Look at Don Bosco
On May 13, 1882, when Vincenzo was not yet three years old, he saw Don Bosco during his visit to Faenza.
A mother who was listening to Don Bosco's talk in the congregation picked up Vincenzo and said, "Look at Don Bosco."
In fact, from that moment onwards, until the end of his life, this little child was captivated by Don Bosco and became his child.
Vincenzo attended kindergarten and elementary school in the town until the second grade. In between, he would go to the Salesio Oratorio with his older brother
and sing the songs he learned in kindergarten. Vincenzo was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice and a talent for acting from kindergarten onwards.
Guided by his mother and older sister, he received his First Communion and the sacraments of Confirmation at the age of seven.
His father passed away before he turned nine, so he was raised entirely by his mother. According to Father Cimatti in his later years,
that education was very solid: "Recite prayers to God," "Perform work and studies responsibly,"
"Don't complain about food," and "Go to bed early and get up early in the morning."
Entered Salesian Private School
In the third grade of primary school, he moved to the Salesian Private School in Faenza, where he stayed for seven years until 1888.
How could he, growing up in a poor family, afford to attend the expensive Salesian Private School? The director of the Oratorio, Rinaldi,
must have seen the child's talent and talent and invited him to the Salesian School, with the help of his mother. During this period up to the age of 16,
Vincenzo devoted himself to acquiring a basic education, learning to play the piano and organ, honing his soprano voice in the church choir,
and demonstrating his talent by performing at various events.
One priest testified, "Vincenzo was not only an excellent student, but also an exemplary person in all respects."
His classmates recall that he was a friend to everyone and an idol, especially for the beauty of his music and voice.
One of his classmates wrote the following:
"When Cimatti sang, it was as if he was lifted into another world. His voice was that of a soprano, clear and resonant,
reaching naturally to the sea flats, like an angel's. Those listening were moved to tears. At times he sang while playing the organ and piano."
People came from Faenza, Turin, Bologna and Rimini to hear Vincenzo Cimatti sing.
The director of the Bologna choir heard Cimatti's voice and promised him that if he joined his group he would become a famous actor, but he did not doubt and
replied: "Thank you for the kind offer, but I have promised myself a long time ago to dedicate my voice to the Lord.
I intend to enter the Congregation of Don Bosco and become a priest."
Cimatti Museum Father Marsilio
February 6, 2021
To the index page of Father Cimatti's life
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