To the Valsalice Academy of Turin
At the age of 16 years and 3 months, on October 4, 1896, the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, Vincenzo took perpetual vows in Forizzo,
Turin, and became a member of the Salesian Congregation.
On the same day he moved to Turin Valsalice, where he stayed for almost thirty years, until 1925.
The remains of Don Bosco, who had not yet been declared a saint, were buried in a college called Valsalice.
Vincenzo saw Don Bosco when he was three years old, and at this college, following Don Bosco's example, he refined his own mind at the age of 17, 18, and 19.
He first studied pre-university and studied philosophy for three years.
His teacher was Father Aloysio Pisetta, who was well known in the Salesian world. Although he was very short in stature,
this teacher was a Salesian who was said to be a "moving library" in terms of spirituality and knowledge.
What kind of young man was Seminary Cimatti at this time?
Vincenzo's Youthful Heart
There are some memorable words from his superior, Father Picetta.
"The Cimatti seminarians of this period were outstandingly intelligent and practiced all the Christian virtues."
Vincenzo went to Valsalice to further his training and studies, but when the school's music teacher suddenly passed away, he was entrusted with the role of teaching music in his place before his second year.
There are many testimonies about Vincenzo Cimatti's three years in the past, but two letters from him give us a glimpse into his state of mind. These were sent to his novitiate master, Father Bianchi,
in which he also confesses his shortcomings.
"I am doing very well. The devil is making his presence felt here too. There are times when I too accept his temptations. He is called teacher, but I feel that he is arrogant and stubborn.
When I feel like this, I visit the tomb of Don Bosco, pray to the Virgin Mary and do my best not to lose to myself. As for music, I play the piano and organ with great enthusiasm.
All kinds of melodies come to my head during algebra class, and my appreciation of the academic atmosphere gives color to this rough subject."
Vincenzo was 18 years old when he wrote this letter. He felt the same temptations and difficulties as other young men his age, but we can see that he was fighting.
In 1898, Vincenzo was 19 years old and in his third year of study. He wrote the following in a letter to his novice, Fr.
"I love talking about Mary. I want to be a saint, not just an ordinary saint, but a great saint, and I want to become a saint soon."
Vincenzo already had high ideals before him at this time. In 1899, at the age of 20, he was examined for military service, but was postponed for a year to continue his studies.
In the same year, he finished three years of study with excellent results and qualified to enter university.
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
April 6, 2021
To the index page of Father Cimatti's life
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