secolarizzazione "ad experimentum" o anche vivono fuori... |
| secolarizzazione [IT] | secularisation (with 'z' EN-US) | Cf. also ''secularismo'', ''secularità'' above. Note the use of ''secolarizzazione'' in Salesian texts, especially since Fr Viganò, is with its normally received negative (but often uncritically so) sense. | RATIO Ch12:..le sfide della nuova cultura, della secolarizzazione, dell'evangelizzazione); |
| Sede Apostolico [IT] | Apostolic See | In Canon Law the terms 'Apostolic See' and 'Holy See' refer to the Pope (Roman Pontiff) and the Roman Curia together as the form of Government of the Catholic Church. A synonym, the 'See of Peter', is more personalised but the reference is still administrative. 'Apostolic See' is theoretically more embracing in that it could originally have applied to five Sees founded by the Apostles (Rome, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, Alexandria). Certainly within Salesian documentation its main reference is to the Roman See. While in practice Vatican City and the Holy See appear to be identical entities, they are not. Ambassadors are accredited to the Holy See, not to Vatican City. The Holy See does not dissolve on the death of the reigning Pope. | |
| segno e strumento [IT] | sign and instrument | Not to be confused with 'signs and bearers...', this reference comes from ''Redemptoris Missio''18 when it speaks of the "seed, sign and instrument" which is the Church in its mission to build the Kingdom of God.The Church is the sign and instrument of salvation for the world. The term is also to be found in C.66 in reference to the Rector of the community who is the sign and instrument of communion between brothers seeking the Lord's will. | CG20:..La Chiesa, che è in Cristo come un Sacramento o segno e strumento dell' intima unione con Dio e dell' unità. |
| segni dei tempi [IT] | signs of the times | The term has its origins in Scripture: Mt 16:4 'You know how to read the face of the sky but you do not know how to read the signs of the times'. Pope John XXIII made the first use of the term in modern Catholic social teaching to refer to the principal characteristics of the age emerging from the collective unconscious in the human community in forms of shared understanding and social movements. ''Pacem in Terris''. He identified items like the women's movement, movement for workers' rights and the end of colonialism. The theological importance of the signs of the times is that they embody and reflect the movement of the Holy Spirit in human society. The term is a frequent reference in post-Vatican II Salesian documentation. | Costituzioni:..segni dei tempi,con spirito di iniziativa e costante duttilità.. |
| segni e portatori del amore di Dio ai giovani [IT] | signs and bearers of God's love for the young | Readily recognised as a line from the Salesian Constitutions, often shortened to 'signs and bearers', or ''signs and bearers of God's love'. | Chavez ACG384:..apostolico di Don Bosco: 'essere nella Chiesa segni e portatori dell'amore di Dio ai giovani, specialmente ai più poveri' |
| Segretaria esecutiva mondiale (SEM) [IT] | World Executive Secretary WES | Term and acronym used by Salesian Cooperator governing structures. | |
| segretario generale [IT] | secretary general | A role at the service of the Rector Major and Council. | EG12-Comunicazione fra segretaria ispettoriale e segretaria generale:..Per quanto riguarda poi le pratiche di carattere giuridico, il Segretario generale e il Procuratore... |
| segretario ispettoriale [IT] | | Also has the role of a notary. | SDB-Regolamenti:..per nominare il segretario ispettoriale (1 59 R); |
| selvaggi [IT] | savages | A term to be found in DB's time and certainly in his own use as he looked toward mission territories like Patagonia, Australia. A definition from a dictionary of his own time (''Dizionario di cognizioni utili'', Torino 1864) attempts to describe 'savages' as having broad shoulders, enormous heads, black curly hair, short beard, expressionless face, and around three metres tall! The question is how to translate this term today, since 'savages' sounds too strong. The term did have an ambiguous feel even for Don Bosco, since there was still the Romantic period sense of the noble savage in the literature of the time, nor should we forget that the concept first came to Don Bosco in the context of a dream about peoples who could be saved, and that one of these people, Ceferino Namuncurá, is on the road to the altar! Today we might consider glossing the word as 'tribal people' or something similar. | DBCircolari:..aver catechizzate e battezzate varie tribù di selvaggi, a prezzo di stenti e pericoli |
| senso di appartenenza [IT] | sense of belonging | The general meaning of the term is clear enough. In the 2002-8 six year period the General Council, it is one of the expressed aims at every level of the Congregation, to give confrere a sense of belonging to Congregation, region, province, local community. It is more than a pious wish. A strong sense of belonging and identity is vital to the happiness of individuals and to the effectiveness of the Salesian mission. | SDB-Regolamenti:...salesiana e tramite il suo delegato, cercherà di favorire il senso di appartenenza |
| sequela Christi [IT] | sequela Christi, the following of Christ | The term is more often left in its Latin form. Note that the Italian form is almost identical, differing solely by an 'h'. It is an ancient term in Christian spirituality, in reference to either the apostolic following of Christ, or the ''imitatio christi'' in general Christian life. Today the term is clearly recognised for its use within the context of Consecrated Life | CG25comunità1:...cogliere la vita come dono e compito, espressione della "sequela Christi"? |
| servizio ai giovani, servizio dei giovani [IT] | service of the young | One of the terms used to describe the Salesian project (cf. C.21). Understood to be an ecclesial service since Salesian activity is part of the Church's ministry. Our historical commitment to the young inherited from Don Bosco. | RFCN_Cap_2:...servizio ai giovani nella Congregazion |
| servizio di animazione [IT] | service of animation | A reference to the twin service of animation and government carried out by authority. | CG25strutture1:..Mentre il servizio di animazione dei Consiglieri di settore nelle Ispettorie è stimato per... |
| servizio di autorità [IT] | service of authority | The phrase comes directly from the Constitutions, and has behind it the sentiments of C.121 which indicates that authority is exercised in the name of and in imitation of Christ as a service to one's brothers in the spirit of Don Bosco to help them follow out God's will. In practical terms the service of authority is carried out by persons with specific roles, by bodies (councils, advisory groups) and by activities (of different sectors or departments). Additional references to service are in such terms as serivce of the mission, our pastoral and educative service. The 'Service of authority' refers to the world, provincial and local levels. At world level, other than the Holy Father who is the ultimate authority, the General Chapter has the supreme authority in the Congregation and elects the Rector Major who has ordinary power of government. At the next level down, of juridical circumscriptions (province, vice province, special circumscription) is the superior of that circumscription, and finally at the local level, the local superior or Rector. In each case these community guides are a priest. | Chavez ACG3803:...utili per il loro servizio di autorità. |
| Servo di Dio [IT] | Servant of God | A cause can only be introduced if the person has gained fame already for holiness (in general opinion), has practised Christian virtues to an heroic degree and if there are no insuperable obstacles to canonisation. Naturally all these have to be established and eventually proven, hence the 'process.' Cf. Causa. | Progetto personale - Formazione iniziale italiano:..Così pure il Servo di Dio Don Giuseppe Quadrio... |
| sessennio [IT] | six year period | Refers usually to the six year period between general chapters. | SDB-Regolamenti:..In particolare, durante il sessennio del suo mandato stabilirà per ogni ispettoria... |
| settore [IT] | sector | A 'sector' is a key area of Salesian mission - there are seven such currently defined. Reference is sometimes made to ''settori di attività'' or 'sectors of activity'. The finance area is one of these but most refer to that as a department - it is however a sector in the first instance. A synonymous term is ''aree di animazione'' or 'areas of animation'. | CG24:...Generale, nello stesso settore dl attività (Cost. 142) |
| significatività [IT] | significance, meaningfulness | Mandated by GC23 as a criterion for evaluating the value and impact of each Salesian work. The word had appeared earlier during Team Visits. Cf.also the longer phrase ''significatività della presenza salesiana'' immediately below. | |
| significatività della presenza salesiana [IT] | meaningfulness of the Salesian presence | The Italian word, ''significatività'' borrowed from the world of statistics, refers to statistical significance, but note that Vecchi in his description, links it to 'signs'. The word and its use as a criterion gained currency in Salesian usage in the six years preceding GC23. Viganò at one point said that it sums up our global effort at renewal in the Congregation, to become signs (of God's love) again for young people. | Vecchi ACG372:..significatività della presenza salesiana, qualunque sia il tema messo a fuoco. |
| significità [IT] | meaning, meaningfulness, significance | ... | |
| sinergia [IT] | team work (synergy) | In general avoid glossing with 'synergy' | 358-programma:..Curando la sinergia con altri organismi, istituzioni, agenti o iniziative educative... |
| sistema [IT] | system | Most frequently applied to the preventive system but in recent years has been used in a wider sense e.g. the Salesian system of social communication. It was Don Bosco himself who offered this wider perspective when he referred to 'an ordered system' of communication. | DBCircolari:...a formare un sistema ordinato, che abbraccia su vasta scala tutte le classi... |
| sistema preventivo [IT] | preventive system | English usually capitalises this term but not necessarily. | DBmem:..Si facciano sacrifizi pecuniari e personali, ma si pratichi il sistema preventivo... |
| Sistema Salesiano di Comunicazione Sociale SSCS [IT] | Salesian Social Communication System SSCS | The term communication system gained its first use in Salesian circles through Fr Antonio Martinelli in preparation for the World Gathering of Salesian Bulletin Directors 1998. Fr Martinelli defines the Salesian Social Communication System as an integrated and unified communication project. | Chavez ACG390:..Comunicazione Sociale, intitolato Sistema Salesiano di Comunicazione Sociale; |
| Sisters of Charity of Miyazaki CSM [EN] | Sisters of Charity of Miyazaki CSM | This term is now officially deprecated. See next entry | |
| Sisters of Charity of Jesus CSJ [EN] | Sisters of Charity of Jesus CSJ | Founded in Japan (Miyazaki) in 1937 by Fr Cavoli under direction from Mons.Cimatti. Members of the Salesian Family. In 2009 their title changed officially from Sisters of Charity of Miyazaki to the current designation. | |
| Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary SIHM [EN] | Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary SIHM | Founded in Bangkok Thailand 1937 by Bishop Pasotti. Members of the Salesian Family. | |
| soci esterni [IT] | extern members | DB had attempted (without success) to have Rome recognise a form of external membership in the Salesian Constitutions. Even some of his early ''ascritti'' (we would say novices) had such a long novitiate that they were really a kind of ''socio esterno'', e.g. ''coadiutori'' or ''famigli'' without vows (while some, obviously also took vows). A synonymous term is ''membri esterni''. | Viganò ACG318:...Soci esterni' aggregati alla Società di San Francesco di Sales, che avrebbe voluto inserire nelle Costituzioni dei... |
| società [IT] | society | As in 'Salesian Society'. This was the term used, even preferred by DB. In 1869 Rome recognised the Salesian Society as a Congregation of simple vows and in June 1884 (28th) definitively as a clerical Congregation. DB claims that Pius IX advised him to use society since it indicated a group of citizens freely associating and could therefore avoid the suppression laws. DB fought strongly to retain 'secular' elements to his organization but was gradually forced by Rome to change this. | Viganò ACG304:...Il Rettor Maggiore della Società di S. Francesco di Sales |
| società dell'allegria [IT] | cf. comment | The question is do we leave it as it is or translate it? It means 'society of cheerfulness' but whatever we try in English sounds corny - especially 'Glee Society'! Though it was a small, boyish effort at the time, and soon dissolved once John Bosco entered the seminary, the concept behind it ultimately developed into Don Bosco's extensive work for the transformation of society. When he developed his 'good Christian, honest citizen' line, he gradually widened his understanding of this phrase to include the transformation of society more generally. | MO:.. - I compagni - Società dell'allegria - Doveri cristiani |
| Società di mutuo soccorso [IT] | Mutual Aid Society | The full title of this society was ''Società di mutuo soccorso di alcuni individui della Compagnia di San Luigi eretta nell'Oratorio di S. Francesco di Sales''. We note immediately that it was an offshoot of the St. Aloysius Sodality. Members had to be members of this and paid 5 cents each Sunday. A member who fell sick was given 50 cents a day until recovery. | MO:...Il primo di giugno dell'anno stesso si die principio alla Società di mutuo soccorso per impedire che... |
| Società Salesiana di San Giovanni Bosco [IT] | Salesian Society of St John Bosco | Or in short form simply 'Salesian Society'. | CG23:...Siete un Capitolo Generale, rappresentate tutta la Società Salesiana di San Giovanni Bosco |
| Societas Sancti Francisci Salesii [LA] | Society of St Francis de Sales | | |
| socio [IT] | member | Plural ''soci''. The term was used by Don Bosco to refer to members of the Society of St. Francis de Sales and has continued in use in more formal settings e.g. C&R R. 52. Today in casual or spoken reference we would hear ''confratello/i'', confrere(s) instead of ''soci''. The latter can be found in written form only. | EG08-Casa Religiosa e Comunità Locale:...canonica o chiusura, l'ascrizione di un socio ad una Casa, la nomina del Direttore, |
| socius [IT] | socius [remains untranslated] | The term tends not to be translated since its translation would need to be descriptive, e.g. assistant to the director of novices. | |
| sogno [IT] | dream | Whatever the more complex analyses of dream might be, for Salesians, the reference is especially to the 1st dream of Don Bosco at age 9 and the many (hundred or more) recorded subsequent dreams. The 1st dream, then, has a foundational role in the Salesian story. They are important, too, for what they reveal about Don Bosco's capacity to provide a narrative story and ultimate history of the Congregation. Also regarded as being of foundational importance is the Dream of the Ten Diamonds. The Salesian magisterium has accorded this dream great importance in terms of Salesian spirituality and our future. Walter Nigg in a famous comment, wrote of a dream reality for Don Bosco - his dreams were a message coming from his inner life as a human being but also a form of revelation from God. | |
| solidarietà [IT] | solidarity | While not a 'Salesian' word (it belongs rather to JP II), in the late 1990s the RM introduced a Solidarity Fund and provinces were encouraged to have a solidarity plan - all as a way of helping out in situations that needed financial assistance. | SDB-Regolamenti:...le norme per una concreta solidarietà fra le case dell'ispettoria e gli aiuti.. |
| Sommo Pontefice [IT] | Supreme Pontiff | This is the formal term expected in, for example, letters from the Holy See to the Congregation. Don Bosco tended to use this reference more than Santo Padre or Holy Father, though he would have used the latter in conversation either with the Pope or about the Pope. C.125 refers to the Supreme Pontiff as the ultimate superior of the Salesian Congregation. Salesians do not take a fourth vow of obedience to the Pope, but in many ways live the spirit of such a vow. | Strenna05:..consolazione di vedere sancite dalla infallibile Autorità del Sommo Pontefice molte cose |
| SPCI [IT] | SPCI | Salesian Provincial Conference of India. Conference of the Provincials of the Indian provinces. After GC25 changed to SPCSA - Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia. | |
| SPCSA [EN] | SPCSA | Salesian Provincials' Conference of South Asia. Conference of the Salesian provincials of the region of South Asia. It includes the provinces / vice-provinces of India and the vice-provinces of Sri Lanka (LKC). | |
| SPCSA Bulletin [EN] | SPCSA Bulletin | The official organ of communication of the Salesian Provincial Conference of South Asia, published from New Delhi. | |
| spedizione missionaria [IT] | missionary expedition | Something of a technical term and certainly a Salesian tradition since a missionary expedition has been sent most years since DB began the practice in 1875. | Chavez ACG381...nel 1875 inviò la prima spedizione missionaria, si è rivelato dinamico, coraggioso.. |
| speranza cristiana [IT] | Christian hope | The phrase is redolent of Vatican II but more recently appears in GC25 documents, not just as a vague hope for the future but a tireless, working hope which is characteristic of the New Evangelisation. | CG25comunità1:..alternativo di umanità e di famiglia umana, nella prospettiva della speranza cristiana. |
| spirito del Signore [IT] | Spirit of the Lord | The term is an ancient one, intended as a synonym for the Holy Spirit. Don Bosco employs it several times. A favourite term of Fr Viganò's. | MO: ..manifestavano lo Spirito del Signore. Seppi che egli era il chierico Giuseppe Cafasso,.. |
| spirito di Don Bosco [IT] | spirit of Don Bosco | In his letter in 1981 on the Spirit of Mornese, Fr Viganò takes up the term 'spirit of..' especially as applied to Don Bosco. It is synonymous with spirit of Valdocco, Salesian spirit, all with reference to the charismatic spirit of Don Bosco Founder. He points out, however, that scholars prefer to speak of charism in reference to God's initiative, and spirit in reference to the heart and mind of the Founder, the human response to God's initiative, then. But this, he says, runs the risk of reducing the value and content of spirit of Don Bosco, a traditional Salesian reference. He preferred the term Salesian patrimony (or inheritance) of Don Bosco. In effect, this is what Fr Viganò regards as the charism of the Founder when referred to Don Bosco Founder. | Vecchi ACG375:..spirito di Don Bosco ed i voti fatti al Signore |
| spirito di famiglia [IT] | family spirit | Term referring to the style of putting into practice the Salesian mission, and a traditional reference based on the Valdocco reality in its early days with Don Bosco and Mamma Margaret. The family atmosphere was regarded by Don Bosco as one of the essential elements of the Preventive System and means of developing the attitude of loving-kindness. | CG23:...improntati alla confidenza e allo spirito di famiglia, la gioia e la festa.. |
| spirito di Mornese [IT] | spirit of Mornese | A term coined especially by Fr Viganò in his letter of 1981 containing that phrase in its title. Cf spirito di Don Bosco for the background, especially because the spirit of Mornese and the spirit of Valdocco (and of Don Bosco) are inseparable. In fact Fr Viganò distinguishes between the Salesian charism, which is the common gift of the Spirit to all members of the Family, and the 'spirit of...' which is the human response. ''Rediscovering the Spirit of Mornese.'' 1981 AGC 301. Fr Viganò. He points out that at the basis of each Religious Institute there is not a theory but an expereince of the Spirit, given for the benefit and growth of the Church. The spirit of Mornese is a gift to the whole Salesian Family, not just to the Sisters. | Viganò ACG301:..RISCOPRIRE LO SPIRITO DI MORNESE |
| spirito salesiano [IT] | Salesian spirit | cf. also ''spirito di Don Bosco'' above. Cf. also ''Stile salesiano'' below. | |
| Spirito Santo [IT] | Holy Spirit | Often shortened to just 'The Spirit'. Other than the general theological context for this term, it is found most often in Salesian literature in reference to the charism of the Founder - special gift of the Spirit, experience of the (Holy) Spirit, docility to the Spirit, action of the Holy Spirit | DBscritti:...Spirito Santo, dispiace a Dio la stolta ed infedele promessa . |
| spiritualità [IT] | spirituality | An ancient term and replete with multiple meanings. For Salesians it is often expressed a a youthful spirituality. Living daily life in the mystery of God. | PV9:...che in tutta la storia della spiritualità cristiana è stata sempre tenuta in |
| spiritualità giovanile salesiana [IT] | Salesian Youth Spirituality | It will be capitalised in English if a particular reference, otherwise not. GC23 produced a brief outline of Salesian Youth Spirituality with its important dimensions of daily life, encounter and friendship with Christ, gradual introduction to the life of the Church and a life of service. The term gained prominence through the work of the 23rd General Chapter in 1990. It is a spirituality that is also applicable to adults. Not mentioned explicitly in the GC23 outline, but of foundational importance, it would seem, is the role played by mutual confidence between the young person and his or her spiritual guide. | Strenna05:...componenti di una spiritualità giovanile salesiana c'è appunto un forte "senso di Chiesa" |
| spiritualità salesiana [IT] | Salesian spirituality | A term of general reference to the style or spirit of Don Bosco, but we should not forget the history of this term within the Congregation. it goes back to the famous promise of charity, the occasion when DB first gathered a group of his boys with the proposal to form a Society. They took the name Salesian after the example of St Francis de Sales. He wanted them to look at St Francis de Sales as a zealous pastor and doctor of charity. | Chavez ACG3802:..colonne della spiritualità salesiana: |
| Srugi, Simaan [AR] | Simon Srugi | Simon Srugi was born at Nazareth on 27 June 1877, as the last of ten children. An orphan of both the parents already at the age of six, he was sent by his aunt to the Catholic Orphanage of Bethlehem in 1888. It was run by Canon Belloni and from 1891 by the Salesians. He felt so much at home that at the age of 16 he asked to become a Salesian. Thus he became a Coadjutor-aspirant in the Agricultural School of Beitgemal. He spent the rest of his life in that house, exactly 50 years, and left it only to go to heaven. He was involved in many activities with great love. Simon was the teacher ("Mu'allem Srugi") of many Muslim children and was referred to as "good as a cup of honey". He was a miller, the farmers of the whole zone used to bring their wheat to his mill for grinding. He directed his enterprise with equity and calmness. He was also in charge of an infirmary and since there was no doctor in the area, the sick from 50 villages around, came to him for help. Almost all of them were poor, emaciated and with repugnant diseases. Like a good shepherd he helped all, cleaned their wounds, medicated them gently and spoke to them about Jesus and Mary. The sick said of him, "Other doctors do not have the blessed hands of Srugi!". At times people came to Simon just because they wanted him to impose his hands on them and mothers would bring their babies to be blessed by him. Some came to him when there was a quarrel in the village and he acted as the mediator of peace. All felt that Srugi had intimate communion with God. His spiritual life was nourished with the Gospel and the Holy Eucharist. During his visit to the house of Beitgemal in 1908, Fr.Rua said, "Follow up this confrere, note down all his words and deeds because he is a saint". Worn out with work and malaria he died at the age of 66, on 27 November 1943. His funeral was a real triumph. His mortal remains were laid to rest near the glorious tomb of St. Stephen in the chapel built in honour of St Stephen at Beit Gemal. It is worth noting htat Beit Gemal is most likely named after Gamaliel, St Paul's teacher. It is believed that Gamaliel brought the bones of the murdered Stephen to rest in his own home. They were later transferred to Jerusalem itself, but there is good evidence of the original tomb still at Beit Gemal. | |
| sta allegro [IT] | be happy! | Frequent spoken admonition of Don Bosco to his boys at the Oratory. | DBMagone:.d'ora in avanti fuggi l'ozio, sta allegro fin che vuoi, purché non trascuri i tuoi doveri. |
| stage [FR] | practical training period | Note that Italian and French use it with a different meaning to the English 'stage' | |
| stato ecclesiastico [IT] | ecclesiastical state | One normally meets the term in a longer phrase such as vocation to the ecclesiastical state. This term was used especially by Don Bosco. Technically the sign of the ecclesiastical state used be the tonsure. Today it is a paraliturgical ceremony in the seminary which has a candidate formally declare himself to be a candidate for the priesthood. | DBValentino:..qualche tempo si sentisse grande propensione allo stato ecclesiastico, |
| Statuto [IT] | Statutes | Other than the more general use of this term in both Italian and English, in reference to the Salesian Cooperators Association it refers to the equivalent of the Salesian Constitutions for this group of the Salesian Family, contained in the PAL (Italian RVA) or Project of Apostolic Life. The second of the two preceptive documents of the ASC is the Regulations, (''Regolamento'' in Itlaian). Note that in English we pluralise 'statutes' whereas Italian keeps it in the singular. Likewise for Regulations. | |
| stemma [IT] | coat of arms | The Salesian Coat of Arms (not to be confused with the Logo, designed by Professor Boidi, appeared for the first time in a circular letter of Don Bosco on 8 December 1885. | IL NUOVO LOGO:..Il Significato a confronto con lo Stemma |
| stile salesiano [IT] | Salesian style | A synonymous term is the original style of apostolic life. Fr Viganò used the term frequently. The 'Salesian style' is summed up by terms such as 'assistance', 'educational environment', 'educational community', 'groups', 'youth movements'.. | |
| Storia dell'Oratorio di San Francesco di Sales [IT] | History of the Oratory of St Francis de Sales | Written by Fr Giovanni Bonetti, based on the Memoirs of the Oratory and published in the Salesian Bulletin serially over a number of years at a time when DB had forbidden publication of the MO. | |
| strenna [IT] | strenna [remains untranslated] | The term is not translated in English. A Salesian tradition from DB himself whereby the Rector Major offers a 'gift' by way of a word or two. It should not be translated as a motto or slogan. These days usually an ecclesial comment in a sentence or two followed up by a commentary traditionally given to the FMAs on New Year's Eve | Strenna05:...Diversamente da ciò che è avvenuto con la precedente strenna, |
| strutture di governo [IT] | structures of government | In the documents of the Congregation we also find the term structures of animation, understandable given that animation and government are often linked as a term in its own right. Terms such as sector and department belong to this understanding of structure, government and animation. New terms are constantly in the making, e.g. 'Sector Action Plan'.Structures of government comprise such elements as General Council, Regionals, Vicars (to the Rector Major, Vice Provincials...), General Chapters etc. GC24 asked the Rector Major to begin a process of evaluation of the structures of Central Government. It has also become a wider effort to revist and review the structures of animation and government. | CG25comunità1:..Che il rapporto tra le strutture di governo della comunità religiosa e le strutture... |
| studente [IT] | student | While the term 'studente' seems to obviously suggest 'student' as its English gloss (and while in general terms that would be a correct gloss), it is important to note the context quoted at the left: the Salesian Necrology. Here the Italian suggests that it is 'student in the sense of a seminarian', and as the term 'student' in English is rather broad, 'seminarian' seems the better gloss in this case. A coadjutor brother might also be a 'student', but would be labelled 'L' in the Necrology - thus emphasising that in the case of the student for the priesthood, it is better to call attention to his 'seminarian' status. The other curious thing to note here is that if we turn to the Annuario (Year Book) instead for its ''sigla'' or abbreviations, we see that S= scholasticus (ch). If anything, this suggests a minor lack of consistency between the two books. It might be better if the Necrology also made reference to the 'scholasticus' of the ''Annuario'' - and similarly for the other references, to indicate the real origin of the abbreviation, as well as translating them into Italian. | Salesiani defunti (Rome 2003)- S = Salesiano studente (seminarista). |
| studentato [IT] | studentate | This term usually does not turn up in dictionary checks on computers - refers normally to places like studentates of philosophy or theology | Chavez ACG389:..Ispettoria Inglese e nel 1920 aprì il nuovo noviziato e studentato a Cowley, Oxford. |
| studio (studiare) [IT] | be concerned about | In modern Italian the verb ''studiare'' would mean what it appears to mean - to study. But in the context of a famous saying of Don Bosco ''Io studio per voi'' there would be an argument that his Piedmontese linguistic context meant he was indicating to his boys that 'I am concerned about you' or 'My interest is all for you'. These comments are also important when it comes to another famous line from Don Bosco: ''Studia di farti amare''. Accordingly, it should be translated along the lines of "Concern yourself with making yourself loved". | |
| subalterno [IT] | subaltern | A most interesting term! In fact it was used by Don Bosco in its conventional meaning of a subordinate (in the Confidential Reminders to Rectors, written initially for the young Don Rua in his first job as Rector.Strangely its most recent meaning is borrowed from the Italian term subalterno as appropriated by the Marxist historian and philosopher Antonio Gramsci (who developed his socialist leanings at the University of Turin), and developed in the 1980's as a form of postcolonial academic response especially in India - and from where it has also developed in Ireland, Latin America, wherever there have been dispossessed groups or peoples. The word was already part of Indian literary vocabulary with its more conventional military meaning as in Rudyard Kipling's short story 'Only a Subaltern'. The term turns up in some Salesian publications on communication coming from India (e.g. 'Shepherds for an Information Age') and implies a kind of communication style for dealing those those on the margins of society, those who cannot speak of their own accord and need someone to speak for them. It seems, then, eminently suited for Salesian use, which is why it has been included here. An internet search can offer much more information on Subaltern Studies in South Asia. | DBricdirett:...In caso di dover comandare cose difficili o ripugnanti | al subalterno si dica P.E.: Potresti fare |
| superiore [IT] | superior | Described in ''Mutuae Relationes'' as a master of life in the Spirit. In terms of Canon Law, the religious superior governs by ordinary power, which is personal, not collegial. At the same time, this form of governance is seen as service, not something autocratic. Superior applies to the one who heads the local community, provincial community and world community. In the latter two cases he is termed canonically as a Major Superior. Salesians call the superior of the local community the 'Rector' (Director US), the superior of the provincial community the 'Provincial', and superior of the world community the 'Rector Major'. | Dbps:...parole e l'aspetto del Superiore debbono sempre essere severe, |
| superiore maggiore [IT] | major superior | The term is a canonical one pertaining especially to government of a juridical circumscription C.620. Also known as Religious Ordinary (C. 134,1) because he enjoys the 'ordinary' power of jurisdiction and government in the internal and external forum over members and communities in matters established by law. | Viganò ACG335:...campi, ma specialmente nel campo della formazione. Ogni superiore maggiore ha la responsabilità di mantenere... |
| sussidio [IT] | aid | 'Aid' is frequently in use as a Salesian gloss but it seems less preferable to actually describing the item, as in 'teaching aid'. In English, aid is understood more as 'succour' or 'favour'. ''Sussidio'' in Salesian use is often in reference to printed material | Rfcncap1:..Oggetto di questo sussidio, che è un supplemento alla Ratio (FSDB) , | (:nl:) |
