Vincenzo's last years in Faenza
1895 was the last year that 15-year-old Vincenzo spent in Faenza. It was also the year that he finished primary and secondary school and decided what he wanted to do in the future.
His older brother Aloysio had already joined the Salesian Society and applied to become a missionary in South America. His mother Rosa was 57 years old and living alone.
Although she had no means, she was very energetic and earned a living through her weaving work.
Not only did she dedicate her two children to God, but she also gladly encouraged her youngest son, Vincenzo, to accept the Salesian Society.
There is a story about Father Cimatti in his later years: One day in 1895, John Rinaldi, the director of the Salesian School in Faenza, called me and asked me,
"Why don't you go to Turin and continue your studies there?"
I had been to Turin many times with my school choir, but this time my visit to Turin meant I was asked if I would like to become a child of Don Bosco, something I had been thinking about before,
so I immediately answered, "Yes, I would be happy to come to Turin."
Vincenzo at the Novitiate
Thus, Vincenzo, not yet 16 years old, arrived at the novitiate in Turin-Forio on August 26, 1895, accompanied by Rector Rinaldi.
In fact, he started his novitiate on October 2nd of that year. The Salesian novitiate is a year-long period during which one sets aside
all other matters to study and acquire the spirit of Don Bosco. The novitiate director was Eugenio Bianchi, and the seminarians who assisted him
were Aloysio Terrone and Aloysio Versilia, who would later become a martyr in China.
There were more than 100 young novitiates.
Vincenzo had intended to give up singing and playing the piano, but the superiors knew his talent and asked him to continue and help the priest
with the singing.
Everything went well for the first six months, but when Vincenzo turned 16, his soprano voice began to change and his superiors forbade him to sing.
He accepted but was greatly distressed. He wrote at the time:
"In fact, that voice put my vocation at risk in Faenza."
What kind of young man was Vincenzo during this time? There are some words from Father Terrone, who helped the novice master in his formation.
These words show the evaluation of the superiors at that time.
"Cimatti was a man of many talents, outshining more than 100 novices, yet he inspired no one to envy him because of his prayer, discipline, joy,
humility and willingness to serve others."
Thus, at the age of 16 years and 3 months, Vincenzo Cimatti dedicated himself forever to the Lord on October 4, 1896.
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
March 6, 2021
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