Don Bosco's “Rooms”
Behind the Choir and sacristy area, on the corner of Via Magenta and Via Varese there is an area called “Don Bosco's Rooms”: they were the residence for the Saint during his 20th and final visit to Rome, from 30 April to 18 May 1887.
There were two simple rooms, one a bedroom and the other to receive the many visitors who wanted to see him and speak with him, even if just for a few minutes. It was opened to the public in 1934, following Don Bosco's canonisation. In 1969, the area, following the removal of the dividing wall, was turned into a chapel and place for exhibiting articles used by the Saint, who had spent much of his time there since he rarely went down to the church (except for the opening of the organ, the solemn consecration, and for the only Mass he celebrated at the Help of Christians Altar) due to the serious state of his legs: today's remodelling has been carried out according to a plan drawn up by architect Sergio Checca. Next to the wall the wardrobe-cum-altar where the Saint said Mass, the divan, a kneeler, the bedstead and some items on display in a glass case. At the centre an altar-table behind for celebration of Mass, which visiting individuals and groups have requested. The final reorganisation is under way, with a view to restoring the old room in period style, and leaving room in front for Masses and prayer. In front of the rooms there is an area given over to display and photographs going back to Don Bosco, but also including his successor, Fr Michael Rua and the first Bishop and then Cardinal, John Cagliero, a pupil of the Saint, from the early Oratory at Valdocco.
Work has been entrusted to the Castelli Re di Roma Firm, under the direction of architects Paolo Carrino, of Carrino Conti, and associated architects. Visitors begin with the museum and finish up in a neutral space from which the rooms can be accessed.
Two extraordinary events occurred here: we leave their description to the Memorie Biografiche.
“Two important graces have been attributed to Don Bosco's blessing. At three in the afternoon of 12 (May), while a second trial was being carried out on the organ, two eminent persons, husband and wife, presented themselves at the door, asking to be introduced. The secretary told them he was resting at the time. But with tears in their eyes they begged him to let him know they were there, since they had come a long distance and needed to speak with him immediately. Don Viglietti then went as their anbassador. The Servant of God agreed to meet them. As soon as they came before him, they knelt, and the woman asked if he could heal her arm which had been paralysed for a long time. Don Bosco answered that they should pray to the Sacred Heart, and make a donation for his church.
-My good husband- they woman asked -how much money do we have left? -A five hundred lire note, he replied. Will this be enough, Don Bosco?- “I won't be haggling over the amount", the Saint said, "but remind you just to make an offering in accordance with your possibilities”.
The man then put the five hundred lire note on the table. Don Bosco, after a brief prayer, blessed the sick woman, who immediately felt she was cured, moved her arm in every direction and was beside herself with happiness!
The two had only just left, when a group of clerics arrived from the local Seminary, come to thank Don Bosco for a big favour. On 10 (May) they had brought along one of ther friends who had been deaf for two years, and asked him to bless him.
Don Bosco as usual spent a moment in prayer, then he blessed him and whispered a brief prayer in his ear. Nothing seemed to happen there and then, and the clerics were sent away; but when they got outside, they became aware that the deaf one was able to hear everything they said so well; he also repeated the prayer that Don Bosco had whispered in his ear. They immediately decided to run home and bring the good news to everyone; the Superiors then sent them back to say thanks (to Don Bosco)...” (E. Ceria, M.B. XVIII. DD. 327-328).